Choose Skills

While your character’s core statistics define their raw potential, skills represent their specific training, honed talents, and areas of expertise. In Alacrity, skills are percentage-based, offering a clear measure of proficiency compared to an average person. Each skill starts at a baseline percentage derived from its governing statistic (Strength, Dexterity, Body, or Mind). Characters improve these skills beyond their base values by spending Experience Points (XP) earned through adventuring, reflecting their growth and learning.

Adventurers can often attempt tasks even without specific training in the relevant skill, typically by rolling against half the governing statistic, albeit often with increased difficulty. However, mastering skills allows for greater reliability and the ability to tackle more complex challenges. The following list outlines the skills available in Alacrity. Click on a skill name (or navigate via the site menu) to view its detailed description, mechanics, and potential applications.

Skill Tiers

As characters invest Experience Points (XP) into their skills, their percentage values increase, representing growing competence and mastery. To provide descriptive context for these numerical values, Alacrity uses the following Skill Tiers. These terms offer a quick way to understand a character’s (or NPC’s) general level of proficiency in a given skill. Achieving higher tiers, particularly 60% and above, often signifies significant dedication and may unlock special capabilities or recognition within the game world (such as access to Mastery Properties or Legendary Actions at the GM’s discretion).

1. 0% – 19%: Untrained
   • Description: Lacks basic knowledge or practice. Success relies purely on raw talent (governing stat) or luck. Very prone to failure, especially under pressure.
   • Examples: Untrained Swordsman, Untrained Carpenter.
2. 20% – 39%: Novice
   • Description: Has received some basic instruction or has minimal practical experience. Can perform simple tasks under ideal conditions but struggles with complexity or pressure.
   • Examples: Novice Archer, Novice Herbalist.
3. 40% – 59%: Competent (or Journeyman for crafts)
   • Description: Possesses functional proficiency. Can reliably perform standard tasks expected of someone in the field. Handles moderate difficulty but is challenged by complex or unusual situations.
   • Examples: Competent Rider, Journeyman Smith.
4. 60% – 69%: Proficient (or Skilled for crafts)
   • Description: Demonstrates solid capability and experience. Clearly above average competence and can handle most common challenges reliably. Considered dependable and skilled.
   • Examples: Proficient Investigator, Skilled Mason.
5. 70% – 79%: Expert
   • Description: Possesses deep knowledge and significant practical experience. Can handle difficult and complex tasks with confidence and often find solutions to unexpected problems. Their skill is widely recognized.
   • Examples: Expert Navigator, Expert Alchemist.
6. 80% – 89%: Veteran (or Adept for knowledge/magic skills)
   • Description: Represents extensive experience and refined technique. Capable of handling very difficult tasks and pushing the boundaries of normal performance. Often teaches or leads others.
   • Examples: Veteran Tracker, Adept Loremaster.
7. 90% – 99%: Virtuoso (or Elite for combat/physical skills)
   • Description: Nearing the absolute peak of mortal potential. Demonstrates exceptional finesse, intuition, and mastery. Can perform extremely difficult tasks that seem impossible to most.
   • Examples: Elite Assassin, Virtuoso Musician.
8. 100% +: Master
   • Description: The pinnacle of achievement in the skill, potentially bordering on the legendary or even superhuman. Can perform feats that defy normal limitations and is likely renowned far and wide. This is where Legendary Actions often become accessible.
   • Examples: Master Swordsman, Master Architect.

Master Skill List

• Acrobatics [DEX] – Perform complex movements, maintain balance, and fall safely.
• Alchemy [MIND] – Brew potions, poisons, antidotes, and other compounds using special tools and ingredients.
• Animal Handling [MIND] – Influence, calm, train, and understand non-magical animals.
• Arcana [MIND] – Understand magical principles, identify effects, and interpret runes or enchanted items.
• Archery [DEX] – Accurately fire bows, crossbows, and similar tension-based ranged weapons.
• Athletics [DEX] – Execute physically demanding actions like running, climbing, swimming, and jumping.
• Command [MIND] – Lead, direct, and inspire confidence or enforce discipline in others.
• Crafting [MIND] – Create, repair, or modify physical items within a specific specialty (e.g., Weaponsmithing, Leatherworking).
• Deception [MIND] – Mislead others through lies, disguises, forgeries, or hidden intentions.
• Divine Lore [MIND] – Understand sacred teachings, religious history, holy rites, and signs of supernatural intervention.
• Dodge [DEX] – Instinctively avoid incoming attacks or hazards through quick movements and reflexes.
• Engineering [MIND] – Design, build, operate, analyze, or sabotage structures, siege engines, and complex mechanisms.
• Endurance [STR] – Sustain intense physical effort, resist exhaustion, survive harsh conditions, and push through fatigue using raw toughness.
• First Aid [MIND] – Provide immediate, basic medical care to stabilize wounds and stop bleeding.
• Herbalism [MIND] – Identify, forage, prepare, and apply natural remedies or toxins from plants.
• Insight [MIND] – Read people’s emotions, detect lies, and understand motives through observation.
• Intimidation [STR or Mind] – Influence others through fear, threats, force of personality, or implied violence.
• Investigation [MIND] – Analyze clues, deduce connections, and uncover hidden information through careful examination.
• Lore [MIND] – Recall specialized knowledge about a specific academic or cultural field (e.g., History, Law, specific creatures).
• Magic [MIND] – Channel arcane, divine, or other mystical energies to create specific Effects.
• Medicine [MIND] – Provide thorough medical care under controlled conditions to treat injuries and illness effectively.
• Melee Combat [DEX+STR/2] – Fight effectively with handheld weapons like swords, axes, and maces in close quarters.
• Might [STR] – Apply brute physical force to break, lift, or overpower obstacles and enemies.
• Navigation [MIND] – Orient yourself, read maps, plot courses, and guide others through various terrains.
• Perception [MIND] – Passively notice sensory details like sights, sounds, and smells in your immediate surroundings.
• Performance [MIND] – Entertain, inspire, or sway an audience through music, oratory, acting, or storytelling.
• Persuasion [MIND] – Influence others through honest logic, empathy, charm, or reasoned argument.
• Piloting (Sea) [DEX] – Steer, handle, and maneuver watercraft ranging from small boats to large ships.
• Ranged Combat [DEX] – Accurately use distance weapons like bows, slings, and thrown items.
• Riding [DEX] – Control and guide mounts like horses effectively, especially under pressure.
• Sleight of Hand [DEX] – Use quick, precise fingerwork for tasks like picking pockets, palming objects, or close-up magic.
• Stealth [MIND] – Move quietly, remain unseen, and avoid detection through careful movement and use of cover.
• Survival [MIND] – Endure the wilderness by tracking, foraging, finding shelter, and recognizing natural hazards.
• Thievery [DEX] – Bypass security measures by picking locks, disabling traps, and performing delicate theft.
• Unarmed Combat [DEX+STR/2] – Fight effectively without weapons using punches, kicks, and grapples.
• Vigilance [MIND] – Actively watch for danger, remain alert, and spot threats or ambushes.

 

 

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File Created: 04/28/2025
Last Modified: 04/28/2025