Ancient Language
This is your skill with the dead language of a dead culture. At the higher levels, you have an appreciation of linguistics
and can track the evolution of languages from your studied root language. You understand the idiomata and how it relates
to the rituals of that culture when combined with Archaeology. Although you must choose an ancient language as your most studied, you
may be crudely familiar with other related ancient languages in general.
In ancient times, these civilizations are not so buried in the past. How much you could possibly know, given the primitive
standards of the setting, is quite limited and possibly based on myth. In the future, the skill would be aided and tracked using
computers; it would be best to combine this skill with a good background in Technology.
Languages
- Akkadian
- Hieroglyphics
- Sinitic
Perks
- +1 Intellect.
- +1 Perception.
- +2 Pace when combining this skill with Academia.
Expert Performance
- The understanding and number of important details
gathered from ancient texts is increased by X (GM's discretion.) Usually, the skill will rely on
Pace, since deciphering a long text could take many days or weeks otherwise.
Meditation
You are versed in the culturally differing meditation techniques used to enhance one's spiritual connection to Kushti.
You are familiar with rituals, being a master at the higher levels. Meditation has many goals: better health, faster
recovery from ailments, and the calming of spirit and mind. At the higher levels, you know the spirituality and
religious inspirations behind many techniques.
Talents
- Vipassana.
- Muraqaba.
- Simran.
Bonuses
- +1 to any Mental Stat. You have a +10% chance to regain Chakra.
- +12 Mana.
- +3 Ki. +1 Initiative.
Expert Performance
- Successful meditation is as effective as sleep for recovering Mana.
- You have an X*3% chance to regain 1 Chakra after a long session.
Mystical Practices
You have studied mystical practices, being familiar with a variety of techniques. Tarot readings, scrying,
and other spiritual rituals from many different cultures. At
the higher levels you are familiar with the oldest and most obscure practices.
Talents
- Ofuda
- Astrology
- Feng Shui
- Tarot Readings
- Seance
Perks
- +1 Charisma.
- +1 Perception.
- +1 Command.
Expert Performance
- +X/2 Charm when attempting to sell someone on the idea of the practice.
Occultism
This area is much darker than general theology. You know the scattered knowledge and gossip surrounding many religions
of the past. This skill is the Archaeology of religions, the ancient customs of Mystical Practices now dead to modern
culture. How much you know about the dark underbelly of mysticism is determined by this skill. You would combine this
with Theology to know the secret practices of a specific religion/mythology.
Talents
Perks
- +1 Intellect.
- +1 Perception.
- +4 minutes/hours of Stress.
Expert Performance
- You recall X more details about a particular rumour.
- +X Command to perform a lengthy and difficult ritual.
Philosophy
This skill is a Media skill, singled out as an example for making your own Media skill.
It is your understanding of many different types of philosophies. The great philosophers,
the questions, the types of moral analyses, and all the teachings are well studied.
At the highest levels, you are familiar with logic and the thinking structure involved
in the academia of many cultures. The skill of philosophy gives you background knowledge to debate at
great lengths with the toughest minds.
Talents
- Sudhra
- Warrior Codes
- Naturalism
- Predestiny
Bonuses
- +1 Intellect. +5 Mana.
- +1 Charisma. +1 to stat checks involving emotion.
- +1 Wisdom. +1 Command.
Expert Performance
- You have +X Charm in an academic setting or debate.
Theology
This is your familiarity with a particular religion. Like Media or Language, you take this skill
to represent your knowledge of each major religion. You know the branching history, evolution, rituals,
and cultural influence of that religion. At the highest levels, you are an expert on obscure teachings and strange
symbology. You know the history behind many religious figures and their cultural impact. You are able to
inspire hope and faith once you know what 'notes' to hit with an audience.
This skill can be taken
for ancient major religions (such as Greek) as well. Combine with Occultism to know the dark mysticism
that dogs any religion's past.
Talents
- Choose a particular branch. For example, Christianity would have Lutherans.
- Choose a particular pantheon (like Zeus stories and varations for Greek mythology.)
Perks
- +1 Charisma.
- +2 Ki.
- +1 Intellect.
Expert Performance
- +X to Charm those in a religious setting or with those who are religious.