Annotated Skills

SKILLS IN MORE DETAIL

Intro

The skill list reflects the underlying presumptions of the setting. For example, almost all general transportation devices are automated; a character does not need Drive(Wheel) to go to the doctor whether she be in the next town or at L5. Having a point in Vehicles(land-based) means an actual skill gleaned for some reason.

Conversely, AI, Robotics, Space, Electronics, Mining, and Engineering are a big deal in 2158, thus explored in more detail.

You may note some overlap in the skills. This is by design and creates both redundancy and different approaches to the same problem. Consider AI, Robotics, Computers, and Networking; all require hardware, networking, and security.

Language is hand-waved but should be added in as desired.

Artificial Intelligence is a pervasive layer of civilization in 2058. Transportation networks, logistics systems, industrial facilities, communications, and government institutions all rely heavily on AI oversight. AI skills allow characters to understand, predict, and influence these systems.

Skills inherited from prior versions are not explained on this page, but are easily found elsewhere.

The two 'write-in' skills are "Profession or Job" and "Science."

The short skill list page omits the parent skill, but they are still grouped and the player has a 0 level in the sibling skills. So, for example, if a player has Computers(Programming)-1 he also has Computers(Security)-0.

The Skills

Administrate

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games.

Advocate

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games.

AI

Knowledge of a particular AI bloc. Specialties include the four major AI's, and all the smaller ones as a unit.

AI(SOLIPS)

General knowledge of AI history, behavior, treaties, motivations, and interaction.

Examples: • What does ATLAS generally care about?
• What hidden assumptions is this SOLIPS using?
• Why is TERRA flagging this route?
• How will LUNE react to a beam-corridor disruption?
• Which Atlas subsystem likely made this decision?
• Which AI is most likely to intervene here?
• What happened during the Zurich AI Arbitration?
• Why would an AI object to this proposal?
• Can I convince HELIX this plan improves social stability?
• Can I persuade ATLAS to prioritize our cargo?
• Can I frame this request so TERRA sees it as beneficial?
• Can I obtain assistance without triggering intervention?

Quantitatively:

• Skill-0: Knows the major AI blocs, their basic functions, and standard interaction protocols.

• Skill-1: Professional familiarity. Can routinely communicate with AI systems, anticipate common responses, and make effective requests through established channels.

• Skill-2: Recognized specialist. Understands AI priorities well enough to predict reactions, negotiate effectively, and obtain cooperation that less experienced operators would miss.

• Skill-3: Leading expert. Can identify subtle motivations, exploit opportunities for alignment, and influence decisions in complex or unusual circumstances.

• Skill-4+: International authority. Frequently consulted regarding AI behavior, policy, negotiations, or disputes. May personally know key human representatives, architects, or historical decision-makers associated with one or more AI blocs.

Art

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games.

Athletics

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games, but not broken down into categories.

Broker

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games. The affect of AI and the ability to accurately estimate shipping costs cause a modest shift towards commodities as opposed to differentiated markets, but this does not make the job easier.

Carouse

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games. This one never changes.

COMPUTERS

Computers governs software, digital systems, automation, and machine logic. Unlike Network, which focuses on institutions and permissions, Computers focuses on the machines themselves.

Computers(Programming)

Creation and modification of software. Examples:

   • Writing automation routines. 
   • Modifying AI interfaces. 
   • Creating diagnostic tools. 
   • Repairing damaged software. 
   • Developing control systems.

Computers(Robotic Integration)

The connection between software and robotic systems. Examples:

   • Integrating a mining swarm. 
   • Linking industrial robots to factory systems. 
   • Synchronizing spacecraft maintenance robots. 
   • Diagnosing robot communication failures. 
   • Configuring autonomous vehicle fleets.

Computers(Security)

Deep technical security. Examples:

   • Breaking encryption. 
   • Discovering software vulnerabilities. 
   • Reverse engineering malware. 
   • Penetrating hardened systems. 
   • Auditing critical code. 

Deception

Compared to 2d6 lineage games, this adds the use of criminal/illegal software, hardware, or robotics. Note that in order to use this skill effectively in the electronic arenas, you need to be highly skilled in those areas already.

ELECTRONICS

Electronics governs the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and physical implementation of electronic systems. Many electronic systems are highly automated, but failures still occur. Electronics specialists keep civilization functioning when automation begins to break down.

Electronics(Field Engineer)

Practical repair and implementation. Examples:
• Replacing damaged hardware.
• Repairing communications equipment.
• Restoring power systems.
• Fabricating temporary solutions.
• Diagnosing physical faults.
• Restoring backups.
• Recovering crashed systems.
• Restarting habitat control systems.
• Managing AI support hardware.
• Diagnosing computer failures.
• Maintaining station operations centers.

Electronics(Sensors & Remote Operations)

Using sensors and operating systems through robotic intermediaries. Examples:
• Controlling inspection drones.
• Operating mining robots with communication delays.
• Interpreting sensor data.
• Conducting telepresence operations.
• Surveying damaged spacecraft remotely.

Engineer, Industrial

Factories, production lines, manufacturing systems, heavy machinery, and industrial processes. Structures, habitats, buildings, tunnels, pressure vessels, infrastructure, and construction. Includes design of everything from coffee mugs to Orbitals. A Level 4 Industrial or Civil Engineer often becomes a Systems Engineer, i.e., the boss.

Note there is a different skill dedicated to Spacecraft Engineers.

Gambler

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games.

Gun Combat

Covers all types; condensed compared to other 2d6 lineage games.

Gunner

Operation of any ship-mounted weaponry (includes rockets and missiles used as weapons).

Heavy Weapons

Covers all types; condensed compared to other 2d6 lineage games.

Human Factors

Human Factors governs the interaction between people, environments, organizations, and performance. In a civilization where machines perform most routine labor, human limitations often become the critical factor.

Communications

Motivation, persuasion, diplomacy, morale, and interpersonal coordination. Examples:
• Resolving crew conflicts.
• Improving morale.
• Negotiating between factions.
• Motivating exhausted workers.
• Delivering effective briefings.

Often can step in for what is called "Leadership."

Environment

Understanding how physical conditions affect human performance. Examples:
• Designing effective work schedules.
• Managing fatigue.
• Identifying environmental stressors.
• Evaluating habitability.
• Improving workspace efficiency.

Mechanic

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games. This one never changes.

Medic

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games. This one never changes.

Melee

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games. Slightly condensed.

Melee(Unarmed)

Will use Mongoose Traveller's fun rules.

Melee(Weapon)

Using non-ranged weapons in combat.

Mining

Mining is one of the foundational industries of the Solar System. Water, metals, rare earth elements, volatiles, and industrial materials are all extracted from planetary bodies, moons, and asteroids.

Mining(Prospecting)

Finding resources. Examples:
• Locating water ice.
• Evaluating ore deposits.
• Assessing asteroid composition.
• Identifying economically viable claims.

Mining(Extraction)

Recovering resources.
Examples:
• Planning excavation.
• Managing explosive extraction.
• Maximizing production.
• Avoiding geological hazards.

Mining(Robotic)

Operating automated mining systems. This is such an important process it has its own category.

Examples:
• Supervising mining swarms.
• Managing autonomous excavators.
• Recovering failed mining operations.
• Optimizing robotic extraction.

NETWORK

Network governs the interconnected communications, permissions, identity, routing, and control systems that bind together modern civilization. In 2058, almost every significant activity relies on network infrastructure. Spacecraft traffic, cargo routing, station access, robot authentication, financial transactions, AI interaction, and legal permissions all depend upon the network. Thus, like with Vacc Suit, we will actually drill down into skill levels. Unlike Computers, which focuses on individual machines and software, Network focuses on the relationships between systems. A character with Network understands how complex organizations, infrastructures, and authorities communicate and grant authority. Network is commonly used by:

   • traffic controllers
   • station administrators
   • logistics specialists
   • security analysts
   • communications officers
   • corporate investigators
   • government officials
   • experienced spacers

NETWORK (PROTOCOLS)

Protocols combines many of the functions performed by Communications and Administration skills in older games. It represents knowledge of procedures, workflows, permissions, regulations, standards, and institutional behavior. Examples:

   • Requesting emergency docking clearance.
   • Filing a cargo exception.
   • Understanding station traffic procedures.
   • Navigating corporate approval chains.
   • Determining which office controls a permit.
   • Identifying which AI subsystem should receive a request.
   • Understanding beam corridor operating procedures.
   • Locating the correct authority during an emergency.
   • Determining how cargo should legally move between jurisdictions.

Protocols often answers the question: "How is this supposed to work?" Skill-0: Can navigate routine procedures and use standard systems. Skill-1: Familiar with a profession's normal workflows. Skill-2: Can efficiently navigate complex organizations. Skill-3+: Can find solutions and shortcuts that most people never discover.

NETWORK(SECURITY)

Security governs the protection, control, and exploitation of networked systems. Unlike Computers (Security), which focuses on software, operating systems, and deep technical vulnerabilities, Network (Security) focuses on identity, permissions, trust relationships, authentication, and operational security. Examples:

   • Identifying suspicious network activity.
   • Determining who has access to a system.
   • Tracing permission chains.
   • Auditing station access records.
   • Detecting forged credentials.
   • Investigating unauthorized cargo movements.
   • Analyzing traffic routing anomalies.
   • Understanding authentication systems.
   • Establishing secure communications channels.
   • Exploiting organizational weaknesses in access control.

Network Security is often used by:

   • security officers
   • auditors
   • investigators
   • intelligence personnel
   • station administrators
   • corporate compliance specialists

Network Security often answers the question: "Who is allowed to do this?" Skill-0: Can operate securely within established procedures. Skill-1: Understands common security practices and controls. Skill-2: Professional security specialist. Skill-3+: Expert capable of identifying subtle vulnerabilities, hidden access paths, and complex security failures.

SPECIAL NOTE ON NETWORK VS COMPUTERS A useful rule of thumb: Computers governs machines. Network governs relationships. Examples: Writing software: Computers (Programming); Breaking encryption: Computers (Security); Integrating robot control systems: Computers (Robotic Integration); Obtaining docking clearance: Network (Protocols); Investigating access permissions: Network (Security); Tracing authority through multiple organizations: Network (Protocols); Determining who forged a credential: Network (Security).

Many situations involve both skills. When in doubt, ask:
"Is the challenge primarily technical, or primarily organizational?"
If it is technical, use Computers.
If it is organizational, use Network.
If it needs both, it needs both.

Persuade

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games, with perhaps an accent on non-corporate settings. Persuade is a more casual and informal than Human Factors(Communications). Among other things, it covers fast talking, bargaining, wheedling, bluffing, bribery and intimidation.

Politics

Politics governs the understanding of power structures, factions, institutions, and influence. In 2058, governments remain important, but corporations, labor organizations, AI blocs, infrastructure authorities, and major industrial interests all compete for influence. Politics allows a character to understand who actually holds power and how that power is exercised. Examples:

   • Which faction benefits from a delayed beam corridor? 
   • Why is Earth opposing this proposal? 
   • Which labor organization controls this station? 
   • Which ministry really oversees lunar exports? 
   • How much influence does ATLAS have over this corporation? 
   • Which corporation is funding the protest movement? 
   • Which Martian bloc is likely to support Luna? 

Politics often answers: "Who benefits from this?"

Recon

Observation, surveillance, anomaly detection, and interpretation of incomplete information. Also picks up the physical side of "Investigate," the other parts being picked up by Network(protocols) and Network(Security). Examples:

   • Spot an ambush. 
   • Notice that a cargo manifest has been altered. 
   • Identify unusual traffic patterns around a station. 
   • Detect a hidden surveillance drone. 
   • Determine whether a spacecraft's thermal signature is normal. 
   • Notice a mining operation is concealing production. 
   • Identify an unexpected change in robot behavior. 
   • Interpret imagery from remote sensors. 

Recon often answers: "What doesn't fit?"

Robotics

Robotics governs the operation, coordination, maintenance, and management of robotic systems. By 2058 robots perform much of civilization's physical labor.

Robotics(Industrial)

Manufacturing and production systems. Examples:
• Factory automation.
• Construction systems.
• Cargo handling.
• Refinery operations.

Robotics(Mobile Platforms)

Large autonomous machines. Examples:
• Mining crawlers.
• Cargo movers.
• Construction vehicles.
• Security vehicles.

Robotics(Social)

Human-facing robots. Examples:
• Reception robots.
• Medical assistants.
• Educational systems.
• Companion robots.

Robotics(Swarm)

Managing large numbers of small robots. Examples:

   • Mining swarms. 
   • Inspection swarms. 
   • Security swarms. 
   • Construction swarms. 
   • Habitat maintenance. 
   • Life support servicing. 
   • Utility systems. 
   • Infrastructure repair. 

Space

Knowledge of the physical and operational realities of civilization beyond Earth. This is essentially the professional knowledge of a spacer.

Space(Infrastructure)

Examples:

   • beam corridors 
   • orbital traffic 
   • logistics networks 
   • depots 
   • stations 
   • docking systems 

Space(Navigation)

Examples:

   • transfer windows 
   • orbital mechanics 
   • rendezvous 
   • burn planning 
   • stationkeeping 

Spacecraft Engineer

Spacecraft Engineers maintain, operate, diagnose, and repair the propulsion, power, thermal-control, life-support, and support systems that allow spacecraft to function. While Mechanics repair machines and Industrial Engineers build systems, Spacecraft Engineers keep spacecraft operating under real-world conditions.

Spacecraft Engineer(Chemical Power Systems)

Maintaining and operating a spacecraft's chemical power system, drive, and all systems specific to this type of vessel.

Examples:

managing cryogenic fuels
diagnosing pump failures
balancing propellant systems
repairing feed lines
restarting engines after faults

Spacecraft Engineer(Nuclear Thermal)

Maintaining and operating a spacecraft's Nuclear Thermal power system, drive, and all systems specific to this type of vessel.

Examples:

reactor startup
fuel element monitoring
thermal management
radiation control
emergency shutdowns

Spacecraft Engineer (Laser-Thermal)

Maintaining and operating a spacecraft's laser collection power source and chemical drive, and all systems specific to this type of vessel.

Examples:

beam alignment
receiver maintenance
reaction-mass management
corridor operations
thermal overload recovery

Spacecraft Pilot

Operation and control of spacecraft. Spacecraft Pilots manage the practical realities of moving vehicles through space, including docking, rendezvous, traffic control compliance, emergency maneuvering, and recovery from system failures. Modern spacecraft are highly automated, but Pilots are still responsible when automation proves insufficient, unavailable, or incorrect.

Examples:

• Conducting docking operations.
• Performing rendezvous maneuvers.
• Executing emergency burns.
• Recovering from navigation errors.
• Managing spacecraft traffic conflicts.
• Taking manual control after automation failures.
• Piloting damaged spacecraft.
• Conducting surface approaches and departures.
• Managing unusual flight situations.
• Responding to unexpected hazards.

Spacecraft Pilots often answer: "What do we do right now?"

Spacecraft Pilot(Chemical)

The vast majority of spacecraft use chemical propulsion systems. Chemical Pilots are familiar with orbital shuttles, cargo vehicles, station tenders, landers, HELL-V support craft, and most routine transportation throughout cislunar space.

Examples:

• Orbital transfers.
• Station-to-station traffic.
• Lunar landing operations.
• Cargo delivery missions.
• Surface ascent and descent.
• Traffic pattern management.
• Emergency orbital corrections.

Most professional spacers possess at least Skill-1 in this specialty.

Spacecraft Pilot(Nuclear Thermal Rockets/Deep Space Vehicles)

Nuclear Thermal vessels are rare, expensive, and typically much larger than ordinary spacecraft. Their missions often involve weeks or months of independent operation far from major support infrastructure.

Examples:

• Deep-space navigation.
• Long-duration mission planning.
• Managing reactor-driven maneuvers.
• Coordinating large crews.
• Conducting asteroid and planetary transfers.
• Handling delayed communications.
• Operating beyond routine traffic control coverage.

These pilots are often considered the captains of the Solar System's ocean-going vessels.

Spacecraft Tactics

The art of employing spacecraft, sensors, weapons, electronic systems, drones, and maneuver in conflict. Space combat remains a developing discipline in 2058, combining lessons from naval warfare, aerospace operations, cyber conflict, and autonomous systems.

Examples:

• Determining advantageous engagement geometry.
• Coordinating multiple spacecraft.
• Exploiting sensor limitations.
• Managing missile engagements.
• Defending against drone attacks.
• Protecting high-value infrastructure.
• Planning interception operations.
• Coordinating electronic warfare assets.
• Controlling escalation during confrontations.

Spacecraft Tactics often answers: "How do we gain an advantage?"

Unlike Spacecraft Pilot, which governs flying a vessel, Spacecraft Tactics governs employing one effectively during conflict.

Stealth

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games.

Steward

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games.

Streewise

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games.

Survival

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games, but also includes planetside navigation.

Tactics

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games. However, military tactics in 2158 largely involves remote operations of robots, or deployment of autonomous drones. Hence there can be considerable input from Robotics(swarm), hardening and/or interference from Network(Security), Computers(Robotic Integration), Computers(Security), etc.

Vacc Suit

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games, but more detailed.

Vacc Suit governs the operation of pressure suits, EVA systems, personal life support equipment, maneuvering packs, emergency survival procedures, and work conducted in vacuum or hostile environments. The skill assumes familiarity with modern 2058 suits, including AI-assisted monitoring, robotic support systems, and integrated life support management.

Vacc Suit-0: Basic Qualification The character can safely operate a vacc suit under routine conditions. Can:

   • Don and remove a suit.
   • Conduct routine EVA.
   • Follow safety procedures.
   • Monitor suit status displays.
   • Perform simple work while suited.
   • Use standard maneuvering systems.

Typical occupations:

   • Ordinary spacers
   • Station workers
   • Most spacecraft crew

Failure consequences are usually limited to inefficiency rather than catastrophe.

Vacc Suit-1: Professional Operator The character regularly works in vacuum. Can:

   • Conduct construction work.
   • Perform maintenance activities.
   • Handle routine emergencies.
   • Manage suit malfunctions.
   • Operate in reduced visibility.
   • Assist injured personnel.

Typical occupations:

   • Technicians
   • Engineers
   • Construction crews
   • Inspectors

Vacc Suit-2: Advanced EVA Specialist The character is comfortable in difficult EVA environments. Can:

   • Conduct rescue operations.
   • Work around damaged spacecraft.
   • Operate with degraded suit systems.
   • Perform complex repairs.
   • Coordinate multiple EVA personnel.
   • Function effectively in hazardous conditions.

Typical occupations:

   • Senior engineers
   • Rescue specialists
   • Military EVA personnel
   • Deep-space workers

Vacc Suit-3: Expert The character is recognized as unusually skilled. Can:

   • Improvise life support solutions.
   • Conduct difficult operations under extreme time pressure.
   • Manage multiple simultaneous failures.
   • Operate effectively with partial suit functionality.
   • Lead large EVA teams.

Typical occupations:

   • Mission specialists
   • Chief EVA instructors
   • Elite rescue personnel

Others routinely seek their advice.

Vacc Suit-4: Master The character is among the best EVA operators known. Can:

   • Accomplish tasks most people consider impossible.
   • Function calmly during catastrophic failures.
   • Invent novel procedures.
   • Keep others alive in situations thought unsurvivable.
   • Push equipment beyond its intended limits.

Examples:

   • Crossing between disabled spacecraft using improvised systems.
   • Recovering personnel from uncontrolled tumbling vehicles.
   • Completing critical repairs with minutes of life support remaining.

Such individuals are rare and often famous within spacer communities.

Automation and Vacc Suits: Modern suits contain extensive automation and monitoring systems. Routine EVA assumes these systems are functioning. When automation, communications, or robotic assistance are unavailable, Vacc Suit skill becomes far more important.

Vehicle Operations

Most vehicles in 2058 are heavily automated. Vehicle Operations governs supervision of automation, emergency intervention, and manual control when systems fail.

Vehicle Operations(Air)

Examples:

   • Supervising aircraft. 
   • Emergency manual flight. 
   • Override procedures. 
   • Recovery from automation failure. 

Vehicle Operations(Ground)

Examples:

   • Cargo haulers. 
   • Construction vehicles. 
   • Industrial transports. 
   • Emergency manual operation. 

Vehicle Operations often answers: "What happens when the autopilot stops helping?"

Watercraft

Similar to other 2d6 games, but condensed.

Zero and Low-G Operations

Zero and low G Combat

Combat in low G creates significant and non-intuitive modifications. Skill level = 1 is sufficient to remove negative combat modifiers. Little need for this if you have no combat skills.

Zero and Low-G Operations

Everything other than combat. Cooking in a non-spin space vessel, for example. Skill level = 0 is sufficient to remove negative modifiers for simple tasks. A must for space travellers.

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