Arcane Thief (5e Background)

Arcane Thief

You’re the reason spellcasters distrust other spellcasters. Your occupation involves copying spells from the spellbooks of the best wizards and selling them to the highest bidder, whether it be a crime syndicate, another wizard or the wizard who owned the spell originally.

Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among Arcana, History, Sleight of Hand or Stealth.

Tool Proficiencies: Choose one from among Disguise Kit, Forgery Kit or Thieves' Tools.

Languages: One Language of your choice.

Equipment: The set of Tools/ Kits chosen from above, a Scholar's pack, Silken rope (50') with a Grappling hook, Fine clothes with a Hooded cloak and a small Pouch containing 30gp.

Feature: Spell Scribe

When you come across written spells, you can take time to create a non-magical Spell Scroll of the spell. The scroll can be used to copy the spell to other sources at a later date but cannot be used to produce the spell itself. The time taken to create the scroll is equal to 3 minutes times the spell level, (Cantrips take 2 minutes).

Variant Feature: Ear to the Wind

You are in frequent contact with people in the segment of society that your chosen quarries move through. These people might be associated with the criminal underworld, a dark syndicate, the rough-and-tumble folk of the streets, or even members of high society. This connection comes in the form of a contact in any city you may visit, a person who provides information about the people and places of the local area.

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I always have a plan for what to do when things go wrong.
2	I am always calm, no matter what the situation. I never raise my voice or let my emotions control me.
3	The first thing I do in a new place is note the locations of everything valuable-or where such things could be hidden.
4	I like to talk at length about my profession.
5	I don’t part with my money easily and will haggle tirelessly to get the best deal possible.
6	The odds of fulfilling a mission don't matter to me, so don't bother trying to tell me.
7	The best way to get me to do something is to tell me I can't do it.
8	I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing right. I can’t help it— I’m a perfectionist.

d6	Ideal
1	Discovery. Every job has the potential to reveal more secrets of the multiverse. (Good)
2	People. I’m loyal to my friends, not to any ideals, and everyone else can take a trip down the Styx for all I care. (Neutral)
3	Power. Knowledge is the path to power and domination. (Evil)
4	Fairness. I never target people who can’t afford to lose a few coins. (Lawful)
5	Free Thinking. Inquiry and curiosity are the pillars of progress. (Chaotic)
6	Aspiration. I work hard to be the best there is at my craft. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I’m trying to pay off an old debt I owe to a generous benefactor.
2	My ill-gotten gains go to support my family.
3	Something important was taken from me, and I aim to steal it back.
4	I will become the greatest thief that ever lived.
5	I’m guilty of a terrible crime. I hope I can redeem myself for it.
6	I once sold a powerful spell to a cult. That was a mistake

d6	Flaw
1	I'm naturally untrustworthy.
2	Being overly cautious is just part of the job. Deal with it!
3	If there’s a plan, I’ll forget it. If I don’t forget it, I’ll ignore it.
4	I can't socialize at all.
5	I’m never satisfied with what I have— I always want more.
6	So long as someone has gold, I don't mind selling to them.

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