Knowledge
(Varies by Type)
Knowledge is a broad set of skills encompassing expertise and training in various specialized fields, typically academic in nature. Each is considered a separate skill, and training in each discipline must be taken separately.
General Rules for Knowledge Skills
When using a Knowledge skill, a character can recall information, analyze data, or make informed decisions based on their expertise in a particular field. The difficulty of the check is determined by the rarity and complexity of the information being sought.
| Rarity of Knowledge | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| General knowledge that is commonly known or easily accessible | Easy (9+) |
| Specialized knowledge that requires some level of expertise | Hard (15+) |
| Exotic, rare, or esoteric knowledge that few individuals would know | Very Hard (18+) |
Some additional modifiers may be considered based on circumstances:
| Circumstance | Modifier |
|---|---|
| If the character has access to high-quality resources (e.g., books, libraries, expert consultation) | (shift+1) |
| If the character is attempting to recall information under duress or time pressure | (flip-1) |
Results:
- Success: The character recalls accurate information relevant to their field of study or expertise.
- Failure: The character cannot recall specific information or recalls it incorrectly.
- Failure by a Large Margin: The character recalls incorrect information, potentially leading to faulty conclusions or actions.
The following is a sample set of knowledge types:
- Academia
- Arcane
- Archaeology
- Astrology
- Bureaucracy
- Business and Economics
- Chemistry
- Criminology and Law
- Cryptography
- Demolitions
- Engineering
- Far West
- Folklore
- Geography
- History
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Mechanics
- Midwest
- Military
- Nature
- Occult
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Religion
- Sailing
- Shadow Lore
- Society and Etiquette
- Sociology
- Specific Location (such as one of the Six)