Hermit (5e 2014)

Source: 2014 Player's Handbook (5e 2014).

You lived in seclusion – either in a sheltered community such as a monastery, or entirely alone – for a formative part of your life. In your time apart from the clamor of society, you found quiet, solitude, and perhaps some of the answers you were looking for.

Benefits

Feature	Details
Skill Proficiencies	Medicine Religion
Tool Proficiencies	Herbalism kit
Languages	One of your choice
Equipment	A scroll case Value:1gp Weight:1lb stuffed full of notes from your studies or prayers a winter blanket Value:5sp Weight:3lbs a set of common clothes Value:5sp Weight:3lbs an herbalism kit Value:5gp Weight:3lbs and 5gp Features Life of Seclusion What was the reason for your isolation and what changed to allow you to end your solitude? You can work with your DM to determine the exact nature of your seclusion or you can choose to roll on the table below to determine the reason behind your seclusion. d8 Life of Seclusion 1 I was searching for spiritual enlightenment. 2 I was partaking of communal living in accordance with the dictates of a religious order. 3 I was exiled for a crime I didn't commit. 4 I retreated from society after a life-altering event. 5 I needed a quiet place to work on my art literature music or manifesto. 6 I needed to commune with nature far from civilization. 7 I was the caretaker of an ancient ruin or relic. 8 I was a pilgrim in search of a person place or relic of spiritual significance. Discovery The quiet seclusion of your extended hermitage gave you access to a unique powerful discovery. The exact nature of this revelation depends on the nature of your seclusion. It might be a great truth about the cosmos the deities the powerful beings of the outer planes or the forces of nature. It could be a site that no one else has ever seen. You might have uncovered a fact that has long been forgotten or unearthed some relic of the past that could rewrite history. It might be information that would be damaging to the people who or consigned you to exile and hence the reason for your return to society. Work with your DM to determine the details of your discovery its impact on the campaign. Suggested Characteristics Some hermits are well suited to a life of seclusion whereas others chafe against it long for company. Whether they embrace solitude or long to escape it the solitary life shapes their attitudes ideals. A few are driven slightly mad by their years apart from society. Personality Traits d8 Personality Trait 1 I've been isolated for so long that I rarely speak preferring gestures the occasional grunt. 2 I am utterly serene even in the face of disaster. 3 The leader of my community had something wise to say on every topic and I am eager to share that wisdom. 4 I feel tremendous empathy for all who suffer. 5 I'm oblivious to etiquette social expectations. 6 I connect everything that happens to me to a grand cosmic plan. 7 I often get lost in my own thoughts contemplation becoming oblivious to my surroundings. 8 I am working on a grand philosophical theory love sharing my ideas. Ideals d6 Ideal 1 Greater Good. My gifts are meant to be shared with all not used for my own benefit. (Good) 2 Logic. Emotions must not cloud our sense of what is right true or our logical thinking. (Lawful) 3 Free Thinking. Inquiry curiosity are the pillars of progress. (Chaotic) 4 Power. Solitude contemplation are paths toward mystical or magical power. (Evil) 5 Live Let Live. Meddling in the affairs of others only causes trouble. (Neutral) 6 Self-Knowledge. If you know yourself there's nothing left to know. (Any) Bonds d6 Bond 1 Nothing is more important than the other members of my hermitage order or association. 2 I entered seclusion to hide from the ones who might still be hunting me. I must someday confront them. 3 I'm still seeking the enlightenment I pursued in my seclusion and it still eludes me. 4 I entered seclusion because I loved someone I could not have. 5 Should my discovery come to light it could bring ruin to the world. 6 My isolation gave me great insight into a great evil that only I can destroy. Flaws d6 Flaw 1 Now that I've returned to the world I enjoy its delights a little too much. 2 I harbor dark bloodthirsty thoughts that my isolation meditation failed to quell. 3 I am dogmatic in my thoughts philosophy. 4 I let my need to win arguments overshadow friendships harmony. 5 I'd risk too much to uncover a lost bit of knowledge. 6 I like keeping secrets won't share them with anyone. Other Hermits This hermit background assumes a contemplative sort of seclusion that allows room for study prayer. If you want to play a rugged wilderness recluse who lives off the land while shunning the company of other people look at the Outlander background. On the other hand if you want to go in a more religious direction the Acolyte might be what you're looking for. Or you could even be a Charlatan posing as a wise holy person letting pious fools support you.