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 on L5. Having a point in Drive(land-based) means an actual skill gleaned for some reason.

Conversely, AI, Robotics, Space, Electronics, Mining, and Engineering are a big deal in 2958, 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 deeply involve security, networking, computers, and hardware.

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. Similarly, the use of robots is pervasive.

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

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 Engineer(Industrial)-1 he also has Engineer(Systems)-0.

The Skills

Administer

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.

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.

Programming

Creation and modification of software. Examples:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Engineering, Industrial and Civil =

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 skyscrapers. Level 4 skill tends to be a Systems Engineer, i.e., the boss.

Gambler

Similar to other 2d6 lineage games.

Gunner

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

Gun Combat

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

Back to Skills Short List ** Back to Character Creation ** Back to Main Page