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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

References[]

  1. B301-304
  2. B473-479
  3. B423-425

See also[]

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