Prodigy

Category: Background

Description

You are exceptionally gifted. The Academy accepted you early — you're younger than your classmates, and you know more than most of them. You solved problems in your entrance exam that stumped applicants twice your age. But brilliance comes at a cost: you're socially isolated, physically underdeveloped compared to your peers, and under enormous pressure to perform from everyone who invested in your admission.

Starting Bonus

Gain the Academic Prodigy merit for free (does not cost Merit points). You learn faster and understand magical theory at a level beyond your years.

Connection

Academic Patron. A senior professor or Academy benefactor has taken a personal interest in your development. Once per arc, they may intervene on your behalf — offering private tutoring, shielding you from political trouble, or providing access to advanced resources. However, they expect results.

Roleplay Hooks

• Your patron has enemies who see you as a way to embarrass them. You're a pawn in a game you don't fully understand.
• Older students oscillate between admiring your talent and resenting your presence. Group projects are awkward.
• You've begun to suspect that your early admission wasn't based purely on merit — someone pulled strings, and you don't know why.

"I'm fourteen. I solved the Noveda Conjecture in my head during the entrance exam. I still can't do a push-up."