SJG Forum Threads[]
Basics[]
Skills are traits that a character can learn giving them the power to do something competently. Specific applications of a skill are Techniques.
"Difficulty is E for Easy, A for Average, H for Hard, or VH for Very Hard.
Defaults marked with * either do not always apply or vary in special circumstances; see the entry in the main text.
Skills marked with † require specialization."
This combines information in the Basic Set[1] and GURPS Skill Categories.
GURPS Power-Ups 7: Wildcard Skills lists Wildcard Skills which groups several of the skills below together.
The {{skill}} template can be used to represent fixed skill levels:
- {{Skill|[[Veterinary]]|Tech=7|Special=Horse|A|IQ|4|16}}
- Veterinary/TL 7 (Horse) (A) (IQ+1) — 16 [4]
Animal[]
To study animals be in nature or in the lab, learn Natural Sciences skills such as Biology/TL, Paleontology/TL, and Physiology/TL.
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Animal Handling† | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B175 |
Falconry | A | IQ | IQ-5, Animal Handling (Raptors)-3 | B194 |
Mimicry (Animal Sounds) | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B210 |
Mimicry (Bird Calls) | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B210 |
Mount | A | DX | DX-5 | B210 |
Naturalist | H | IQ | IQ-6, Biology-3 | B211 |
Packing | A | IQ | IQ-5, Animal Handling (Equines)-5 | B212 |
Riding† | A | DX | DX-5, Animal Handling, Riding (same)-3 | B217 |
Teamster† | A | IQ | Animal Handling (same)-4, Riding (same)-2 | B225 |
Veterinary/TL | A | IQ | Animal Handling (any)-6, Physician-5, Surgery-5 | B228 |
Arts/Entertainment[]
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Artist† | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B179 |
Connoisseur† | A | IQ | IQ-5* | B185 |
Current Affairs/TL (High Culture) | E | IQ | IQ-4, Research-4 | B186 |
Current Affairs/TL (Popular Culture) | E | IQ | IQ-4, Research-4 | B186 |
Dancing | A | DX | DX-5 | B187 |
Electronics Operation/TL (Media) | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (Electrical)-3 IQ-5, Electronics Repair (same)-5, Engineer (Electronics)-5 | B189 |
Fire Eating | A | DX | None | B195 |
Group Performance† | A | IQ | IQ-5* | B198 |
Makeup/TL | E | IQ | IQ-4, Disguise-2 | B206 |
Mimicry† | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B210 |
Musical Composition | H | IQ | Musical Instrument-2, Poetry-2 (for song) | B210 |
Musical Instrument† | H | IQ | Special | B211 |
Performance | A | IQ | IQ-5, Acting-2, Public Speaking-2 | B212 |
Photography/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Electronics Operation (Media)-5 | B213 |
Poetry | A | IQ | IQ-5, Writing-5 | B214 |
Singing | E | HT | HT-4 | B220 |
Sleight of Hand | H | DX | Filch-5 | B221 |
Stage Combat | A | DX | Combat Art or Sport-2, an actual combat skill-3, Performance-3 | B222 |
Ventriloquism | H | IQ | None | B228 |
Writing | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B228 |
Athletic[]
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Acrobatics | H | DX | DX-6 | B174 |
Aerobatics | H | DX | DX-6 | B174 |
Aquabatics | H | DX | DX-6 | B174 |
Bicycling | E | DX | DX-4, Driving (Motorcycle)-4 | B180 |
Body Sense | H | DX | DX-6, Acrobatics-3 | B181 |
Breath Control | H | HT | None | B182 |
Climbing | A | DX | DX-5 | B183 |
Combat Art† | Varies | DX | Special | B184 |
Flight | A | HT | HT-5 | B195 |
Free Fall | A | DX | DX-5, HT-5 | B197 |
Hiking | A | HT | HT-5 | B200 |
Jumping | E | DX | None | B203 |
Lifting | A | HT | None | B205 |
Mount | A | DX | DX-5 | B210 |
Parachuting/TL | E | DX | DX-4 | B212 |
Running | A | HT | HT-5 | B218 |
Scuba/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Diving Suit-2 | B219 |
Sports† | A | DX | Special | B222 |
Swimming | E | HT | HT-4 | B224 |
Throwing | A | DX | DX-3, Dropping-4 | B226 |
Business[]
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Accounting | H | IQ | IQ-6, Finance-4, Mathematics (Statistics)-5, Merchant-5 | B174 |
Administration | A | IQ | IQ-5, Merchant-3 | B174 |
Current Affairs/TL (Business) | E | IQ | IQ-4, Research-4 | B186 |
Diplomacy | H | IQ | IQ-6, Politics-6 | B187 |
Economics | H | IQ | IQ-6, Finance-3, Market Analysis-5, Merchant-6 | B189 |
Finance | H | IQ | Accounting-4, Economics-3, Merchant-6 | B195 |
Law† | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B204 |
Market Analysis | H | IQ | IQ-6, Economics-5, Merchant-4 | B207 |
Mathematics/TL (Statistics) | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B207 |
Merchant | A | IQ | IQ-5, Finance-6, Market Analysis-4 | B209 |
Politics | A | IQ | IQ-5, Diplomacy-5 | B215 |
Public Speaking | A | IQ | IQ-5, Acting-5, Performance-2, Politics-5 | B216 |
Savoir-Faire (High Society) | E | IQ | IQ-4 and others | B218 |
Combat/Weapon[]
The unusual abilities of cinematic martial-arts masters are Esoteric skills
Melee Combat[]
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Axe/Mace | A | DX | Flail-4, Two-Handed Axe/Mace-3 | B208 |
Boxing | A | DX | None | B182 |
Brawling | E | DX | None | B182 |
Broadsword | A | DX | Force Sword-4, Rapier-4, Saber-4, Shortsword-2, Two-Handed Sword-4 | B208 |
Cloak | A | DX | DX-5, Net-4, Shield (any)-4 | B184 |
Fast Draw† | E | DX | None | B194 |
Flail | H | DX | Axe/Mace-4, Two-Handed Flail-3 | B208 |
Force Sword | A | DX | Any Sword-3 | B208 |
Force Whip | A | DX | Kusari-3, Monowire Whip-3, Whip-3 | B209 |
Garrote | E | DX | DX-4 | B197 |
Jitte/Sai | A | DX | Force Sword-4, Main-Gauche-4, Shortsword-3 | B208 |
Judo | H | DX | None | B203 |
Karate | H | DX | None | B203 |
Knife | E | DX | Force Sword-3, Main-Gauche-3, Shortsword-3 | B208 |
Kusari | H | DX | Force Whip-3, Monowire Whip-3, Two-Handed Flail-4, Whip-3 | B203 |
Lance | A | DX | DX-5, Spear-3 | B204 |
Main-Gauche | A | DX | Jitte/Sai-4, Knife-4, Rapier-3, Saber-3, Smallsword-3 | B208 |
Melee Weapon | Varies | DX | Special | B208 |
Monowire Whip | H | DX | Force Whip-3, Kusari-3, Whip-3 | 209 |
Parry Missile Weapons | H | DX | None | B212 |
Polearm | A | DX | Spear-4, Staff-4, Two-Handed Axe/Mace-4 | B208 |
Rapier | A | DX | Broadsword-4, Main-Gauche-3, Saber-3, Smallsword-3 | B208 |
Saber | A | DX | Broadsword-4, Main-Gauche-3, Rapier-3, Shortsword-4, Smallsword-3 | B208 |
Shield† | E | DX | DX-4 | B220 |
Shortsword | A | DX | Broadsword-2, Force Sword-4, Jitte/Sai-3, Knife-4, Saber-4, Smallsword-4, Tonfa-3 | B209 |
Smallsword | A | DX | Main-Gauche-3, Rapier-3, Saber-3, Shortsword-4 | B208 |
Spear | A | DX | Polearm-4, Staff-2 | B208 |
Staff | A | DX | Polearm-4, Spear-2 | B208 |
Sumo Wrestling | A | DX | None | B223 |
Tonfa | A | DX | Shortsword-3 | B209 |
Two-Handed Axe/Mace | A | DX | Axe/Mace-3, Polearm-4, Two-Handed Flail-4 | B208 |
Two-Handed Flail | H | DX | Flail-3, Kusari-4, Two-Handed Axe/Mace-4 | B208 |
Two-Handed Sword | A | DX | Broadsword-4, Force Sword-4 | B209 |
Whip | A | DX | Force Whip-3, Kusari-3, Monowire Whip-3 | B209 |
Wrestling | A | DX | None | B228 |
Ranged Combat[]
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Artillery/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B178 |
Beam Weapons/TL† | E | DX | DX-4 | B179 |
Blowpipe | H | DX | DX-6 | B180 |
Bolas | A | DX | None | B182 |
Bow | A | DX | DX-5 | B182 |
Crossbow | E | DX | DX-4 | B186 |
Dropping | A | DX | DX-3, Throwing-4 | B189 |
Fast-Draw† | E | DX | None | B194 |
Gunner/TL† | E | DX | DX-4 | B198 |
Guns/TL† | E | DX | DX-4 | B198 |
Innate Attack† | E | DX | DX-4 | B201 |
Lasso | A | DX | None | B204 |
Liquid Projector/TL† | E | DX | DX-4 | B205 |
Net | H | DX | Cloak-5 | B211 |
Sling | H | DX | DX-6 | B221 |
Spear Thrower | A | DX | DX-5, Thrown Weapon (Spear)-4 | B222 |
Throwing Art | H | DX | None | B226 |
Thrown Weapon† | E | DX | DX-4* | B226 |
Craft[]
"Craft skills deal specifically with doing the work necessary to turn raw materials – cloth, leather, metal, stone, wood, etc. – into finished goods."
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Artist (Pottery) | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B179 |
Artist (Sculpting) | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B179 |
Artist (Woodworking) | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B179 |
Bone Carving | A | DX | DX-2, Armoury (TL0)-2 | Lands Out of Time pg 11 |
Carpentry | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B183 |
Jeweler/TL | H | IQ | IQ-6, Smith (Copper)-4, Smith (Lead and Tin)-4 | B203 |
Leatherworking | E | DX | DX-4 | B205 |
Masonry | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B207 |
Smith/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5* | B221 |
Criminal/Street[]
"Members of any profession might sell their skills for a dishonest buck, but a few skills are common among criminals and rarely learned by honest folk. These often overlap Police and Spy skills. In some times and places, being trained in the technological skills on this list may be a Secret for anyone but a government agent."
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Carousing | E | HT | HT-4 | B183 |
Climbing | A | DX | DX-5 | B183 |
Computer Hacking/TL | VH | IQ | None | B184 |
Counterfeiting/TL | H | IQ | IQ-6, Forgery-2 | B185 |
Disguise/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5, Makeup-3 | B187 |
Electronics Operation/TL (Security) | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (Electrical)-3 IQ-5, Electronics Repair (same)-5, Engineer (Electronics)-5 | B189 |
Escape | H | DX | DX-6 | B192 |
Explosives/TL (Demolition) | A | IQ | IQ-5* | B194 |
Fast-Talk | A | IQ | IQ-5, Acting-5 | B195 |
Filch | A | DX | DX-5, Pickpocket-4, Sleight of Hand-4 | B195 |
Forced Entry | E | DX | None | B196 |
Forgery/TL | H | IQ | IQ-6, Counterfeiting-2 | B196 |
Gambling | A | IQ | IQ-5, Mathematics (Statistics)-5 | B197 |
Holdout | A | IQ | IQ-5, Sleight of Hand-3 | B200 |
Intimidation | A | Will | Will-5, Acting-3 | B202 |
Lockpicking/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B206 |
Observation | A | Per | Per-5, Shadowing-5 | B211 |
Panhandling | E | IQ | IQ-4, Fast Talk-2, Public Speaking-3 | B212 |
Pickpocket | H | DX | DX-6, Filch-5, Sleight of Hand-4 | B213 |
Poisons/TL | H | IQ | IQ-6, Chemistry-5, Pharmacy (any)-3, Physician-3 | B214 |
Savoir-Faire (Mafia) | E | IQ | IQ-4 and others | B218 |
Scrounging | E | Per | Per-4 | B218 |
Shadowing | A | IQ | IQ-5, Observation-5, Stealth-4 (on foot only) | B219 |
Sleight of Hand | H | DX | Filch-5 | B221 |
Smuggling | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B221 |
Stealth | A | DX | DX-5, IQ-5 | B222 |
Streetwise | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B223 |
Traps/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Lockpicking-3 | B226 |
Urban Survival | A | Per | Per-5 | B228 |
Design/Invention[]
"These skills deal with conceiving new artifacts and technology[2] Use Architecture/TL for buildings, Bioengineering/TL for biotech, Computer Programming/TL for software, Engineer/TL for machines, and Pharmacy/TL for drugs. Maintaining technology calls for Repair/Maintenance skills; using it generally requires Combat/Weapon, Technical, or Vehicle skills."
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Architecture/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (Civil)-4 | B176 |
BioengineeringTL† | H | IQ | Biology-5 | B180 |
Computer Programming/TL | H | IQ | None | B184 |
Engineer/TL† | H | IQ | Special | B190 |
Pharmacy/TL† | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B213 |
Weird Science | VH | IQ | None | B228 |
Esoteric[]
Esoteric skills let the user direct bioenergy, chi, psi, or another force that originates within his mind or body. They are to skills as exotic and supernatural advantages are to advantages. The GM decides which Esoteric skills exist in the campaign and may require prerequisite advantages, such as Trained By A Master, even for skills that don’t specifically list such requirements.
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Autohypnosis | H | Will | Meditation-4 | B179 |
Blind Fighting | VH | Per | None | B180 |
Body Control | VH | HT | None | B181 |
Breaking Blow | H | IQ | None | B182 |
Captivate | H | Will | None | B191 |
Dreaming | H | Will | Will-6 | B188 |
Enthrallment† | H | Will | None | B191 |
Flying Leap | H | IQ | None | B196 |
Immovable Stance | H | DX | None | B201 |
Invisibility Art | VH | IQ | None | B202 |
Kiai | H | HT | None | B203 |
Light Walk | H | DX | None | B205 |
Meditation | H | Will | Will-6, Autohypnosis-4 | B207 |
Mental Strength | E | Will | None | B209 |
Mind Block | A | Will | Will-5, Meditation-5 | B210 |
Musical Influence | VH | IQ | None | B210 |
Persuade | H | Will | None | B191 |
Power Blow | H | Will | None | B215 |
Pressure Points | H | IQ | None | B215 |
Pressure Secrets | VH | IQ | None | B215 |
Push | H | DX | None | B216 |
Suggest | H | Will | None | B191 |
Sway Emotions | H | Will | None | B192 |
Throwing Art | H | DX | None | B226 |
Zen Archery | VH | IQ | None | B228 |
Everyman[]
"Most of these skills fall into other categories, too. What they have in common is that in cultures and TLs where they exist at all, almost everyone will know two or three of them – including any hero who didn’t grow up under a rock!"
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Area Knowledge† | E | IQ | IQ-4, Geography, (Regional)-3* | B176 |
Computer Operation/TL | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B184 |
Cooking | A | IQ | IQ-5, Housekeeping-5 | B185 |
Housekeeping | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B200 |
Knot-Tying | E | DX | DX-4, Climbing-4, Seamanship-4 | B203 |
Savoir-Faire (Servant) | E | IQ | IQ-4 and others | B218 |
Sewing/TL | E | DX | DX-4 | B219 |
Typing | E | DX | DX-4, any skill requiring typing-3 | B228 |
Weather Sense | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B209 |
Knowledge[]
These skills represent knowledge of an activity, place, group of people, or body of research. Expert Skills are by definition arcane, though, and Hidden Lore might even require an Unusual Background.
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Area Knowledge† | E | IQ | IQ-4, Geography, (Regional)-3* | B176 |
Connoisseur† | A | IQ | IQ-5* | B185 |
Current Affairs/TL† | E | IQ | IQ-4, Research-4 | B186 |
Games† | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B197 |
Heraldry | A | IQ | IQ-5, Savoir-Faire (High Society)-3 | B199 |
Hidden Lore† | A | IQ | None | B199 |
Hobby Skill† | E | DX or IQ | DX-4 or IQ-4 | B200 |
Professional Skill† | A | DX or IQ | Special | B215 |
Savoir-Faire† | E | IQ | IQ-4 and others | B218 |
Medical[]
"Medical skills are for treating injury and affliction[3] They are the job skills of medical professionals – doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, etc. – and first responders such as army medics and paramedics. In some settings, barbers, herbalists, midwives, and even torturers will know some of these skills."
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Diagnosis/TL | H | IQ | IQ-6, First Aid-8, Physician-4, Veterinary-5 | B187 |
Electronics Operation/TL (Medical) | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (Electrical)-3 IQ-5, Electronics Repair (same)-5, Engineer (Electronics)-5 | B189 |
Esoteric Medicine | H | Per | Per-6 | B192 |
Expert Skill (Epidemiology) | H | IQ | None | B193 |
First Aid/TL | E | IQ | IQ-4, Esoteric Medicine, Physician, Veterinary-4 | B195 |
Hypnotism | H | IQ | None | B201 |
Pharmacy/TL† | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B213 |
Physician/TL | H | IQ | IQ-7, First Aid-11, Veterinary-5 | B213 |
Poisons/TL | H | IQ | IQ-6, Chemistry-5, Pharmacy (any)-3, Physician-3 | B214 |
Psychology | H | IQ | IQ-6, Sociology-4 | B216 |
Surgery/TL | VH | IQ | First Aid-12, Physician-5, Physiology-8, Veterinary-5 | B223 |
Veterinary/TL | H | IQ | Animal Handling (any)-6, Physician-5, Surgery-5 | B228 |
Military[]
"Military forces often have members with every skill imaginable, but a few skills are rare outside the armed services. The GM may make Military Rank or Security Clearance a prerequisite for certain technological skills on this list. Most military personnel also know Combat/Weapon skills and a few Technical and Vehicle skills."
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Armoury/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (same)-4 | B178 |
Brain Hacking/TL | H | IQ | Special | B182 |
Brainwashing/TL | H | IQ | Special | B182 |
Camouflage | E | IQ | IQ-4, Survival-2 | B183 |
Cryptography/TL | H | IQ | Mathematics (Cryptology)-5 | B186 |
Electronics Operation/TL (Electronic Warfare) | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (Electrical)-3 IQ-5, Electronics Repair (same)-5, Engineer (Electronics)-5 | B189 |
Electronics Repair/TL (Electronic Warfare) | A | IQ | IQ-5, Electronics Operation (same)-3, Engineer (Electronics)-3 | B190 |
Expert Skill (Military Science) | H | IQ | None | B193 |
Explosives/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5* | B194 |
Forward Observer/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Artillery (any)-5* | B196 |
Intelligence Analysis | H | IQ | IQ-6, Strategy (any)-6 | B201 |
Interrogation | A | IQ | IQ-5, Intimidation-3, Psychology-4 | B202 |
Leadership | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B204 |
NBC Suit/TL | A | DX | Battlesuit-2, Diving Suit-4, Vacc Suit-2 | B192 |
Observation | A | Per | Per-5, Shadowing-5 | B211 |
Parachuting/TL | E | DX | DX-4 | B212 |
Propaganda/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Merchant-5, Psychology-4 | B216 |
Savoir-Faire (Military) | E | IQ | IQ-4 and others | B218 |
Scuba/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Diving Suit-2 | B219 |
Soldier/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B221 |
Strategy† | H | IQ | IQ-6, Intelligence Analysis-6, Tactics-6 | B222 |
Tactics | H | IQ | IQ-6, Strategy (any)-6 | B224 |
Traps/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Lockpicking-3 | B226 |
Natural Sciences[]
These skills attempt to explain the natural world, from subatomic particles to galaxies. Those who study manmade artifacts have Design/Invention skills, those who study medicine have Medical skills, and those who study the cultures of sapient beings have Social Sciences/Humanities skills.
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alchemy/TL | VH | IQ | None | B174 |
Astronomy/TL | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B179 |
Biology/TL† | VH | IQ | IQ-6, Naturalist-6 | B180 |
Chemistry/TL | H | IQ | IQ-6, Alchemy-3 | B183 |
Expert Skill (Epidemiology) | H | IQ | None | B193 |
Expert Skill (Hydrology) | H | IQ | None | B193 |
Expert Skill (Natural Philosophy) | H | IQ | None | B193 |
Geology/TL† | H | IQ | IQ-6, Geography (Physical)-4, Prospecting-5 | B198 |
Mathematics/TL† | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B207 |
Metallurgy/TL | H | IQ | Chemistry-5, Jeweler-8, Smith (any)-8 | B209 |
Meteorology/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B209 |
Naturalist | H | IQ | IQ-6, Biology-3 | B211 |
Paleontology/TL† | H | IQ | Biology-4* | B212 |
Physics/TL | VH | IQ | IQ-6 | B213 |
Physiology/TL† | H | IQ | IQ-6, Diagnosis-5, Physician-5, Surgery-5 | B213 |
Occult/Magical[]
"Occult/Magical skills deal with gods, magic, spirits, and similar otherworldly forces. They are the professional skills of priests, shamans, and wizards – any of whom might also learn spells or other working magic. Unusual forces that originate within the user are the focus of Esoteric skills"
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alchemy/TL | VH | IQ | None B174 | B174 |
Exorcism | H | Will | Will-6, Religious Ritual (any)-3, Ritual Magic (any)-3, Theology (any)-3 | B193 |
Expert Skill (Psionics) | H | IQ | None | B193 |
Herb Lore/TL | VH | IQ | None | B199 |
Hidden Lore (Demon Lore) | A | IQ | None | B199 |
Hidden Lore (Faerie Lore) | A | IQ | None | B199 |
Hidden Lore (Spirit Lore) | A | IQ | None | B199 |
Occultism | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B212 |
Religious Ritual† | H | IQ | Ritual Magic (same)-6, Theology (same)-4 | B217 |
Ritual Magic† | VH | IQ | Religious Ritual (same)-6 | B218 |
Symbol Drawing† | H | IQ | Special | B224 |
Thaumatology | VH | IQ | IQ-7 (magical settings only) | B225 |
Outdoor/Exploration[]
The skills below are useful for these purposes and common among explorers, pioneers, prospectors, and rangers. Most outdoorsmen also know Animal or Vehicle skills: Riding for their horse, Boating for their canoe, and so forth
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Camouflage | E | IQ | IQ-4, Survival-2 | B183 |
Cartography/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Geography (any)-2, Mathematics (Surveying)-2, Navigation (any)-4 | B183 |
Climbing | E | DX | DX-5 | B183 |
Fishing | E | Per | Per-4 | B195 |
Hiking | A | HT | HT-5 | B200 |
Mimicry (Animal Sounds) | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B210 |
Mimicry (Bird Calls) | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B210 |
Naturalist | H | IQ | IQ-6, Biology-3 | B211 |
Navigation/TL† | A | IQ | Special | B211 |
Prospecting/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Geology (any)-4 | B216 |
Scuba/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Diving Suit-2 | B219 |
Skating | H | HT | HT-6 | B220 |
Skiing | H | HT | HT-6 | B221 |
Survival† | A | Per | Per-5, Naturalist (same planet)-3 | B223 |
Swimming | E | HT | HT-4 | B224 |
Tracking | A | Per | Per-5, Naturalist-5 | B226 |
Weather Sense | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B209 |
Plant[]
These skills deal with growing things. Unlike Animal skills, this category includes both lab study and practical skills.
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Biology/TL† | VH | IQ | IQ-6, Naturalist-6 | B180 |
Farming/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Biology-5, Gardening-3 | B194 |
Gardening | E | IQ | IQ-4, Farming-3 | B197 |
Herb Lore/TL | VH | IQ | None | B199 |
Naturalist | H | IQ | IQ-6, Biology-3 | B211 |
Paleontology/TL (Paleobotany) | H | IQ | Biology-4* | B212 |
Pharmacy/TL (Herbal) | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B213 |
Police[]
"Day-to-day police work mostly involves Social skills (below), but officers also learn skills that are rare outside the underworld (Criminal/Street skills), military (Military skills), or intelligence agencies (Spy skills). The GM may make Legal Enforcement Powers or Police Rank a prerequisite for the technological skills below. See also Combat/Weapon and Vehicle skills.
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Body Language | A | Per | Detect Lies-4, Psychology-4 | B181 |
Criminology/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Psychology-4 | B186 |
Detect Lies | H | Per | Per-6, Body Language-4, Psychology-4 | B187 |
Diplomacy | H | IQ | IQ-6, Politics-6 | B187 |
Electronics Operation/TL (Surveillance) | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (Electrical)-3 IQ-5, Electronics Repair (same)-5, Engineer (Electronics)-5 | B189 |
Explosives/TL (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) | A | IQ | IQ-5* | B194 |
Forced Entry | E | DX | None | B196 |
Forensics/TL | H | IQ | IQ-6, Criminology-4 | B196 |
Intelligence Analysis | H | IQ | IQ-6, Strategy (any)-6 | B201 |
Interrogation | A | IQ | IQ-5, Intimidation-3, Psychology-4 | B202 |
Intimidation | A | Will | Defaults: Will-5 or Acting-3 | B202 |
Law† | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B204 |
Lockpicking/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B206 |
Observation | A | Per | Per-5, Shadowing-5 | B211 |
Savoir-Faire (Police) | E | IQ | IQ-4 and others | B218 |
Search | A | Per | Per-5, Criminology-5 | B219 |
Shadowing | A | IQ | IQ-5, Observation-5, Stealth-4 (on foot only) | B219 |
Stealth | A | DX | DX-5, IQ-5 | B222 |
Streetwise | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B223 |
Tactics | A | IQ | IQ-6, Strategy (any)-6 | B224 |
Urban Survival | A | Per | Per-5 | B228 |
Repair/Maintenance[]
"These skills cover installing, repairing, and modifying electrical or mechanical devices. Inventing such things requires Design/Invention skills; using them calls for Technical skills. To work with raw materials instead of manufactured gadgets, learn Craft skills."
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Armoury/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (same)-4 | B178 |
Electrician/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (Electrical)-3 | B189 |
Electronics Repair/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5, Electronics Operation (same)-3, Engineer (Electronics)-3 | B190 |
Flint Knapping | A | DX | DX-2, Armoury(TL0)-1, Anthropology-4 | GURPS Lands Out of Time pg 11 |
Machinist/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Mechanic (any)-5 | B206 |
Mechanic/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (same)-4, Machinist-5 | B207 |
Scholarly[]
"Skills relevant to reading, writing, research, and lecturing are common among sages, professors, and other learned folk. A scholar might know any or all of the skills below, if they exist in his world. These usually accompany skills from the Design/Invention, Natural Sciences, Occult/Magical, and Social Sciences/Humanities groups.
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Operation/TL | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B184 |
Expert Skill† | H | IQ | None | B193 |
Literature | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B205 |
Public Speaking | A | IQ | IQ-5, Acting-5, Performance-2, Politics-5 | B216 |
Research/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Writing-3 | B217 |
Speed-Reading | A | IQ | None | B222 |
Teaching | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B224 |
Typing | E | DX | DX-4, any skill requiring typing-3 | B228 |
Writing | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B228 |
Social[]
"Social skills all involve one individual or group trying to relate to another. Some are basically “hands off” (e.g., using Current Affairs (People) or Heraldry to recognize someone famous). Others actively seek to affect others’ actions or emotions."
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Acting | A | IQ | IQ-5, Performance-2, Public Speaking-5 | B174 |
Administration | A | IQ | IQ-5, Merchant-3 | B174 |
Body Language | A | Per | Detect Lies-4, Psychology-4 | B181 |
Carousing | E | HT | HT-4 | B183 |
Connoisseur† | A | IQ | IQ-5* | B185 |
Current Affairs/TL† | E | IQ | IQ-4, Research-4 | B186 |
Detect Lies | H | Per | Per-6, Body Language-4, Psychology-4 | B187 |
Diplomacy | H | IQ | IQ-6, Politics-6 | B187 |
Erotic Art | A | DX | DX-5, Acrobatics-5 | B192 |
Fast-Talk | A | IQ | IQ-5, Acting-5 | B195 |
Fortune Telling† | A | IQ | IQ-5, Fast-Talk-3, Occultism-3 | B196 |
Gambling | A | IQ | IQ-5, Mathematics (Statistics)-5 | B197 |
Intimidation | A | Will | Defaults: Will-5 or Acting-3 | B202 |
Gesture | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B198 |
Heraldry | A | IQ | IQ-5, Savoir-Faire (High Society)-3 | B199 |
Leadership | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B204 |
Merchant | A | IQ | IQ-5, Finance-6, Market Analysis-4 | B209 |
Panhandling | E | IQ | IQ-4, Fast Talk-2, Public Speaking-3 | B212 |
Politics | A | IQ | IQ-5, Diplomacy-5 | B215 |
Propaganda/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Merchant-5, Psychology-4 | B216 |
Public Speaking | A | IQ | IQ-5, Acting-5, Performance-2, Politics-5 | B216 |
Savoir-Faire (High Society) | E | IQ | IQ-4 and others | B218 |
Sex Appeal | A | HT | HT-3 | B219 |
Streetwise | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B223 |
Teaching | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B224 |
Social Sciences/Humanities[]
"These skills study the “world of the mind”: the behavior, beliefs, civilizations, and social systems of intelligent beings. They might analyze the past, try to understand the present, or attempt to predict future behavior. The systematic study of the natural world is covered by Natural Sciences skills."
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anthropology† | H | IQ | IQ-6, Paleontology (Paleoanthropology)-2, Sociology-3 | B175 |
Archaeology | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B176 |
Cartography/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Geography (any)-2, Mathematics (Surveying)-2, Navigation (any)-4 | B183 |
Criminology/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Psychology-4 | B186 |
Economics | H | IQ | IQ-6, Finance-3, Market Analysis-5, Merchant-6 | B189 |
Expert Skill (Egyptology) | H | IQ | None | B193 |
Expert Skill (Political Science) | H | IQ | None | B193 |
Expert Skill Thanatology) | H | IQ | None | B193 |
Expert Skill (Xenology) | H | IQ | None | B193 |
Geography/TL† | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B198 |
History† | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B200 |
Law† | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B204 |
Linguistics | H | IQ | None | B205 |
Literature | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B205 |
Paleontology/TL (Paleoanthropology) | H | IQ | Biology-4* | B212 |
Philosophy† | H | IQ | IQ-6 | B213 |
Psychology | H | IQ | IQ-6, Sociology-4 | B216 |
Sociology | H | IQ | IQ-6, Anthropology-3, Psychology-4 | B221 |
Theology† | H | IQ | IQ-6, Religious Ritual (same)-4 | B226 |
Spy[]
"Spy skills cover the specialized “tradecraft” of intelligence and security officers. They blur into Criminal/Street, Military, and Police skills – all of which are common among spies with suitable backgrounds. Rank or Security Clearance is often a prerequisite for certain technological skills on this list. Cinematic spies will also know Combat/Weapon skills!"
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Acting | A | IQ | IQ-5, Performance-2, Public Speaking-5 | B174 |
Body Language | A | Per | Detect Lies-4, Psychology-4 | B181 |
Brain Hacking/TL | H | IQ | Special | B182 |
Brainwashing/TL | H | IQ | Special | B182 |
Computer Hacking/TL | VH | IQ | None | B184 |
Cryptography/TL | H | IQ | Mathematics (Cryptology)-5 | B186 |
Detect Lies | H | Per | Per-6, Body Language-4, Psychology-4 | B187 |
Disguise/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5, Makeup-3 | B187 |
Electronics Operation (Electronic Warfare)/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (Electrical)-3 IQ-5, Electronics Repair (same)-5, Engineer (Electronics)-5 | B189 |
Electronics Operation (Security)/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (Electrical)-3 IQ-5, Electronics Repair (same)-5, Engineer (Electronics)-5 | B189 |
Electronics Operation (Surveillance)/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (Electrical)-3 IQ-5, Electronics Repair (same)-5, Engineer (Electronics)-5 | B189 |
Escape | H | DX | DX-6 | B192 |
Expert Skill (Computer Security) | H | IQ | None | B193 |
Fast-Talk | A | IQ | IQ-5, Acting-5 | B195 |
Filch | A | DX | DX-5, Pickpocket-4, Sleight of Hand-4 | B195 |
Forced Entry | E | DX | None | B196 |
Forgery/TL | H | IQ | IQ-6, Counterfeiting-2 | B196 |
Holdout | A | IQ | IQ-5, Sleight of Hand-3 | B200 |
Intelligence Analysis | H | IQ | IQ-6, Strategy (any)-6 | B201 |
Interrogation | A | IQ | IQ-5, Intimidation-3, Psychology-4 | B202 |
Lip Reading | A | Per | Per-10 | B205 |
Lockpicking/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B206 |
Observation | A | Per | Per-5, Shadowing-5 | B211 |
Photography/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Electronics Operation (Media)-5 | B213 |
Poisons/TL | H | IQ | IQ-6, Chemistry-5, Pharmacy (any)-3, Physician-3 | B214 |
Propaganda/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Merchant-5, Psychology-4 | B216 |
Research/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Writing-3 | B217 |
Search | A | Per | Per-5, Criminology-5 | B219 |
Shadowing | A | IQ | IQ-5, Observation-5, Stealth-4 (on foot only) | B219 |
Smuggling | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B221 |
Stealth | A | DX | DX-5, IQ-5 | B222 |
Technical[]
"These skills cover the operation of specialized technology other than vehicles (which use Vehicle skills). They are common among those trained in Military, Police, and Spy skills – which heavily overlap this category – and those with Design/Invention, Medical, and Natural Sciences skills (and their assistants)."
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Battlesuit/TL | A | DX | DX-5, Diving Suit-4, NBC Suit-2, Vacc Suit-2 | B192 |
Computer Operation/TL | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B184 |
Diving Suit/TL | A | DX | DX-5, Battlesuit-4, NBC Suit-4, Scuba-2, Vacc Suit-4 | B192 |
Electronics Operation/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5, Engineer (Electrical)-3 IQ-5, Electronics Repair (same)-5, Engineer (Electronics)-5 | B189 |
Explosives/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5* | B194 |
Freight Handling/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B197 |
Hazardous Materials/TL† | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B199 |
Lockpicking/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B206 |
Mathematics/TL (Surveying) | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B207 |
Navigation/TL† | A | IQ | Special | B211 |
Parachuting/TL | E | DX | DX-4 | B212 |
Photography/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Electronics Operation (Media)-5 | B213 |
Scuba/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5, Diving Suit-2 | B219 |
Vacc Suit/TL | A | DX | DX-5, Battlesuit-2, Diving Suit-4, NBC Suit-2 | B192 |
Vehicle[]
"Vehicle skills cover the training needed to operate anything from a covered wagon to a starship – including steering the thing, basic maintenance, loading cargo, and plotting courses. Specialist crew will possess other skills: Technical skills for radiomen and sensor operators, Repair/Maintenance skills for engineers, Combat/Weapon skills for gunners and marines, and so forth."
Skill | Diff | Attr | Defaults | Page |
---|---|---|---|---|
Airshipman/TL | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B185 |
Battlesuit/TL | A | DX | DX-5, Diving Suit-4, NBC Suit-2, Vacc Suit-2 | B192 |
Bicycling | E | DX | DX-4, Driving (Motorcycle)-4 | B180 |
Boating/TL† | A | DX | DX-5, IQ-5 | B180 |
Crewman/TL | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B185 |
Driving/TL† | A | DX | DX-5, IQ-5 | B188 |
Freight Handling/TL | A | IQ | IQ-5 | B197 |
Piloting/TL† | A | DX | IQ-6 | B214 |
Seamanship/TL | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B185 |
Shiphandling/TL† | H | IQ | IQ-6* | B220 |
Spacer/TL | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B185 |
Submarine/TL† | A | DX | IQ-6 | B223 |
Submariner | E | IQ | IQ-4 | B185 |
Teamster† | A | IQ | Animal Handling (same)-4, Riding (same)-2 | B225 |