Communications
You know how to operate equipment designed for message transmissions. You understand the basics of radio and can
connect and route wiring to get a signal. At higher levels, you're good at working with satellite and digital signals.
You also know how to bug a room. Combined with Mathematics, you're a wizard at cryptography. Combined with TV/AV, you can setup
complex theatre systems and handle all the different standards.
This skill does not exist in the past. In the future, the technology and range of communications is likely quite
great. Even in the future, this skill is meant to represent the character's ability to handle communications devices
and any systems based on optics (or a futuristic equivalent).
Talents
- Radio.
- Bugs.
- Telephony.
- Wire tapping.
Perks
- +1 Pace when decrypting unknown transmissions.
- +1 to this skill when using unknown or alien instruments.
- +1 Intellect.
Expert Performance
- Signals sent are (X*5)% more effective in range and clarity.
- Decrypting signals your signals are -X to the appropriate skill check.
Computer Operations
This is how you handle computers and other computer-operated devices (digital cameras, pdas, smartphones, etc.)
You can handle operating systems, databases, and common operations over the internet. At the highest
levels, you can hack into existing software and connected devices. You also have
an understanding of computer networks on a software level and can possibly track and modify packets with the
right tools. This skill can be combined with Visual Arts to produce computer graphics, and that's just one example.
Although unavailable in ancient times, one is hard-pressed to imagine a more important skill today.
Talents
- Connectable Media
- Networks
- Databases
- An Operating System
- Hacking
Perks
- Use unknown programs without difficulty (and half penalties if a foreign language.)
- +1 Intellect.
- You have +4 hours to Stress when on a computer.
Expert Performance
- Once into a system, all further hacking rolls are at +X/2 for this skill.
Genetics
You must have Biology Level 6 at the very least. You have cutting-edge knowledge of DNA and the tools used to
manipulate life on the level of four-letter assembly code.
Talents
- Splicing.
- Cloning.
- Gene Switches (found in Junk DNA.)
-
Perks
- +1 Fortitude.
- +2 against emotion checks.
- +1 Intellect.
Expert Performance
- Subjects created last (X*10)% longer than normal.
- In a futuristic setting, enhanced beings have +X points distributed evenly to physical stats and +X points distributed evenly to mental stats.
Computer Hardware & Networking
This is your skill at assembling and repairing computer hardware. You know how everything fits together
and what works best and what doesn't. At lower levels, this is just for personal devices. At the higher
levels, you understand super computers, servers, and custom machinery. When combined with Electric
Systems and a good lab, you can make improvements to micro-processors and other delicate technologies.
Designs based on Quantum computers would require an amazing array of Science skills to back you up.
Talents
- Servers.
- Routers.
- Personal Hardware.
- Sabotage.
Perks
- Detecting a hardware intrusion on a network is -2 to skill difficulties.
- Systems designed operate 10% faster than normal.
- Diagnosing a hardware problem takes half the time expected.
Expert Performance
- Systems built by the character operate (X*4)% faster than normal.
Robotics
This skill can be considered a type of electrical engineering and computing. Specifically, this field
deals with the creation and repair of robots. Or more specifically, it provides the electrical components and underlying
design to the robot. The robots in question are normally assembly machines or extremely sophisticated laboratory
equipment.
This skill also deals with the handling of mechanical mapping to humans, cybernetics, nanotechnology, and
anything related to transhumanism. Robotics is meant to give systems a resemblance of intelligence and
self-operation. Nanotechnology miniaturizes aspects of technology created by other skills. Transhumanism
is the replacement of limbs and introduction of cybernetic implants to an organism.
The number of support skills required is enormous. Pretty much every Science and Technology skill that exists.
Talents
- Nanotechnology
- Interfacing
- Artificial Limbs
- Biomechanics
Perks
- +1 Intellect.
- +1 Quality to this skill when successful (goes beyond limit).
- +2 to emotion checks.
Expert Performance
- Robots designed have +X to each stat.
- Parts meant to enhance human performance are +(X*10)% more effective.
Security
Use this skill to bypass electrical security devices (such as motion sensors) and set up your own traps
with special detection devices. Using different technologies, you can carefully monitor an area for intruders.
You're familiar with light amplification, sound detection, retinal scanning, cardlocks, and even
military systems. When combined with other Technology skills, you can design or improve such technology.
Talents
- Motion Sensors
- Visual Aids (ultraviolet, infrared, nightvision, etc.)
- Camera Placement
Perks
- +1 Perception.
- This skill and Stealth are both +1 to Pace when they are successful.
- Breaking through your security has +2 difficulty.
Expert Performance
- You have +X to perception to notice hidden security.
- Those infiltrating your security have +X difficulty to the skill.