Transmutation Alchemist (5e Background)
Transmutation Alchemist
You are a practicing alchemist of transmutation, though it widely varies on how they come to be. Are you an Alchemist that is self-taught, or did you have someone teach you? What led you to become an Alchemist? Have you committed crimes for texts about alchemy? Did you hide your talents in Alchemy from those around you? What are your goals within the field of Alchemy?
There are many different types of Alchemist of Transmutation, whether it be those that went through harsh trials and tribulation to do such, to see if they were worthy in the eyes of a Teacher. Perhaps they found old Alchemical texts, whether through criminal means or not, and began studying them.
Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, and Deception
Tool Proficiencies: Tinker's Tools, and Alchemist Supplies
Equipment: A set of Tinker's Tools or Alchemist Supplies, a Journal on Alchemical Data, and a Belt Pouch containing 5 Gp.
Feature: Alchemical Experimenter
Based on your previous experiments within Transmutation, you are able to identify components used in both normal and Transmutational Alchemy, if you examine it with your Alchemist's Supplies during either a short or long rest. You may also identify one potion within 5 feet of you as if you had tasted it, though you must be able to see the liquid, you may only do this once per short or long rest.
Alternate Feature: Alchemical Knowledge
Your type of Alchemy is based on the world around you, and the knowledge you can gain from the world. Your unique way of approaching Transmutation Alchemy, as when attempting to recall a piece of Arcana or Nature lore, you often have an idea on ways to learn more about it, even if you don't know anything specific about the premise. This method involves experimentation, fiddling with alchemy, and so forth. Your GM may rule that there are certain things you cannot gain any knowledge on through alchemical means.
Suggested Characteristics
The Characteristics of a Alchemist of Transmutation are always different, here is a list of common traits and such that you may use or derive off of:
| d5 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | The past is the greatest teacher, the future the worst student. |
| 2 | I deal in facts and only facts, though I may often withhold them when speaking to my rivals. |
| 3 | I’ll readily curry favor with others… if I think I can use them later. |
| 4 | I am a stickler for the fine line between alchemy and magic. |
| 5 | Through discovery, I discover myself. |
| 6 | Nature provides for me; I innovate for it. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sceintific Method. Structured learning is key to societal and social success. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Treatment. Innumerable people can benefit from my talents. (Good) |
| 3 | Experimentation. Imagination is boundless. The law is not. (Chaotic) |
| 4 | Greed. Wealth is worth any of its consequences. (Evil) |
| 5 | Knowledge. A day’s learning is never done. (Neutral) |
| 6 | Mastery. Only in the relentless pursuit of perfection can one achieve excellence. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My master’s reputation was falsely ruined. I just need to prove it. |
| 2 | Alchemy may always be evolving, but I want to revolutionize it. |
| 3 | The thieves that stole my greatest work don’t know that I’m still after them. |
| 4 | The natural world is the source of my reagents, so my work must help protect it. |
| 5 | I know my craft can help heal and protect the meek. |
| 6 | I am a living library of knowledge, and seek an apprentice of my own. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | For all my work, I can’t save two coppers! |
| 2 | I’ll do whatever it takes to be the best and stay there. |
| 3 | I need to keep notes for everything, or I’m bound to forget. |
| 4 | Everything I’ve learned I stole from someone else. |
| 5 | Alchemy was not my first love, but it will be my last. |
| 6 | The accident that caused my master’s death wasn’t her fault—it was mine. |
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