Some individuals seek isolation not out of exile, but out of choice. The Hermit background represents those who have chosen to remove themselves from society in order to pursue a deeper understanding of the world or their place in it. Whether driven by a desire for self-discovery, a spiritual calling, or the need to escape the noise and distractions of civilization, the Hermit has found peace in the quiet corners of the world. Their time spent in isolation has molded them into self-sufficient individuals, capable of surviving in the harshest environments and thriving where others might falter.

In solitude, a Hermit becomes intimately connected to nature, learning its secrets and rhythms, and often forming strong bonds with the animals and the land itself. This period of isolation is not without hardship, however. The Hermit’s strength is not only drawn from their survival skills but also from their inner resilience. Years spent alone building shelter, foraging for food, and enduring the elements have forged their body and mind. The Hermit is as tough as the wilds they’ve come to know, their connection to the land giving them a profound understanding of the world around them.

While some Hermits might walk the world in search of enlightenment or a divine calling, others seek to escape the burdens of society or the trauma of past events. Whether they are solitary mystics, reclusive scholars, or simply individuals in search of peace, the Hermit’s time alone grants them wisdom and insight that others may lack. Their solitude has often led them to develop a unique relationship with the divine, a quiet connection that fuels their magical abilities or inner peace. A Hermit’s bond with the natural world can manifest in strange and unexpected ways, such as a deep connection to an animal companion or an ability to harness divine magic without a formal religious order.

A life of isolation has its price, and a Hermit’s journey often leads them to a profound understanding of themselves. Yet the quiet of their solitude can become a double-edged sword—while they may have gained clarity in their own mind, they might struggle to relate to others. Their inner peace, while valuable, can be unsettling for those who have not walked the same path. The Hermit walks the world, often with only the wisdom of their own experience as a guide, ready to share their insights—or their silence—with those they meet.

When you select this background, add seven points to your Wisdom score and five points to your Strength score. In addition, you may distribute eight points among any of your other attribute scores. No single attribute may receive more than four points.

Stamina: A Hermit begins play with 30 stamina, plus an amount equal to your Strength bonus.

Recovery Dice: When you select Hermit as your background, you gain two eight-sided dice (2d8) as Recovery dice. This is in addition to any Recovery dice you gained due to your ancestry.

Defences: Add two training ranks to your Will defence.

Place one training rank in the Insight, Perception and Survival skills. In addition, choose any two additional skills from the following list: Athletics, Crafting, Medicine, Stealth, Unarmed Combat. Place one training rank in each of the selected skills.

Choose one of the following traits, and add it to your character. In addition, the following traits are available to your character as Basic traits, regardless of their base class.

• Animal Companion
• Divine Magic
• Introspective
• Mask of the Wild
• Self-Sufficient
• Wilderness Endurance

The following traits are available to your character as Expert traits, regardless of their base class.

You begin play with the following equipment:

• 100 silver coins.