Anthropologist, Variant

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Anthropologist, Variant

You have always been fascinated by other cultures, from the most ancient and primeval lost lands to the most modern civilizations. By studying other cultures, customs, philosophies, laws, rituals, religious beliefs, languages, and art, you have learned how tribes, empires, and all forms of society in between craft their own destinies and doom. This knowledge came to you not only through books and scrolls, but also through firsthand observation – by visiting far-flung settlements and exploring local histories and customs.
Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Religion
Tool Proficiencies: None
Languages: Two languages of your choice
Equipment: A leather-bound diary, a bottle of ink, a quill, a set of traveler's clothes, one trinket of special significance from a culture of your study, and a pouch containing 10 gp

Feature: Cultural Chameleon

Anthropologists study a wide variety of cultures and subjects. A specialization helps better define what you have studied and perhaps what you know of your world and the locale.

Suggested Characteristics

Specialization (d4)

1Biological Anthropology
2Cultural Anthropology
3Linguistics
4Archaeology

Personality Traits (d8)

1I prefer the company of those who aren't like me, including people of other races.
2I'm a stickler when it comes to observing proper etiquette and local customs.
3I would rather observe than meddle.
4By living among violent people, I have become desensitized to violence.
5I would risk life and limb to discover a new culture or unravel the secrets of a dead one.
6When I arrive at a new settlement for the first time, I must learn all its customs.
7I ask more questions than I give answers.
8When I want to know something, everything else takes a back seat.

Ideals (d6)

1Discovery. I want to be the first person to discover a lost culture. (Any)
2Distance. One must not interfere with the affairs of another culture – even one in need of aid. (Lawful)
3Knowledge. By understanding other races and cultures, we learn to understand ourselves. (Any)
4Power. Common people crave strong leadership, and I do my utmost to provide it. (Lawful)
5Protection. I must do everything possible to save a society facing extinction. (Good)
6Indifference. Life is cruel. What's the point in saving people if they're going to die anyway? (Chaotic)

Bonds (d6)

1My mentor gave me a journal filled with lore and wisdom. Losing it would devastate me.
2Having lived among the people of a primeval tribe or clan, I long to return and see how they are faring
3Years ago, tragedy struck the members of an isolated society I befriended, and I will honor them.
4I want to learn more about a particular humanoid culture that fascinates me.
5I seek to avenge a clan, tribe, kingdom, or empire that was wiped out.
6I have a trinket that I believe is the key to finding a long-lost society.

Flaws (d6)

1Boats make me seasick.
2I talk to myself, and I don't make friends easily.
3I believe that I'm intellectually superior to people from other cultures and have much to teach them.
4I've picked up some unpleasant habits from living among races such as goblins, lizardfolk, or orcs.
5I complain about everything.
6I sometimes get ahead of myself.


D&D Wiki Homebrew

This content was imported from D&D Wiki. It has not been vetted for game balance. Use with DM discretion.

Source: D&D Wiki - Anthropologist, Variant (5e Background)

Licensed under GNU Free Documentation License 1.3.

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