State Alchemist (5e Background)

State Alchemist

A dog of the military. Practitioner of a science that to some seems like magic. You are a state alchemist. Whether you still serve under the military or not, that is how you are branded for the rest of your life. Most people despise state alchemists, seeing them as hounds that serve their warmongering leader with blind loyalty whilst doing nothing for the people. So why do you serve in as a state alchemist? Have you "retired" from the position? Are you seeking something through connections to state? Or are you escaping something from your time serving in the military?

Skill Proficiencies: Arcana and History

Tool Proficiencies: Alchemist's Supplies

Languages: One language of your choice

Equipment: A state alchemist uniform, a set of common clothes, a book containing your findings, and a pouch containing 10 gp.

Feature: Dog of the Military

You serve under the military, either begrudgingly or of your own accord. The military will compensate you for your work, by allowing you access to their records and information as well as allowing you a pass onto most public transports, such as ships, carriages, or trains (if they exist in your game). The military's records are limited to what the DM allows and if they don not contain what you're looking for, they may contain a name, location, or clue as to where the information might be. However, because your ties to the military, commoners will often despise you and give you trouble if you have business in their town, either by insulting you or locking you out of their establishments.

Alternate Feature: Deserter

You once served the military, but you saw or did things that made you choose desertion. Obviously, the military isn't happy about that and will likely want to destroy you once or if they find you. However, the common people recognize a deserter when they see one and will likely take better to you because of it, as well as sometimes offer you food or shelter should you need it.

Suggested Characteristics

d8	Personality Trait
1	I polish and clean my uniform everyday until its clean as a whistle.
2	I tend to pour over notes from my studies on alchemy when the chance arises.
3	Drinking fills my time when I'm not busy. It helps me clear my head.
4	I like telling stories from my service in the military. It's fun to share that part of my life.
5	I speak in lots of military code or lingo. It's been ingrained into my diction.
6	I think in military strategy, even if the situation doesn't call for it.
7	Thanks to my alchemy training, I have cool party tricks that I love to show off.
8	I prefer to live and eat well when I can. I never know when I might be off next.

d6	Ideal
1	Rogue. I don't care what the state says, I do it my way or not at all. (Chaotic)
2	Power. All the state is good for is being the bridge between me and true power. (Evil)
3	Hound. The state knows what's best, so I will serve it with my life. (Lawful)
4	Unbiased. State or no, I only care for which way makes things easier on me. (Neutral)
5	Compassion. Alchemy is my way of helping others, the state just facilitates that. Whether they like it or not. (Good)
6	Researcher. I simply seek the knowledge of alchemy and any secrets it hides. (Any)

d6	Bond
1	I'm loyal only to the state, I will do as needed of me.
2	I have family back home. They're always on my mind.
3	There's someone I served with in the military who I owe a visit.
4	My research is all that matters, I have to keep it safe!
5	I faked my own death to escape the military. I can't let anyone know who I really am.
6	I'm going to discover all that alchemy holds for me and obtain true power!

d6	Flaw
1	I'm very proud of the state and sometimes my patriotism gets me in trouble.
2	I often let my desire to atone for my service cloud my better judgment.
3	The state isn't happy that I left and is hunting me down for desertion.
4	I have little compassion for the common folk and it does me no favors.
5	My research is my obsession and it has nearly destroyed my life on multiple occasions.
6	The promise of commendation or payment often gets the better of me.

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(0 votes)

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