OGC:Alchemist's Apprentice (5e Background)

This material is published under the OGL

Alchemist's Apprentice

Skill Proficiencies: Medicine, Nature
Tool Proficiencies: Alchemist's supplies
Languages: One of your choice.
Equipment: A set of alchemist’s supplies, one vial of acid, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing four empty vials and 5 gp.

Alchemical Specialization

d8	Alchemical Specialization
1	Snake oils and "miracle" cures
2	Deadly toxins
3	Restorative elixirs
4	Explosives and inflammables
5	Glues, solvents, and similar agents
6	Acids, bases, and everything in between
7	Cosmetic aids and alterations
8	Hangover cures and minor medicinals

Feature: Chemical Exposure

As an alchemist, you’ve likely been exposed to a wide range of chemicals by design or otherwise. Consequently, you’ve learned to quickly identify what properties a nonmagical substance might have—ideally before it causes any damage to you or your work by sampling a portion or inhaling the scent. Your experience limits accidental injury during such analyses. At the GM’s discretion, this feature may work with magical substances, but accidental exposure is much more likely.

Alternate Feature: Unorthodox Alchemy

You may select this background feature instead of Chemical Exposure.

You may trade your skill proficiency with Medicine for Survival, if you learned your trade in the wilderness, or for Deception, if you practiced it in secret. Your alchemy is a little different from everyone else, but that’s what makes it special. Your unique way of approaching the science grants you an esoteric knowledge of the world. When attempting to recall a piece of Arcana or Nature lore, you often have an idea on how to learn more, even if you don’t know anything specific. Usually, this method involves experimental, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous alchemy. Your GM might rule that there are certain things you cannot know nor further explore via alchemy.

Suggested Characteristics

d6	Personality Trait
1	The past is the greatest teacher, the future the worst student.
2	I deal in facts and only facts, though I may often withhold them when speaking to my rivals.
3	I'll readily curry favor with others... if I think I can use them later.
4	I am a stickler for the fine line between alchemy and magic.
5	Through discovery, I discover myself.
6	Nature provides for me, I innovate for it.

d6	Ideal
1	Scientific Method. Structured learning is key to societal and social success. (Lawful)
2	Treatment. Innumerable people can benefit from my talents. (Good)
3	Experimentation. Imagination is boundless. The law is not. (Chaotic)
4	Greed. Wealth is worth any of its consequences. (Evil)
5	Knowledge. A day's learning is never done. (Neutral)
6	Master. Only in the relentless pursuit of perfection can one achieve excellence. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	My master’s reputation was falsely ruined. I just need to prove it.
2	Alchemy may always be evolving, but I want to revolutionize it.
3	The thieves that stole my greatest work don’t know that I’m still after them.
4	The natural world is the source of my reagents, so my work must help protect it.
5	I know my craft can help heal and protect the meek.
6	I am a living library of knowledge, and seek an apprentice of my own.

d6	Flaw
1	For all my work, I can’t save two coppers!
2	I’ll do whatever it takes to be the best and stay there.
3	I need to keep notes for everything, or I’m bound to forget.
4	Everything I’ve learned I stole from someone else.
5	Alchemy was not my first love, but it will be my last.
6	The accident that caused my master’s death wasn’t her fault—it was mine.

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A Touch of Class Transcribed Content

A Touch of Class
Classes	Alchemist (5e Class) • Cardcaster (5e Class)
Character Options	Alchemist's Apprentice (5e Background)