You have dedicated your life to the pursuit of ancient artifacts, lost knowledge, and forgotten treasures. Whether you were a scholar seeking historical wonders, a treasure hunter chasing profit, or a zealot searching for sacred relics, your work has taken you to the depths of ruins, the heart of forbidden temples, and the edges of civilization. You have faced dangers both mundane and supernatural, for history is often guarded by curses, traps, and creatures that do not rest.
Your knowledge of lost civilizations and hidden artifacts gives you an advantage in recognizing historical significance where others see only ruins. Perhaps you still seek the greatest treasure of your career, or maybe you uncovered something so terrible that it changed your life forever. Either way, the past still calls to you, its whispers promising fortune, danger, or revelation.
Whisper of the Past
You have an uncanny ability to recognize historical significance in objects, ruins, and writings. You can often identify the general origin, purpose, or myth surrounding an artifact, even if you do not know all of its properties. Additionally, when in towns or cities near ancient ruins or sites of historical importance, you can typically find scholars, collectors, or black market dealers willing to buy or trade for relics, offering information in return.
Suggested Characteristics
Relic Seekers are defined by their obsession with the past—whether as a means of wealth, power, or understanding. Some approach their work with academic discipline, while others are reckless opportunists who care only for profit. Many struggle with an insatiable curiosity, while others have grown wary of what should remain buried.
Personality Traits
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|
| 1 | I can’t resist the urge to explore a ruin or examine an artifact. |
| 2 | I speak in riddles or cryptic phrases, always hinting at hidden knowledge. |
| 3 | I keep meticulous journals of my findings, documenting every detail. |
| 4 | I have no patience for those who ignore history—knowledge must be preserved. |
| 5 | I get a thrill from uncovering secrets others have long forgotten. |
| 6 | I tend to pocket small trinkets, even when I shouldn’t. |
| 7 | I treat every expedition like a grand adventure, even when it’s dangerous. |
| 8 | I believe that some things should remain buried, and I fear what I may uncover. |
Ideals
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|
| 1 | Knowledge. The past holds answers, and I must uncover them. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Wealth. Relics are worth gold, and gold is all that matters. (Neutral) |
| 3 | Glory. My name will be remembered in history. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Power. Artifacts hold great power, and I seek to claim it. (Evil) |
| 5 | Preservation. The past must be protected from those who would misuse it. (Good) |
| 6 | Caution. Some knowledge is too dangerous to be known. (Lawful) |
Bonds
| d6 | Bond |
|---|
| 1 | I seek a legendary artifact that has been lost for centuries. |
| 2 | I discovered a secret I should never have learned, and now I must protect it. |
| 3 | A rival relic seeker stole from me, and I will have my revenge. |
| 4 | I owe my life to a mentor or expedition leader who once saved me. |
| 5 | I unearthed something terrible, and now it haunts my every step. |
| 6 | I have sworn to return a sacred relic to its rightful home. |
Flaws
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|
| 1 | I can’t resist taking something from every ruin I explore. |
| 2 | I tend to overlook dangers in my excitement for discovery. |
| 3 | I refuse to destroy an artifact, even if it poses a danger. |
| 4 | I have angered a powerful organization or cult with my discoveries. |
| 5 | I see omens and curses everywhere, whether they exist or not. |
| 6 | I struggle to share my knowledge, hoarding discoveries for myself. |
Comments