Buy me a coffeeMichael Scot, Archmage of the Mystic Arts
“Unravel the mysteries of Michael Scot: Scholar, Sorcerer, or Supernatural Sage?”
- Alias: Michael Scotus, Michael the Sorcerer
- Gender: Male
- Race: Human
- Occupation: Scholar, Philosopher, Astrologer, Alchemist, reputed Sorcerer
- Religion: Likely Christian, but with an interest in the occult and mystical
- Allies: Scholars, nobles, rulers who seek his counsel
- Enemies: Those who fear or oppose his alleged sorcerous abilities
- Abode/Base of Operations: Various locations across Europe, including Scotland, Oxford, and Paris
- Nationality: Scottish
- Languages: English, Latin (proficient), Arabic (knowledgeable for translation work), possibly others depending on his travels and studies
- Alignment: Neutral, leaning towards Lawful due to his pursuit of knowledge and understanding
- Affiliation(s): Associated with centers of learning and royal courts where he served as an advisor
- Significant Others: None specifically mentioned in historical records
Michael Scot, often known as “Michael Scotus,” was a renowned scholar, philosopher, astrologer, and reputed sorcerer. His life is shrouded in mystery and myth, blending historical accounts with fantastical tales of his magical prowess.
Life Story: Born in Scotland, Michael Scot displayed an exceptional intellect from a young age. He received a comprehensive education in the liberal arts, theology, and philosophy, eventually earning the title of “Magister” or master. His insatiable thirst for knowledge led him to study in renowned centers of learning across Europe, including Oxford and Paris.
Michael Scot’s reputation as a scholar and translator flourished, particularly for his translations of Arabic texts into Latin. He translated numerous scientific and philosophical works, including those of Aristotle and Averroes, contributing significantly to the transmission of knowledge from the Arab world to Western Europe during the Middle Ages.
However, it was Michael Scot’s rumored dabbling in the occult and alchemy that fueled his notoriety. Tales of his sorcerous abilities spread far and wide, with stories claiming he could summon spirits, predict the future, and even turn water into wine—a feat that earned him the epithet “Michael Scot, the Burning Water.”
Despite his scholarly achievements, Michael Scot’s association with the occult brought him both admiration and suspicion. Some hailed him as a visionary and sage, while others viewed him with fear and suspicion, branding him a practitioner of black magic.
Exploits and Achievements:
- Translated numerous Arabic texts into Latin, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge in medieval Europe.
- Gained renown as an astrologer, philosopher, and alchemist.
- Accrued a reputation for his purported supernatural abilities, including divination, alchemy, and magical healing.
- Served as an advisor to rulers and nobles, offering counsel on matters of governance, astrology, and the occult.
- Allegedly performed miraculous feats, such as predicting the weather and curing ailments through magical means.
Description and Motivations: Michael Scot is depicted as a figure of enigmatic charm and scholarly wisdom. His piercing gaze and austere demeanor betray a mind accustomed to probing the depths of both knowledge and the arcane. Beneath his scholarly facade lies a keen curiosity for the mysteries of the universe, driving him to explore the realms of both the tangible and the supernatural.
Motivated by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to unlock the secrets of the cosmos, Michael Scot’s pursuits often straddle the line between the rational and the mystical. While his scholarly endeavors seek to uncover the underlying principles of existence, his fascination with the occult beckons him into realms beyond the realm of reason.
Fear and Ambitions: Michael Scot harbors a fear of ignorance and stagnation, compelled by an insatiable hunger for knowledge and enlightenment. He is driven by a desire to unravel the mysteries of existence, to decipher the cosmic order, and to harness the forces of the universe for the betterment of humankind. Yet, lurking beneath his intellectual pursuits lies a fear of the unknown, the unseen, and the unknowable—a fear that both propels him forward and haunts his deepest thoughts.
Legacy: Michael Scot’s legacy endures through the annals of history, immortalized in both scholarly works and folklore. Revered as a visionary intellect and reviled as a practitioner of dark arts, his life continues to captivate the imagination of generations, leaving behind a legacy of mystery, wisdom, and wonder.
Michael Scot
Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral
Armor Class 12 (mage armor)
Hit Points 88 (16d8 + 16)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (+0) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) |
Saving Throws Int +8, Wis +7
Skills Arcana +8, History +8, Insight +7
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages English, Latin, Arabic, Draconic, Celestial, Infernal
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Spellcasting. Michael Scot is a 9th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following wizard spells prepared:
- Cantrips (at will): mage hand, prestidigitation, ray of frost
- 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, mage armor, magic missile, shield
- 2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, invisibility, mirror image
- 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, dispel magic, fireball
- 4th level (3 slots): dimension door, greater invisibility
- 5th level (2 slots): dominate person, teleportation circle
Arcane Recovery (1/Day). Once per day when Michael Scot finishes a short rest, he can choose expended spell slots to recover. The spell slots can have a combined level that is equal to or less than 5th level.
Magical Lore. Michael Scot has advantage on Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to identify or understand the properties of magical items.
Master of Alchemy. Michael Scot can craft potions and magical items requiring the Arcane Alchemy feat in half the normal time and for half the cost.
Innate Knowledge. Michael Scot is proficient in Arcana and History checks, and he can speak, read, and write Celestial and Infernal.
Alchemical Arsenal. Michael Scot is proficient with alchemical tools and can use them to create various alchemical substances, including acids, poisons, and potions.
Spellbook. Michael Scot has a spellbook containing various spells that he has learned over the years. He can add new spells to his spellbook by spending time and money to transcribe them from scrolls or other spellbooks.
Actions
Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d6) bludgeoning damage.
Arcane Bolt. Ranged Spell Attack: +8 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (6d6) force damage.
Reactions
Shield. Michael Scot casts the shield spell as a reaction when he is hit by an attack or targeted by a magic missile spell.
Equipment
- Quarterstaff
- Spellbook
- Components Pouch
- Scholar’s Robes
- Arcane Focus (Crystal Orb)
Legendary Actions
Michael Scot can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Michael Scot regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
- Arcane Burst (Costs 2 Actions). Michael Scot casts a 3rd-level spell from his spell list without expending a spell slot.
- Disrupt Magic (Costs 3 Actions). Michael Scot targets one creature within 60 feet of him that he can see. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Intelligence saving throw or be affected as if by the dispel magic spell.
Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Michael Scot takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects:
- Summon Familiar. Michael summons an invisible stalker to aid him in battle.
- Alchemical Distraction. Michael Scot creates a cloud of alchemical smoke that fills a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on a point he can see within 120 feet of him. The area is heavily obscured for 1 minute or until a wind of moderate or greater speed (at least 10 miles per hour) disperses it.
Description
Michael Scot is a middle-aged wizard with a stern expression and piercing blue eyes. He wears scholarly robes adorned with various arcane symbols and carries a quarterstaff adorned with intricate carvings. Despite his advanced age, he maintains a keen intellect and a sharp wit, always ready to uncover the mysteries of the arcane and explore the depths of ancient lore.