Archetype: The Scholar - LunarNeil/Call-of-Cthulhu-Campaign GitHub Wiki

The Archetypal Scholar is a multidisciplinary thinker, spending long hours in the examination of knowledge and the evaluation of ancient philosophies. They are quintessential academics and intellectuals, capable of citing subjects from vastly different fields. Scholars are the first to find it strange when a recent archaeological find discovers symbols normally associated with the death god of an ancient culture half-way across the world, and research these clues with mounting dread as they begin to create a single menacing narrative.

The defining characteristic of a Scholar Archetype is their love of knowledge. They have a recreational interest in a wide variety of subjects that they know a great deal about, and often a professional position in some academic field. In most genres they are supporting characters to start the hero on their journey, but in horror the Scholar's great knowledge is usually the only weapon the characters have.

Their Archetypal struggle is one of guidance and caring for others. Scholars need not be friendly, or gentle, but they do often see themselves as working in the best interests of humanity. They do not seek power or wide acclaim, though they may strive to do the best they can and enjoy some recognition for their efforts. They seek to advise, not to intervene, but in this game they often have no choice. Their knowledge may be so obscure or their predictions so fantastical that nobody else will believe them.

Scholars are great Archetypes for players looking for a character with incredible knowledge and flexibility. Scholars are excellent at exploring mysterious circumstances and uncovering ancient secrets, two of the main kinds of fun to be had. They are a bit older than your average hero as well, so turning a dusty antiquarian into a seasoned monster hunter is an interesting challenge in itself.