The Majaatu

The Majaatu are a people of knowledge, adaptability, and craft, shaped by the deserts of Encara, where survival depended not just on strength, but on wisdom. They have always valued education, seeing learning as both a sacred duty and the foundation of prosperity. Among them, young Majaatu are expected to venture into the world, gather knowledge, and return home to enrich their ta'mjat, their vast extended families that form the core of their society. This drive has made them some of the most traveled, well-spoken, and resourceful of the Encaran diaspora.

Unlike many who mourn the loss of their homeland, the Majaatu see the Diaspora as a rite of passage—a trial of the soul on a grand scale. Just as a mother must release her children to grow, Encara has released its people into the multiverse. To the Majaatu, this is not a tragedy but an opportunity, a test of what they can build in this new world. Rather than lament what was lost, they turn their energy toward understanding and mastering Thaedros. They have settled in Yldan, near its centers of learning, trade, and governance, believing that the most important work is done where knowledge is shared.

Their artisans are among the finest alchemists and artificers, blending arcane knowledge with chemistry to push the boundaries of what magic and science can achieve together. From elixirs that can heal wounds to strange mechanical wonders that defy nature, the Majaatu craft solutions to the world's challenges. Their deep sense of curiosity and pragmatism makes them natural scholars, and many have taken leadership roles in research, engineering, and exploration.

Yet, their mission is not just academic. The wild magic of Thaedros is untamed, its ancient forces unpredictable. Some Majaatu believe that true mastery of this world lies not just in understanding its ruins, but in harnessing and refining its chaotic magic, bending it to the needs of civilization. Others whisper of deeper mysteries, of laws and forces even more fundamental than magic itself—mysteries that only the Majaatu, with their restless intellect, will be able to unravel.

To the Majaatu, Thaedros is a challenge, a puzzle to be solved, a text to be read, a grand alchemical experiment still in progress. The world is a classroom, and they are its most eager students. And, as always, when they have learned enough, they will pass their knowledge forward, ensuring that their people continue to thrive—not just as survivors, but as the architects of a future greater than any they left behind.

Racial Traits

Special Abilities

Orcish Endurance You can push yourself beyond normal limits. Once per long rest, when you are reduced to 0 hit points but not outright killed, you can drop to 1 hit point instead.

Tireless Scholar You have proficiency in Arcana or History (your choice).

Alchemical Ingenuity You gain proficiency with Alchemist's Supplies. Additionally, you can identify the properties of potions and alchemical substances by examining them for one minute.

Basic Traits

Languages You can speak, read, and write Common and Orcish.

Size Orcs typically stand between 6 and 7 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

Speed Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Backgrounds

Alchemical Savant

You trained in the great alchemical workshops of Yldan, mastering the fusion of magic and science to create potent elixirs and experimental compounds.

• Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Medicine
• Tool Proficiencies: Alchemist's Supplies, Glassblower's Tools
• Languages: One of your choice
• Feature: Experimental Formula - Once per long rest, you can craft a single-use potion of your choice from a predetermined list (such as a minor healing potion or an alchemical stimulant).
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Intelligence, +1 Constitution

Seeker of Lost Knowledge

Your thirst for discovery has driven you to explore ruins, decipher ancient texts, and recover lost artifacts that may hold the key to Thaedros' secrets.

• Skill Proficiencies: History, Investigation
• Tool Proficiencies: Cartographer's Tools, Calligrapher's Supplies
• Languages: One of your choice
• Feature: Cryptic Insight - You have advantage on checks to decipher codes, ancient writings, and magical inscriptions.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Intelligence, +1 Wisdom

Master Artificer

You studied the intricate mechanisms of Thaedros' emerging technology, blending magic and craftsmanship into one.

• Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Sleight of Hand
• Tool Proficiencies: Tinker's Tools, Smith's Tools
• Languages: One of your choice
• Feature: Ingenious Adaptation - You can jury-rig simple mechanical devices with scrap materials, allowing you to temporarily fix broken tools, locks, or minor constructs for a short duration.
• Ability Score Increases: +2 Intelligence, +1 Dexterity