Archaeology
You have an interest in uncovering the past. You know how to properly analyze and retrieve artifacts, dating them
and placing them within an historical context. You know all the hotspots and, at the higher levels, as much as anyone about
the ancient civilizations that birthed modern culture. You're also well studied in the development of
culture for at least one region.
In a future setting amongst the stars, it might be best to have this skill apply to an entire planet.
Talents
- A particular country's founding history.
Perks
- +1 Intellect.
- +1 Perception.
- +3 to Perception checks during research or investigations involving this skill.
Expert Performance
- Recall X more important details when asked to roll for Archaeology.
Business
You have the know-how for business. This includes allocating resources, networking with new businesses, handling trouble employees and
potential office emergencies. You're good at basic legal issues and can handle investors with
ease at the highest levels. With this skill, you're great at selling people on items
or even selling your own skills. Combined with Law, you have formidable knowledge of using loopholes
in contracts and representing large corporate policies.
Talents
- Small Business and Contracting.
- Brand Management & Advertising.
- Franchising.
- Book-keeping.
- International Contracting.
- Corporate Business.
Perks
- +1 Charisma.
- Deals negotiated give you 15% more funds/supplies than expected.
Expert Performance
- +X/2 to Charm and Fear during a financial situation.
Culture
You know how to conduct yourself properly in matters of cultural importance. You know the etiquette
of social situations and remember even the most trivial details to separate you from the tourists.
You have a cordial manner with socialites, governments, and businesses. In a lot of ways, this skill
represents your familiarity with the anthropology of modern cultures (as opposed to archaeology's ancient history.)
Talents
- Any particular culture, country, or region.
- Analysis (of unknown cultures.)
Perks
- +1 Charisma.
- +2 to Pace when learning new cultural mannerisms.
- +1 Intellect.
Expert Performance
- +X to Charm when blending in with a culture. This only offsets penalties.
- You have an (X*5)% chance of determining the meaning of an unknown and unclear mannerism.
Economics
You understand the nuances of transactions, taxes, and financing. You can
analyze the stock market trends in any industry and make decent predictions at higher levels.
Your way with money and understanding of such financial procedures is determined by this skill.
In an ancient setting, this is likely not an advanced discipline and should be rolled into
Business. In the past, this skill would have been referred to as Mercantile.
Talents
- Stocks.
- Appraisal.
- Banking.
- Accounting.
- Taxes.
Perks
- +15% chance of choosing a very worthwhile short-term stock.
- Research involving Economics (looking at accounts) have +2 to Pace.
- +1 Intellect.
Expert Performance
- You make or save (X*3)% on your next financial affair or taxwork, due to keen senses.
- Picking stock has a +(X*4)% to random chance of turning small short-term profits.
History
This is the study of recent events and politics that shape the modern landscape. It can be combined with any skill
to represent your understanding of how it's changed over the centuries. If history truly does repeat itself, you have some inkling of future
events to come. In general, this skill is about studying the patterns in the flow of history.
Talents
- Choose a specific region.
- Choose a specific race (for an alien future setting.)
Perks
- +1 Intellect. +5% Charm and Fear in a political environment.
- +1 Intellect. +1 to any skill combined with History (Media, sciences, etc.)
- +1 Perception.
Expert Performance
- You recall appropriate historical facts with X more details.
Language
When you learn any language, simply put Language: {name}. This skill represents how well you
understand it. Level 5 is enough to get by politely, even if it's sometimes apparent that you're
a tourist. At higher levels, you're familiar with slang, local idomata, and can reproduce all related accents.
You're also familiar with the regal and poetic forms of that language if well-studied.
Language skills cannot be broken (as ten means completely fluency.) Speaking a related dialect
(like how speaking Italian relates to Spanish or French) is -5 to your level.
Everyone has a natural language at Level 10, free of cost. Write it down if you like.
Languages (ordered by popularity)
- Mandarin
- Spanish
- English
- Arabic
- Hindi
- Portuguese
- Bengali
- Russian
- Japanese
- German
- Korean
- French
Talents
- Etymology.
- Regal.
- Rhyming.
- Slang.
Perks
- You are only -2 instead of -5 for speaking related dialects.
- You get to reroll this skill once if it fails.
- +3 Charm against penalties if you are considered a foreigner.
Expert Performance
- +X to Charm natural speakers of that language (cancels out penalties only.)
Law
You know the laws and procedures to handle a variety of civil matters. Country disputes,
foreign rights, tax law, contracts, property, you've learned it all at the highest levels.
You know the criminal code and are aware of legal tensions between countries. You also
know police procedure as it relates to the case and are familiar with the politics
of the courts.
At the highest levels, you're fit to be a judge (but likely need Politics
to back you up.) You will have penalties for working with laws not of your home (unless
the GM decides you've had enough time to acclimatize.)
Talents
- Police Procedure.
- Environmental.
- Family.
- Arbitration.
- Criminal.
- Corporate.
- Civil.
- Judgment.
Perks
- +2 to Perception checks to see through Subterfuge.
- +1 Charisma.
- +2 against charm rolls.
Expert Performance
- +X to Charm or Fear during an important statement to the jury or judge.
Military
This is your understanding of military procedure and training. Combined with Politics, you
would have extensive military administrative experience (and likely an
important rank.)
This skill represents knowledge of military rules (both local and foreign) and
how militaries co-operate with governments. You also know the names of important targets and persons involved
in any current military event. In a way, this skill is about your level of clearance regarding Intelligence operations.
Combined with the Tactics skill, you are an excellent leader for an army.
Talents
- Choose a country or military organization.
Perks
- Stress is increased by 4 hours/minutes.
- +1 to all skill rolls involving Climbing, Athletics, and Swimming.
- +1 to all skill rolls involving Tactics, Interrogation, and Politics.
Expert Performance
- +X Charm or Fear with subordinates for the scene.
Politics
You are well aware of the political systems used in the world. You know all the issues and persons involved.
At the higher levels, you know who's who in terms of international and corporate influence.
You know government protocol and hierarchy for each country and may even have some influence. You're good at appealing
to politicians and voters alike with your own ideals. With this skill, you have the ability to bring together
the divided for a common goal.
Talents
- Local to a particular region.
- A particular country's federal politics.
- International organizations and their politics.
- Diplomacy.
Perks
- +1 Charisma.
- Whatever the reason, Perception checks made against you are +2 difficulty.
- You have +2 Perception when Espionage skills are used against you.
Expert Performance
- You have +X/2 to Charm during a speech (stacks with the Writing and good roleplaying.)
Psychology
You have studied social works and may have gone as far as a doctorate in Psychology. You are trained
in subtle body language and tones in order to determine motives, emotions, and personalities.
You can encourage people to trust you and you understand trauma and sensitive matters. At the highest
levels, you understand the influence of instinct and incentive on group behaviour.
Talents
- Diagnosis & Medication
- Research
- Emotional Empathy
Perks
- +1 Intellect.
- +1 Charisma.
- +2 to Fear.
Expert Performance
- +X to Perception checks made against lying or manipulation.
- +X/2 Charm or Fear for the remainder of the scene.