CPS:Skills

NOTICE

The CPS system is not currently in use by the VEN or STC.

General Skills

General skills represent those things a character is likely to know straight out of the Academy or is likely to need in day-to-day life in the Vast Empire.

Bureaucracy Description Knowledge of how to manipulate networks of forms and records. Bureaucracy includes the ability to cut through red tape, or, conversely, to cover your tracks through an endless maze of paperwork. Metiers Document Forgery, Expedite Requests, Paper Trail Complementary Skill(s) None

Communications Description Knowledge of how to use communications equipment to scan frequencies, jury-rig broadcasting equipment, jamming enemies, and more . Metiers Jamming, Scanning/De-scrambling, Emergency Communications, Low-tech Communications. Complementary Skill(s) Console Systems

Console Systems Description The ability to understand Consoles (computers) and make them perform tasks. Also includes droid programming. Metiers Hacking, Programming, Security, or by programming language - Turing, Link, Suprema, etc Complementary Skill(s) Communications

Dodge Description This skill helps a character avoid an attack. Metiers Close Combat, Ranged Combat Complementary Skill(s) None

Drive (Craft) Description The ability to drive a type of non-space vehicle, such as a beast-drawn cart or even a hovercraft. This skill must be learned separately for each class. It includes knoweledge of common traffic rules, and the most basic understanding of how to temporarily repair common problems. Metiers cover specific vehicles within a class. The classes are: Aircraft, Beastcraft, Landcraft, and Watercraft Metiers Specific Type of craft Complementary Skill(s) None

Fight Description Fight represents a character's ability in unarmed combat. Low levels indicate the character is little more than a brawler; higher levels imply some combat training. Metiers Pugilism, Street Fighting (dirty tricks), or a specific martial art (like Shaidan, Koto, Iron Heel, Jox Boxing, Mayhem, etc) Complementary Skill(s) None

Inquiry Description Inquiry is the ability to obtain and correctly interpret information from others, including knowledge of what questions to ask a suspect, as well as how to interpret what he does (and doesn't) tell you. Metiers Cross-Examination (reveals a person's lies), Deduction, Interrogation Complementary Skill(s) Empathy

Medical Description Medical covers a range of healing techniques, including anatomy, surgery, diseases, and preventive medicine. This may also include the implantation of cybernetic devices. Metiers Disease, Surgery, High-Tech Medicine, Cybernetics, or specific body systems or organs (cardiology, immunology, etc) Complementary Skill(s) Science (Medicine)

Melee Description While Fight deals with unarmed combat, Melee involves hand-to-hand weapons like clubs, vibroblades, rapiers, or poisoned daggers. Metiers Specific Weapon Class - Knife, Light Sword, (rapiers, scimitars), Heavy Sword (broadsword, two-handed sword), Polearm, Club (includes maces), Lightsabers (DJO only) Complementary Skill(s) {{{CompSkills}}}

Observe Description Some people are constantly stay aware of the world around them. The observe skill reflects a person's trained sensitivity to the world, and represents active observation (more passive awareness uses the Perception characteristic) Characteristic Default Mind Metiers Aim, Scrutinize (scan a person, place, or thing), Search (discover concealed doors, hidden pockets when frisking someone, etc)

Remedy Description Remedy covers the all-important first aid that is usually necessary to sustain a character until help arrives. Metiers EMS (emergency medicine, with makeshift or improvised tools), Herbalism Complementary Skill(s) None

Shoot Description Shoot covers any portable, direct-fire missile or blaster weapon that does not rely on muscle power. It does not cover indirect-fire weapons, such as artillery or most vehicle mounted guns (see the Warfare skill). Metiers Specific Weapon Class - Energy Pistol, Energy Rifle, Projectile Pistol, Projectile Rifle Complementary Skill(s) None

Sneak Description Sneak applies to any actions where you want to move stealthily or stay hidden. Metiers Camouflage, Hide, Move Quietly Complementary Skill(s) None

Survival Description The character is skilled at surviving in adverse conditions. This includes knowledge of how to improvise makeshift shelters, identify edible plants, and trapping and fishing. Metiers Arctic, Desert, Jungle, Scavenging, Shelter, Tundra Complementary Skill(s) None

Tech Repair (Topic) Description Tech Repair is the repair of broken devices. Those who can work with technology are usually in high demand in this society. A character must choose a particular topic. Metiers cover specific devices within a topic. Sample Topics: Jury-Rig (temporarily fix any device), Mechanical Repair, Electrical Repair Metiers Choose a specific type of device or object associated with your topic (landcraft, security systems, etc) Complementary Skill(s) None

Naval Skills

These skills are part and parcel of being in the Navy. Every pilot will need at least some of them in order to be successful. For Navy members they are considered Basic Skills. For Army members, they are considered Background Skills.

The métiers within this area of skill focus on specific classes of ships. Therefore those métiers measure basic understanding of that class. Having a lower level means that character will have difficulty switching from one ship to another within that class, taking a while to learn the specifics of the new ship, while higher levels mean that the character can switch with much greater efficiency. Remember that you may direct any questions to VENA personnel.

Pilot (Class) Description The ability to drive a type of space craft, such as a combat fighter or even a freighter. Although Capitol Ship is listed, that is for participating in the bridge crew. This skill must be learned separately for each class. It includes knowledge of common traffic rules, and the most basic understanding of how to temporarily repair common problems. Metiers Starfighter (Fighter), Starfighter (Bomber), Capitol Ship, Cargo/Freighter, Small Warship, Shuttle, Yacht. Complementary Skill(s) Command (Class), Primary Combat (Class), Secondary Combat (Class), Naval Tactics (Class)

Command (Class) Description The ability to effectively command a given spacecraft. This skill is required for all ship commanders and must be learned separately for each class. It includes knowledge of common traffic rules and the ability to deal with the various needs and problems attendant to running a ship and the personnel and equipment on it. Metiers Capitol Ship, Cargo/Freighter, Small Warship, Shuttle, Yacht. Complementary Skill(s) Pilot (Class), Primary Combat (Class), Secondary Combat (Class), Naval Tactics (Class)

Primary Combat (Class) Description The chosen metier in this skill, shown in parentheses, is the primary class the character uses in combat. This skill governs the pilot’s knowledge of his ship’s strengths and weaknesses, armaments, mechanics, etc. High levels also increase accuracy and the effectiveness of maneuvers, as well as the complexity of maneuvers. Metiers Starfighter (Fighter), Starfighter (Bomber), Capitol Ship, Cargo/Freighter, Small Warship, Shuttle, Yacht. Complementary Skill(s) Pilot (Class), Command (Class), Secondary Combat (Class), Naval Tactics (Class)

Secondary Combat (Class) Description The chosen metier in this skill, shown in parentheses, is the secondary class the character uses in combat. This skill governs the pilot’s knowledge of his ship’s strengths and weaknesses, armaments, mechanics, etc. High levels also increase accuracy and the effectiveness of maneuvers, as well as the complexity of maneuvers. Metiers Starfighter (Fighter), Starfighter (Bomber), Capitol Ship, Cargo/Freighter, Small Warship, Shuttle, Yacht. Complementary Skill(s) Pilot (Class), Command (Class), Primary Combat (Class), Naval Tactics (Class)

Naval Warfare (Class) Description This measure’s the character’s knowledge and experience with the tactics and strategies associated with the given class of spacecraft. The better the tactician, the greater the risks that can be taken. The more experienced the strategist, the less damage is taken during battle. Metiers Starfighter (Fighter), Starfighter (Bomber), Capitol Ship, Small Warship, Shuttle, Yacht. Complementary Skill(s) Pilot (Class), Command (Class), Primary Combat (Class), Secondary Combat (Class)

Army Skills

These skills are part and parcel of being in the Army. Every trooper will need at least some of them in order to be successful. For Army members they are considered Basic Skills. For Navy members, they are considered Background Skills.

Beast Mastery Description Beast Mastery allows the training of animals and an understanding of how they will react. Characters will high scores in Beast Mastery might be more at home with animals than they are with their own race. Metiers Identify Animals, Train Animals, Exotic Animals Complementary Skill(s) None

Demolitions Description The understanding of and the ability to implement explosive devices. A character can build, place, detonate, or defuse a bomb, A risky undertaking however, for failure usually means death or dismemberment. Metiers Defusing, Emplacement, Manufacture, or by bomb type (grenade, pastique, fusion, etc) Complementary Skill(s) None

Ground Warfare (Type) Description This measures the character’s skill at commanding troops and units on the ground. Each métier is a type of operation and its level measures the tactical and strategic ability within that environment. Metiers Urban, Forest, Artic, Desert, Plains, Underground, Mountains, Sea. Complementary Skill(s)

Throwing Description Knives, throwing stars, darts and even rocks fall into the category of thrown weapons, and only characters experienced with them will have much luck in hitting their targets. Most folks can fling a rock at someone, but to throw an object with an edge requires Throwing skill. Otherwise, the target may get hit with the butt of the handle or the flat of the blade, delivering negligible damage if any. Metiers Choose a specific type of throwing weapon. Complementary Skill(s) None

Tracking Description Hunters can track prey by following tell-tale signs of its passing. Metiers Urban (unreliable), Wilderness, or by prey type (Banthas, Humans, Numas, etc) Complementary Skill(s) None

Background Skills

These are the nonessential skills any member, aside from those on their first two missions, may choose to develop. Remember that Naval and Army skills fall under this category when used by a member of the other Division.

Academia Description This skill allows the character to locate information on a particular topic. This includes knowledge of libraries, data archives and the holonet. Metiers General Research, Technological Research Complementary Skill(s) Lores, Read Languages, Sciences

Acrobatics Description Acrobatics is the study and practice of complex movements of the body, such as flips, cartwheels, etc. This skill also provides working knowledge of acrobatic actions involving equipment, such as parallel bars and horses. The character also has a superior sense of balance, useful in situations such as tightrope-walking. Metiers Balance, Breakfall (landing from a fall without injuring yourself), Leaping Dodge Complementary Skill(s) None

Alchemy Description Alchemy involves knowledge and understanding of substances and the relation it has with other substances - in other words the chemical reactions two (or more) substances will have when combined. Metiers Identify Substance, Poisons Complementary Skill(s) Science (Chemistry)

Archery Description Archery is the study of marksmanship with a bow (or crossbow). While bows are considered primarily only used for hunting, they are the ranged weapon of choice on some backwater worlds. Metiers Target Shooting, or a specific bow type (hunting, longbow, crossbow) Complementary Skill(s) None

Artisan Description The character is skilled in a particular craft and its associated profession. He can evaluate work from familiar crafts to determine its quality. Metiers Architect, Blacksmith, Carpenter, Cartographer, Cook, Jeweler, Locksmith, Mason, Tailor, etc. Complementary Skill(s) None

Arts Description The character is skilled in the creation of a non-performance art form. he can evaluate artwork from familiar mediums to determine its quality. Metiers Calligraphy, Collector, Drawing, Music Composition, Painting, Poetry, Rhetoric (writing), Sculpting Complementary Skill(s) None

Charm Description The ability to sway someone to your point of view. This skill only works on individuals; swaying larger groups requires Oratory or Leadership. Metiers Diplomacy, Haggle, Negotiate, Seduce Complementary Skill(s) None

Disguise Description A character can use makeup and other props to change his appearance and even adapt another's appearance. Those familiar with the person mimicked, however, might see through the disguise. Metiers Alien Disguise, FX Makeup, Voice Mimicry Complementary Skill(s) Etiquette, Performance, Medical, Social

Empathy Description Empathy is the ability to sense what another person is feeling by “reading” him for non-verbal cues. A person’s stance, mannerisms and other body language can indicate his emotional state, and may help a character to determine if a subject is lying. Metiers Console, Detect Lie Complementary Skill(s) Inquiry

Etiquette Description Every social group has unwritten rules of behavior; this skill allows a character to navigate the ins and outs of high society (and most formal occasions). Metiers Church, Officer, High Society, Presentation Complementary Skill(s) Charm, Lores, Knavery, Science (Anthropology)

Gambling Description Knowledge of the Gambling skill includes rules of play for the most popular games of chance and the most common means of cheating at them. Metiers Cheat, Detect Cheating, or a specific game (Chance Cube, Holochess, Sabacc, etc) Complementary Skill(s) None

Impress Description This skill can have a number of effects on its target. It might be used to scare someone, gain his respect, or browbeat him into submission. This can be a useful skill for getting information out of people. Metiers Command, Intimidate, Show Off Complementary Skill(s) None

Knowledge (Topic) Description Knowledge is knowing information about a certain topic. A character must choose a particular topic. Metiers are specialties associated with that particular topic. Sample Topics: History (choose a period, people, place, or thing), Hyperspace (this represents knowledge of hyperspace routes), Object (choose a thing like weapons or starships), Planet (choose a planet), Xeno (choose an alien race) Metiers Choose a specialty for your topic (Common Smuggling Routes for Hyperspace knowledge for example) Complementary Skill(s) None

Knavery Description The art of fast-talking one's way into (or out of) a situation, or simply flat-out lying in a convincing manner. Metiers Deceit, Detect Lies, Mockery Complementary Skill(s) Charm

Lockpicking Description The ability to open locks with the proper tools, from simple crowbars to high-tech computer scrambler pads. Metiers Mechanical Locks, High-Tech Locks Complementary Skill(s) Artisan (Locksmith)

Science (Topic) Description The study of science is not a common practice among soldiers, but some do pursue it as an intellectual pursuit. A character must choose a particular topic. Metiers are specialties associated with that topic. Suggested Topics:Anthropology, Archaeology, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Genetics, Geology, Meteorology, Physics, Terraforming, Xeno Biology. Metiers Choose a specialty for your topic (Mando'a Archaeology, Desert Planet Terraforming, etc) Complementary Skill(s) None

Sleight of Hand Description This skill is useful for anyone wishing to conceal small objects, such as purloined letters or derringers. It can be used to remove small objects from another individual without his notice. Metiers Conceal, Pick Pockets, Misdirection (includes stage magic) Complementary Skill(s) None

Social Description This skill deals with one's ability to influence groups. Even an introverted person with the right amount of Social can sway a crowd. Metiers Acting, Debate, Leadership, Teaching, Oratory Complementary Skill(s) Disguise, Performance

Speak (Language) (1-3 levels) A character must choose a specific language with this skills: Galactic Basic, High Galactic, a planetary dialect, alien tongues, or other languages that may exist. The scale on this is 1-3 rather than 1-5. 1 Point = Knowledge of Common Phrases 2 Points = Basic Ability (You may stumble over some words or miss clever jokes) 3 Points = Fluent

Read (Language) (1-3 levels) A character must choose a specific language with this skill [as with Speak (Language)].The scale on this is 1-3 rather than 1-5. 1 Point = Knowledge of Common Phrases 2 Points = Basic Comprehension 3 Points = Fluent

Streetwise Description Familiarity with the underworld and criminal activities. This skill may be used to contact criminal networks or aquire illegal goods or services on the black market. Metiers Black Market (selling stolen goods or finding illegal items), Gossip Complementary Skill(s) None

Torture Description A means of extracting information (or confession) from an individual by causing pain and discomfort. Metiers Mind Games, Threats, or by method (the rack, whips, hot irons, electrodes, etc) Complementary Skill(s) None