Version: 0.8
Chapter 4: Skills
Skills
represent a character’s abilities and knowledge in specific areas, allowing
them to effectively perform tasks, overcome challenges, and interact with the
world. They reflect both learned expertise and innate capabilities, ranging
from combat techniques and academic knowledge to social influence and survival
instincts. Skills are typically developed over time through experience and
training, and their effectiveness is determined both by a character’s
proficiency level (ranks) in a skill and that skill’s governing attributes.
General skills
General Skills encompass abilities that have broad
applications across various scenarios and environments. These skills are
versatile and often essential, covering areas such as Computer use, Stealth,
and Streetwise knowledge. Characters rely on General Skills to navigate the
world, solve problems, and adapt to a wide range of situations.
Administration (IN/PR)
This skill
involves successfully organizing and managing ventures, from small projects to
large-scale operations. It includes tasks such as planning, coordinating
resources, overseeing staff, and ensuring that goals and deadlines are met
efficiently. Administration is key for maintaining order and achieving success
in various organizational contexts.
Computer (CU/IN)
Computer
proficiency covers general familiarity with computers and their usage. This
includes understanding operating systems, software applications, and basic
troubleshooting. It is distinct from skills related to specialized digital
networks or matrix systems, focusing instead on everyday computer tasks and
functions.
Demolition (DX/IN)
You possess
the expertise to safely and effectively manage explosive devices and other
methods for destroying structures or objects. Demolition involves placing,
timing, and detonating explosives to achieve desired results, such as breaching
barriers or causing controlled collapses. This skill requires precision,
timing, and planning to ensure the successful and safe execution of explosive
operations.
Espionage (CU/IN)
Espionage
is the art of covertly gathering information, infiltrating secure locations,
and executing secretive operations. This skill blends elements of stealth,
deception, and intelligence, allowing characters to navigate delicate
political, corporate, or criminal environments without detection. Espionage
covers everything from planting bugs, intercepting communications, and forging
alliances, to undermining enemies through sabotage or misinformation. It is
essential for those involved in intelligence work, corporate spying, or
high-stakes covert operations.
Use
Cases: Infiltrating
secure facilities, gathering intelligence, planting surveillance devices,
extracting sensitive data, conducting sabotage, counterintelligence efforts.
Forgery (CU/IN)
You have
the skills to create convincing fake documents, credentials, and other forms of
identification, both in the physical and digital realms. This includes
replicating handwriting, official seals, or digital signatures, as well as
fabricating electronic records and hacking databases to insert forged data.
Forgery requires an acute attention to detail, an understanding of the systems
you're working within, and the ability to adapt quickly when the circumstances
demand it. Whether creating a fake passport or tampering with a security
clearance, this skill helps you pass the false off as real without raising
suspicion.
Medic (CU/IN)
Medic
encompasses general medical practice, including basic first aid and emergency
care. This involves diagnosing and treating common injuries and illnesses,
performing basic medical procedures, and administering initial care in urgent
situations. While not as advanced as specialized medical fields, this skill
ensures effective handling of health issues and injuries until professional
help can be obtained or more advanced treatment is possible.
MechaNic (CUN/IN)
Mechanical
skill covers the understanding and manipulation of mechanical systems. This
skill involves working with engines, gears, hydraulics, and other mechanical
components. Whether repairing a vehicle, maintaining industrial equipment, or
assembling complex mechanical systems, this skill is essential for hands-on,
practical tasks that don’t involve digital or electronic systems.
Use
Cases: Repairing
vehicles or machinery, assembling mechanical devices, performing maintenance on
mechanical equipment, diagnosing mechanical failures.
Skulduggery (DX/CU)
Skulduggery
involves the ability to execute covert and often unscrupulous activities. This
skill includes tasks such as lockpicking, sleight of hand, forgery, and other
activities requiring dexterity and cunning. It is essential for those involved
in espionage, thievery, or other secretive operations.
Stealth (AG/CU)
Stealth is
the ability to move undetected and avoid detection by others. It involves
moving quietly, blending into surroundings, and avoiding making noticeable
disturbances. This skill is crucial for covert operations, evading pursuit, and
approaching targets without being seen.
Streetwise (CU/PR)
Streetwise
involves understanding and navigating the complexities of urban environments
and social networks. It includes knowing where to find resources, how to
interact with various types of people, and how to handle potentially dangerous
situations in city settings. This skill is vital for surviving and thriving in
gritty, urban landscapes.
Survival (CU/RE)
Survival is
the skill required to endure and thrive in wilderness or harsh environments. It
includes finding food and water, building shelters, navigating through the
wild, and dealing with environmental hazards. Mastery of this skill is
essential for staying safe and maintaining well-being in remote or challenging
natural settings.
Movement skills
Movement Skills focus on a character’s ability to control
and maneuver their body or vehicles in various environments. These skills
include everything from athletic feats like running, jumping, and acrobatics,
to specialized skills like flying an aircraft or riding horseback. Movement
Skills are crucial for physical navigation, evasion, and reaching objectives.
Athletics (ST/VI)
This skill
encompasses a range of physical activities and feats of strength. It covers
tasks such as climbing, jumping, lifting, running, and swimming. Athletics is
crucial for overcoming physical obstacles and performing demanding physical
tasks in various environments.
Diving (ST/AG)
You are trained in the techniques necessary for underwater
operations, including swimming in challenging environments, managing breathing
apparatus, and handling the pressures of deep dives. This skill encompasses
both free diving and the use of specialized equipment such as SCUBA gear. You
know how to navigate underwater terrain, conserve oxygen, and move efficiently
while submerged. Diving requires physical endurance, agility, and situational
awareness to handle obstacles, underwater hazards, or unexpected dangers, such
as strong currents or limited visibility.
Driving (DX/CU)
Driving is
the skill required to operate all types of ground vehicles, such as cars,
trucks, and motorcycles. Mastery of this skill ensures smooth handling,
maneuvering through various terrains, and the ability to respond to different
driving conditions.
Mobility (AG/DX)
Mobility
focuses on fluid and agile movement. It includes acrobatics, maintaining
balance, executing catfalls to minimize damage from falls, and performing
contortionist maneuvers. This skill is essential for navigating complex
terrain, dodging attacks, and performing impressive physical feats.
Operating (DX/CU)
This skill
pertains to the control and management of specialized drones and other
remote-operated devices. It includes flying drones for surveillance, performing
maintenance tasks, or handling complex remote operations that require precision
and technical knowledge.
Piloting (DX/CU)
Piloting
covers the operation of various types of flying or hovering craft, such as
helicopters, jet fighters, and spacecraft. This skill involves navigating,
controlling, and ensuring the safe and effective use of these vehicles in
different scenarios.
Riding (ST/AG)
Riding is
the skill needed to handle and control mounts or creatures, whether they are
horses, magical beasts like griffons, or mythical creatures like dragons. It
includes managing the animal’s movement, maintaining control, and performing
tasks while mounted.
Perception skills
Perception Skills involve a character’s ability to sense and
interpret their surroundings. These skills range from using technological
sensors to maintain situational awareness, to relying on heightened vigilance
or even extrasensory perception. Perception Skills are key to detecting threats,
uncovering hidden details, and understanding the environment.
Insight (CU/RE)
This skill
allows you to intuitively understand and interpret people’s behaviors,
emotions, and motives during interactions. Insight is crucial for reading
social cues, understanding underlying intentions, and gaining a deeper
understanding of others in conversations or negotiations.
Investigation (CU/IN)
You excel
at actively searching for and analyzing clues to uncover information. This
skill is essential for piecing together evidence, solving mysteries, and
conducting thorough inquiries, whether in a crime scene or a complex puzzle.
Sensors (CU/IN)
Your
proficiency lies in operating and interpreting data from various technological
sensors, such as radar, infrared, or other scanning devices. This skill enables
you to gather and analyze data from these tools to assess situations or detect
hidden objects and threats.
Vigilance (CU/RE)
You have an
exceptional ability to maintain constant alertness and focus on your
surroundings despite distractions. Vigilance is vital for staying aware of your
environment over extended periods, ensuring you are prepared for potential
threats or changes in your surroundings.
Weapon skills
Weapon
Skills represent a character’s proficiency in various forms of combat. Whether
it’s firing a gun, engaging in unarmed combat, wielding a sword, or mastering
archery, these skills determine a character’s effectiveness in battle. Weapon
Skills are essential for characters who must defend themselves or engage in
offensive actions.
Archery (DX/CU)
You are
trained in the use of ranged weapons such as bows and crossbows. Archery
involves aiming and shooting projectiles with these traditional weapons,
requiring both dexterity and coordination to hit targets accurately at various
ranges.
Brawl (ST/AG)
You excel
in close-quarters, unarmed combat. Brawl is used for any form of hand-to-hand
fighting, allowing you to engage effectively in physical confrontations without
weapons. This skill includes techniques such as punches, kicks, and grappling.
Gunnery (DX/IN)
You are
skilled in operating large weapon systems mounted on vehicles. Gunnery involves
managing and firing big, mounted weapons such as cannons or missile launchers,
demanding both dexterity and insight to effectively deploy firepower in combat
scenarios.
Melee (Finesse) (AG/DX)
You are
adept at using melee weapons that emphasize speed and agility over brute force,
such as knives and other swift, lightweight weapons. This skill relies on fast,
precise strikes and quick maneuvers, ideal for rapid engagements and evasive
combat.
Melee (Heavy) (ST/AG)
You are
skilled in wielding traditional melee weapons such as swords, spears, and
clubs. This skill involves combat with weapons that require substantial
strength and technique, making you effective in close combat situations where
heavy, durable weapons are used.
Ranged (Close) (DX/CU)
You are
skilled in handling and firing pistols and other close-quarters firearms, such
as shotguns. This skill covers the use of handguns in combat, emphasizing
precision and control in engaging targets at closer ranges, where speed and
accuracy are paramount.
Ranged (Precision) (DX/CU)
You have
expertise in operating rifles and similar long-range firearms. This skill involves
the use of these weapons to engage targets at medium to long distances,
requiring a steady hand and a keen eye to maintain accuracy over extended
ranges.
Ranged (Support) (DX/CU)
You are
proficient in using large, powerful firearms such as machine guns and grenade
launchers. This skill covers the handling and firing of substantial weaponry
designed for significant impact and area control, often requiring considerable
strength and training.
Throwing (AG/DX)
You are
proficient in accurately and effectively launching projectiles. Throwing
encompasses the use of spears, knives, grenades, and other throwable objects,
allowing you to engage targets from a distance with precision and skill.
Knowledge skills (CU/IN or IN/IN)
In a world where the Matrix has made data and knowledge
universally accessible, the ability to reference and collate information from
online sources is commonplace. However, the sheer volume of information
available can be overwhelming, and the ability to filter, analyze, and apply
this data in practical, meaningful ways remains a precious skill. Specialist
knowledge, particularly when applied to real-world situations, is in high
demand, as it requires a deep understanding and the ability to synthesize and implement
information effectively. Knowledge skills represent a character’s ability to
not only recall facts and theories but also to use that information in
practical, impactful ways.
Applied Knowledge (CU/IN) focuses on practical skills
and abilities to use information in real-world scenarios, whereas Theoretical
Knowledge (2xIN) deals with understanding, recalling, and analyzing
academic or abstract concepts. Whether the success check is Applied or
Theoretical depends on the situation, not the skill used.
Academic Knowledge
These skills are based on theoretical knowledge and reflect
formal education and scholarly expertise. Theoretical knowledge often takes
longer to process in real-time situations but can provide the critical insight
needed in planning or research.
·
Anthropology: The study of human
societies, cultures, and their development over time.
·
Chemistry: Knowledge of chemical
reactions, compounds, and processes, useful for explosives, poisons, or
chemical creation.
·
Engineering: Expertise in designing and
building mechanical, electronic, or structural systems.
·
History: Understanding of past events,
historical figures, and the development of nations or organizations.
·
Literature: Knowledge of written works,
including novels, plays, poetry, and other forms of storytelling.
·
Magical Theory: Scholarly understanding
of how magic works, including traditions, formulae, and the metaphysical
structure of spells.
·
Mathematics: Understanding of
mathematical principles, from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus, applicable
to a variety of technical fields.
·
Medicine: Knowledge of human and
metahuman anatomy, diseases, and medical procedures.
·
Political Science: The study of
governments, political systems, and public policy, especially in relation to mega-corporations.
Interest Knowledge
Interest skills are based on applied knowledge and reflect
personal interests and hobbies. These skills can be valuable in social
situations, recreational activities, or niche industries.
·
Cooking: Expertise in preparing meals,
understanding recipes, ingredients, and culinary techniques.
·
Fashion: Knowledge of current trends in
clothing, accessories, and styles, useful in social situations or infiltration.
·
Music Genres: Familiarity with different
types of music, musicians, and the cultural significance of various genres.
·
Popular Media: Understanding of current
entertainment, including movies, TV shows, trid broadcasts, and celebrities.
·
Sports Teams: Detailed knowledge of
specific sports, teams, players, and current or historical standings.
·
Street Art: Familiarity with graffiti,
murals, and other urban artistic expressions, often tied to local subcultures.
·
Vehicles and Racing: Expertise in ground
vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and racing strategies.
Languages Skills
Language skills represent both applied and theoretical
knowledge. Speaking a language fluently (CU/IN) reflects applied use, while
formal writing and deeper understanding (2xIN) can reflect more theoretical
learning.
·
Cantonese: Spoken primarily in southern
China and Hong Kong, useful in certain underworld dealings and
megacorporations.
·
Draconic: The ancient language spoken by
dragons, particularly those who survived from the 4th age. It is rarely spoken
aloud and is often considered esoteric knowledge.
·
English: The most widely spoken language
in many parts of the world, including Seattle and the UCAS.
·
Filipino: The official language of the
Philippines, with many speakers across Southeast Asia and expatriate
communities.
·
French: Spoken in France, parts of Canada
(especially Quebec), and many former French colonies. Important in diplomatic
and international business dealings.
·
German: Spoken in Germany, a country with
a strong economic and magical presence in the Shadowrun world.
·
Japanese: The official language of Japan,
home to several powerful megacorporations like Renraku and Mitsuhama.
·
Spanish: Widely spoken across the
Americas and Spain, important in areas like Aztlan and the NAN.
·
Sperethiel: The ancient language of
elves, used in formal settings and among the Elven Nations.
·
Vietnamese: The official language of
Vietnam, useful in dealings in Southeast Asia and with Vietnamese expatriates.
Local Knowledge
These skills represent applied knowledge of specific
communities, environments, or cultures. This is the kind of knowledge that
comes from direct, lived experience.
·
Corporate Etiquette: Knowledge of the
unspoken rules, hierarchy, and behavior expected in corporate environments.
Includes navigating office politics and understanding power structures.
·
High Elven Culture: Deep understanding of
the traditions, rituals, and etiquette in elven nations. Focuses on how elves
operate within their own societies, including power structures and societal
expectations.
·
Street Culture: Knowledge of the social
dynamics and norms of life on the streets in Seattle, including gangs, black
markets, and urban legends. Useful for navigating street-level power
structures.
·
Tribal Knowledge: Familiarity with
customs, traditions, and societal structures among Native American Nations or
other indigenous groups, especially those connected to nature and magic.
·
Urban Metahumans: Insight into how
different metahuman races (elves, orks, trolls, dwarves) adapt to and live
within urban environments, particularly in cities like Seattle. Covers cultural
blending, social dynamics, and how metahumans fit into (or rebel against)
mainstream urban life.
·
Urban Subcultures: Understanding of
various niche subcultures within a city (punk, goth, hacktivist groups),
including their customs, dress codes, and social networks.
·
Underground Networks: Knowledge of hidden
social or criminal networks within the city, including underground clubs, music
scenes, and safehouses. Useful for operating in a city’s shadow economy.
Professional Knowledge
These skills represent both theoretical and applied
knowledge of specialized professional fields. These skills often have direct
real-world applications in jobs and tasks.
·
Architecture: The knowledge of designing
and constructing buildings, useful for planning heists or urban exploration.
·
Bioware Modification: Modification,
enhancement, and repair of bioware implants.
·
Business: Understanding corporate
structures, marketing, finance, and the general operations of businesses.
·
Combat Tactics: Expertise in strategic planning
and execution of military or paramilitary operations.
·
Corporate Law: Knowledge of legal systems
and regulations as they apply to corporations, useful in navigating corporate
politics.
·
Cybersecurity: Involves protecting
systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.
·
Cyberware Modification: Modification,
enhancement, and repair of cyberware implants.
·
Drone Engineering: Expertise in the
design, construction, and modification of drones, particularly useful for
riggers and tech specialists.
·
Environmental Engineering: Designing and
managing solutions to environmental challenges.
·
Law: A more generalized understanding of
legal systems, including criminal and civil law, applicable in a variety of
social situations.
·
Matrix Protocols: Understanding of how
the Matrix operates, including software, security protocols, and data retrieval
methods.
·
Magic Research: Deep academic knowledge
of magical phenomena. It allows characters to study and advance the theoretical
aspects of magic, including developing new spells, rituals, and enchantments.
·
Psych Warfare: Manipulating the emotions,
thoughts, and behaviors of others to achieve a strategic advantage.
·
Security Procedures: Knowledge of
standard security measures, protocols, and systems, including locks, alarms,
and guard patterns.
·
Social Engineering: Manipulating people
into giving up confidential information or bypassing security systems through
deception and psychological tactics.
·
Tech Research: Expertise in cutting-edge
technological fields, from artificial intelligence to nanotechnology.
·
Vehicle Engineering: Expertise in the
design, construction, and modification of vehicles, particularly useful for
riggers and tech specialists.
Social skills
Social Skills relate to a character’s ability to influence,
persuade, and interact with others. Whether through charm, negotiation,
coercion, or leadership, these skills determine how effectively a character can
navigate social situations, build alliances, and achieve their goals through
interpersonal interactions.
Charm (CU/PR)
You possess
a natural charisma that makes you likable and engaging. Charm is used to
influence others through friendliness, flattery, or genuine appeal. This skill
is ideal for making a positive impression, winning people over, or creating a
favorable atmosphere.
Coercion (RE/PR)
You are
skilled at using intimidation or pressure to achieve compliance. Coercion
involves applying threats or leveraging fear to get others to act against their
will or disclose information. This skill is helpful in situations where
persuasion through force or intimidation is necessary.
Deception (CU/PR)
You excel
at lying and misleading others. Deception is used to craft falsehoods, disguise
your true intentions, or manipulate perceptions. This skill is crucial for
creating believable cover stories, hiding your motives, or tricking others into
believing false information.
Instruction (IN/PR)
You are
effective at teaching and training others. Instruction involves imparting
knowledge or skills to individuals or groups. This skill is useful for
educating, mentoring, or providing guidance, and it requires clarity and
patience in communication.
Leadership (RE/PR)
You have
the ability to inspire and direct others. Leadership is used to motivate,
organize, and guide teams or groups toward common goals. This skill is
essential for managing groups, making strategic decisions, and fostering
teamwork and morale.
Negotiation (IN/PR)
You are
skilled in reaching mutually beneficial agreements and resolving conflicts. Negotiation
involves discussing terms, making concessions, and finding compromises. This
skill is used to broker deals, settle disputes, and facilitate agreements
between parties with differing interests.
Performance (CU/PR)
Performance
encompasses the ability to entertain and engage audiences through the
performing arts. This includes skills in acting, music, dance, and other forms
of artistic expression. Mastery of this skill allows individuals to captivate
and influence audiences in a variety of entertainment settings.
Matrix skills
Matrix Skills are specialized abilities related to
interacting with the digital and virtual realms, particularly within the
context of the Matrix in the Shadowrun universe. These skills encompass
activities such as hacking, digital security, and navigating cyberspace, making
them vital for characters engaged in electronic warfare, data retrieval, or
digital manipulation.
Both deckers and technomancers utilize these same Matrix
skills, though their methods differ: deckers rely on advanced cyberdecks and
software, leveraging hardware and code to interact with the Matrix, while
technomancers harness their innate, almost mystical connection to the digital
world, channeling their mental and spiritual energy to achieve similar effects.
Despite these differences in approach, their core skills—such as mobility,
offense, defense, and perception within the Matrix—remain fundamentally the
same.
Infiltration (CU/IN)
Covers all
offensive actions within the Matrix, including breaching firewalls, executing
data spikes, and launching attacks against other entities. It’s the primary
skill for aggressive actions such as hacking and data manipulation.
Use
Cases: Hacking into
systems, launching attacks on netrunners or IC, disabling security protocols,
manipulating data aggressively.
Guard (IN/RE)
Represents
your defensive capabilities in the Matrix. This skill involves setting up
barriers, countering incoming attacks, and maintaining a strong digital
presence to resist hostile intrusions.
Use
Cases: Defending
against hacks, reinforcing security measures, repelling attacks, maintaining
control in the Matrix.
Scan (IN/RE)
The skill
used to detect and analyze the digital environment. It’s vital for identifying
threats, hidden nodes, and analyzing data flows, ensuring awareness within
cyberspace.
Use
Cases: Detecting
hidden traps or enemies, analyzing data streams, identifying vulnerabilities,
monitoring the Matrix for threats.
Trace (CU/IN)
Represents
your ability to move swiftly and efficiently through the Matrix. This skill is
essential for navigating data streams, bypassing security nodes, and evading
digital obstacles, much like movement in the physical world.
Use
Cases: Navigating
the Matrix, evading traps, reaching secure areas quickly, repositioning during
digital combat.
Agent
Agent
skills deal with creating, boosting, and controlling advanced semi-autonomous
Matrix programs.
Compiling (IN/RE)
Allows you
to create semi-autonomous programs (agents, daemons, etc.) that can perform
tasks within the Matrix on your behalf. This skill is key for generating tools
to assist in various Matrix operations.
Use
Cases: Creating
specialized programs for hacking, defense, data retrieval, or other purposes.
Registering (IN/RE)
Extends the
functionality and longevity of your compiled programs, allowing them to operate
over longer durations or be called upon when needed. This skill is crucial for
maintaining a stable of reliable digital assistants.
Use
Cases: Maintaining
and enhancing the longevity of compiled programs, ensuring their availability
for extended use.
Tasking (CU/PR)
Used to
issue commands to your compiled programs, directing them to perform specific
tasks or respond to certain conditions within the Matrix. It’s the skill for
managing and deploying your digital resources effectively.
Use
Cases: Directing
programs to attack, defend, scout, or perform other specialized functions.
Magic skills
Magic
Skills involve a character’s ability to wield and control magical forces within
the Shadowrun universe. These skills govern casting spells, summoning spirits,
and other mystical practices. Magic Skills are essential for characters who
harness the supernatural to alter reality, protect allies, or unleash powerful
attacks.
Note that
Physical Adepts do not have access to Magic skills but instead express their
innate magic through Physical Adept Talents.
Alchemy (CU/IN)
Alchemy
involves the creation of magical potions, elixirs, and compounds that can
produce a wide range of effects, from healing to offensive capabilities. This
skill covers both the gathering of rare ingredients and the intricate process
of preparing them into potent substances. Characters with Alchemy can craft
consumables that offer temporary magical benefits or harmful effects.
Use
Cases: Crafting
healing potions, creating explosive alchemical devices, brewing antidotes or
poisons, enhancing substances with magical properties.
Assault (IN/PR)
Assault covers all offensive actions in the Astral Plane,
including attacking spirits, astral projections, and other entities. This skill
is essential for aggressive engagements, allowing you to strike with precision
and power, whether in direct astral combat or when targeting astral entities.
Use Cases: Engaging in
combat with spirits or other astral beings, launching powerful astral attacks,
disrupting enemy projections, and overpowering hostile entities.
Awareness (CU/IN)
Awareness
encompasses your ability to perceive and analyze your surroundings, whether in
the physical world or the astral plane. This skill is crucial for detecting
hidden threats, sensing magical energies, identifying weaknesses in defenses,
and understanding your environment in both mundane and supernatural contexts.
Use Cases: Detecting hidden entities (such as
spirits, astral projections, or concealed enemies), analyzing the flow of
magical or astral energy, identifying threats or traps, and monitoring your
surroundings for potential dangers or opportunities.
Enchanting (IN/PR)
Enchanting
focuses on imbuing objects with magical properties, creating permanent or
semi-permanent magical items. This skill involves understanding the nature of
magic and how it interacts with physical objects, allowing characters to create
weapons, armor, and tools with enhanced abilities. Characters can also
disenchant or alter existing magical items.
Use
Cases: Crafting
enchanted weapons or armor, creating protective charms, imbuing items with
magical properties, disenchanting or modifying magical objects.
Traverse (CU/RE)
Traverse represents your ability to move swiftly and
efficiently through the Astral Plane. This skill is crucial for navigating the
complex and ever-changing astral environment, allowing you to reach your
destination, evade threats, and reposition yourself during astral combat.
Use Cases: Moving through
the Astral Plane, evading astral threats or traps, reaching strategic positions
quickly, and avoiding astral barriers or obstacles.
Ward (IN/RE)
Ward represents your defensive capabilities in the Astral
Plane. This skill involves setting up protective barriers, countering incoming
astral attacks, and maintaining a strong astral presence to resist hostile
forces. It’s vital for those who wish to protect themselves and others from
harm in the astral realm.
Use Cases: Defending
against astral attacks, reinforcing your astral form or defenses, repelling
hostile spirits or entities, and maintaining control over your astral presence
during combat.
Spirit
Spirit skills deal with the summoning, binding, and
banishing of spirits.
Banishing (IN/RE)
Banishing is the
art of sending a spirit back to the astral plane or wherever it originated
from. This skill is particularly useful when dealing with hostile or
uncontrolled spirits. A skilled banisher can rid the physical world of
dangerous entities that threaten them or their allies.
Use Cases: Removing unwanted or hostile spirits,
breaking the hold that another summoner has over a spirit, or cleansing areas
of spiritual disturbances.
Binding (IN/RE)
Binding is the
skill used to compel a spirit to remain in service beyond the initial
summoning. This skill allows a character to bind a spirit to their will,
ensuring its continued loyalty and service. Binding requires both skill and the
appropriate reagents, making it a more advanced form of spirit control.
Use Cases: Extending a spirit’s service, creating
long-term pacts with spirits, or forcing a spirit to obey commands beyond what
a simple summoning would allow.
Summoning (RE/PR)
Summoning involves
calling forth spirits or other supernatural entities to aid the character. This
skill is essential for characters who want to utilize the power of spirits,
commanding them to perform tasks, fight in battles, or offer guidance. The strength
and loyalty of summoned spirits depend on the Summoning skill.
Use Cases: Bringing spirits into existence to fight
alongside the caster, perform reconnaissance, or carry out specific tasks that
the character commands.
Sorcery
Sourcery is divided into eight separate skills, each
representing a type of magic spell.
Combat (IN/RE)
Combat Magic is focused on spells designed for offensive and
defensive purposes in battle. These spells are often direct and potent, crafted
to harm, incapacitate, or protect during combat situations.
Common Spells: Manabolt,
Powerbolt, Death Touch, Armor, Stunball.
Use Cases: Inflicting
direct magical damage, shielding oneself or allies, incapacitating multiple
opponents with area-of-effect spells, and disrupting magical defenses or
attacks.
Detection (IN/RE)
Detection Magic encompasses spells that enhance perception,
allowing the mage to uncover hidden information, detect threats, or perceive
distant or concealed phenomena. This subskill is essential for gaining
strategic information.
Common Spells: Detect
Life, Clairvoyance, Mind Probe, Detect Magic, Analyze Device.
Use Cases: Sensing hidden
enemies or traps, reading thoughts or emotions, viewing distant locations, and
identifying magical or technological properties of objects.
Elemental (IN/RE)
Elemental Magic involves spells that draw upon the primal
forces of nature—fire, water, earth, air, and electricity. Mages specializing
in this subskill can command these elements to cause damage, create defenses,
or manipulate the environment.
Common Spells: Fireball,
Lightning Bolt, Ice Sheet, Earthquake, Acid Stream.
Use Cases: Unleashing
elemental attacks, creating barriers or environmental hazards, and enhancing
objects with elemental properties.
Healing (IN/RE)
Description: Healing
Magic is dedicated to spells that restore health, cure diseases, and repair
physical damage. These spells are vital for sustaining the health and vitality
of the mage and their allies.
Common Spells: Heal,
Treat, Cure Disease, Detox, Stabilize.
Use Cases: Mending
wounds, removing toxins, stabilizing dying characters, and reversing physical
injuries.
Illusion (CU/PR)
Description: Illusion
Magic involves creating deceptive sensory experiences, making things appear as
they are not. Mages specializing in Illusion Magic can craft convincing visual,
auditory, and tactile illusions to mislead or protect themselves and their
allies.
Common Spells:
Invisibility, Phantasm, Silence, Trid Phantasm, Mask.
Use Cases: Concealing
oneself or others, creating false images or sounds to deceive, and altering
perceptions to gain a tactical advantage.
Mental (CU/PR)
Mental Manipulation Magic deals with spells that influence,
control, or alter the thoughts, emotions, and perceptions of others. This
subskill is focused on affecting the minds of living beings, whether for
benevolent or malevolent purposes.
Common Spells: Control
Thoughts, Influence, Memory Alteration, Fear, Calm Emotions.
Use Cases: Controlling or
influencing the thoughts and actions of others, altering memories, manipulating
emotions, and creating mental illusions.
Mobility (CU/PR)
Mobility Magic focuses on spells that enhance or alter
movement, whether it’s increasing physical agility, enabling flight, or even
teleporting across vast distances. Mages who specialize in this subskill can
maneuver themselves and others in ways that defy normal physical limitations.
Common Spells: Levitate,
Fly, Teleport, Feather Fall, Haste.
Use Cases: Granting the
ability to fly or levitate, teleporting across space, enhancing speed or
agility, and preventing or reducing fall damage.
Physical (CU/IN)
Physical Manipulation Magic focuses on spells that alter or
control the physical world, affecting objects, the environment, or the physical
bodies of living beings. This subskill is about shaping matter and physical
forces to the mage’s will.
Common Spells: Levitate,
Shape Metal, Physical Barrier, Control Gravity, Animate Object.
Use Cases: Moving objects
or creatures, altering the properties of materials, creating protective
barriers, and manipulating physical forces like gravity.
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