Iconics: Erasmus of Brixellum
The fourth of the main iconics of this setting is Erasmus, representing the erudite mind of someone who is skilled in all the arts of knowledge, from magic to literature, astrology, alchemy and figurative arts. Notice most things in this setting come in four: four ecumanica seasons, four winds, four humours.
Many of the great intellectuals of this world, who can be qualified as polymaths, have followed religious paths, although this is not necessarily true. They could also be children of nobles, wealthy merchants, or apprentices who begin their careers in the workshop of some painter or higher-grade polymath, and then gain fame and wealth working for the great courts. The polymaths of this world are indifferently versed in various fields, particularly those of the arts, which are interesting for the player because they allow the creation of fascinating spells. By mixing the humors of the client with their own works, these can enjoy extraordinary capabilities. For example, a bishop might donate his yellow bile to be mixed with the powders and stuccoes of a sculpture to create a golem that protects a church. Each branch of knowledge opens up a wide variety of abilities that the polymath can use to support his spellcasting skills.
In 5E rules, this has ben temporarily translated in game terms as a “career” path for a wizard. Actually, this is a mix of bardic and artificer magic. The religious background can be chosen as well.
Erasmus of Brixíllum
Human male wizard 4, NG
Patron: The University of Ferrara
Sainthood: 0
Armor Class: 10 (no armor)
Hit Points: 28 (4d8 + 4)
Speed: 30 ft.
Ability Scores:
- Strength: 10 (+0)
- Dexterity: 10 (+0)
- Constitution: 12 (+1)
- Intelligence: 17 (+3)
- Wisdom: 14 (+2)
- Charisma: 13 (+1)
Skills:
- Medicine +6
- Arcana +6
- History +6
- Calligraphy +6
Senses:
- Passive Perception 14
Languages:
- Common
- Latin
- Greek
Equipment:
- Dagger
- Calligraphy kit
- Common clothes
- Belt pouch containing 10 GP
Features and Traits:
- Polymath Expertise: Erasmus possesses profound knowledge in diverse fields, including magic, literature, astrology, alchemy, and figurative arts. Basically he can roll with disadvantage to answer every kind of riddle be it historical or scientific.
- Artistic Magic: Capable of creating magical effects through art by mixing humors, be it his own of the committant.
- Astrological Insight: Skilled in astrology for guidance and predictions. He often helps Floramonda find a meaning to her predictions.
- Alchemical Affinity: Competent in creating various alchemical potions and substances, as per the Feat.
- Patronage of The University: Access to resources and knowledge from The University of Ferrara and schools on Estense territory (the region of Emilia-Romagna).
Actions:
- Dagger: Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 1d4 piercing damage.
Spellcasting:
- Spellcasting Ability: Intelligence (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks)
- Cantrips (at will): Light, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand
- 1st level (4 slots): Identify, Shield, Mage Armor, Magic Missile
- 2nd level (3 slots): Misty Step, Mirror Image, [an additional 2nd level spell of choice]
Personality: Erasmus is a profoundly curious and intellectually vigorous individual, deeply immersed in a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. His mind, always eager to explore the unknown, is a vast repository of information on a myriad of subjects. He relishes engaging in stimulating discussions on topics ranging from the esoteric aspects of magic to the intricate theories of the arts and sciences. Erasmus’s creativity is boundless, often leading him to devise innovative solutions to complex problems.
History: Born into a rich family renowned for its scholarly achievements, Erasmus was exposed to an environment rich in learning from an early age. His early years in Brixíllum were marked by rigorous academic discipline in a Benedictine monastery, setting the foundation for his insatiable thirst for knowledge. He later attended the prestigious University of Ferrara, where he distinguished himself as an exceptional student, excelling across diverse fields of study. His academic journey was not just limited to traditional learning; it also involved extensive research in magical practices, alchemy, and the arts. Erasmus was offered a religious career but declined, preferring a life of adventure with a mercenary company at the age of 30. He is now 65 and his bones ache terribly, his health is in rapid decline and suffers from a lot of illnesses which he can cure mostly by himself with herbs and sometimes pagan remedies he sometimes resorts to including amulets and mulled wines with spices and alchemical components.
Description: Dressed in attire that befits his status as a polymath, Erasmus often wears robes that are both practical for his work and reflective of his scholarly prestige. He is frequently seen with various tools of his trade – from alchemical apparatuses to ancient tomes and manuscripts – evidencing his multifaceted interests and ongoing engagements in various scholarly pursuits. His demeanor is one of contemplation and focus, often lost in thought or deeply engaged in his studies. He carries a huge chest with him that hold tools of his trade including glassware for examining humors and astrological tools.
Erasmus of Brixíllum
Human male wizard 4, NG
Patron: The University of Ferrara
Sainthood: 0
Armor Class: 10 (no armor)
Hit Points: 28 (4d8 + 4)
Speed: 30 ft.
Ability Scores:
- Strength: 10 (+0)
- Dexterity: 10 (+0)
- Constitution: 12 (+1)
- Intelligence: 17 (+3)
- Wisdom: 14 (+2)
- Charisma: 13 (+1)
Skills:
- Medicine +6
- Arcana +6
- History +6
- Calligraphy +6
Senses:
- Passive Perception 14
Languages:
- Common
- Latin
- Greek
Equipment:
- Dagger
- Calligraphy kit
- Common clothes
- Belt pouch containing 10 GP
Features and Traits:
- Polymath Expertise: Erasmus possesses profound knowledge in diverse fields, including magic, literature, astrology, alchemy, and figurative arts. Basically he can roll with disadvantage to answer every kind of riddle be it historical or scientific.
- Artistic Magic: Capable of creating magical effects through art by mixing humors, be it his own of the committant.
- Astrological Insight: Skilled in astrology for guidance and predictions. He often helps Floramonda find a meaning to her predictions.
- Alchemical Affinity: Competent in creating various alchemical potions and substances, as per the Feat.
- Patronage of The University: Access to resources and knowledge from The University of Ferrara and schools on Estense territory (the region of Emilia-Romagna).
- Erudite Spellcasting: Erasmus has developed a unique style of spellcasting that combines his extensive knowledge and understanding of multiple fields. When casting a spell, he can choose to add his proficiency bonus to the spell attack roll or the spell save DC.
- Versatile Scholar: Erasmus’s vast range of knowledge allows him to learn and comprehend spells from a wide variety of sources. He can choose one additional spell from any class’s spell list to add to his spellbook at each wizard level-up.
Actions:
- Dagger: Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 1d4 piercing damage.
Spellcasting:
- Spellcasting Ability: Intelligence (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks)
- Cantrips (at will): Light, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand
- 1st level (4 slots): Identify, Shield, Mage Armor, Magic Missile
- 2nd level (3 slots): Misty Step, Mirror Image, [an additional 2nd level spell of choice]
Personality: Erasmus is a profoundly curious and intellectually vigorous individual, deeply immersed in a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. His mind, always eager to explore the unknown, is a vast repository of information on a myriad of subjects. He relishes engaging in stimulating discussions on topics ranging from the esoteric aspects of magic to the intricate theories of the arts and sciences. Erasmus’s creativity is boundless, often leading him to devise innovative solutions to complex problems.
History: Born into a rich family renowned for its scholarly achievements, Erasmus was exposed to an environment rich in learning from an early age. His early years in Brixíllum were marked by rigorous academic discipline in a Benedictine monastery, setting the foundation for his insatiable thirst for knowledge. He later attended the prestigious University of Ferrara, where he distinguished himself as an exceptional student, excelling across diverse fields of study. His academic journey was not just limited to traditional learning; it also involved extensive research in magical practices, alchemy, and the arts. Erasmus was offered a religious career but declined, preferring a life of adventure with a mercenary company at the age of 30. He is now 65 and his bones ache terribly, his health is in rapid decline and suffers from a lot of illnesses he can cure mostly by himself with herbs and sometimes pagan remedies he sometimes resorts to including amulets and mulled wines with spices and alchemical components.
Description: Dressed in attire that befits his status as a polymath, Erasmus often wears robes that are both practical for his work and reflective of his scholarly prestige. He is frequently seen with various tools of his trade – from alchemical apparatuses to ancient tomes and manuscripts – evidencing his multifaceted interests and ongoing engagements in various scholarly pursuits. His demeanor is one of contemplation and focus, often lost in thought or deeply engaged in his studies. He carries a huge chest with him that holds tools of his trade including glassware for examining humors and astrological tools.
