Talents and Skills
Talents and Skills
In SorC, talents and skills play a critical role in character development and decision-making in the game world. Talents are specialized actions that characters acquire from their chosen Vocational Trees, granting them unique capabilities they can deploy during interactive challenges. These range from physical feats, articulated disposition to technical manipulations, tailored to their character’s Talent and experience. For example, a Scout could leverage their talents for foraging or crafting tools, while a Hacker uses their abilities to infiltrate both digital and analog security systems and alter data to their advantage.
Skills, on the other hand, represent the specific competencies characters gain through their chosen profession(s). Each skill derives its effectiveness from experience gained as the skills are honed, granting characters higher proficiency in these skills. The distinction between talents and skills ensures a diverse range of gameplay actions, encouraging players to employ their characters’ various strengths uniquely.
However, players must consider the endurance component associated with their Vitality attribute, as this governs the number of actions they can perform in a single day. Each character is allowed a set number of actions per day based on their Endurance score. This limitation requires players to carefully allocate their actions between abilities (combat), talents, and skills, urging them to choose strategically how their characters spend their action through various interactive scenarios.
In gameplay scenarios, the application of talents and skills is defined through the mechanics of rolling dice, d4-d20. When attempting a task, the dice are rolled, and the result is often adjusted by relevant modifiers (from their race, attributes or any applicable condition), and then the total is compared against a predetermined Difficulty Score (DIFS) set by the rules and/or Game Master (GM). A successful outcome not only advances the narrative but also grants experience to characters to finesse their skills, raising their proficiency in the profession, ultimately opening up new, more powerful, manuals and skills. Below are examples of in game skills being performed.
Talents
Talents are specialized Actions that Characters acquire from their chosen Vocational Trees. These Actions come into play when Characters encounter interactive challenges in the game world. For example, a Scout may utilize their talents by carving a branch for a tool, starting a fire in the wilderness, or expertly guiding the party along a safer route. An Olympiad might demonstrate their prowess by leaping across a chasm, showcasing their agility and athleticism. Meanwhile, a Hacker could manipulate security systems or decipher complex codes, while a Thief might leverage their Talents to stealthily navigate through narrow alleys or pick locks with precision.
To access a talent from a Vocational Tree, Characters must first align themselves with that tree. This alignment is not without cost, as each association with a Vocational Tree grants specialized gear that Characters must carry in their backpacks, sacks, or pouches to effectively use their talents.
Players select Talents during Character Creation, and these Actions can be enhanced with each Class Level gained. The efficacy of each Talent depends on the investment Characters have made in their development over time, allowing for personalized growth and specialization. To initiate a Talent, Characters perform a roll using game-specific dice, apply any relevant modifiers, and compare the outcome against the challenge’s Difficulty Score.
Example 1: The Scout
The party is deep in the forest when they encounter a massive fallen tree blocking their path. The Scout, a Wood Elf named Syndle, recognizing an opportunity to employ her talent; Branches, steps forward.
Syndle: “I want to use my Branches talent to harvest a branch and create a makeshift lever to move the tree.”
GM: “That sounds like a solid plan. Roll d20 and add your Artistry and Branches scores.”
The Player rolls a d20 with a result of 12, and adds their Artistry score of +1 and Branches score of 2, resulting in a total of 15.
GM: “The Difficulty Score for harvesting the branch and carving it into a makeshift lever is 12, so you succeed! You’ve created a sturdy lever. How do you want to use it?”
Syndle: “I position it under the tree and push down to lift it. While Ongar, our Ogre Barbarian, presses it to swing just a few feet forward so we can get by. Ongar?” “Hruh?”
GM: “Roll a Strength check to see if you can move the tree. Remember to add any relevant modifiers.”
(The player rolls d20 again, resulting in a 16 and adds their Strength score of +1 for a total of 17). While Ongar, who wasn’t even needed, due to the lucky roll, pushes it 3 feet forward.
GM: “You manage to lift the tree enough for the party to squeeze through. Well done!”
Note: The Attribute score itself, in the above case Artistry, is what’s used to modify roll results. There isn’t a number that grants a bonus to attributes in this system, but scores are generally low until very high levels (see Attributes for more).
Example 2: The Olympiad
As the group approaches a narrow canyon, they see a wide gap they need to cross. There’s a dead tree on the other side. The Barbarian. Ongar, spots an opportunity to showcase his athletic talent, Hurdle, from the Olympiad tree.
Ongar: “I want to attempt a Hurdle to clear the gap. I’ll leave my pack here, but I will harness the rope, noting there’s nothing on their end to tie it to. Once across, I’ll fasten the rope to the tree. I’ll then strap the rope around my waist, tying a tight knot and hurdle back across, the rope will stop my fall if I miss. Once across, I’ll plant my feet and the party will shimmy across one by one. If I’m out of Stamina, I’ll sit and eat, then Hurdle back across with the rope around my waist.
GM: “Sounds risky! The distance is about 15 feet away. Roll your d20 and add your Agility and Hurdle Scores.”
The Player rolls a d20 and the result is a 14, adds their Agility score of +2 and Hurdle Score of +2, resulting in a total of 18.
GM: “The Difficulty Score for this jump is 16. You leap off the edge and soar through the air, landing safely on the other side, impressing the group!”
Above: All Attempts were successful, but even if not, with the rope tied around his waist, the Barbarian had limitless attempts as long as the party were willing to help pull him up to safety if he narrowly missed. A bad miss would lead to hitting the cliff on the side, and the barbarian would sustain damage.
Example 3: The Hacker
Later, the party finds themselves in an abandoned facility, confronted by a door leading to potential critical supplies, locked by analog patterns. The Halfling Rogue Bordie, proficient in the Vocational Tree Hacker, steps forward, ready to engage the talent Decode.
Bordie: “I want to use my Bypass Security talent to decode the pattern and get us through that door.”
GM: “The security system has a Difficulty Score of 14. Roll your d20 and add your Intelligence and Bypass scores.”
The Player rolls a d20 and rolls a 13, then adds his Intelligence score of +2 and Bypass score of 1, totaling 16.
GM: “You have successfully bypassed the locking mechanism. The door clicks open, allowing the party l to the supplies inside.”
Example 4: The Thief
As the party explores a bustling market, the party’s human Strategist, Gwendalina, trained in the tree, Thief has a keen eye catching a glimpse of a particularly valuable trinket on a merchant’s table.
Gwen: “From the Thief tree, I want to use my Escape Artist talent to pocket that trinket without getting caught.”
GM: “Given the crowd and the merchant’s keen eye, the Difficulty Score for this maneuver is 15. Roll your d20 and add your Agility and Nimble Escape scores.”
The Player rolls a d20, resulting in 15, and adds their Agility score of +3 and EA score of 2, resulting in a total of 20.
GM: “You deftly slip the trinket into your pocket, unnoticed by the merchant or anyone else nearby. Nice work!”
Even if Gwen were spotted, she may have still gotten away using Escape Artist, Alternatively, Gwen could have tried another talent, such as Feather Foot and/or Stasher (see Vocational Trees below).
Vocational Tree Choices
Each Vocational Tree below, includes the tree’s name, attribute requirements, description, a list of its talents, their aligned attributes and descriptions, and a set of tools they use, each associated with certain talents. The tool kit comes with basic tools and others must be purchased or traded for, the latter are in red text and have the price next to it. When performing Talents, Characters roll dice and receive the Score of the Talent(s) being performed as well as the Score of its aligned Attribute to add to the roll results. A score can only be placed in a talent if it matches the aligned Attributes Score. For instance; if a Character has leveled and wants to place a point in Lift, he’ll need a Score of 1 in its aligned Attribute, STR. In order to reach a score of 2 in Lift, STR will need to have a score of 2.
Note: All Class, Talent and Profession Trees will be displayed in flowcharts. Items from toolkits must be in the Character’s possession to perform certain Talents. All adjustments to roll results are the sum of the talent and its aligned Attribute Scores.
Talent Vocational Trees available for Beginner Set are; Crypt Raider, Olympiad, Scout and Thief.
Vocational Tree: Crypt Raider
Prereq: AGI 2 | INT 1 | DET 1
Alignment: Open
Crypt Raider
Crypt Raiders (Raider) are intrepid explorers specializing in the perilous depths of ancient dungeons and hidden tombs, adept at surviving treacherous environments through keen intuition and agility. With an arsenal of skills tailored for navigation, trap detection, and artifact understanding, they unravel the mysteries of forgotten places while ensuring their party remains safe from lurking dangers. The Raider Voc. Tree is an exciting choice for players that wants to perform thief-like (below) talents without alignment restrictions.
1. Dungeoneering (WIS): Your enhanced understanding of complex environments aids in navigating treacherous structures and their claustrophobic paths, improving your survival chances in dungeons and tombs. Bonus to Survival Rolls against traps and nocturnal foes.
2. Bandwagoner (AGI): You boost morale and cohesion in chaotic situations, providing party member movement toward the group with bonuses to their DEFS against threats within their path. The bonus is determined by the sum of the users Bandwagoner and AGI Scores.
3. Chimneying (AGI): Your agility in maneuvering through vertical passages grants bonuses to rolls for climbing and descending, allowing navigation into new areas.
4. Spot Structure (INT): Your ability to identify architectural anomalies is increased. These structures are often ancient and forgotten, often hidden in the dark, under sand dunes, under water, in the thick of a forest and so forth.
5. Rat’s Ribs (AGI): Your unmatched flexibility helps you slip through tight spaces aiding Characters attempting to squeeze through short tight spaces.
6. Detect Trap (WIS): Your keen intuition gives you bonuses to rolls for recognizing the signs of traps, allowing you to avoid dangerous situations before they activate. If your native Score is half of the DIFS (diff. score) of the trap, you’ll passively detect it.
7. Puzzle Solver (INT): Your analytical mind enhances your effectiveness with mechanisms and riddles, providing aid when deciphering cryptic puzzles and mazes. This is the party member you want representing the group when sinister Hosts try to deceive the party.
8. Keep Calm (DET): Your composure in high-pressure situations underground, aids your allies by reducing panic and fear. If one or more of the party is feared, and they miss on a Courage roll, the Crypt Raider can omit the fear on their next turn.
9. Dark Vision (DET): You are granted 2 feet of dark Vision for every Score in the Talent.
10. Dark Senses (WIS): Your enhanced vision in low-light conditions grants bonus to perception checks when navigating in darkness, improving your awareness of threats. The Score of this Talent cannot exceed your Dark Vision Score.
11. Master of Earth (INT): You have the ability to identify the material and thickness used for architectural surfaces. This may aid the party in the origin of the and strength of the structure. This may help an Ogre Barbarian’s decision to break through the surface, or a Thief’s decision to listen.
12. Drip Drop (DET): Your ability to identify water sources ensures hydration for you and your party, giving bonuses to rolls related to survival.
13. Language Deceased (WIS): Your skill in deciphering ancient texts provides bonuses to rolls for understanding valuable historical inscriptions often overlooked by others.
14. Innate Senses (WIS): Your heightened perception grants bonuses to rolls for detecting subtle changes in your environment, improving awareness of potential dangers. Your Vigilance Survival Trait Score is added to this Score.
15. Backtrack (WIS): Your excellent memory helps you navigate complex environments with ease, providing bonuses to rolls when retracing your steps or finding your way. Providing there is no interference, there are tools (like pebbles) in the kit below to avoid this. Interference may even be relocation of your trails, trying to trick the party into danger. The Raider can use Innate Senses to oppose this.
16. Historic Clue (WIS): You can roll to reveal the history of the structure navigated.
17. Historic Echo (ART): Once per day, the party can witness the events revealed by Historic Clue, in action through a holographic projector. Requires the Holographic Projector (see kit below).
18. Archaeology (WIS): Your study of ancient artifacts, relics and runes allows you to understand the origin and the properties they hold. The more rare the object, the more difficult they are to identify.
19. Leprechaun’s Sack (INT): You’ve practiced the magical art of reducing the weight of gems and coins, transporting both without becoming encumbered.
20. Rope and String Proficiency (ART): Your skill in using ropes and strings enhances your effectiveness in setting traps and securing items.
21. Treasure Sense (WIS): Your ability to detect valuable items provides the ability to sense hidden treasures when within 5 feet per Score in TS.
Crypt Raider Kit and Tools:
Backpack: A sturdy pack for carrying supplies and treasures easily, improving rolls for inventory management.
Torches: Essential for illuminating dark areas, granting bonuses to perception rolls in low-light conditions.
Flint and Steel: Useful for starting fires, providing bonuses to rolls related to warmth and cooking during explorations.
Parchment and Ink: Useful for documenting findings, providing bonuses to rolls for recording discoveries during explorations.
Scouting Knife: A versatile tool for utility tasks and self-defense, granting bonuses to relevant rolls.
Trail Marking Tools: ball ping and chisel to create recognizable paths in complex environments, improving rolls for navigation and orientation. Has other uses as well.
Rations: Supplies of food to sustain longer missions, providing bonuses to rolls related to survival and stamina management.
Quartz Pebbles (*100g/sack): Marking trails that glimmer by a torch light prevents getting lost when navigating complex dungeons. May be crushed into dust to leave a sparkling trail line. *May be mined.
Gold Dust (300g): Like Quartz Pebbles but they float in the air and are difficult to interrupt. Can be made by Stone Crafter.
Compass (75g): Improves rolls for navigation when exploring unfamiliar locations.
Holographic Projector (800g): A small device wrapped around the wrist that reveals ancient events in real time.
Vocational Tree: Olympiad
Prereq: AGI 2 | STR 2 Alignment: Open
Olympiad
The Olympiad Vocational Tree enhances athletic performance across a wide range of sports and physical activities. By consolidating essential skills, the character excels in competitions and overcomes various physical challenges.
Talents
1. Athletic Skills (AGI): Enhance overall physical prowess, affecting sprinting, swimming, and acrobatics.
2. Climbing (AGI): Allows the character to scale steep rugged surfaces, like cliffs and even walls of there’s some to grab onto.
3. Agility Maneuvers (AGI): Focus on quick and versatile movements.
4. Lifting Strength (STR): Showcase pure physical strength in lifting, carrying, and hurling heavy objects.
5. Animal and Vehicle Handling (AGI): Exhibit skills in controlling animals or vehicles more adequately.
6. Adrenaline Rush (DET): Temporary boost physical skills when performing under pressure.
7. Recuperation (STR): Increase the rate of Stamina replenishment without resting.
8. Renewal (DET): At the end of adventuring, restore Endurance before the day is complete allowing the Olympiad more turns for crafting and other actions outside of the party’s activities, while they rest.
9. The Fittest (STR): Every 5th level, grant one Fortitude to Stamina or Endurance. 1d6 is rolled to determine which, 1-3 for End. abd 4-6 for Stamina.
10. Iron Man (DET): This talent stops damage over time bleeding to the Character.
Olympiad Backpack and Gear:
The Olympiad backpack is designed for utility during athletic pursuits, featuring compartments for organizing gear. Gear included in the backpack are:
A climbing harness:
A javelin:
Goggles, snorkel and fins:
Special Gear:
Champions Regalia (8 piece set)
The below set pieces come in either leather, fur or cloth variants. Each piece below requires faction quests given by vocational masters of the Olympiad tree and has a potential bonus aligned with one of the 10 talents above. 1d10 is rolled to determine which of the above talents is enchanted into the set piece. If 1 is rolled, there’s a chance of the piece breaking and there’s no other chance for a replacement. If it doesn’t break, the character needs to wait 2 game years before trying again. If 2 is rolled, the Character must wait a year before the next attempt.
Ring of Balance (Regalia)
The only effect this ring has is that it allows the magical properties of the set items below to harness their respective powers. Without it, the items below are mery simple items. It cannot be enchanted. This is a simple band made of silver with the writing “gift of the Champion” etched inside of it.
Boots of the Wind (Regalia) (requires Ring of Balance.
Gorilla Gloves (Regalia)
Requires RoB and BoW.
Glorious Greaves (Regalia | 2500g or discovery)
(requires 2 enchanted pieces of set)
Helm (Regalia | 2500g or discovery)
(Requires 4 enchanted pieces of set for bonus)
Pauldrons of Power (Regalia | 3500 or discovery)
(requires 5 enchanted pieces of set for bonus)
Ox Horn Bracers (Regalia | 4500g or discovery)
(requires 7 enchanted pieces of set for bonus)
Cuirass of the Bards (Regalia | 5000g or discovery)
(requires 8 enchanted pieces of set for bonus)
Vocational Tree: Scout
Prereq: INT 1 | WIS 1 | AGI 1 | ART 1
Alignment: Neutral or above
Scout
The Scout Vocational Tree develops skills for navigation, survival, and observation in varied environments. Scouts are honorable by nature and excel in tracking, deciphering geography, and recognizing natural phenomena, making them essential for successful wilderness exploration.
Talents
1. Tracking and Wild Game Knowledge (WIS): Follow tracks and know about hunting and preparing resources for sustenance in the wilderness.
2. Geography | Decipher Map (INT): Understand geographical features and interpret maps crucial for navigation.
3. Geology | Identify Nature (INT): Recognize rocks and plants, gaining insights into the environment.
4. Sense Danger (WIS): Heightened awareness aids in sensing potential threats while spotting details from afar. Add your Vigilance Trait as a bonus to this.
5. Trailblazer (INT): Effectively navigate unfamiliar terrain using maps and adapt to various environments. Vigilance SurvivalST (trait) helpd here.
6. Prepper (INT): Prepare effectively for survival scenarios, covering resource management and emergency planning.
7. Timekeeping and Sundial (WIS): Estimate time through natural cues while constructing sundials for precise navigation.
8. Branches and Fire Control (AGI): Quickly gather branches create and maintain fires for warmth and emergency signaling.
9. Language and Signal (INT): Understand different languages and utilize various signaling methods for communication.
10. Lead the Way (ART): Inspire and motivate team members, boosting morale and initiative within the group.
11. Lurk/Rural (ART): Ability to hide/blend into rural areas.
12. Wild Companion: Gain a temporary animal ally, equal to or less than the Scout’s rank, for adventuring in natural environments.
13. Hawk Eye (WIS):
Scout Kit and Tools:
The Scout kit includes a backpack with these essential tools: A survival knife, utility knife, flint n steel, rations for a week, sturdy rope and a compass.
Hand Telescope (75g): Use to view and assess areas from afar.
Pocket Watch (starts at 170g, depends on material): Keep track of time.
Walking Staff (300g): Can often be used as a weapon and may be enchanted with minor effects, like “blinding light” and “Torch” (real fire). The staff also aid the Scour in navigation and helps replenish small amounts of daily endurance (one chip per score).
Vocational Tree: Thief
Prereq: AGI 2 | ART 1 | INT 1
Alignment: Neutral/Evil and under on the Alignment Scale
Thief
The Thief Vocational Tree enhances your abilities in stealth, deception, and acquisition, focusing on actions that allow you to navigate urban and wilderness environments with ease. Thriving in situations that require cunning and agility, Thieves are skilled at blending into shadows, sneaking, hiding, stealing, picking locks, executing heists, and are masters of applying poison, gases and other elements with adverse effects onto weapons with sharp edges.
Talents
1. Stealth Mastery (ART): Move silently and blend into shadows with ease, ensuring safe navigation through guarded areas.
2. Evasivist (AGI): Bend and contort your body to evade capture and navigate through obstacles effortlessly.
3. Deception Artist (ART): Create distractions and hidden opportunities to redirect targets. Can also create a brief illusionary distractions to escape detection. Examples are throwing objects to cause noise in other areas or directing light at a source across from your position.
4. Silent Communication (ART): Utilize gestures to coordinate silently with allies, facilitating teamwork without detection.
5. Poison and Gas Expertise (WIS): Craft and deploy poisons and gases to weaponry, for incapacitating foes effectively.
6. Disguise and Deception (ART): Alter your appearance convincingly, allowing for infiltration and misdirection in various situations.
7. Slippery Eel (AGI): Slip away from restraints and tricky situations effortlessly, turning the tables when caught.
8. Lock and Trap Expert (INT): Pick mechanical and analog locks to doors, chests and so forth, allowing you access to secured areas and treasures, and detect, set, and disable mechanical traps.
9. Underworld Connections (ART): Using harmonic messages through underground mushrooms, tap into a network of informants that belong to the same affiliations as yourself to gain insights and resources from the criminal underbelly.
10. Treasure Senses (WIS): Sense nearby valuables and appraise treasures quickly, determining worthwhile targets.
11. Spider Grip (STR): Tightly cling to scale walls with rough surfaces and reach difficult places efficiently. Requires Talons (see below).
12. Heistman (INT): During quests in structures with valuable items, plan and execute large-scale thefts targeting high-value items. Must be on a quest that offers this opportunity, and can go astray from the party or ask for one or more of its members’ assistance.
13. Statue Lurker (ART) : Ability to hide effectively in urban areas for long periods of time without moving.
14. Assassinate (AGI): Bonuses to attacks from behind, both ranged and close.
15. Listen (DET): Attempt to hear activity near, afar or on the other side of surfaces. The sum of the Character’s Speed plus Listen is the distance they can attempt to hear from. The sum of Listen and DET are the thickness of the surface, in feet, they can hear from the other side before attempting to Listen.
16. Con Artist (ART):
With a silver tongue and a quick wit, you effortlessly swindle Hosts with charm and cunning. Your charm disarms them, leave them blissfully unaware and vulnerable to your allure. Turn encounters into an opportunity, as your artistry transforms potential adversaries into easy victims of theft or violence.
17. Amphibian (ART):. Allows the Thief to blend into all forms of water, and allows them to hold their breath for a number of turns equal to the Talent’s Score.
Thief Kit and Tools:
Compact Backpack: Designed for efficiency and easy access to essential tools.
Rations: Food supplies for lengthy underground journeys.
Lockpicking Set: Tools for disabling locks and traps expertly.
Grappling Hook (w/ rope): Essential for reaching hard-to-access areas.
Smoke Bombs: Used for quick diversions in stealth situations.
Disguise Kit (230g): Includes masks and makeup for altering appearances.
Stealth Focus Items (500g): Tools for enhancing stealth maneuvers.
Talons (800g): Equipment for scaling difficult surfaces safely, also does natural “Talon” Damage.
The Vocational Trees below are incomplete and will be available in the full version.
Vocational Tree: Ambassador
Prereq: INT 1 | WIS 2 | ART 1
Alignment: Neutral
Vocational Tree: Ambassador
Ambassadors focus on diplomacy and cultural knowledge, building relationships and resolving conflicts across diverse social landscapes. They possess skills in negotiation, empathy, and cultural insights, enhancing their ability to navigate complex interactions successfully.
Vocational Tree: Field Medic
Prereq: WIS 2 | INT 1 | DET 1
Alignment: Neutral
Field Medic
Field Medics are trained in healing and emergency care. They stabilize the wounded and administer first aid swiftly using herbal lore and medical training, ensuring their companions can continue to fight and survive in dangerous situations.
Vocational Tree: Theologian
Prereq: WIS 2 | INT 1 | ART 1
Alignment: Lawful | Good
Vocational Tree: Theologian
Theologians possess deep knowledge of divine principles and spiritual matters. They function as moral guides, utilizing their talents to heal, bless, and protect allies while combating malevolent forces, making them critical in maintaining well-being in their party.
Note: The Druid spell Roaring Rapids (WIS) creates a roaring violent river. The rapids change in size and strength as it levels. As with all spells and magic in SorC campaigns, the appearance of this spell changes as the Character’s ART attribute increases. For instance; a score of 1 in ART the rapids may look like a rough wave, but a very high score of 10 may resemble a flight of wyverns roaring toward its target(s) and relocating them, usually incapacitated.
Vocational Tree: Trader
Prereq: ART 2 | INT 2 | WIS 1
Alignment: Open
Vocational Tree: Trader
Traders navigate markets and execute persuasive negotiations, utilizing skills in relationship-building and understanding diverse dynamics. They excel in trade interactions, ensuring profitable exchanges and favorable trade conditions through effective negotiation strategies.
Vocational Tree: Hacker
Prereq: INT 2 | AGI 1 | DET 1
Vocational Tree: Hacker
Hackers manipulate digital, analog, and mechanical technologies. They excel in data manipulation, solving complex puzzles, and bypassing security measures, allowing them to navigate technological challenges with finesse and creative problem-solving skills.
Vocational Tree: Animator
Prereq: ART 2 | INT 2 | WIS 1
Alignment: Open
Vocational Tree: Animator
Animators blend magic and creativity, empowering characters to explore the art of bringing ideas into reality. They utilize talents related to storytelling, dexterity in performance, and the ability to adapt and manipulate magical expressions, creating impactful experiences.
Professions
In SorC, Professions and Crafting, primarily revolves around skills linked to attributes Players have chosen for their Characters. Utilizing Skills to empower your character, is fun and exciting, and is just as rewarding as utilizing other Actions, such as; Abilities, Traits and Talents.
Skills Framework
Each profession has its own tree that provides a given set of skills characters can choose from and develop. Each skill relies on; development, craftsmanship, proficiency, attributes and luck. Skills also require special tools, materials, a Manual with an item list and instructions, such as a recipe or blueprint, and a suitable work area to perform. Work areas, such as forging stations are found deep in dungeons and mountain hearts while cooks can work with hunters in rural areas providing flora and fauna to feed the party, but be careful because running out of Endurance, daily action cap, may leave you in an area not suitable for resting.
How Skills Work
1. Skill Attempts: When a character attempts to use a skill, the player rolls a specified dice (e.g., d20) and adds any relevant adjustments, bonuses or penalties, given.
2. Success Metrics: Each task has a Difficulty Score (DIFS). If the total result of the dice and adjustments meets or exceeds the DIFS, the action is successful. Failure will result in the loss of part of the materials used. Success will result in rolls determining specifics and the quality of the crafted item, and will also grant Characters with bonuses to the Profession, raising their proficiency.
3. Skill Progression: As characters gain experience, they can invest in skills to enhance their proficiency allowing them to read manuals of more difficult tasks and attempt to perform majestical acts and craft epic items.
4. Roleplaying Opportunities:
Skills also allow Players to meet their Characters’ cultural interests. Each Character has a default set of Manuals based on their Culture and is also familiar with the items being used for craftsmanship. For Instance, a Nordian tribesman Cook,native to the icy coasts or the northern Arctic, has a set number of recipes and familiarity to food such as; Raspeballer (potato dumplings) and Gravlax (cured salmon), in contrast to the Nordians, a Zudari tribesman Cook would begin their journey readied up for foods like; Hlakula Nkhuku (chicken stew n flat bread) and Umlazi Amaphisi (fresh fish with fruit fastened in banana leaves cooked over a flame).
Setting: The character, a Blacksmith named Toren, is in his anvil-laden workshop, preparing to create a protective armor piece for a local town guard.
Player (Toren): “I want to craft a steel breastplate; I’ll use my Armor Smith skill!”
GM: “All right, for that you’ll need to roll for Armor Smith. Remember, your skill is fueled by your Nimbleness. What’s your total bonus?”
Player: “I’ve got a Nimbleness of 3, and since I’m proficient in Armor Smith, that gives me an additional 2. So, it’s a +5 total.”
GM: “Great! The DIFS to craft a basic steel breastplate is 15. Roll your d20.”
(The player rolls a 12.)
Player: “With my bonus, that’s a total of 17.”
GM: “You successfully craft a sturdy breastplate! The armor can absorb quite a bit of damage, and since you used your crafting skills effectively, you imbue it with a minor enchantment that grants an additional protection bonus in combat. What do you want to call this piece?”
Player: “I’ll call it ‘Toren’s Guardian’ – nice and personal!”
Another Example:
Setting: In a dense forest, the character, a Hunter named Lena, is trying to catch a wild rabbit for food.
Player (Lena): “I’ll use my Trapping skill to set a snare.”
GM: “Okay, remember that your Trapping skill is linked to your AGIterity. What’s your bonus?”
Player: “I have a AGIterity score of 4, and I’m trained in Trapping, so that gives me a +6 total.”
GM: “The DIFS in this area is 12 due to the tricky terrain. Roll the dice.”
(The player rolls a 9.)
Player: “With the bonus, that’s 15.”
GM: “You skillfully set the snare and, after a couple of moments, you hear the trap spring. You’ve caught a rabbit! You can now prepare it for cooking. What do you want to do next?”
Player: “I’ll use my Basic Cooking skill to prepare it for tonight’s meal.”
Conclusion
Professions provide depth and nuance to gameplay, encouraging players to think creatively about their characters. Players can build upon their chosen profession as they progress through the game, shaping their characters’ through skill development, successful crafting, and engaging storytelling.
Profession Ranks:
Apprentice: Novice crafters learning their trade.
Journeyman: Experienced crafters with improved skills.
Expert: Skilled crafters with access to advanced recipes.
Artisan: Master crafters with the highest level of expertise.
Master: Elite crafters with unique and powerful recipes.
Profession Trees
Profession Trees Available for Beginner Set are; Apothecary, Blacksmith, Cook and Hunter.
Apothecary
Apothecary is the practice of utilizing herbs and plants to create beneficial remedies, potions, and elixirs. Apothecaries are herbalists who gather natural ingredients to brew healing potions, invigorating tonics, and specialty salves that restore vitality or enhance abilities. Their knowledge of flora provides crucial support in both healing and empowerment.
Profession Tree: Blacksmith
The Blacksmith profession empowers you to forge and repair weapons, armor, and tools from metal. With a deep understanding of metallurgy, you create durable and effective items for combat and craftsmanship alike. Your skills allow for the enchanting of items, adding supernatural enhancements that elevate their capabilities.
Skills
Armor Smith: Manufacture and enchant armor pieces, using various metals to create protective gear.
Weapon Smith: Create and enhance weapons, ensuring quality craftsmanship that can withstand the rigors of battle.
Smithy Techniques: Utilize techniques to manipulate metal into complex shapes, including tools and decorative items.
Salvage: Break down unwanted items into components, facilitating material reuse for crafting.
Upgrade: Enhance existing weapons and armor, applying enchantments and improving structural integrity.
Blacksmith Kit and Tools
Forge
Anvil
Hammers and Tongs
Quenching Tank
Protective Gear
Profession Tree: Cook
Cooks are culinary artisans who transform raw ingredients into nourishing meals and exotic delicacies. Drawing on cultural traditions and creative techniques, they produce dishes that replenish energy, boost morale, and can even grant unexpected benefits. Their kitchens become creative laboratories where sustenance and inspiration combine.
As a Cook, your expertise lies in the preparation and presentation of food. You skillfully combine ingredients to create nourishing meals that provide beneficial effects, enhancing physical and mental attributes. Your culinary arts reflect creativity, tradition, and nutritional science.
Skills
Gourmet Preparation: Craft exquisite meals that provide health bonuses and buffs for consumers.
Fire Starting: Master the art of igniting and maintaining campfires, providing warmth and a morale boost.
Ingredient Knowledge: Identify and select optimized ingredients for maximizing culinary effects.
Food Safety: Ensure the safe preparation, storage, and serving of food, avoiding spoilage and health risks.
Brewmaster: Create fermented beverages that enhance various attributes or provide restorative effects.
Cook Kit and Tools
Cooking Pot
Cutting Board and Knives
Spices Collection
Storage Containers
Portable Oven
Profession Tree: Hunter
Hunters are agile and resourceful individuals skilled in tracking, capturing, and dispatching game in the wild. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of nature, they procure sustenance and valuable resources while respecting the ecosystem. Hunters excel in rural stealth, tracking, and trap-setting, ensuring their survival and that of their companions. They can also spot, calm, capture, and tame animals, forming loyal Guardians that aid them in their adventures. These Guardians are part of a fellowship system (draft animals/mounts, pets, companions, guardians, temps [summons etc] and more), and come with their own illustrated unique stat cards. Additionally, Hunters are proficient leatherworkers, allowing them to craft durable gear from their hunts.
Skills
1. Tracking Expert: Follow trails and signs of wildlife with accuracy, enhancing the likelihood of successful hunts.
2. Ranged Specialist: Proficiency with ranged weapons, providing bonuses in long-distance engagements.
3. Bushcraft Knowledge: Utilize natural resources for shelter and survival needs, demonstrating resourcefulness in the wilderness.
4. Trapping Techniques: Create effective traps utilizing knowledge of animal behavior to capture game.
5. Capture Wild Game
Steps are as follows; Calm, Capture, Tame and Fellowship wild game. Up to Rare rank only, unlike certain fighting classes such as Ranger or Beast Master that can proceed with even Unique game.
6. Calm Passive Beast
Passive only and only to Rare Rank, unlike certain fighting classes such as Ranger or Beast Master that can Calm feral and rabid Beasts, all the way to Unique Rank.
7. Skinning
8. Meat Fabrication
9. Basic Cooking
10. Leather working
Skills such as; crafting leather armor, tanning, dyeing, conditioning, embossing and repairing.
11. Fletching
Hunter Kit and Tools
Quiver
Bow and Arrows
Tracker’s Kit
Field Knife
Survival Gear
Rope
Professions Available in Full Version
Body Artist:
As a Body Artist, you specialize in the creation of tattoos and body piercings infused with magical properties. Your artistic talents allow you to transform the human form into a canvas for powerful enhancements that reflect personal expression while offering protective benefits. Through a blend of creativity and arcane knowledge, you create intricate designs that strengthen your clients’ abilities.
Engineer:
As an Engineer, you design and create complex mechanical systems and structures using principles of physics and mathematics. Your role involves innovating solutions that enhance functionality and efficiency in various applications, ranging from simple tools to intricate machines.
Scientist:
The Scientist profession embodies the pursuit of knowledge and understanding through systematic study and experimentation. You explore natural and arcane phenomena, developing theories and innovations that advance both scientific inquiry and practical applications.
Tinker:
The Tinker is characterized by creativity and resourcefulness, allowing you to repair, modify, and invent gadgets and devices. You blend artistry with practical innovation to create items that solve everyday problems or enhance the capabilities of those who use them.
Gem Crafter:
As a Gem Crafter, you specialize in the art of shaping and enchanting stones and gems. Your expertise allows you to produce exquisite decorative items, functional tools, and powerful artifacts that enhance the abilities of the wearer or user. By imbuing a variety of stones with magical properties, you reflect your dedication to refining your craft.
Boatswain:
As a Boatswain, you are the backbone of any sea- or river-bound expedition. You oversee the upkeep and operation of vessels, ensuring that both crew and ship are prepared for the unexpected. Your expertise ranges from managing supplies and coordinating repairs to navigating challenging waterways, making you indispensable in turning a battered ship into a reliable vessel.
Artificer:
As an Artificer, you blend magic and technology to craft powerful items and unravel intricate mechanisms. Your skills in enchanting, crafting, and repair enable you to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary wonders, proving that innovation is a vital asset on any adventure.
Stitcher:
The Stitcher is a master of textiles and leather, combining traditional tailoring with innovative design. Whether repairing worn garments or crafting specialized outfits and protective gear, stitchers are renowned for their precision and artistry. Using everything from simple needles and threads to enchanted tools, they weave functionality and beauty into every creation.
Enchanter:
The Enchanter excels at imbuing everyday items with arcane power. Operating at the crossroads of craftsmanship and magic, enchanters meticulously infuse weapons, armor, and trinkets with subtle or potent magical effects. Their work demands a deep understanding of arcane lore and refined artisanal skill, harmonizing physical form with mystical energy.
Witchcraft:
Practitioners of Witchcraft draw on ancient traditions and primal energies to shape their craft. Rather than relying solely on codified rituals, they channel folklore, intuition, and a profound connection with nature and the spirit world. Their endeavors can yield protective charms, potent curses, or enigmatic herbal brews, merging mysterious lore with personal ingenuity.
Alchemist:
Alchemists are the experimental scientists of both the arcane and the mundane. They transform raw substances into transformative potions, volatile explosives, or bizarre concoctions with unexpected effects. Unlike apothecaries, who focus on natural remedies, alchemists combine ingredients through precise and often enigmatic processes to create elixirs that can heal, harm, or dramatically alter the course of events.
Carpenter: Carpenters specialize in crafting structures, furniture, and other wooden items. With skills in design and construction, they use their knowledge to create functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces. Carpenters play a vital role in community building, providing essential craftsmanship for various projects.
Mason: Masons specialize in constructing buildings and structures using stone, brick, and other materials. They combine artistic flair with engineering skills, creating durable and aesthetically pleasing works. Masons play a vital role in shaping the environment, ensuring that structures meet both functional needs and design aesthetics.
Host (NPC) Only Professions
Host (NPC) Only Professions
Bounty Hunter: Bounty Hunters are skilled trackers and hunters, adept at tracking down fugitives for a reward. With a combination of stealth, combat skills, and investigative acumen, they navigate dangerous territories and often form temporary alliances to pursue their targets. Renowned for their resourcefulness, they possess a keen sense of intuition and are proficient in the use of various weaponry, making them formidable foes and valuable allies.
Bodyguard: Bodyguards are trained protectors, dedicated to safeguarding individuals of importance from harm. Equipped with both combat prowess and an understanding of security protocols, they assess risks and create strategies to prevent threats. They are vigilant and meticulously observant, often maintaining a calm demeanor while situationally aware of their surroundings, ensuring the safety of their charges in any situation.
Escort: Escorts provide companionship and protection to travelers and dignitaries, ensuring safe passage through perilous areas. They possess charisma and diplomacy skills, enabling them to navigate social interactions effectively. With training in combat and survival tactics, they offer both guidance and security, making them valuable assets for those who require assistance on their journeys.
Nature Warden: Nature Wardens serve as guardians of the natural world, adept at understanding the balance of ecosystems. They possess deep knowledge of flora and fauna, often acting as mediators between civilization and nature. Trained in tracking and survival skills, Nature Wardens protect the land from exploitation and corruption while helping others to appreciate and respect the wonders of nature.
Transporter: Transporters specialize in the movement of goods and people across various terrains. Skilled in logistics and navigation, they ensure timely and safe deliveries while overcoming environmental challenges. Whether by land, sea, or air, Transporters are adaptable problem solvers who utilize their expertise to facilitate trade and travel.
Vault Keeper: Vault Keepers are entrusted with the security of valuable items and treasures, ensuring that all is well within their vaults. With vast knowledge of security measures, traps, and mechanisms, they protect their charges from theft and damage. They often manage inventory with meticulous care and uphold contracts with clients, providing peace of mind to those who seek their services.
Runesmith: Runesmiths are skilled artisans who inscribe magical runes onto objects, imbuing them with magical properties. They possess extensive knowledge of ancient symbols and their corresponding effects, allowing them to create powerful enchanted items. Utilizing both craftsmanship and arcane knowledge, Runesmiths play a crucial role in the economy of magic, creating artifacts that enhance weapons and armor or serve unique purposes.
Henchman: Henchmen are loyal followers who execute the orders of their superiors, often serving as muscle or enforcers in various operations. Equipped with basic combat skills and a strong sense of loyalty, they follow orders without question, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently. While not independent agents, they often bring unique perspectives to the table in support of their leaders.
Attuner: Attuners have a deep connection to magic, specializing in channeling and enhancing magical energies. They assist others in understanding and harnessing magical powers, ensuring that spells and enchantments are executed effectively. Attuners often serve as guides or mentors, helping characters unlock the full potential of their abilities or enhance magical items.
Socialite: Socialites are masters of social interactions, possessing an extensive network of contacts and connections across various factions. They keep track of events, holidays, and gatherings from guilds, clans, and associations, using their knowledge to influence outcomes. Their charm and persuasive abilities allow them to navigate politics and negotiations smoothly.
Investigator: Investigators are skilled in uncovering hidden truths and solving mysteries. With a keen eye for detail and an analytical mind, they piece together clues, follow leads, and interrogate suspects. Often employed in law enforcement or private inquiries, they work tirelessly to bring justice and resolution to complex situations.
Inventor: Inventors are creative minds who develop new technologies and devices, merging ingenuity with functionality. They are skilled in crafting items that often have unconventional uses, contributing significantly to societal progress. Their ability to think outside the box enables them to tackle problems with innovative solutions.
Chemist: Chemists specialize in large-scale compound merging and synthetic creation, manipulating ingredients to develop potent concoctions. They work with various substances to create medicines, alchemical items, and explosives, often conducting experiments to discover unique properties and applications. Their expertise is vital in both crafting and scientific communities.
Forecaster: Forecasters predict the weather using a combination of magic, technology, and rituals. Skilled in interpreting signs and patterns, they offer valuable information about upcoming conditions that could impact adventures. Additionally, they provide updates on current events, bounties, and quests in their regions, assisting others in their preparations.
Stable Hand: Stable Hands manage a variety of domesticated beasts, including mounts and farm animals. They provide care, training, and tending for an array of creatures, ensuring they are healthy and well-equipped for various tasks. They may also train animals for specific roles, such as Storm Riders for transportation or Milchox for milk production, making them vital to sustaining travel and commerce.
Farm Hand: Farm Hands support agricultural efforts by assisting with planting, harvesting, and animal care. They have a deep understanding of crops and livestock, enabling them to maintain healthy farms and ensure sustainable practices. Their labor is essential for providing food and resources to communities, linking them closely to the cycles of nature.
Cohort: Cohorts are narrative-driven hirelings who share a common goal with the party. They provide support in various capacities, offering their skills and knowledge to help the group achieve its objectives. Depending on their expertise, they can fill gaps in the party’s composition, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the team.
Travel Master: Travel Masters are experts in facilitating various means of transportation, serving as coordinators for journeys across land, air, and sea. Whether managing routes for airships, overseeing train schedules, or organizing caravan logistics, they ensure travelers can navigate efficiently and safely. With extensive knowledge of local geography and transportation options, Travel Masters provide guidance on the best routes and methods of travel, making them invaluable for adventurers seeking to explore new regions or return home swiftly. Their connections with various transport service providers ensure that all travel arrangements run smoothly, allowing for a seamless travel experience.
Cameo: Cameos are unique NPCs that appear at random or during special events, often serving as plot devices or sources of valuable information. Their appearances can alter the course of events, adding depth to the story and engaging players with unexpected interactions.
Profession Trainers (Grandmaster): Grandmaster Trainers are top-tier experts in their respective fields, providing intensive training and mentorship to players seeking to master their professions. They possess profound knowledge and experience, guiding individuals through advanced techniques and practical applications to refine their skills further.
Talent Trainer (Grand Master): Talent Trainers work closely with individuals to develop specific talents and skills. They focus on personal growth, helping characters unlock their potential and enhance their abilities through rigorous training and tailored exercises.
Class Trainer: Class Trainers are seasoned masters proficient in specific class paths, including subclasses and variant classes. They provide guidance and instruction on new combat abilities, teaching characters how to harness their unique strengths effectively in battles.
Guard: Guards are responsible for maintaining peace and security in specific areas, such as cities, castles, or private estates. Trained in combat and defensive strategies, they protect important locations from intruders and assist in law enforcement duties, ensuring the safety of the populace.
Innkeeper: Innkeepers manage establishments that provide lodging and meals for travelers. They create a welcoming atmosphere and offer local knowledge, fostering connections between patrons. Innkeepers often serve as informal information hubs, relaying valuable insights and rumors to adventurers passing through.
Illicit Dealer: Illicit Dealers operate in the shadows, trading in prohibited or contraband goods. Skilled negotiators and discreet businesspeople, they cater to those seeking rare items, black market artifacts, or forbidden knowledge. They navigate the criminal underworld while balancing risks and rewards for their clients.
Gamer: Gamers are skilled competitors who engage in various games, whether strategic or chance-based. They often frequent taverns and gaming halls, challenging others to contests and earning recognition for their skills. Their experience and expertise make them sought-after participants in games of chance.
Storyteller: Storytellers captivate audiences with tales of adventure, lore, and history. They weave narratives that engage, entertain, and inspire, helping to preserve cultural memories and traditions. Storytellers often serve as historians, passing down knowledge from generation to generation.
Vendor: Vendors offer a variety of goods and services, catering to the needs of travelers and locals alike. They possess knowledge of market trends, and their wares often reflect the unique attributes of their surroundings. Vendors play a key role in local economies, facilitating trade and commerce.
Portent: Portents are mysterious individuals capable of providing insights or warnings about future events. They possess an uncanny ability to predict outcomes, often using cryptic methods or intuition. Portents serve as guides and omens, offering valuable advice to adventurers as they navigate their journeys.
Field Guide: Field Guides are knowledgeable individuals who provide expertise about flora, fauna, and geography in specific regions. They assist adventurers in understanding their surroundings, offering insights about survival techniques and local wildlife. Their expertise is invaluable for those exploring unfamiliar territories.
Auctioneer: Auctioneers facilitate the buying and selling of items in competitive bidding environments. They curate auctions, managing the flow of bids and ensuring fairness during transactions. Skilled in persuasion and timing, auctioneers help buyers and sellers negotiate effectively, providing insight into market values.
Pet Trainers: Pet Trainers are specialists in training animals for specific tasks and behaviors. They work with a variety of creatures, teaching basic commands, tricks, or skills suited for combat or companionship. Their expertise ensures that pets are well-behaved and responsive to their owners.
Pet Vendors: Pet Vendors sell a range of domesticated animals, from common pets to specialized mounts. They possess knowledge of various species, assisting buyers in selecting the right companions for their needs. Pet Vendors contribute to the bond between adventurers and their animal counterparts.
Fellowship Guide: Fellowship Guide assist adventurers in forging connections with their animal companions, helping them to build loyalty and understanding. They provide insights into the behaviors and needs of various creatures, ensuring that bonds between humans and animals flourish.
Jester: Jesters entertain with wit, humor, and performance, often incorporating elements of storytelling and theatricality. They serve as social commentators, using their art to challenge societal norms or provide levity during tense moments. Jesters can influence the mood of a gathering while cleverly delivering messages.
Vaulter: Vaulters are skilled in traversing obstacles and difficult terrain, often acting as guides or performers in aerial displays. They possess agility and acrobatic skills, engaging in entertainment while showcasing their physical prowess. Vaulters bring a sense of excitement to events through their feats of skill and daring.
Hobbies
See full version for Hobbies
Each hobby above offers unique benefits beyond traditional skills, encouraging character growth and deeper storytelling. Characters can explore these interests to gain rewards and further their development in engaging ways.
Boatswain Sample:
Stowaway
Leech
Wanderer
Mate (functionality blend in)
Raider (commandeering, hijacking, etc)
Booty Burner
Buccaneer
Skipper
Scoundrel
Pirate
Smuggler
Shipwright
Deck Hand
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