I’m taking a small break from the equipment packs and starting a new series on character backgrounds. Backgrounds are not something that I gave much thought to when I started playing 5th edition. AD&D didn’t have a set of backgrounds or character histories, and many times your character came into existence with the opening campaign line “ So you are in a tavern….”. But the more I read about backgrounds and explored the possibilities, I’ve grown to appreciate what they can bring to a character and how it can influence the campaign, like when that horrible person from your past comes back to haunt you.

The Academic

The old saying is “Those who can’t do, teach.” but the academic is more than just a teacher. Part professor, part researcher, and part writer, the academic is unique as he has skills in multiple areas. Academics work in universities big and small, most of which are found in larger cities. Each academic specializes in one area, having studied for years to master that subject. They are required to teach a certain class load, all of which pertain to their area of expertise. When they are not teaching, the academic is expected to do research, write papers and have their books published. These books bring prestige to both the academic and the university, so there is a great deal of pressure to publish quality material as often as possible.

An academic can be played in a couple of ways. You could be a young professor that uses their research time to travel the land in search of knowledge, and by doing so get into all sorts of trouble. Maybe you are an older professor, tenured and without worry, but you long for some adventure in your life. You could be such great orator that your services are in demand and you travel the world doing guest lectures at other universities. The academic allows the player to pass along and use the knowledge of their area of expertise, but adventure and explore while doing their research. The options are endless.

So let’s take a look at the Academic and see what they can bring to the game.

For those that are tired of reading already:

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