Dungeoneer (5e Background)
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Dungeoneer[edit]
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| "Dungeon Delver" by Edgar Sánchez Hidalgo |
The whims of mad wizards take form in towering spires filled with arcane wonders, secretive sects build temples to their inscrutable gods, and vast catacombs are filled with the dearly departed. All these grandiose constructions fall to to the inexorable march of time. The world is filled with various locations containing secrets both magnificent and best left undisturbed. For those willing to crawl around in the dark recesses of dungeons and underground labyrinths, the allure of forgotten secrets and hidden wealth is irresistible.
Dungeoneering is a profession steeped in curiosity, and your journey began with a singular fascination for the mysteries hidden within these ancient vaults. Perhaps you stumbled upon a long-forgotten map, hinting at riches waiting to be claimed. Or maybe, an encounter with a grizzled veteran dungeoneer sparked a flame of curiosity within you. Regardless of the catalyst, your pursuit of the unknown has become a way of life. Whether driven by curiosity, a lust for treasure, or the thrill of facing the unknown, you have taken on the profession of a dungeoneer, a seeker of the extraordinary in the darkest corners of the world.
When making a dungeoneer, consider how your journey in this profession started out and why. What drew you into these lost crypts? Was it a quest for legendary treasures, a desire to uncover the secrets of a bygone civilization, or perhaps an innate wanderlust that found solace in the passageways of the darkest dungeons? Did you have any mentors and guides who imparted essential wisdom for navigating dungeons? What encounters in the depths left a mark on your character? Are you motivated by the thrill of adventure, a thirst for knowledge, or a more personal quest entwined with your past?
Skill Proficiencies: Choose two from among History, Investigation, or Perception
Tool Proficiencies: Thieves' Tools
Languages: One of your choice
Equipment: A hooded lantern, 5 pieces of chalk, a bag of sand, a 1 ounce bottle of ink, an ink pen, a weather-resistant journal, a trinket you recovered from your first dungeon delve, and a pouch containing 10 gp
Roles[edit]
Although dungeoneering is a profession that can be practiced solo, most dungeon delvers resolve to form small groups comprised of specialists trained in a certain aspect of the craft. Some are highly skilled in solving the riddles and puzzles left to perplex intruders, while others train to identify, avoid, and disarm traps designed to maim and kill would-be plunderers.
| d6 | Roles |
|---|---|
| 1 | Treasure Hunter |
| 2 | Trapmaster |
| 3 | Cartographer |
| 4 | Ancient Scholar |
| 5 | Antiquarian |
| 6 | Enigmatologist |
Feature: Subterranean Savant[edit]
In your adventures through ancient ruins and forgotten caverns, you have cultivated a profound understanding of the architectural nuances of various societies and civilizations. By examining the architectural styles, construction materials, and the wear and tear of the environment, you can estimate the approximate age of a dungeon and discern clues about its original purpose or who built it. In addition, you have a knack for keeping track of time and finding your way in the darkness. When in a dungeon, you can always recall the general layout of tunnels and passageways, and you know roughly how much time has passed without need of the sky or a clock.
Suggested Characteristics[edit]
A life spent exploring dungeons in search of treasure troves attracts people willing to take greats risks in search of great reward. Dungeoneers tend to be meticulous in their actions, as even one minor mistake can have grave consequences in a dungeon. However, the reward is so great that dungeoneers are vulnerable to succumbing to greed, selfishness, or paranoia.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I am incredibly superstitious and always follow a set of rituals before entering a dungeon. |
| 2 | I always have a backup plan for when things go awry. |
| 3 | My eyes are always scanning my surroundings. |
| 4 | I enjoy challenging myself and others to solve riddles or puzzles. |
| 5 | I never turn down a challenge, no matter how dangerous. |
| 6 | I have a tendency to speak in whispers, as if the walls might be listening. |
| 7 | I map every location I visit, no matter how insignificant. |
| 8 | I can't resist pocketing a small item or trinket from every dungeon I enter. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Discovery. I seek to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the surface, if only just for the experience. (Neutral) |
| 2 | Justice. I believe in using the treasures and knowledge found in ancient ruins for the betterment of society. (Good) |
| 3 | Knowledge. I am devoted to the meticulous preservation of historical knowledge and lore found within ancient ruins. (Lawful) |
| 4 | Freedom. Ancient ruins are a playground for those who dare to challenge the status quo, and I believe in using the secrets unearthed to empower individuals and spark change. (Chaotic) |
| 5 | Dominance. Power is the ultimate currency, and dungeons are the vaults that hold it. I will use the wealth and artifacts found within to amass personal power and influence, regardless of the consequences for others. (Evil) |
| 6 | Fame. I seek to become the greatest dungeoneer ever known, surpassing all who came before me. (Neutral) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | I lost a close friend or mentor in the depths, and I am driven to uncover the truth behind their disappearance. |
| 2 | These dungeons hold the key to a personal mystery, and I will not rest until I solve it. |
| 3 | I owe my life to a fellow dungeoneer who saved me from a deadly trap. |
| 4 | I have a deep connection to a specific ancient city or civilization. |
| 5 | I possess a mysterious trinket from a long-forgotten civilization. |
| 6 | A cryptic map in my possession points to a legendary underground artifact. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I have a reckless streak and often charge headlong into danger without thinking. |
| 2 | I find it hard to relate to other people, having spent most of my time alone in dungeons. |
| 3 | My obsession with treasure often leads me to take unnecessary risks. |
| 4 | I have a deep-seated fear of the dark. |
| 5 | I trust no one completely, always wondering if my companions are plotting to cheat me out of my share of the loot. |
| 6 | I am overly cautious, often second-guessing my decisions. |
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