Philosopher Mage

This character is a wandering philosopher who has chosen to adventure in order to learn more about the world. He may have decided to devote his life to the study of the arcane arts, or, magic may simply be one of several forms of knowledge he has picked up in his studies. The PC may be a Appollonian citizen, but he is often a converted Xanthite, Yusufisan, or Shao-Yan citizen. Due to his profession, the character receives respect regardless of his home of origin.

Role

Philosophers consider themselves to be part of the natural aristocracy, above such concerns as working for a living. High society agrees; although they might be poor, philosophers are admitted to the houses of the rich and powerful and live on the charity of upper-class patrons. Sometimes they earn a living as tutors or astrologers, but they prefer to spend their time in learned conversation, debate, or research, or traveling the world in order to better understand its mysteries.

Distinctive Appearance

None

Special Benefits

The character may interpret omens once per week (see “Magic and Religion” chapter). On any friendly reaction roll result in a social situation, a Councilman or noble family household is willing to take the character in as the family’s ”resident philosopher.” If the PC asks and is accepted as such, his duty is to attend dinner parties (at least once every third day) and provide stimulating intellectual conversation. In return, he can expect free room and board at a middle-class lifestyle and a small stipend (100 gp x his level per month) for use in purchasing books or research materials. The character must also choose a school of philosophy, such as Stoic, Epicurean, Aristotelian, Socratic, or Pythagorean philosophy. He receives a +2 reaction bonus from fellow philosophers of the same school (see below).

Special Hindrances

The character must be a specialist wizard in either abjuration or greater divination. He pays double experience to progress beyond 7th level and no evocation spells may be learned. The character receives a -2 reaction penalty from philosophers of rival schools. Finally, wandering philosophers were notorious for their untidy garb, lack of fashion sense, lack of common sense, and poor physical hygiene. A known philosopher has a -2 reaction penalty in non-intellectual circles.

Class

Wizard

Attribute Requirements

None

Barred Beliefs

Philosopher-mages should be male.

Race Requirement

None

Bonus Weapon Proficiencies

Staff

Required Weapon Proficiencies

None

Recommended Weapon Proficiencies

None

Barred Weapon Proficiencies

None

Bonus Non-Weapon Proficiencies

History (Ancient), Reading/Writing

Recommended Non-Weapon Proficiencies

Astrology, Engineering, Language (Ancient), Religion, Spellcraft, Rhetoric, Healing

Equipment

None

Wealth Options d4+1 x 100 gp Homeland Terrain None Economic System None Recommended Discipline(s) None Recommended Devotion(s) None Recommended Science(s) None Barred Discipline(s) None Preferred Schools School of Abjuration, School of Divination Barred Schools None