Primary Skills

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Abilities


Skills are Abilities learned through training, apprenticeships or other instruction. If you try to perform an action involving a Skill in which you have no rating, your difficulty is increased by one. An unskilled worker just isn't as effective as someone who might have lower Attributes but an understanding of what the procedure entails.

Animal Ken

Details

You have the capability to understand an animal's behavior patterns. This Skill allows you to predict how an animal might react in a given situation, train a domesticated creature, or even try to calm or enrage animals.

Animal Ken
Dot-filled.png Novice: You can get a domesticated horse to let you pet it.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You can housebreak a puppy.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You could train a seeing-eye dog.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Circus animal trainer
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You can tame wild beasts without benefit of supernatural powers.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 123
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 114
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 144
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 165

Crafts

Details

This skill imparts a knowledge of artisan techniques in such fields as woodworking, leatherwork, glassblowing, or gem cutting. With crafts, your character can create lasting pieces of art and functional objects from various materials. The quality of these products depends on the number of successes achieved on the roll.

Crafts
Dot-filled.png Novice: High-school wood shop
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You're starting to develop your own style.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You could make a living at your work.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Your work is featured in college-level textbooks for your field.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: Your artistry is virtually without peer.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 124
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 114
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 109
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 144
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 165
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 135

Drive

Details

The drive skill represents your character's ability to operate motor vehicles, though it does not mean that she is familiar with all land vehicles. The storyteller may raise or lower difficulty numbers based on your character's experience with that particular type of vehicle. It also implies that your character has earned a driver's license, although this need not necessarily be the case. At higher levels, you can attempt to avoid someone who's tailing you ( if you know they're there ), and it allows you to attempt some stunts.

You can drive a car, and maybe other vehicles as well. This Skill does not automatically entail familiarity with complicated vehicles such as tanks or 18-wheelers, and difficulties may vary depending on your experience with individual automobiles. After all, helming a station wagon doesn't prepare you for controlling a Lotus at 100 miles per hour.

Drive
Dot-filled.png Novice: You know how to work an automatic transmission.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You can drive a stick shift or a motorcycle.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: Professional trucker.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: NASCAR, daredevil or tank pilot.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You can make a Yugo do tricks out of a James Bond movie.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 124
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 114
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 110
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 146
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 165
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 135

Etiquette

Details

You understand the nuances of proper behavior, in both mortal society and Kindred culture. Your specialty is the culture with which you are most familiar. This Skill is used during haggling, seduction, dancing, dinner etiquette and all forms of diplomacy.

Etiquette
Dot-filled.png Novice: You know when to keep your mouth shut.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You've been to a black-tie event or two.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You know your way around even obscure silverware.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Her Majesty would consider you charming.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 124
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 115
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 110
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 146
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 165
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 135

Firearms

Details

Skill in firearms means that you have a broad knowledge of all guns, from a simple .22 to an Ingram Mac-10 submachine gun. It does not include the ability to operate heavy artillery. Firearms includes the ability to care for and repair guns. This Skill is also used to unjam guns (Wits + Firearms).

Firearms
Dot-filled.png Novice: You have fired a gun before.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You have recieved profesional training with firearms.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You are skilled and have survived several firefights.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Professional Sniper or Assassin.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You are among the most elite in firearms, Top Five in the World.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 124
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 115
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 111
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 146
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 165
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 136

Iskakku

Details

AKA: The Way of the Staff. The quarter staff (or bo) is the focus of this style of combat. Developed by the Children of Gaia, it has no sharp edges or points, thus relies on the fundamental techniques for all major weapons. With a lack of deadly force, it is the perfect weapon for the Children of Gaia, as it focuses on immobilization and disabling of opponents. Both Garou and Kin are practioners of this art.

Unlike Stargazers who do not share their art of Kailindo outside their tribe, the Children of Gaia will teach Iskakku to other shifters. For more details and manuevers, see Advanced Combat.

Iskakku
Dot-filled.png Novice: You can use a staff to attack or defend.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You know the basics of disabling your opponents.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You are a flurry of blows and blocks.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Shwolin monks stand up and take notice.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You're almost more dangerous in Homid with a staff than in Crinos with your teeth and claws.


Possessed by:
Shifters and kinfolk of any tribe.

References:
WW3853 Tribebook: Children of Gaia (Revised Edition) 81

Kailindo

Details

A martial arts style exclusive to Stargazer Garou. It was developed to take advantage of the unique abilities of shapeshifters. Teachers are hard to come by and greatly treasured by their adopted septs. You must possess this Skill to try Kailindo maneuvers; Brawl does not cover Kailindo.

Mentor background must be greater than or equal to the level of Kailindo being purchased.

For more details and manuevers, see Advanced Combat.

Kailindo
Dot-filled.png Novice: You've taken a few lessons.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You know what you're doing in practice sessions.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You generally win sparring matches; you're confident in battle.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: You understand both the theory and practice intimately.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You are Kailindo.

Possessed by:
Stargazer Garou


References:
WW3806 Players Guide to Garou 181
WW3806 Players Guide to Garou 220

Martial Arts (hard Style)

Martial Arts (soft Style)

Details

Many Kuei-jin have matstered one or more forms of Martial Arts, either from their living days or through study with an undead master. The Martial Arts Skill replaces, the Talent Brawl. An aspiring martial artist must choose between a hard style and a soft style.

Soft styles include jujutsu, shuai-chiao, tai chi chuan, and aikido.

Hard styles include karate, Shaolinkung fu, tae kwon do, and wushu.

For game purposes, there is no difference between the various styles, but players are encouraged to choose one for purposes of characterization.

House rules:

  • Martial Arts costs the same as a normal primary ability, but you must have Brawl at an equal/higher level first.
  • Hard style and soft style are two separate abilities. You may learn both.
  • Once Martial Arts reaches 5, you can buy additional maneuvers from that style for 3 XP each.
  • Cannot be used during frenzy (Kuei-jin: fire soul), Rotschreck (Kuei-jin: wave soul), or equivalent supernatural states.

For each dot in Martial Arts after the first, you may pick a maneuver. See Advanced Combat for the maneuver lists for both styles and additional details.


Martial Arts (hard & soft Styles)
Dot-filled.png You are learning!
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png One maneuver
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Two total maneuvers
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Three total maneuvers
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Four total maneuvers


References:
WW2900 Kindred of the East 140
WW2901 Kindred of the East Companion 118

Melee

Details

Melee is the broad term for all sorts of combat that involves hand-to-hand weapons. The definition of a hand-to-hand weapon is a loose one, as it includes knives, swords, broken bottles, chains, saps, and just about anything else that can be used to inflict damage on another.

Melee
Dot-filled.png Novice: You know the right way to hold a knife.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You may have been in the occasional streetfight.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You could make a college fencing team.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: You could keep order in the prince's court.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: Your enemies would rather face a SWAT team than your blade.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 125
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 115
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 111
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 146
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 166
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 136

Performance

Details

The performance skill covers a broad range of artistic expression from acting to storytelling. It assumes that your character has the basic knowledge necessary and a certain talent in the field she has chosen. As well as defining your character's expertise and creative talent, this skill also represents her ability to captivate an audience and her stage presence, two relatively nebulous qualities. It assumes that some knowledge about the technical side of the society of your character's chosen field.

Dot-filled.png Novice: You could sing in the church choir.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You could get a leading part in a college production.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You're in demand at the local clubs.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: You have the talent to be a national sensation.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You are a virtuoso without peer.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 125
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 116
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 112
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 147
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 166
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 137

Security

Details

With the security skill, your character has a proficiency with the tools and techniques for lock-picking, hot-wiring cars, designing and deactivating burglar alarms, and opening safes. It can be used to conduct criminal activities or, on the other side of the coin, to prevent and investigate breeches of security. The more dots your character has in this skill, the more sophisticated the systems with which she is familiar.

Dot-filled.png Novice: You can pick a simple lock.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You can hot-wire a car.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You can bypass or disable house alarms.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: You can crack a safe.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You could get a bomb out of - or into - the Pentagon.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 125
WW4014 Guide to the Technocracy 151
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 147

Stealth

Details

This Skill is the ability to avoid being detected, whether you're hiding or moving at the time. Stealth is often tested against someone else's Perception. This Ability is, for obvious reasons, highly useful in stalking prey.

Dot-filled.png Novice: You can hide in a darkened room.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You can shadow someone from streetlight to streetlight.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You have little difficulty finding prey from evening to evening
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: You can move quietly over dry leaves.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: Nosferatu elder


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 126
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 116
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 112
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 147
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 166
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 137

Survival

Details

This skill describes your character's proficiency at surviving in an unfamiliar or dangerous environments. Inherent in it are the abilities to find shelter, scavenge or hunt food, and protect oneself from native predators and threats. It also encompasses tracing and finding safe passage through the area.

Stealth rolls in wilderness cannot included more dice from Stealth than the character has dots in survival.

Dot-filled.png Novice: You can cope with the routine changes of whatever sort of wilderness was closest to your home.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You won't starve in most enviroments, though it won't be comfortable until you get to the next settlement.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You can get yourself and others to safety in most circumstances, and you can make an effective living off the fruits of hunting, trapping and the like.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: You can blaze new paths through unbroken wilderness and cope with almost any challenge that the natural world can throw at you.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: The dark powers of the night (and day) in the lands beyond civilization hold no terror for you.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 126
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 117
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 112
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 148
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 166
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 137

Technology

Details

This Skill covers understanding, operating, repairing, and even building or upgrading electronic devices. Purely mechanical devices fall under the Crafts Skill, while computer hardware and software falls under the Computers Knowledge. Characters without this Skill may know how to operate various common devices, but they don’t necessarily know how they work or how to fix them.

Technology
Dot-filled.png Novice: You can re-wire a lamp and do some common household repairs.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You can do some basic electrical work or build a crystal radio set.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent:You’re a skilled electrical engineer (with or without the college degree), able to design and build various devices.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: You can alter and upgrade existing electronic equipment.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master:You’re ahead of your time when it comes to designing and building new technology.


References:
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 113
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 148
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 168