Mage (5e Background)
Mage[edit]
You are a magic user, and likely have had training and/or connections to other mages. Where did you first encounter magic, was it a gift you where born with, and why did you choose adventuring as an occupation?
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana and Investigation
Tool Proficiencies: Alchemist's Kit
Languages: One of your choice
Equipment: Common clothes, Alchemist's Kit, 5 Sheets of paper, A scroll case, a bottle of ink, a quill, a small vial, and a pouch containing 10 gold pieces.
Feature: Researcher[edit]
When you attempt to learn or recall a piece of lore, if you do not know that information, you often know where and from whom you can obtain it. Usually, this information comes from a library, scriptorium, university, or a sage or other learned person or creature. Your DM might rule that the knowledge you seek is secreted away in an almost inaccessible place, or that it simply cannot be found. Unearthing the deepest secrets of the multiverse can require an adventure or even a whole campaign.
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
Mages are defined by magic, and knowledge.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I've read every book in the world's greatest libraries - or I like to boast that I have. |
| 2 | There's nothing I like more than a good mystery. |
| 3 | I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations. |
| 4 | I have a grand magical theory that I can’t wait to tell other people about. |
| 5 | When exposed to some new piece of magic, I can’t help but try to figure out what it does and how it works. |
| 6 | I have no patience for ridiculous superstitions about magic. |
| 7 | I gave up much of my life for magic, and I will use it to the fullest. |
| 8 | I am slightly obsessed with magical knowledge |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Knowledge. The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge. (Neutral) |
| 2 | <The Good of the Realm. Magic should be used to protect and improve the lives of the common people. (Good) |
| 3 | Power. Magic is the path to power and domination. (Evil) |
| 4 | Logic. Emotions must not cloud our logical thinking. (Lawful) |
| 5 | No Limits. Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence. (Chaotic) |
| 6 | Self-Improvement. The goal of the use of magic is the betterment of oneself (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I often think of the family I left behind when I became an apprentice. I would like to find them some day. |
| 2 | I had a rival all throughout my training, we still compete. |
| 3 | I idolize a historical magic user, and measure my accomplishments against theirs. |
| 4 | I work to preserve a library, university, scriptorium, or monastery. |
| 5 | I sold my soul for knowledge. I hope to do great deeds and win it back. |
| 6 | No-one. I am a nihilist who does not care about anyone. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | A scandal prevents me from returning to my place of education, I’m trying to stay ahead of the rumors. |
| 2 | I believe that the world would be better off if mages ran everything. |
| 3 | People who are superstitious about magic are idiots, and not worth my time. |
| 4 | I am easily distracted by the promise of information. |
| 5 | Most people scream and run when they see a demon. I stop and take notes on its anatomy. |
| 6 | I can't keep a secret to save my life, or anyone else's. |
Back to Main Page → 5e Homebrew → Backgrounds