Homebrew
There is no shortage of students in the world seeking a magical education, but there are far fewer mages who are up to the task. For whatever reason, you were one of the lucky few. Whether hand selected, given up as part of a pact or contract, or simply by pure luck, you found yourself studying at the feet of a powerful mage. Perhaps your master was methodical, teaching you as much as they could about magical theory and the nature of the universe to better equip you to understand the forces at play. Perhaps it was a slipshod, chaotic affair. Or maybe they simply used you as a servant—cooking meals, sorting scrolls and books, or cleaning their magical sanctum—and you learned a few tricks despite their disinterest. No matter the form of the education, you emerged from your years of training with a working understanding of magical theory in general, and a more focused expertise in your Master’s specific field of interest.
What was your master like? Their teaching style? The contents of your education? Choose (or roll) on the table below to determine what the principle bulk of your education related to. Did you enjoy the experience, or was it a difficult and traumatic time for you? Did you leave your teacher fully equipped to become a wizard in your own right or have you struck out on your own, tired of being ignored? Is your adventuring career perhaps your own attempt to prove to your master that you are powerful or is this your last right of passage?
| Area of Specialty | |||
| d10 | Specialty | d10 | Specialty |
| 1 | Conjuration | 6 | Divination |
| 2 | Necromancy | 7 | Enchantment |
| 3 | Evocation | 8 | Illusion |
| 4 | Abjuration | 9 | Alchemy |
| 5 | Transmutation | 10 | Artifice |
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana. Choose one from: History, Investigation, Medicine, Nature, or Religion.
Tool Proficiencies: Choose two from: Alchemist’s Supplies, Brewer’s Supplies, Calligrapher’s Supplies, Glassblower’s Tools, Herbalism Kit, Jeweler’s Tools, Poisoner’s Kit, Smith’s Tools, or Tinker’s Tools.
Languages: You may exchange one of your Tool Proficiency picks for any one Language of your choice.
Equipment: A set of tools you are proficient in (or 5gp); a journal filled with your scribbled notes; a quill and ink; a student’s robe; a set of common clothes; and a pouch with 10gp.
You may have left your Mentor’s direct tutelage, but you still maintain open lines of communication and a have cordial relationship. You know of ways to contact your former teacher, potentially even from far away, and (if they aren’t too busy with their own affairs) can ask them for aid or information, though occasionally they will also ask you for favors in return. Additionally, in lieu of direct aid from your teacher, you also bear an item with your Master’s heraldry, such as a spell book, piece of garb, or jewelry that you can present to Magic users to demonstrate your association with your master and be granted an audience if they know of and respect your master.
At the beginning of their adventuring career, most apprentices have yet to distinguish themselves as masters of magic. It’s possible they now seek recognition as powerful mages in their own right, or perhaps now that they’re on they’re own they’re just glad to continue their education according to their own interests. It is also likely that their ideals are shaped by the mage who trained them, either reflecting their teacher’s beliefs or rejecting them outright.
| Personality Traits | |
| d8 | Personality Trait |
| 1 | I love to learn and give anyone or anything that might teach me something new my full attention. |
| 2 | I am wide eyed and easily excited. |
| 3 | I obsess over small details and love to study how things are made to operate. |
| 4 | I like to discuss things at length with learned people, and will try to explain everything to anyone who will listen. |
| 5 | I... speak... slowly... when talking... to idiots,... which... almost... everyone... is... compared... to me. |
| 6 | I have seen amazing things and am very hard to impress. |
| 7 | I believe that great ideas are fine, but great results are what really counts. |
| 8 | I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing right. I can't help it—I'm a perfectionist. |
| Ideals | |
| d6 | Ideal |
| 1 | Service. Helping others is the most important thing in the world (Good). |
| 2 | Power. Knowledge is the key to power and authority (evil). |
| 3 | Logic. There is a systematic way to do and understand everything (Lawful). |
| 4 | Discovery. There are new magics just waiting to be uncovered (Chaotic). |
| 5 | Knowledge. Understanding the world is its own reward (Neutral). |
| 6 | Self-Improvement. Bettering yourself is essential in life (Any). |
| Bonds | |
| d6 | Bond |
| 1 | My mentor took me in, raised me, and taught me. I owe them a great debt I feel like I’ll never be able to repay. |
| 2 | I had a rival all throughout my training, we still compete. |
| 3 | I made a reckless error that hurt many; I must atone for my carelessness. |
| 4 | I need to be known for my contributions, discoveries, and skill. |
| 5 | I occasionally hear a voice that offers me power in exchange for… something. I do not listen to it… yet... |
| 6 | I left my home to learn more from the world. I miss it every day, but my work is too important to stop. |
| Flaws | |
| d6 | Flaw |
| 1 | I believe that knowledge is more important than people. |
| 2 | I have devoted most of my attention to my studies and very little to social graces. |
| 3 | I believe that I am powerful and am not afraid to let people know it. |
| 4 | I can’t resist experimenting or tinkering with things I find interesting, even if its obviously dangerous. |
| 5 | I live to prove my intellect by loudly and very pointedly drawing attention to other people’s mistakes. |
| 6 | I have difficulty telling people no when they ask for my help. |