SCIENCE SKILLS

Note:Prerequisite Skills are shown in [italics] and Bonuses shown in ()

SCIENCE

Anthropology: This is the behavioral study of man and other intelligentlife forms and their environments. Studies include societies, customsand beliefs, religions, political structures, as well as rudimentaryhistory and archaeological backgrounds. It is important to note that anthropologyis more concerned with the study of modern races and societiesthan it is with ancient ones. This knowledge is especially importantwhen dealing with other races and cultures in the present time, so as toavoid accidentally breaking taboos or codes of behavior. It will also tellthe anthropologist whether he may be dealing with a dangerous people(hate humans, fear technology or magic, are cannibals, worship demons,etc).Areas of anthropological study are divided into six categories. Eachcategory of study requires one skill selection. 1. Humans (all), 2. Ancients(includes elves, dwarves, titans, kobolds, and changelings); 3.Wolfen (includes coyles, kankoran, and bear men); Giants (all true giantsand trolls); 4. Subterranean (includes dwarves, kobolds, goblinsand troglodytes); 5. Monster Races (intelligent monsters like ogres,orcs, sphinx, minotaur, etc.); and 6. Jungle People (+5% to Racial cultures)
Base Skill: 25+5% per level of experience.

Archaeology: This is the scientific study of relics of ancient civilizations(including elves, dwarves, kobolds, titans, changelings, and theOld Ones) by excavation and analysis of artifacts. Studies includeproper excavation (digs) techniques, preservation, restoration, and datingmethods, as well as rudimentary history.The character can also ascertain whether the item is an ancient artifactor a recent copy, and therefore authentic or a forgery. This alsomeans he can estimate its value and in which kingdoms it might get thebest price.
Base Skill: 25+5% per level of experience.

Astronomy/Navigation: The ability to navigate, from the study of the stars and other celestial bodies, their movements, positions, cycles, alignments, and interrelations, with the earth and each other (including magical worlds, the ebb and flow of mystic energy along ley lines.) Training includes reading maps and following landmarks, and the use of navigational equipment. Includes land, water and air (where appropriate) navigation, as well as piloting by the stars and instruments alone. This ability is ideal for sailors. A failed roll means the navigator is off course.
• 2d6 miles when traveling on foot
• 1d6x10 miles when traveling by animal
• 2d4x10 when using a boat or flying
A blown roll also results in an improper direction; roll 1d8 for the true course, starting with North-East as 1 and going clockwise through the major compass points, rerolling a result of the direction that is the one actually desired.Roll the error distance and direction once for every hour that one travels after the failed check. If using a landmark, etc. for navigation, making the next chance at 10% can discover the error. If using direction only as the guide, the roll is at normal level to discover the error. If the roll fails, but is still under the normal skill roll in either case, then the navigator is now following a parallel course (off by the distance in error) to the desired one. A second or later consecutive totally failed roll compounds the original deviation resulting in a new random course roll.
Base Skill: 40+5% per level of experience.

Biology: Basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, reproduction,animal behavior, how to identify and classify new organisms, and thelocation, identification and function of known internal organs in manand many humanoids, monsters and animals. The character can alsoperform autopsies and remove and preserve specimens.
Base Skill: 40+5% per level of experience.

Botany: Plants, their identification, categories and functions, andgrowth are studied extensively. Characters will know how to farm,grow and cultivate plants, cross-fertilize and germinate plants, recognizeplants and foods made out of them, make food out of plants, aswell as growing experimental plants. Plus identify plants that are edible,poisonous or which are known to have herbal qualities.
Base Skill: 40+5% per level of experience.

Cartography: The methods and abilities needed for accurate map making and map reading. Inclues a basic undertanding of geology, estimation of distances, and the use of advanced sensors for gaging altitude, distance, depths, etc. Characters will be able to make extremely accurate land and underwater maps, including topography, prevailing wind/currents, terrain type and all other pertinent geographic information. Also includes the ability to accurately read and interpret a map, adding +10% to navigation skills when this skill and a map are present. [Navigation, Literacy]
Base Skill: 55+5% per level of experience.

Gemology: Skill in identifying and appraising the value of preciousmetals (silver, gold, etc.) and stones (jade, ruby, sapphire, diamond,etc.). This ability also enables the person to identify fakes, but at a penaltyof -10%. A failed roll means the character cannot tell whether ornot the item is fake or real, or its value is grossly under or overestimated.
Base Skill: 30+5% per level of experience.

Geography: is the study of the world and its features, inhabitants, and phenomena. Although many geographers are trained in toponymy (study of place-names) and cartography, this is not their main preoccupation. It aims to understand the physical lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, pedosphere and global flora and fauna patterns (biosphere).
Base Skill: 50+5% per level of experience.

Geology: The science dealing with the structure of planetary crusts, and the formation and development of their various layers, including individual rocks and fossils. Characters are skilled in quantifying rocks and minerals, as well as being able to judge good conditions for finding a particular type of mineral (such as precious metals or stones or fossil fuels.) +10% to gemology [Mathematics: Advanced, Literacy]
Base Skill: 40+5% per level of experience.

Mathematics- Advanced: Knowledge of all basic and advancedmathematics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, andtechniques for advanced mathematical formulae. [Math: Basic]
Base Skill: 70+5% per level of experience.

Mathematics- Basic: Knowledge of basic math, including the abilityto count, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions.
Base Skill: 80+5% per level of experience.

Metallurgy: This is the science of separating metals from their ores and preparing them for use by smelting, refining, etc. Study includes the behaviour and properties of metallic, ceramic, and composite materials (observe mechanical, thermal, electrical and chemical behaviour.) This also includes brazing, extraction of metals from areas; fabrication and joining processes (metal alloys) and the use of tools, equipment and methods.
Base Skill: 25+5% per level of experience.

Philosophy: The study of the processes governing thought and conduct. Areas can include aesthetics; ethics, logic, metaphysics and so on.
Base Skill: 35+5% per level of experience.

Writing: The ability to write prose (stories, poems, or journalistically (reports, studies, news). Taking the skill twice indicates a professional quality and gets a bonus of +10%. Selecting it once, indicates a talented amateur. A failed roll means an awkward and poorly written work that is boring and/or difficult to understand. Try again. [Literacy]
Base Skill: 30+5% per level of experience.