Explorer

Explorers pursue an isolated lifestyle traversing the wilds, driven by wanderlust or the orders of a distant patron. For an Explorer, there is no greater pursuit than to discover the lost, forgotten, and unseen reaches of the world. They may travel unaccompanied or with companions, establishing large encampments in remote areas that others would deem uninhabitable. Explorers are often employed by rulers who wish to know more about the world.

**Skill Proficiency:** Survival.

**Additional Equipment:** a compass, mapmaking tools including a quill, ink, parchment, calipers, and a ruler.

**Known Shelters**

Upon spending an hour searching, and succeeding on a medium-DC Wisdom (Survival) check, you can determine the direction and approximate location of the nearest humanoid settlement. This includes people who might not be accommodating such as bandits, druids, and hostile cultures. The inhabitants of the location are initially friendly to you and your allies, and they will let you seek shelter and trade among them.

## Rank 1 - Wanderer

As a child, you were gripped by an insatiable wanderlust that caused you to range further from home in pursuit of new adventures, exploring the wilds of neighboring forests and setting rudimentary traps to catch small game. Now you know more about the region than perhaps anyone else.

**Holdings:**

A hidden stash within the wilds of your choice, containing rations, medical supplies, fresh water, and weapons.

A letter from an old friend describing an anomaly within the wilds of your choice.

**Progression:**

Discover an anomaly and its location.

## Rank 2 - Pathfinder

Merchants and travelers, learning of you by reputation, hire you as a guide through dangerous and remote terrain. You may also be recruited by m,military entities to advise on which routes will enable them to travel quickly and undetected in enemy territory.

**Holdings:**

Detailed knowledge of your chosen wilderness, including locations of interest and danger.

A contract with a local guild or faction to guide members through the area.

**Progression:**

Establish a new road or trade route between known settlements or landmarks that is safe to travel.

## Rank 3 - Royal Surveyor

You are commissioned by the office of a ruler or provincial leader to chart regions unknown to them. Your expertise in navigating the wilds and uncovering their secrets has made you highly sought-after.

**Holdings:**

Resources provided to you by your clients, to assist in your exploration.

An assistant cartographer, scribe, or other related profession.

Maps and charts that have been procured by your assistant, detailing hidden routes.

**Progression:**

Complete and exploration mission of great notoriety, commissioned by a Monarch or other regional leader.

## Rank 4 - Master of the Horizon

Whether under the banner of a nation or for your own glory, you lead an exploration company into the unknown. You understand the hidden secrets of the natural world, and have discovered ways to venture into parallel planes of existence. With an entire company of explorers behind you, your adventure will be awe-inspiring.

**Holdings:**

If your campaign permits it, you know of gateways to other plains of existence.

An ancient map leading to a lost landmark of great importance. It may contain wealth, power, or knowledge.

An exploration company of skilled and unskilled hirelings, including labourers, soldiers, academics, carpenters, and many other professions.

A port or encampment at a strategic location that acts as a frontier post from which you launch exploration missions.

Outlander

* Beast Hunter
* Pioneer

Other Advanced Backgrounds