Monstrozoologist
A monstrozoologist is a scientist dedicated to researching and classifying all things monstrous. They are almost always out in the field, frantically scribbling down notes about monsters' behaviors, habits, and potentialities. Some are travelers who roam the globe to experience a variety of creatures, while others may opt to return home after a day in the field to a study brimming with books, journals, and loose papers. Regardless of their travel distance, many go to sometimes dangerous lengths in the pursuit of monstrous knowledge. Any piece of information that helps one unlock the secrets of monsters is coveted above all else by any well-made monstrozoologist.
Society's view on monstrozoologists is extremely divisive. On one hand, many people regard them as completely necessary, harmless individuals who work for the betterment of the safety of the typical citizen. On the other, they are seen as quack conspiracy theorists who steal money guised as grants from governments and other centralized organizations. Thus, even the most ethical and proper monstrozoologist is bound to face scrutiny and criticism in his lifetime.
- Stat Options (choose either +2 in one stat and +1 in another, OR +1 in all three): Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom
- Skill Proficiencies (your choice of TWO): Animal Handling, Nature, Stealth
- Tool Proficiencies: One Artisan Tool of choice.
- Languages: Two Standard languages of choice. (Two Exotic languages can be taken in place of Artisan Tool.)
- Background Keepsake: A notebook with your findings on your Area of Expertise (see below)
- Background Gold: 10gp.
Origin Trait
Origin Researcher
When doing Out of Quest Research with a skill you are proficient in, you spend 1 less downtime on the research. This increases to 2 less downtime at 5th level.
Other
Area of Expertise
You have dedicated most of your life to the profession, or perhaps you are just a fledgling in the field; regardless, you are knowledgeable in a specific subset of monsters. When choosing an area of expertise, ask yourself the following questions: why have you become so obsessed with those monsters? Are you a hunter or protector of a certain society and need to know everything about your specific prey? Are you looking to master and control these types of beings? Or perhaps you need knowledge for a mission or personal interest? An important note is to always keep location in mind; it would not make much sense for someone who lives in the highest mountains to be extremely familiar with monsters of the Underdark.
| D6 | Type of Monster |
| 1 | Beast |
| 2 | Dragon |
| 3 | Fey |
| 4 | Monstrosity |
| 5 | Ooze |
| 6 | Plant |
Personality
Please select TWO from the list below.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have a knack for avoiding danger when interacting with monsters in my expertise- whether it be soothing them or simply always being mindful. |
| 2 | I have surprisingly good mimicry skills when it comes to monsters I'm familiar with. |
| 3 | I have endless quips and puns about monsters. |
| 4 | In order to constantly and alertly research- I have a personal hoard of energy-giving supplements. And no- you may not have any. |
| 5 | I go against commonly-acknowledged intelligence- following my gut instinct in the search for alternative monstrozoological facts. |
| 6 | Due to a lot of practice in my journals- I have become adept in caricature sketching. |
| 7 | My sleep schedule is nonexistent- as I perform my best research at night- but I share my findings with colleagues during the day. |
| 8 | I'm convinced that people are always trying to steal my books and research notes. |
Ideal
Please select one from the list below.
| d6 | Ideal Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | Understanding. Through the knowledge of those unlike us- we may begin to draw the lines of our interconnectedness. |
| 2 | Conservation. It is up to us in higher positions of power to ensure the survival of creatures unlike us. |
| 3 | Weaponization. Monsters must be utilized in ways useful to us as tools. |
| 4 | Profit. Through my tedious research- I hope to achieve riches far beyond my current means. |
| 5 | Occultism. My insight in my area of monstrozoology expertise helps aid the one I worship. |
| 6 | Self-Gain. Regardless of the means- my end is every piece of knowledge from every monster I cross paths with. |
Bond
Please select one from the list below.
| d6 | Bond Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I was once almost slain by a monster. I keep a trophy of it with me to remember not everything is benevolent. |
| 2 | My loved one disappeared into the night- and people blame a particular type of monster. I will give my everything through research to find if it's the culprit. |
| 3 | I am blackmailed into researching monsters for a shadow organization. I work furiously to break free from the obligation. |
| 4 | A distant relative passed down a dusty journal filled with unfinished monstrozoology research. I plan on completing it and adding some of my own entries. |
| 5 | I have a trinket box filled with specimen samples of all sorts of monsters. With each monster I complete research on- I take a piece of them with me to celebrate and reminisce. |
| 6 | My family's legacy is tied to an order that seeks to dominate the world using the untapped power of monsters. Whether I like it or not- I am bound by blood to carry out the same will. |
Flaw
Please select one from the list below.
| d6 | Flaw Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | While I excel in understanding monsters- I fail to contribute properly in social settings. |
| 2 | A typical reaction to monsters would be to run and hide. Even with the most fearsome ones- I tend to stay nearby and take notes. |
| 3 | My ambition sometimes leads to the endangerment or sabotage of fellow monstrozoologists. |
| 4 | I believe many monstrozoologists perform unethical experiments on monsters- and I bear the guilt even though I'm innocent. |
| 5 | I believe my own research is greater than anyone else's to a fault. It takes a lot of convincing to prove otherwise. |
| 6 | My trust in monsters can blind me to the risks I take in the field. |
