Difference between revisions of "Primary Talents"

From City of Hope MUSH
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{Template:StatNav}}
 
__NOTOC__
 
__NOTOC__
  

Revision as of 18:27, 16 December 2021

Reference Lists


Talents are matters of innate apptitude, requiring no training to develop, and they improve primarily or exclusively through experience. Characters get better at them only by doing them regularly. It's possible to attempt actions related to Talents that a character doesn't possess. Everyone (or nearly everyone) possesses a rudimentary grasp of each Talent, even without the minimal competence required for one dot's worth.


Alertness

Details

This talent indicates your character's (small-a) awareness of the world around her. She is practiced in keeping one ear to the wind and one eye to the sky, even when distracted with other things. Alertness is a measure of how well your character picks up on subtle details and changes in her environment. This Talent is typically paired with Perception, and is best used when sensing physical stimuli (as opposed to moods or clues).

Accounting
Dot-filled.png Novice: You're no mindless drone.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: Habitual eavesdropper.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You keep a sharp eye on your surroundings.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Whether from paranoia or good sense you are rarely caught off guard.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: Your senses are on par with those of a wild animal.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 120
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 111
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 106
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 132
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 162
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 140

Athletics

Details

Athletics is aptitude for physical exertion, be it during relatively formal sports or simply in the course of active life. Climbing rocky cliffs, leaping chasms or playing brilliant games of badminton are all Athletics-based feats. This ability describes your character's general athletic prowess in both team and individual sports. It assumes a familiarity with the rules and play of the sport in question. Athletic feats that are directly related to combat are covered by Brawl, Dodge, Melee, and the other combat abilities, except in the case of thrown weapons. These require Athletics.

Athletics
Dot-filled.png Novice: You lead a moderately active existence.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You can compete effectively in local sporting competitions.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You can support yourself, at least in large measure, with the prizes you win in challenges of physical excellence.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Stories of your prowess circulate widely.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: Your reputation precedes you, and would-be rivals feel awe at your ability.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 120
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 111
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 106
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 133
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 162
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 141

Awareness

Details

Similar to Alertness, but for supernatural things not obvious to normal senses. See House Rules/Awareness.

Awareness
Dot-filled.png Novice:You pick up strange vibes from certain places and people sometimes.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced:You know the supernatural when you see it or come in close contact with it.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You can sense the flow of hidden forces through the world, peering behind the veil of mundane life.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: You pick up on subtle and hidden supernatural forces all around you.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master:You can sense a supernatural influence anywhere nearby, and you sometimes pick up on more distant forces, if they’re strong enough.


References:
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 106
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 133
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 141

Brawl

Details

Brawling is the ability to fight without a weapon, including basic hand-to-hand maneuvers such as punching, kicking, grappling, throwing, scratching and biting. Brawling can get quite ruthless and sometimes inflicts serious damage if done properly.

Brawl
Dot-filled.png Novice: You don't immediately fold in the face of a fight.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You've had your share of tussels with neighbors and other local brawlers.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You fight with confidence and competence, and you can count on winning or at least coming through a fight and remaining standing.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: You can take on most opponents and expect to win.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You do as much with your fists as many soldiers and knights do with their weapons.

References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 120
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 111
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 107
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 133
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 162
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 141

Do

Details

The Do skill represents a character’s all-around dedication to Akashic training methods, with an emphasis on the Dharmamukti, or unarmed combat arts. Do is the “secret art” whose many names are whispered of in martial arts legends, the progenitor of more modern forms and the most efficient, effective style of unarmed combat in existence. As a vital part of the Akashic paradigm, it serves as the focus for much of the Brotherhood’s magic. So much so that the magical and mundane aspects of the art are considered inseparable.

Other Abilities must be purchased to learn it, and it is restricted to Akashic Brothers and very close allies. For more information, see WW4657 Tradition Book Akashic Brotherhood (Revised Edition) 61 and Advanced Combat

Do
Dot-filled.png Novice: Sometimes, the right movements come naturally, but usually you just respond by reflex.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: Your mind and body work efficiently together, but remain separated by a lack of understanding.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You can call yourself a Tao-shih without your master raising an eyebrow in amusement.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Reflex and perception are one. Junior Akashics call you Sihing.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You never plan your movements in advance, or use a particular technique. You are movement and technique, and your actions flow with the Wheel.

Possessed by:
Akashic Brothers

References:
WW4657 Tradition Book Akashic Brotherhood (Revised Edition) 58
WW4657 Tradition Book Akashic Brotherhood (Revised Edition) 61

Dodge

Details

Whether your character dives for cover, ducks a punch or sidesteps an arrow, he knows the best way to avoid injury is not getting hit. Dodge simply describes your character's ability to get out of the way of any oncoming attacks.

Dodge is the ability to get out of harm's way, whether in combat or in the face of other sorts of danger. It encompasses the use of cover and agile maneuvering, and it comes from the systematic training of a knight or the tough-and-ready experience and instincts of a thief or brawler. Dodges plays a crucial role in survival of any character who fights often, greatly increasing his chances of escaping damage.

Dodge
Dot-filled.png Novice: You reflexively avoid most minor sources of injury and show a measure of grace in your movements.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You're hard to hurt unless someone or something catches you by surprise.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: It takes serious effort for an opponent to hit you, you get out of the way of most thrown objects as well as immediate dangers.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Only skilled warriors can expect to hurt you very much.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: Wherever a threat is, you're almost inevitable somewhere else.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 120
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 111
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 108
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 133
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 142

Empathy

Details

Empathy is the ability to pinpoint what others are feeling. Through awareness of their facial expressions, body language and tone, your character gains a sense of the other person's general attitude, including her emotional state and her motives. With high levels of this trait, your character can sometimes tell whether someone is lying or not. Successful use of this talent prior to attempting to persuade, intimidate or use subterfuge on the same person reduces the difficulty number on the second action by one; failure increases the difficulty number by one.

Empathy
Dot-filled.png Novice: You seem sympathetic to people with whom you share something in common.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You share others' joys and sorrows, even when you haven't made any particular effort at it.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You display keen insights into others' souls and enjoy a measure of respect or fear depending on how you use your wisdom.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Few people can deceive you. Enemies mutter that you deal with dark powers, and friends believe that God has given you special perception.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: Nothing human is mysterious to you.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 121
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 111
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 108
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 133
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 163
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 141

Expression

Details

Expression is the art of getting your point across, no matter what the medium. Expression covers the creation and delivery of speeches, poetry, and other writing.

Expression
Dot-filled.png Novice: Your talent has matured past crude poetry on notebook paper.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You could lead a college debate team.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You could be a successful writer.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Your work is Pulitzer material.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: A visionary as yourself comes along only once in every generation.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 121
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 112
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 108
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 134
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 163
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 142

Intimidation

Details

The art of intimidation takes many forms from subtle threats to outright physical harm. Choice of method depends on the time, the place and those involved. Characters with this talent know how to get what they want from others when they want it.

Intimidation
Dot-filled.png Novice: Crude teenage bully
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: Mugger
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: Drill sergeant
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Your air of authority cows casual passersby.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You can frighten off vicious animals.

References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 122
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 112
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 108
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 134
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 163
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 142

Kenning

Details

Kenning is the faerie sight, the ability to sense Glamour in whatever form it takes, be it a chimera, a changeling, or a freehold. Among other things, this talent allows a changeling to recognize a changeling who has slipped into the Mists or who has yet to achieve Chrysalis, sense the relative power of a chimera, and locate freeholds and trods. This insight is usually an impression. Gremayre is required to know specifics about what the changeling senses.

Kenning
Dot-filled.png Novice: Glamour tickles your senses.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You get impressions from locations that house freeholds.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You can recognize an Undone changeling.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Even the faintest traces of Glamour are clear to you.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: The world of the supernatural is laid bare before you.

Possessed by:
Changelings

References:
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 163

Leadership

Details

You are an example to others and can inspire them to do what you want. Leadership has less to do with manipulating people's desires than it does with presenting yourself as the sort of person they want to follow. This Talent is usually paired with Charisma rather than Manipulation.

Leadership
Dot-filled.png Novice: Captain of your Little League team
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: Student body president
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: An effective CEO
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Presidential material
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You could be the lord and master of a nation.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 122
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 115
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 108
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 136
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 163
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 143

Primal Urge

Details

This talent describes not only the bestial nature inside every shifter (or animal, for that matter), but also the level of gut feelings the character has in nonhuman forms. Characters with high Primal Urge can more easily rely on animal instincts for guidance and find it easier to transform into their non-human shapes. Moreover, werewolves with strong Primal-Urge find it easier to assume their various forms or take on partial transformations.

Primal Urge
Dot-filled.png Novice: Captain of your Little League team
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: Student body president
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: An effective CEO
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Presidential material
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You could be the lord and master of a nation.

Possessed by:
Shifters

References:
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 113

Shentao

Details

Somewhere in the nexus of magic, Intuition, and Perception lays Shentao. It is the ability to perceive the shen and those humans who consort or hunt them. It is also the ability to divine the presence of drago lines and dragon nests. Shentao is partly cultural, therefore, hsien find it difficult to interpret the nature of Western supernaturals (+2 to the difficulty number).

Shentao
Dot-filled.png Novice: You know if you're sleeping on a dragon nest, or if you just slept with a shen.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You can locate dragon nests with ease. You always find True Jade.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You can spot hsien, if given enough time. Sometimes you can determine the presence of other shen. You often find yourself traveling along dragon lines quite naturally.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: You can spot hsien unerringly. You can spot other shen if given enough time. Sometimes you can spot Western supernaturals as well.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: Your gaze eventually reveals almost every supernatural item, place or being.

Possessed by:
Hsien

References:
WW7308 Land of Eight Million Dreams 88

Streetwise

Details

The streets can be a major source of information, aid and money, but their culture and rules of conduct are as complex as the noble courts. The streetwise talent indicates how versed your character is with the local rumor mill, street slang and street etiquette. It represents her savvy when among the less desirable elements of society, and determines not only how well she can survive but thrive and fit in among them.

Streetwise
Dot-filled.png Novice: You know which neighborhoods to avoid.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: You're accorded respect on the street.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: You could head your own gang.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: You have little to fear in even the worst neighborhoods.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: If you haven't heard it, it hasn't been said.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 122
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 113
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 109
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 134
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 163
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 144

Subterfuge

Details

This trait determines your character's ability to conceal his motives and feelings. Moreover, it allows him to decipher the motives of others and use their own plans against them. Subterfuge is the fine art of lying, deceit and underhanded manipulation. Characters skilled in this talent know how to call upon their best theatrics to influence situations and divert the blame without others realizing they've been manipulated.

Subterfuge
Dot-filled.png Novice: You tell the occasional little white lie.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Practiced: Vampire
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Competent: Criminal lawyer
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Expert: Deep-cover agent or CIA.
Dot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.pngDot-filled.png Master: You're the very last person anyone would suspect.


References:
WW2300 Vampire The Masquerade (Revised Edition) 122
WW3801 Werewolf The Apocalypse (Revised Edition) 113
WW4600 Mage: The Ascension (Revised) 109
WW92051 Wraith: the Oblivion (20th Anniversary) 134
WW92041 Changeling: the Dreaming (20th Anniversary) 164
WW8200 Demon: The Fallen 144