Character Concept: Archaeologist

[Feanor]

Granted Glorelendil, im not arguing that. I just think that a High-elven character interested in history, lore and craft, and who hasnt given up on the epics and wonders of the first and second age, could certainly have a good reason to go out and explore. Which WAS my point.

Its very obvious to me, that the heroic characters who are adventurers, would certianly have a bit of a different take on the world and their role in it against he shadow, in ( not necessarily ) conflict with the rest of their kin. Or they COULD have, rather.

[Glorelendil]

I think Insight would be crucial for an archaeologist--sure you might find the stuff, but how do you interpret it? A good wits score would probably help too.

Oh, I missed this point. Entirely agree.

There was a satirical illustrated book from the late 70's or early 80's that was the story of archaeologists of the future unearthing a 20th century strip motel, and hilariously misinterpreting the "artifacts" they found.

Found it:
Motel of the Mysteries

[Rich H]

I think Insight would be crucial for an archaeologist--sure you might find the stuff, but how do you interpret it? A good wits score would probably help too.

Oh, I missed this point. Entirely agree.

Insight is related to reading people not objects so Rue's suggestion isn't as per the RAW. You want to work out the use of an unknown object? I'd go with Craft or Riddle.

[Glorelendil]

I think Insight would be crucial for an archaeologist--sure you might find the stuff, but how do you interpret it? A good wits score would probably help too.

Oh, I missed this point. Entirely agree.

Insight is related to reading people not objects so Rue's suggestion isn't as per the RAW. You want to work out the use of an unknown object? I'd go with Craft or Riddle.

Yeah, fair enough. I just re-read the description of Insight. I keep hoping/wishing it had some broader use, but you're right, it doesn't.

Then again, Explore, Search, Lore, and Riddle is already a long enough list for my archaeologist.

When are they going to add Whip skill to the game?

[Finrod Felagund]

"Archaeologist" sounds a bit modern to me.

How about "Antiquarian" instead? Has a bit more of an antique tone that fits LoTR better IMO.

[Elmoth]

I can see a treasure hunting elf that works like an archeologist, but he might disregard the knowledge of the area and its decayed buildings as in yeah, we already know everything about the place: I was here when it was an active town, you know? However there are some stuff that would be nice to get, like those shinny rings or this or that item that did that thing we liked/found useful". So in a sense, an elf might be a more practical-oriented treasure digger than a human that might be awed by an old ruin. The eklf will respect them, but not consider them that important. In fact they might eb paingful to him as a reminder of the encroaching shadow and great things lost.

[Kurt]

In the American West houses and other things from the early half of the 20th century are considered "historical" and put in museums and protected by historical landmark laws. Europeans, and even Americans from the east, often find this amusing. Stuff that isn't even 100 years old just doesn't seem that old.

I like this point. If I was playing an Archaeologist my culture/race would certainly be a determining factor in what he would consider to be relevant for Archaeological purposes. An elf may consider that items from the First Age relevant and important, whereas a Human would be ecstatic to learn about the Second Age, or even the beginning of the Third Age. There would also be what interests the character. If I was playing a human Archaeologist he would certainly be interested in the Númenóreans. If I was playing an elf there would be a yearning to learn more about the First Age and perhaps Gondolin. It would be nice to see your character played out ... or at least know what your Dwarven character considers important from an Archaeologist point of view and why.

Cheers,
Kurt

[Glorelendil]

"Archaeologist" sounds a bit modern to me.

How about "Antiquarian" instead? Has a bit more of an antique tone that fits LoTR better IMO.

I wasn't thinking of it as a formal title, more of a character concept. Somebody who is fascinated with the history of all those ruins littering the landscape.

[Majestic]

Of course the Archaeologist's Shadow Weakness would have to be some sort of fear of reptiles.

"Dragons...why did it have to be Dragons!"

[aramis]

The biggest problem with Archaeology in the Third Age is that the great Elven chroniclers (Elrond amongst them) Personally Remember much of the First Age...

Think about this. The Middle Earth cultures still have half their equivalents of the great leaders still around 5000 years later. Need to know what was fashionable in 650 FA? Ask Elrond what was popular when he came of age. When did the River Hobb go into hiding? bribe him with a big party and ask Thranduil. Or really good Pipeweed and a feast and ask Gandalf/Mithrandir or Radagast/Aiwendil.

Archaeology is almost an outright accusation of bias in the Elven tales. It's whole purpose is to find facts - facts which either confirm (and thus disprove the need for archaeology) or challenge the Elven recollections. It's likely to be relegated to a few wealthy eccentrics, Elf-haters, and madmen.

In other words, it's fine to seek lost treasures, but not lost tales, at least if you have to deal with (or fear) the Elves.