Dungeons & Dragons 5e Background: Researcher
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Researcher
The lifestyle of an adventurer was never really to your suiting. Your friends went off and fought dragons and pixies; whatever took their fancy. But not you. You found interest in the smaller details of life. Why does this stone have this particular mark on it? Where on earth is this item or information found? You have dedicated your life to the much humbler lifestyle of finding these mysteries and then answering them. You are a researcher! Why do you prefer this opposed to adventuring? Do you find the ideals of adventuring too dangerous, or too boring? Do you see yourself as an Indiana Jones character? What do you study? Why do you want to study it? Does it relate to your parents' professions or are your simply seeking power through knowledge?
Features
Feature: Observant You are quick to notice minuscule details of the environment around you. You gain the following benefits: increase your Intelligence or Wisdom score by 1, to a maximum of 20. If you can see a creature's mouth while it is speaking a language, you can interpret what it is saying by reading its lips if you speak its language, or if you pass a Intelligence (Perception) check. You can add double your proficiency bonus to any non-combat rolls that involve the skills you choose for this background. To receive this however, every time you go somewhere new, you must spend some time searching for an item or knowledge that relates to your study. Alternate Feature: Knowledgeable Your considerable knowledge has earned you some prestige in certain circles. While in towns or cities, you may spend your time offering up any information you know to locals in return for any payment of your choice. However, if you tell a lie or are stumped by a question they ask, your character will not be able to receive this payment until they seek the correct answer.
Suggested Characteristics
Every researcher has their own reasons for hunting down information. While not all of them are your stereotypical nerd, they can normally hold themselves in a fair fight.
Traits
| Dice: 1d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | My research is of dire importance and will always comes before everything else. |
| 2 | I am very secretive and strive to protect all that I know from unsavory characters. |
| 3 | I'm stubborn. If something catches my eye, nothing will sway me from it until I have thoroughly investigated it. |
| 4 | Nobody understands me or my research. It makes me feel lonely, knowing I'm on this journey alone. |
| 5 | I'm overly enthusiastic about the prospect of learning new things. |
| 6 | I'm very inquisitive about everything. |
| 7 | I know everything there is to know about anything. You think you know more than me? Don't make me laugh. |
| 8 | I might be insistent, but I just know the dragon has that archaic rune in its mouth. |
Ideal
| Dice: 1d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Selfless. I want to find out everything I can to benefit the world. (Good) |
| 2 | Selfish. These things have power, and that power will be mine. (Evil) |
| 3 | Thoughtful. I want to learn the history of everything. (Any) |
| 4 | Destructive. I wonder how much destruction I am capable of. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Collector. I will document everything then give it to the monarchs; they deserve to know about this. (Lawful) |
| 6 | Seller. How much money can I make off these items? (Neutral) |
Bond
| Dice: 1d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I trust those who respect my work and see the value in my labors. |
| 2 | Only those who can match my intelligence are worthy of my regard. |
| 3 | If others can protect me while I do my work, I owe them my upmost gratitude. |
| 4 | Everyone has something significant to contribute to my endeavors. |
| 5 | How did I get lumbered with these fools in the first place? |
| 6 | I’m simply terrified of most people around me. |
Flaw
| Dice: 1d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | My research come firsts. If anyone tries to stop me, I will hurt them. |
| 2 | This is so interesting! What’s that, there’s a battle happening? |
| 3 | I indirectly insult others without meaning to. |
| 4 | I see no value in frivolous things like money or weapons. |
| 5 | Well, it may be broken now, but I think I learned enough from breaking it to fix it. |
| 6 | I know you said not to touch it, but it’s a red button! What did you expect me to do? |
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