Arcane Dominion (5e Background)
Arcane Dominion
You lived in the most magically advanced nation to ever exist. You grew up surrounded by magic as an everyday occurrence, and thus you lack the superstitious dread that most people experience in the presence of the supernatural. Wherever you travel, no matter whom you encounter, you do so with the knowledge of your culture’s innate superiority.
Skill Proficiencies: Choose two of the following: Arcana, Investigation, Perception
Tool Proficiencies: Two of your choice
Languages: Two of your choice
Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a vial of black ink, a quill, traveling journal, dagger, copy of your favorite book, and a belt pouch containing 15 gp
Feature: Network of Knowledge
Whether you possess arcane talents or not, your nationality provides you with professional cachet among wizards and other arcane spellcasters. You can request favors from these individuals, such as advice on magical problems, research concerning magic items and relics, and translation of sigils or runes. If you ask a favor, however, you must repay it in a reasonable time or risk alienating your peers.
Suggested Characteristics
Growing up in an Arcane Dominion formed many of your attitudes towards magic and spellcasters, as well as your opinions regarding people without magical ability. If you possessed arcane talent, you enjoyed the good life as one of your nation’s most valued citizens. Thanks to your upbringing, you find magic familiar and even comforting, and pity those who fear magic or refuse to benefit from its use.
| d4 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I belong to the most advanced nation in the world, and so I must represent my people in the best possible light. |
| 2 | I feel comfortable around magic, and I feel anxious anywhere magic is unwelcome. |
| 3 | I travel and explore the world to avoid becoming complacent. |
| 4 | I yearn for novel experiences and discoveries, especially since I become bored so easily. |
| d4 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Knowledge. The acquisition of knowledge is the noblest pursuit. (Any) |
| 2 | Discovery. I will do anything to uncover lost magical secrets. (Chaotic) |
| 3 | Mastery. I must become the most powerful arcanist in the world. (Neutral) |
| 4 | Hope. Doom threatens this world, and only magic can save us from it. (Good) |
| d4 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I betrayed my master for knowledge, and I must atone for what I’ve done. |
| 2 | Thanks to a youthful indiscretion, I fell under an ancient curse and now must find a way to remove it. |
| 3 | My memories have been lost to me, and something tells me my life depends on getting them back. |
| 4 | My family must recover the lost arcane secrets of our ancestors before our enemies do. |
| d4 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I don’t make mistakes, even when I do. |
| 2 | I never met a book I could resist reading. |
| 3 | Magic has its price, and I’m willing to pay it, or let someone else pay. |
| 4 | I look down on those who lack the talent for magic. |
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