The Human Encyclopedia: The Scholar Wizard Subclass

Xavier glared at Ganor for the thousandth time. The barbarian wanted a flame for light and the books were the obvious source. The barbarian just want to fulfill a pyromaniac urge, but the scholar needed the books to solve the riddle before them and allow them freedom from the cell they were in. He looked at the books, his background in history helping to figure out which book held the answer to their predicament, and by chance he picked the right book. He translated a passage, and discovered that the solution to the riddle required mixing the chemicals in the right order. He smiled at the memory of his mentor Sandrarius, who had drilled basic alchemy into his head, and through the mixture at the given target.

The door opened, revealing a passage leading to sunlight.

Not everyone is interested in combat or role-playing. Some players want to play scholars exploring ruins and gathering information. Others want to be the reckless hero solving weird, antique puzzles. And then there are those who like going through old scrolls, books, and tablets looking for ancient secrets. This subclass was created for those individuals, with their additional skills and access to ancient languages. Even a bard has limitations on its skills, and a scholar in the group can help deal with the odd language that crops up. If the barbarian is the ultimate example of strength, the scholar is the ultimate example of knowledge.

These individuals round out the party pretty well, granting access to skills and information most characters don’t want to deal with. Even at lower levels, a scholar can give a party a hefty advantage when going through ancient ruins, dealing with foreign lands, and comprehending esoteric riddles.

[Design Considerations: This subclass is the DM’s best friend as it allows him a more efficient way to give the party information. Obviously, Intelligence and Wisdom are the best abilities for this subclass. Keen Mind should be your first feat selected, with the Chef, Crafter, Healer, Skilled, and Skill Expert feats being looked at. If you can pick up the Stealth skill, your life will be a lot easier. You should also stock up on divination spells. This character is also going to amass a library of scrolls, books, and tablets, so you may want to find a place to keep them. Master Sage may seem underwhelming, but it’s balanced by the other abilities gained. If you’re into multi-classing, bard (College of Lore) is a natural fit, especially if you take the bard first. Rogue or ranger would also be a good fit as well, considering their skills of sneaking about.]

Level 3: Bonus Proficiences

You gain proficiency with three skills of your choice that depend on Intelligence or Wisdom. You also gain proficiency with calligrapher’s supplies.

Level 3: Human Encyclopedia

If you are not proficient in a skill based on Intelligence or Wisdom, you can add half your Proficiency Bonus to the check. You can also add that bonus to any of the tool kits listed here: alchemist’s supplies, cartographer’s tools, herbalism kit, and navigator’s tools.

Level 6: Language Master

Choose a number of languages equal to your Intelligence bonus; you are proficient in those languages. At least half of them (round up) must be rare languages. If your Intelligence bonus increases, you gain more languages. You can also affect a translation of short passages of Intelligence bonus x 10 words given an hour; the roll is Arcana (DC 20).

Level 10: Font of Knowledge

Due to your studies and travel, you have a good general knowledge. You have Advantage with any proficiency check based on Intelligence or Wisdom. You can use this ability a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus; you regain used attempts with a long rest.

Level 14: Master Sage

Choose three skills: You gain Expertise with those skills.