Skills

[Finch]

    The abilities system is very useful for general activities. Any character can attempt to climb a tree or ride a horse, and their ability in other, similar activities aids them in this. However, these general abilities can only go so far. Sure, any kid can climb a tree, but what about scaling a sheer rock face? They could try, but they will likely fail without specific skills in that area.
    For this reason, the skills system exists. These skills are used to describe a character’s more specific skills. For example, a character may be very agile, and thus would have a high agility score. However, if they were an experienced dancer, they would also have the dance skill.
Skills represent specific knowledge and experience in specialized areas. These skills may have been acquired before the outbreak, been developed since, or a character may simply be naturally talented. The list of skills is as follows, split into several smaller categories.

    Please note that in order to fight with a weapon, your character must have a skill in the relevant weapon. Thus, special attention should be paid to the combat skills section.

Academics

Skill Name	Description
Arcanology	The study of the new abilities gained by survivors of the outbreak. This is a very new field of study, and is quite heuristic. This field of study only involves studying these supernatural abilities, and not performing them. Those interested in this study may wish to study their friends’ abilities, or to study the abilities of other factions in order to acquire a greater understanding of magic as a whole.
Anthropology	The study of humanity, including human biology, society, behavior, and culture. Oftentimes, those interested in anthropology will focus on a specific subfield, such as the culture of a specific group (ie “anthropology of East Asia.)
Archaeology	The study of human activity as found through historical artifacts. This field of study usually focuses on human societies before written history. This can range from cavemen all the way to the middle ages, though those interested will generally focus on a specific subfield (ie “Greek archeology.”)
Astronomy	The study of celestial bodies and phenomena. This field of study focuses on the movements of the planets, as well as deep-space phenomena. Those interested in this field may also have been interested in space flight and the history of it.
Biochemistry	The study of chemical processes when relating to living organisms. For the most part, this field focuses on the study of cells and the other, microscopic parts that create life.
Biology	The study of life and its physical processes. This broad field includes such studies as the study of evolution and the study of genetics. Moreover, this field focuses on life as a broad scientific concept, rather than specific lifeforms.
Botany	The study of plants. This is a specific subfield under biology, including the study of plant evolution and plant genetics. Those interested in this field may be interested in crop breeding or other similar practices.
Chemistry	The study of the base components of life, namely atoms and their components. Those interested in this field have knowledge of chemicals, their formulas, and the properties of their reaction.
Cryptography	The study and practice of creating and deciphering codes. Using cryptography, secure messages can be sent between parties. Those interested in cryptography have knowledge of commonly-used codes and ciphers, as well as the skills to create their own codes.
Cryptozoology	The study (or pseudoscientific study) of unknown creatures and proving their existences. This is often thought to not be a genuine field of science. Those interested in this field have knowledge of common cryptids (bigfoot, the lochness monster, the mothman) and may be interested in other pseudoscientific topics, such as alien life.
Ecology	The study of ecosystems and the organisms living within them. Those interested in this field will also often have an interest in environmental science. They have knowledge of the local ecosystems, as well as concepts such as predator-prey balances and biomass.
Entomology	The study of insects. This field of study is a specific subfield under zoology. Those interested in this field can identify various insect species as well as their function in the ecosystem. They may also keep insects as pets--to the dismay of some others.
Forensics	The study of crime scenes and the evidence left at them. Those with skill in this area can find evidence at a scene, noticing details that others would often miss. This field includes studying bloodstain patterns, fingerprinting, and toxicology.
Geology	The study of rocks and other substances that make up the Earth’s crust. Those interested in this field can identify types of rocks and can differentiate between rocks and minerals.
Gemology	The study of gems and precious metals. This field is a specific subfield of geology, focusing on minerals that would be considered valuable. Those interested in this field can identify different gems and minerals, as well as assessing their qualities and cuts.
History	The study of past events. Those interested in this field generally have particular interest in a certain subset of it, such as the history of Russia or the history of medicine. This skill is used to recall information about the past.
Horticulture	The study of agriculture and growing plants for food. This is the scientific side of this field-- with farming involving the actual planting, caring for, and harvesting of plants. Those skilled in this field can advise farmers in crop rotations and the best type of soil to grow crops upon, among many other things.
Law	The study and general knowledge of the law. In post-outbreak Seattle, law does not have much meaning, but may be used to settle debates, especially among the City Council. This field can also apply to the specific rules of the factions.
Linguistics	The study of languages, phonetics, and everything related to human speech. Those interested in this field are knowledgeable about concepts of grammar, language learning, and orthography. While characters skilled in linguistics may be better at learning languages, this skill does not make a character necessarily bilingual (see Interpersonal - Languages.)
Marine Biology	The study of organisms living underwater. This includes marine mammals, fish, and plants. Those interested in this field can identify marine animals and have knowledge of their biology.
Mathematics	The study of numbers. Those skilled in this field can solve complex mathematical equations, and may have dabbled in calculus or similar fields before the outbreak. Even without this skill, the kids of Seattle are expected to be able to do basic math.
Meteorology	The study of the climate and the weather conditions it causes. Those skilled in this field are able to predict future weather patterns using environmental clues. They also know how to use basic meteorological instruments, such as a barometer and a wind vane.
Microbiology	The study of microorganisms. This field has some minor overlap with pathology, as both include the study of viruses and bacteria. Those skilled in this field can use scientific instruments such as a microscope.
Military Science	The study of military processes, institutions, and behavior. Those skilled in this field are knowledgeable when it comes to military procedure, and could effectively organize a military-style group.
Strategy	Knowledge of logistics, planning, and tactics. Generally, this is applied to military scenarios, in which strategy would be used to organize troops on the field. This skill also includes skill in strategy games such as Chess, Go, and Risk.
Paleontology	The study of ancient life, using fossil evidence. Generally, those interested in this field are mainly interested in dinosaurs, though some are interested in other types of ancient life. This excludes the study of modern humans, which falls under Archeology or Anthropology.
Pathology	The study of diseases. Those skilled in this field understand the scientific workings of diseases, and can identify them, but are not necessarily able to treat them (though they may be able to identify possible treatment plans.)
Pharmacology	The study of medicine. Those skilled in this field can identify most medications and their uses. This field also includes illegal drugs and their effects. A character skilled in pharmacology could prescribe appropriate drugs for a condition-- though finding them is another matter.
Philosophy	The study of fundamental questions. This field includes the study of ancient philosophers, modern philosophies, and personal philosophies. Those interested in this field have likely spent many hours laying awake, pondering the meaning of life and the universe.
Physics	The study of motion. This field includes the study of gravity, the laws of motion, and how the universe behaves. Those skilled in this field are knowledgeable about physical principles and how they apply to the world.
Psychology	The study of the mind and human behavior. This includes, and often focuses on, explanations for human behavior, as well as mental illnesses. Those knowledgeable in this area may be able to identify mental illnesses, but may not necessarily be able to treat them.
Research	The knowledge and skill to locate information from various sources, be it other kids, books, atlases, or other sources. In as few words as possible, this is the skill related to finding specific pieces of information in a world where information has become inaccessible.
Theology	The study of religion and human belief systems. Those knowledgeable in this field know about world religions and their belief systems, as well as their holy texts and cultural impacts. This can also include the knowledge of a particular religion, such as the study of Judaism.
Sociology	The study of human social behavior. This includes such topics as group cohesion, group psychology, and the invisible patterns of behavior that draw people to the different factions.
Zoology	The study of animals. Those interested in this field have in-depth knowledge of the biology, behavior, and habitats of various animal species. They can identify species of animals, even if they are obscure, and understand their behavior.

Animals

Skill Name	Description
Animal Husbandry	The knowledge and ability to care for various species of animals, including their feeding, grooming, and basic medical care. Those knowledgeable in this skill can identify when an animal is ailing, and knows the care needed for different animal species.
Animal Training	The knowledge required to train animals to perform various actions on cue. This includes all animals, though some are harder to train than others. While this skill can include training horses, training a horse to ride and to do tricks while riding falls under horsemanship.
Beekeeping	The skill related to caring for man-made beehives. Those with this sort of knowledge know how to care for and maintain a hive of bees, as well as harvest their honey and wax.
Driving	The skill related to controlling horses and other equines while they are harnessed to a wagon, cart, buggy, or similar vehicle. Those with this skill can control teams of equines and hitch them to animal-drawn vehicles. They are also knowledgeable about equine harnesses and how to attach them to equines.
Falconry	The skill related to hunting using birds of prey, and training said birds for this purpose. Those with this skill are knowledgeable regarding commonly-used falconry species, their care, and their equipment (hoods, gloves, tethers, etc.)
Horsemanship	The skill related to the care, management, and training of domesticated horses. Those with this skill can identify ailing horses, train horses to accept a rider, and provide care that keeps horses in prime health.
Riding	The knowledge and ability to ride horses or other animals. This includes saddling a horse, mounting it, and controlling it while riding. While a character may be skilled in riding a horse, they may not necessarily be knowledgeable regarding its care.
Roping	The use of a lasso or other similar implement to restrain animals, generally cattle or horses. This can be used for both the management and care of animals, or for entertainment purposes, such as in rodeos.

Athletics

Skill Name	Description
Acrobatics	The performance of feats of agility, balance, and motor coordination. Those skilled in this way are exceptionally flexible, and can perform acrobatic feats such as flips. This can be useful in survival scenarios, but is also commonly used for entertainment.
Climbing	The skill to climb vertical objects, with or without handholds. Those with knowledge in this area have the strength necessary to climb according to their ability, and have knowledge about climbing equipment.
Cycling	The skill to ride various kinds of bicycles quickly and with control. Those with this skill can perform feats that others would find difficult, such as riding a bike without the use of their hands, or attacking while cycling.
Dance	The practice related to the art of dancing. Those with this skill likely specialize in a specific type of dance, such as ballet or hip hop dance. This is often used as a performance for others.
Escape Artist	The skill to escape from various bindings and traps. This includes escaping from handcuffs, rope bindings, bear traps, and anything else designed to hold the character in place.
Gymnastics	Skill in the sport of gymnastics, which involves the performance of various feats of agility, flexibility, and discipline. Those skilled in this area can perform gymnastic feats such as flips, tumbling, and handsprings.
Prowling	The ability and experience in moving undetected. Those experienced in this field can move without detection through environments that others would find themselves vulnerable in, such as the open city streets.
Running	The ability to run at an extraordinary speed or for an extended distance. This is often used to outrun enemies or for foot races between survivors.
Sports	This skill represents a particular ability in a specific sport, such as soccer, basketball, or football. This skill may be acquired multiple times, with each time representing a specific sport.
Swimming	The ability to move through water quickly or for an extended distance. Those knowledgeable in this area know how to safely swim and know the basic strokes of swimming.

Artistic

Skill Name	Description
Drawing	The use of pencil, pen, or similar implement on paper to create artworks. Those with this skill also have knowledge of basic artistic concepts, such as proportions and perspective.
Floristry	The ability to identify and arrange flowers. Those with this skill can grow, harvest, and care for flowers, as well as arranging them into aesthetically pleasing bouquets. They can also identify the meaning of bouquets and arrange bouquets with specific meanings.
Musical Instruments	The knowledge and ability to produce music using a variety of musical instruments. This skill may be acquired multiple times, with each time representing a specific instrument.
Painting	The use of various forms of paint of canvas to create artwork. Those with this skill also have knowledge of basic artistic concepts, such as proportions and perspective.
Performance	The knowledge and ability to perform on stage. This includes plays, musicals, and other common forms of stage expression. A character with this skill also has knowledge of theater concepts and popular theatrical works.
Pottery	The ability to form pots and other vessels with the use of clay. Those with this skill are knowledgeable in all areas of the potting process, including both sculpting and firing.
Stage Magic	The knowledge and ability to perform acts of illusion and supposed magic on stage. Those with this skill are able to perform common magical feats such as making items or people disappear. This only applies to fake magic.
Tattooing	The ability to ink tattoos onto the bodies of others. This includes both artistic ability and the usage and care of tattooing implements.
Textile Arts	The knowledge and ability to use fibers such as yarn or silk to create objects. This includes various subfields such as weaving, spinning yarn, sewing, and embroidery. This can also be used to mend clothes and other cloth objects.
Sculpting	The ability to create three dimensional works of art out of various materials, such as wood or rock, though creations made out of clay fall under Pottery. Those with this skill also have knowledge of basic artistic concepts, such as proportions and perspective.

Combat

Skill Name	Description
Archery	The knowledge and skill needed to use bows. This includes both short and long bows, as well as how to load and fire both.
Bola	The knowledge and skill required to use a bola. A bola is a throwing weapon, made of ropes with weights attached on the ends. This is used to entangle the legs of enemies.
Boomerang	The knowledge and skill needed to use a boomerang. With this skill, characters can throw this weapon in a way that they are confident that it will return to them.
Brawling	The knowledge and skill required to fight opponents without the use of weapons. This does not refer to a simple discipline of unarmed combat, and is instead more akin to street fighting.
Chain	The knowledge and skill required to use weapons that are made using chains. This can include fighting with a chain by itself, or using other chain-based weapons such as flails or tetsu chigirikis.
Crossbow	The knowledge and skill required to use a crossbow. This includes how to load, aim, and fire these weapons.
Improvised Weaponry	The knowledge and skill required to use non-traditional weapons that are found around the battlefield. This only includes melee weapons of this type. Common examples of improvised weapons are rocks and broken bottles.
Lance	The knowledge and skill required to use a lance. Lances are traditionally used on horseback, but can be used on foot. A spear is different from a lance in that, while both are poles with spikes on the end, a spear is far shorter and is designed to be used as a stabbing weapon, while lances are used to ram into the enemy at further ranges.
Lasso	The knowledge and skill required to use a lasso (a rope with a loop tied in the end) in combat. This weapon is most commonly used to pull enemies to the ground. When used in an out of combat setting, see Animals - Roping.
Martial Arts	The knowledge and skill required to practice a martial art. This skill may be acquired multiple times, with each time representing a specific martial art.
Net	The knowledge and skill required to use a net in combat. Oftentimes, nets will be used to wrap up the legs of enemies, causing them to fall. For out of combat uses of nets, see Survival - Fishing.
Rifle	The knowledge and skill required to use rifles in combat. This skill defines a rifle as any firearm designed to be used with two hands and to be braced against the shooter’s shoulder. Since ammunition is extremely difficult to come by, rifles are also often used as bludgeoning weapons.
Shield	The study of gems and precious metals. This field is a specific subfield of geology, focusing on minerals that would be considered valuable. Those interested in this field can identify different gems and minerals, as well as assessing their qualities and cuts.
Slingshot	The knowledge and skill required to use a shield in combat, whether offensively or defensively. Shields are often used to quickly break through large groups of enemies.
Small Firearms	The knowledge and skill required to use small firearms, such as handguns, revolvers, and shotguns. Since ammunition is extremely difficult to come by, firearms are also often used as bludgeoning weapons.
Spear	The knowledge and skill required to use a spear. A spear is different from a lance in that, while both are poles with spikes on the end, a spear is far shorter and is designed to be used as a stabbing weapon, while lances are used to ram into the enemy at further ranges.
Staff	The knowledge and skill required to use a staff, or other similar polearms. A staff can be defined as any sort of pole without a sharp point.
Sword	The knowledge and skill required to use various types of swords (though kids will generally specialize in one type of sword.)
Throwing Weapons	The knowledge and skill required to use small throwing weapons, such as javelins. This can also include improvised throwing weapons, such as rocks or pieces of concrete.
Whip	The knowledge and skill required to use a whip in combat. For out of combat uses of whips, see Animals - Driving.

Domestic

Skill Name	Description
Agriculture	The knowledge and skill required to grow crops for the purpose of food. This includes both the hands-on ability to plant, care for, and harvest crops, but also the knowledge required to keep crops healthy.
Barber	The ability to cut and style hair, including facial hair. Characters with this skill can cut their hair and the hair of others, with aesthetically pleasing results.
Brewing	The knowledge and skill required to brew various beverages, mainly alcoholic ones. Those with this skill can identify common beverages, and create beverages such as beer and wine.
Cards	The skill in various games played with cards, such as Poker or Texas Hold ‘Em. Those with this skill are not only talented in card games-- they are also aware of how to rig the results in their favor.
Composition	The skill required to create various written works. Though the survivors of Seattle are all assumed to be literate, this skill represents feats of the written word such as writing books, plays, or manuals.
Cooking	The ability to combine ingredients in order to create culinary dishes. This skill includes the operation of kitchen implements, the creation of basic dishes, and the ability to follow recipes.
Cosmetology	The knowledge and ability to apply makeup and other beauty products. Unlike Disguise, this skill allows its users to use makeup in order to enhance physical appearance, but not to hide it.
Folklore	The knowledge of local legends and tales. Those with this skill are well-aware of local events, as well as ghost stories and urban legends.
Gaming	The skill in various games, such as Chess, Go, Monopoly, or Ping Pong. This skill may be acquired multiple times, with each time representing a specific game.
Teaching	The ability to impart knowledge onto others, especially younger children. Those with this skill may have a particular skill that they wish to impart on others, or wish to provide education to younger children orphaned by the outbreak.
Storytelling	The knowledge of local legends and tales. Those with this skill are well-aware of local events, as well as ghost stories and urban legends.

Handicrafts

Skill Name	Description
Architecture	The study of and ability to design and plan buildings, down to exacting specifications. Those with this skill have the ability to create blueprints for buildings and structures.
Blacksmithing	The ability to melt down and forge metals into various shapes. This includes the safe operation of forges both large and small, and the use of an anvil and related implements to forge metal.
Carpentry	The ability to create various crafts and structures out of wood. This also includes the ability to safely cut down trees for timber. This skill is generally used in small crafts, such as furniture.
Cartography	The ability to create highly detailed maps to aid others in navigation and travel. Those with this skill also have knowledge of common cartographic conventions, and basic artistic ability.
Construction	The ability to construct buildings using blueprints or other designs. While those with this skill have a basic understanding of architectural principles, a building constructed without proper planning stands the risk to topple due to oversights.
Demolitions	The scientific and practical knowledge needed to utilize and create explosive devices. Those with this skill understand how these devices work, and how to keep themselves safe from them.
Disguise	The ability to use makeup, prosthetics, wigs, and other costumery to significantly alter someone’s appearance. This can be to hide their identity, or to make them appear to be someone else.
Drugs	The knowledge and experience with various forms of illegal narcotics. Those with this skill know how to produce these drugs, as well as how to use them safely for recreational and medical purposes.
Fortification	The ability to build traps, structures, and other defenses in order to protect one’s base. This is often done with makeshift contraptions, such as hiding bells in bushes to alert them when someone is approaching.
Glassworking	The skill needed to heat and make objects out of glass. This skill includes knowledge of common glassblowing techniques and safety.
Leatherworking	The skill needed to skin animals, tan their hides, and create various objects from leather. This includes clothes, armor, bags, and other creations.
Masonry	The skill needed to form various objects out of stone. This includes carving stone into objects such as furniture, and using stone and mortar to create walls.
Mechanics	The knowledge of electrical and mechanical devices, their operation, as well as their inner workings. This skill applies to almost any electrically-powered object, most of which have been disused since the outbreak.
Shipbuilding	The knowledge and skill required to create seaworthy vessels of various sizes. This skill includes designing and constructing boats, all the way from small rafts to large ships.
Vehicle Repair	The knowledge and skill required to repair both motorized and nonmotorized vehicles. This includes hotwiring vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, and siphoning their gas.
Weaponsmithing	The ability to create weapons out of various implements. This skill varies in its complexity, and can range from sharpening a stick to creating grand blades. Those with this skill tend to see weapon potential in everything they look at.

Interpersonal

Skill Name	Description
Acting	The ability to deceive others by portraying false emotional states. This includes fake crying, fake rage, or other false emotions. Those with this skill are able to manipulate their body language and physical reactions to manipulate others.
Command	The ability to command others in battle and in military settings. This includes giving orders in battle, arranging the positions of soldiers on the battlefield, and acting as a general.
Diplomacy	The ability to conduct negotiations between different factions, often while acting as a representative of an entire faction. This includes negotiating peace, trade deals, alliances, and other interfaction relations.
Governance	The knowledge and skill required to govern a group of people. This includes delegating responsibilities, creating rules, and organizing tasks for group members to perform.
Impersonation	The ability to impersonate another person by mimicking their voice, mannerisms, or appearance. This is often done only from a distance, as, up close, seeing through the impersonation is far easier.
Interrogation	The ability to extract information from unwilling persons through various methods. This may include physical harm, but mainly consists of more psychological methods.
Intimidation	The ability to threaten another person in such a way that they are compelled to aid the person intimidating them. This can include verbal intimidation, all the way up to placing a knife to someone’s throat.
Investigation	The knowledge and skill to gather information and clues about a certain topic by communicating with various people. This may include interviewing people in an attempt to find out a certain fact, such as who could have committed a crime.
Language	The ability to speak a language other than the character’s native tongue. This skill includes the ability to speak, understand, read, and write said language. This skill may be acquired multiple times, with each time representing a specific language.
Leadership	The ability to act as a leader and source of guidance to a group of followers. This skill may be used to inspire others, gain the confidence of followers, or to calm them in a frightening situation.
Lying	The ability to tell falsehoods in a way that convinces the other party of their truth. This skill includes avoiding tells that the character is lying, such as keeping eye contact rather than flitting their eyes to the left.
Negotiation	The ability to settle disputes, establish compromises, and create peace between multiple people in conflict. This skill only applies to small groups, for faction negotiation see Diplomacy.
Persuasion	The ability to use words to influence another’s behaviors, actions, or beliefs. This skill is generally used to sway others to the skill holder’s viewpoint.
Speech	The ability to write and perform speeches to a large audience. This also includes the ability to improvise speeches, which can be used to inspire others in times of worry.
Singing	The ability to perform songs, as well as knowledge of musical concepts. Those with this skill can read music, and perform solfege.
Therapy	The knowledge and skill required to perform talk therapy with the goal of limiting another’s distress, or helping them through a difficult time.

Magic

Skill Name	Description
Astrology	Knowledge regarding the field of astrology, which believes that certain aspects of human behavior are controlled by heavenly bodies. This skill includes knowledge of astrological concepts and their meanings. The authenticity of this field is still debated, and is not widely believed.
Mythology	Knowledge regarding the mythologies of various cultures, mainly Greek, Roman, and Norse. While some with this skill do believe in these mythologies, others are simply interested in them.
Spell-Casting	The ability to perform the magical abilities associated with a character’s faction. This skill cannot be acquired by factionless characters, unless the foreign magic advantage is purchased. This skill represents the character’s experience and skill with their magical abilities.
Symbology	The knowledge and skill to design and draw symbols known as sigils, which are believed to provide certain assurances to those who draw them on their bodies or belongings. The authenticity of this field is still debated, and is not widely believed.
Wards	The knowledge and skill required to perform rituals designed to protect the intended recipients from supernatural forces. This can range from simple salt circles to advanced rituals. The authenticity of this field is still debated, and is not widely believed.

Medicine

Skill Name	Description
Dentistry	The knowledge and skill required to care for and maintain the oral health of self and others. This includes knowledge of the care of teeth and games, and the skill to perform basic dental surgery such as tooth extractions.
Diagnosis	The knowledge and skill required to diagnose the illnesses and injuries of others, without the use of advanced machinery. This includes knowledge of common disease and injuries, and their signs. Characters with this skill can also identify the specific narcotic that an intoxicated character is under the influence of.
Emergency Medicine	The knowledge and skill required to stabilize injuries that require immediate medical attention, generally outside of a traditional medical setting. This is also referred to as field medicine, and can be used to stabilize people so that they can be brought to be properly cared for.
Herbal Medicine	The knowledge and skill required to use various medicinal plants and herbs to treat illness. This includes the identification, harvesting, and use of medicinal herbs.
Medicine	The knowledge and skill required to perform medical procedures with minimal supplies. This includes procedures such as setting a broken bone, suturing a wound, or amputating a limb.
Nursing	The knowledge and skill required to care for injured or ill patients in a way that allows the patients to recover with minimal chance of complications. This includes feeding, washing, and changing bandages.
Psychiatry	The knowledge and skill required to diagnose mental disorders and provide some forms of treatment. If medicine is available, this can include prescribing the appropriate medications. This skill includes in-depth knowledge of various mental disorders and their diagnostic criteria.
Surgery	The knowledge and skill required to perform both noninvasive and invasive surgeries on patients. This skill implies that a character has steady enough hands to perform said acts. Though those with this skill are adept in performing surgeries, a lack of pain medication for their patients can make surgery difficult and dangerous.
Veterinary Medicine	The knowledge and skill required to diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses of animals. This includes knowledge of normal animal behavior, and the ability to identify when an animal is ailing. This can include the prescription of medication, if available.

Survival

Skill Name	Description
Camouflage	The ability to conceal one’s self and belongings in order to appear as though they are part of the natural surroundings. This can be done using either specialized equipment such as a gilly suit, or with only the items available in the environment.
Fishing	The ability to catch fish using a fishing rod, spear, or even one’s bare hands. This skill also includes the ability to identify common species of fish, and to butcher them.
Foraging	The knowledge and skill required to locate useful plants in the wilderness, such as medicinal herbs or edible berries. With this skill, characters have the knowledge required to differentiate between edible and inedible plants.
Hunting	The ability to kill wild animals, usually for food, using a variety of methods such as bows and spears. This skill only allows one to kill an animal, as tracking it is covered by the skill Tracking.
Land Navigation	The ability to travel over a long distance while staying on a course and not becoming lost. Characters with this skill are able to use certain environmental features, such as the sun or the wind, to guide them.
Scavenge	The ability to find useful items while searching through an area. In Seattle, this is a highly coveted skill, as it can be used to find food, weaponry, clothing, and other objects. It is often used to find these items in places where others would not often look.
Scouting	The knowledge and skill required to explore uncharted territory in order to gather useful information about it. With this information, characters are able to create a map of the area (though it will likely be crude if they do not also have Cartography) and point out key features. This skill is also used to detect traps.
Spelunking	The knowledge and skill required to travel through and explore caves. This skill includes the ability to follow a map through a cave, use spelunking equipment, and get oneself through tight spaces. It also allows one to map features of caves once they have explored them.
Tracking	The knowledge and skill required to track animals or people across a long stretch of land. This includes searching for footprints, droppings, campsites, or other identifying markers. It also allows characters to know what kind of animal they are tracking.
Trapping	The ability to create traps and skillfully hide them, so that animals or other people will be likely to be caught in them. This also allows characters to arm previously created traps. These traps may range from bear traps and snares to hidden, spring-loaded guns.
Trespassing	The ability to sneak through the territory of others without being detected. This skill also allows those with it to take the possessions of others without them noticing-- though they may notice later that the item is missing.
Wilderness Survival	The knowledge and skill required to survive for any period of time in the wilderness. This includes an umbrella of skills, such as finding fresh water, creating a shelter, and staying safe from wild animals.

Vehicles

Skill Name	Description
Motor Vehicles	The ability to drive motor vehicles designed to drive on land. This includes a wide range of vehicles, mainly cars, trucks, and motorcycles, but can apply to more niche methods of transportation such as ATVs or snowmobiles.
Piloting	The ability to pilot aircraft. This skill includes basic knowledge of aircraft, aircraft safety, and the parts of an aircraft. Characters with this skill may have been studying for their pilot’s license before the outbreak.
Sailing	The ability to sail boats, including both motorized and nonmotorized watercraft. This skill includes controlling a boat, operating its instruments, and sea navigation.

    The skills list may seem daunting at first, as it includes a wide variety of specialized skills. However, a character is, of course, not expected to be good at everything. Characters will generally have 2-4 skills. Though they may have more than this, the more skills a character has, the worse they are at each skill. The same applies to having less skills. A character may have spent their entire life honing one craft. Thus, they would only have one skill, but they would be incredibly knowledgeable about that topic.

    Unlike abilities, which are only limited by a character’s ability cap, skills only have 3 possible levels. This is mostly for the sake of simplicity, as it would simply be confusing if a character had 15 Dance or 9 Agriculture. Instead, a character can either be a Novice, a Professional, or a Master. Some examples of these different skill levels are provided in the following table.

Skill Name	Novice	Professional	Master
Climbing	The character can climb tall trees or scale buildings with defined handholds.	The character can scale buildings without defined handholds or scale small mountains.	The character can scale sheer cliff faces and extremely tall trees, with the use of climbing equipment.
Animal Training	The character can train dogs to do common tricks, such as sitting, staying, or rolling over.	The character can train dogs and other animals to perform advanced tricks, such as herding sheep in the case of a dog, or jumping in the case of a horse.	The character can train animals to attack enemies or defend the owner in combat situations, including unconventional animals such as cats.

    It should be noted that even highly skilled characters are not superheroes. Even masters of certain skills cannot exceed human limitations. Oftentimes, this means that characters need special equipment to perform the activities associated with their skills (equipment that their skill gives them the knowledge to use.) A master in climbing may be able to scale a sheer cliff face, but not without the help of climbing equipment, for example.
    Similar to abilities, characters start with a certain number of skill points, based upon their age. Due to the level system, there are no skill caps. Age is also irrelevant when determining skill levels-- even young children can be incredibly skilled. The starting skill point values are as follows.

Character Age	Starting Skill Points
0-5	20
6-10	25
11-13	30
14-15	40
16	50

    Unlike abilities, however, the cost of skill buying is variable. This variance is based upon the faction a character is in. Depending on their faction, they have had different opportunities to develop skills, and thus have a higher chance of having certain skills.

    The following is a table of skill costs for each faction. The cost listed is for one level for one skill in the listed skill category. For example, two levels in one combat skill would cost 16 points if taken by a member of The Legion.

    These are based on the cultures of these different factions. Thus, when creating a loner, attempt to find a faction that they could be classified under. Otherwise, treat all skill costs as 10.

    In the event where you have skill points left over, you may add the remaining points to your sheet as Pts on your character sheet.

	City Council	The Legion	The Pacifics	Kids of the Pasture	The Jackals	Boardwalk Kids
Academics	8	15	7	10	15	8
Animals	8	7	8	4	6	8
Athletics	10	6	8	8	6	7
Artistic	7	9	8	6	10	9
Combat	12	8	11	11	10	12
Domestic	8	8	6	6	15	10
Handicrafts	7	9	8	6	8	8
Interpersonal	8	7	10	8	8	9
Magic	10	9	7	10	14	7
Medicine	9	10	7	8	9	9
Survival	10	8	15	10	5	8
Vehicles	9	8	10	8	6	7