The Scholar Scholar

A cloud of dust filled the air as the young half elf dropped the
huge tome on the table. She knew the answers were in there
somewhere, waiting for her... She just had to get to them in
time, before the kingdom fell into ruin.
A leonin puffed his pipe and looked at a small note found in
the victim's pocket - the only real clue in the case he tried to
solve. He checked it from side to side, again and again, but
still found nothing.... With a sigh, he placed the piece of paper
on the desk, then picked it up almost immediately. Where had
he hidden it, where... Yes! He placed the note right next to the
letter from the client - indeed, the handwriting matched...
Leonin growled with satisfaction and smiled, for he knew
who the murderer was.
The hulking half orc hunched over a stack of notes, again
and again scribbling on the paper with his quill. After a
minute of non-stop writing, he smiled sincerely. Finally, he
figured out how to finish his book - his Opus Magnum - and
what an ending it was...
These scholars have one thing in common - a natural
desire to acquire knowledge. Some of them prefer to search
for it in old libraries and even older tomes, while others travel
tirelessly to find it in ancient temples and lost cities. In the
end, however, their goal is the same - to learn as much as
possible about the world within the span of one short
lifetime.
Life Among Dusty Tomes?
The scholar is usually portrayed as an elderly person,
hunched over a dusty volume. While this is sometimes the
case, many scholars are the complete opposite of this
stereotype. They seek knowledge outside libraries - in ancient
ruins, in forgotten cities, and in the archives of lost
civilizations. It's still a dusty life, but it's certainly not
mundane!
The Pursuit of Knowledge
A true scholar's appetite for knowledge is never satisfied...
After all, there is always something new to discover! This is
why many of these usually withdrawn people seek a life of
adventure, because nothing teaches better than a life of
danger.

Multiclassing and the Scholar

If your group uses the optional rule on
multiclassing, here's what you need to know if you
choose Scholar as one of your classes.

Ability Score Minimum: As a multiclass character,

you must have at least an Intelligence score of 13
to take a level in this class, or to take a level in
another class if you are already a Scholar.

Proficiencies Gained: If Scholar isn't your initial

class, here are the proficiencies you gain when you
take your first level as a Scholar: simple weapons,
one skill of your choice.
 Class features Rigorous Control
Multiple Ready actions? Beginning at 5th level, you can prepare two actions, instead
As a scholar, you gain following class features. The Scholar's multiple Ready action economy can of one, whenever you take the Ready action on your turn. If
Hit Points be used in three ways: these Ready actions have the same trigger or use the domino
effect, you can make them as part of the same reaction.
Hit Dice: 1d8 per scholar level Different triggers. You can set different triggers for
Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + your Constitution modifier each action. Example here would be: "If the
Calculated Prediction
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d8 (or 5) + your Constitution cultist steps on the trapdoor, I'll pull the lever
modifier per scholar level after 1st that opens it BUT if anyone steps next to me, I Using the facts and events you have memorized and your
move away." Each action costs a reaction, so you ability to process information, you can attempt to predict the
Proficiencies can prepare for both scenarios, but you can do outcome of the upcoming events. At 6th level, you can spend
Armor: None only one of those things. two uses of Intense Study to cast the Augury spell, without
Weapons: Simple weapons, hand crossbows, shortswords Same trigger. You can set multiple Ready actions using a spell slot or material components.
Tools: One type of artisan’s tools of your choice under the same trigger. Example here would be:
"If the goblin steps next to me, I use the Always Ready
Saving Throws: Intelligence, Wisdom Disengage action AND move away from it." From 7th level, almost nothing can catch you off-guard. You
Skills: Choose any three These actions use the same trigger, so you can can add your proficiency bonus to initiative rolls.
make them as part of the same reaction.
Scholar Equipment Additionally, if you are surprised at the beginning of
Domino effect. You can set multiple Ready actions combat and aren't incapacitated, you can use the Ready
Proficiency Intense You start with the following equipment, in addition to the as a chain reaction. Example here would be: "If action on your first turn.
Level Bonus Features Study equipment granted by your background: the goblin moves towards me, I throw oil at it. IF
Intense Study,
(a) a shortsword I hit the goblin, I set the oil on fire." These Specialist
1st +2 1 actions use the domino effect, so you can make
Unarmored Defense (a) a hand crossbow and 20 bolts or (b) four daggers them as part of the same reaction, provided you By 11th level, you have mastered the skills within your area of
2nd +2 Theory into Practice 2 (a) a scholar's pack or (b) an explorer's pack make them in the same turn. interest. Whenever you make an ability check that lets you
add your proficiency bonus, you can treat a d20 roll of 9 or
Academic Pursuit,
Quick Build lower as a 10.
3rd +2 3
Expertise First, make Intelligence your highest ability score. Your next-
4th +2 Ability Score Improvement 4 highest score should be Dexterity. Second, choose the sage Academic Pursuit Starting at 14th level, you can apply this benefit whenever you
background. make a saving throw that lets you add your proficiency bonus.
Rigorous Control,
At 3rd level, you choose which type of research you want to
5th +3
Passive Scrutiny (1)
5
Intense Study devout yourself to. Your pursuit choice grants you features at Beginning at 20th level, you can apply this benefit whenever
3rd level and then again at 9th, 13th, and 17th level. you make an attack roll with a weapon you're proficient with.
6th +3 Calculated Prediction 6 You are extremely well-read, with vast amounts of knowledge
7th +3 Always Ready 7 on a wide variety of subjects. When you make an attack roll, Expertise Mind Palace
ability check or a saving throw, you can add your Intelligence You have exceptional recall and can reconstruct events and
8th +3 Ability Score Improvement 8 modifier to the roll. At 3rd level, choose two of your skill proficiencies, or one of
your skill proficiencies and your proficiency with artisans' places you have experienced or read about. Starting at 18th
9th +4 Academic Pursuit 9
You can use this feature a number of times shown in the tools. Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check level, you can spend six uses of Intense Study to cast the
Expertise,
Intense Study column of the Scholar table. You regain all you make that uses either of the chosen proficiencies. Legend Lore spell, without using a spell slot or material
10th +4
Passive Scrutiny (2)
10
spent uses when you finish a short or long rest. components.
At 10th level, you can choose two more of your proficiencies
11th +4 Specialist 11
Unarmored Defense (in skills or with artisans' tools) to gain this benefit.

12th +4 Ability Score Improvement 12

While you are wearing no armor and not wielding a shield, Ability Score Improvement Academic Pursuits
13th +5 Academic Pursuit 13 your AC equals 10 + your Dexterity modifier + your
Intelligence modifier. When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and Section Page Number
14th +5 Specialist improvement 14 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice Writer 6-7
15th +5 Passive Scrutiny (3) 15 Theory into Practice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by
1. As normal, you can’t increase an ability score above 20 Investigator 8
16th +5 Ability Score Improvement 16 By 2nd level, you’ve learned how to turn theoretical using this feature.
17th +6 Academic Pursuit 17
knowledge into a practical advantage. You gain the following
benefits: Passive Scrutiny
18th +6 Mind Palace 18
Analytic. When you take the Ready action on your turn, you You are quick to notice details which may be of importance
19th +6 Ability Score Improvement 19 can prepare an additional action as a bonus action. If these later. Starting at 5th level, when you roll initiative and have no
Specialist improvement, Ready actions have the same trigger or use the domino effect, uses of Intense Study remaining, you regain one use of
20th +6
Passive Scrutiny (4)
20 you can make them as part of the same reaction. Intense Study.
Quill and Dagger. When you make a weapon attack with a The number of points you regain increases when you reach
light weapon, you gain a bonus to the damage roll equal to certain levels in this class, increasing to 2 at 10th level, 3 at
your proficiency bonus. 15th level, and 4 at 20th level.
 Opus Magnum Influential Persona
Academic Pursuits Starting at 3rd level, you create foundations of what is about By 9th level, your work has become quite recognizable.
There are many courses of study in higher education, as to be one of the greatest works of your career. Choose the social class that is particularly fond of your craft.
there are a lot of things yet to discover. Academic pursuit you At the end of a long rest, you can pour your heart and soul You gain the following benefits based on your choice:
choose reflects what type of qualifications you strive to into a copy of one of your literary works. By doing so, it Upper class. You are welcome in high society, and other
acquire. changes into Opus Magnum - a wondrous item with the
following properties: people of high birth treat you as a member of the same social
sphere. You can secure an audience with a local noble or
Writer Opus Magnum can store up to a number of points of invitation to a ball if you need to.
Some people don't need insane amounts of magical power to Intense Study equal to your proficiency bonus, holding In addition, you, as well as any creature you vouch for have
create a new world - some require only a piece of paper and a them until the attuned user expends them. If you spend 1 advantage on Charisma checks made to interact with a
quill. minute revising Opus Magnum, you can expend one point person from the upper class.
A Writer is a person that has perfected the written word in of Intense Study, which then is stored inside the Opus
Magnum. Middle class. Your name is sufficient to cover most of your
all of its glory. They produce different forms of literary art expenses; the inns, taverns, and festhalls are glad to welcome
such as novels, books, plays and poetry, as well as reports Opus Magnum requires attunement by the user, but it
and news articles. Talented writers often make significant doesn't take up an attunement slot. you. This advantage enables you to live a comfortable lifestyle
without having to pay 2 gp a day for it, or reduces the cost of
contributions to the culture of society, and their work makes Opus Magnum retains its properties until you choose another a wealthy or aristocratic lifestyle by that amount.
them immortal as long as there are people willing to reach literary work of yours at the end of your next long rest. In addition, you, as well as any creature you vouch for have
for their books. advantage on Charisma checks made to interact with a

person from the middle class.
Bonus Proficiency
When you choose this academic pursuit at 3rd level, you gain Lower class. Commoners will extend you every courtesy and
the following benefits: Inspiration? do their utmost to help you. Unless you have shown yourself
You gain proficiency in calligrapher's tools and one The inspiration mechanics are detailed in the to be a danger to them, they will even take up arms to fight
gaming set of your choice. Player's Handbook (p.125) alongside you, should you find yourself facing an enemy.
You learn two languages of your choice. In addition, you, as well as any creature you vouch for have
If your DM uses inspiration as a reward, you can advantage on Charisma checks made to interact with a
In addition, you gain proficiency in one skill corresponding to freely separate DM's and Writer's inspiration as two person from the lower class.
the literary genre of your choice: different mechanics.
Legendary Scribe
Mystery. You gain proficiency in Deception skill. If you are Beginning at 13th level, you gain a benefit corresponding to
already proficient in it, you gain proficiency in a different skill the literary genre of your choice. You can choose the same
of your choice. In addition, your proficiency bonus is doubled genre you selected at 3rd level or a different one:
for any ability check you make that uses Deception.
Additionally, you can make Intelligence (Deception) checks Mystery. Your senses are almost impossible to foil. As an
instead of Charisma (Deception) whenever you try to hide the action, you sense the presence of illusions, shapechangers
clues. not in their original form, and other magic designed to
deceive the senses within 30 feet of you, provided you aren't
Horror. You gain proficiency in Intimidation skill. If you are blinded or deafened. You sense that an effect is attempting to
already proficient in it, you gain proficiency in a different skill trick you, but you gain no insight into what is hidden or into
of your choice. In addition, your proficiency bonus is doubled its true nature.
for any ability check you make that uses Intimidation.
Additionally, you can make Intelligence (Intimidation) Horror. You quickly regain composure whenever something
checks instead of Charisma (Intimidation) whenever you try frightens you. You can use your action to end one effect on
to frighten someone without using physical violence. yourself that is causing you to be frightened.
Poetry. You gain proficiency in Performance skill. If you are Poetry. You can inspire others through stirring words of your
already proficient in it, you gain proficiency in a different skill poetry. As an action, choose one creature other than yourself
of your choice. In addition, your proficiency bonus is doubled within 30 feet of you who can hear you. That creature
for any ability check you make that uses Performance. receives a point of Inspiration.
Additionally, you can make Intelligence (Performance) Journalism. You're really hard to manipulate. You can use
checks instead of Charisma (Performance) whenever your your action to end one effect on yourself that is causing you to
performance revolves around poetry. be charmed.
Journalism. You gain proficiency in Persuasion skill. If you You can use this feature a number of times equal to your
are already proficient in it, you gain proficiency in a different Intelligence modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all
skill of your choice. In addition, your proficiency bonus is expended uses of it when you finish a long rest.
doubled for any ability check you make that uses Persuasion.
Additionally, you can make Intelligence (Persuasion) Mightier Than the Sword
checks instead of Charisma (Persuasion) whenever you try to Starting at 17th level, when you or a creature attuned to the
gain information from someone. Opus Magnum is hit by a weapon attack, it can expend one
point of Intense Study (no action required) to force the enemy
to reroll the die. It must use the new roll.
 Private Detective
Investigator
The world is full of mysteries, and the Investigators are the
ones willing to reveal the truth hiding from the plain sight.
Also at 3rd level, you learn that the more questions you ask,
the more jaws you have to break along the way. You gain the
following benefits:
TheByScholar
zaelos_3
The Investigators collect information to solve crimes by Apprehend. You can make Intelligence (Athletics) checks
talking to witnesses and informants, collecting physical instead of Strength (Atlethics) whenever you pursue, grapple
This is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Fan Content
evidence, or searching for records in databases. Their main or shove a creature.
Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the
goal is always clear - to arrest the criminal and enable them material used here are property of Wizards of the Coast.
to be convicted for their crimes. Featherweight. You can use Dexterity instead of Strength for ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.
the attack and damage rolls of your unarmed strikes and Art Credits:
Bonus Proficiency longsword attacks. Art Credits:
When you choose this academic pursuit at 3rd level, you gain
the following benefits: Law Enforcement. You can add your proficiency bonus to Cover: Copyright: ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.

damage rolls made with heavy crossbows, longswords and

You gain proficiency with heavy crossbows and unarmed strikes. Preview:

longswords. Page 1: Copyright: ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.

You gain proficiency in Investigation skill. If you are Dangerous Fieldwork

already proficient in it, you gain proficiency in a different By 9th level, you have acquired knowledge that allows you to Page 1 (City): Alayna Lemmer-Danner - Azorius
skill of your choice. In addition, your proficiency bonus is infiltrate any crime syndicate. You gain the following benefits:
doubled for any ability check you make that uses Island

Investigation. You know where to find the criminal element wherever Page 2: Drew Baker - Azorius Guildgate

You gain proficiency with the disguise kit, thieves' tools, you go. You must spend one day to contact the criminal
and one gaming set of your choice. underworld or black market (as long as there is one in Page 4: Bram Sels - Teferi's Protege

You learn thieves' cant, a secret mix of dialect, jargon, and that area). If you also spend 25 gp to bribe your
code that allows you to hide messages in seemingly informants, you reach a contact without raising any Page 5: Justine Cruz - Darviel, Soul Broker

normal conversation. In addition, you understand a set of suspicion.

secret signs and symbols used to convey short, simple You can blend into the criminal underbelly. You must Page 6: Magali Villeneuve - Nils, Discipline
messages, such as whether an area is dangerous or the spend seven days and 25 gp to establish connections and Enforcer

territory of a thieves' guild, whether loot is nearby, or to create a fake identity. Thereafter, if you adopt the new
whether the people in an area are easy marks or will identity as a disguise, other creatures believe you are part Page 7: Dallas Williams - Brokers Ascendancy
provide a safe house for thieves on the run. of the organization you're trying to infiltrate, until given an
obvious reason not to. Last Page: Chase Stone - Odric, Lunarch Marshal
Fighting Style
At 3rd level, you adopt a particular style of fighting as your Connect the Dots Art copyright:
Art copyright: ©Wizards
©Wizards ofof the
the Coast
Coast LLC.
LLC.
specialty. Choose one of the following options. You can't take At 13th level, your deductive skills allow you to connect the
a Fighting Style option more than once, even if you later get dots. As an action, you can ask the DM one question. The DM Page Textures: /u/flamableconcrete

to choose again. answers it with one word, such as yes, no, maybe, never, Created Using: GMBinder
irrelevant, unclear (if you wouldn't be able to deduct this
Archery information). If a one-word answer would be misleading, the
You gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls you make with ranged DM might instead offer a short phrase as an answer.
weapons. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your
Dueling Intelligence modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all
When you are wielding a melee weapon in one hand and no expended uses of it when you finish a long rest.
other weapons, you gain a +2 bonus to damage rolls with that The Long Goodbye
weapon. You became an expert in avoiding gruesome death. At 17th
Unarmed Fighting level, when you are reduced to 0 hit points, you can expend
Your unarmed strikes can deal bludgeoning damage equal to one point of Intense Study (no action required) to drop to 1
1d6 + your Strength modifier on a hit. If you aren't wielding hit point instead.
any weapons or a shield when you make the attack roll, the
d6 becomes a d8.
At the start of each of your turns, you can deal 1d4
bludgeoning damage to one creature grappled by you.
 
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