Skills

In 7th Sea, skills represent what you know how to do. Each skill is broken up in to knacks, which are individual tasks and talents that make up the skill. For example, you may purchase the Forger skill, but be much better at Calligraphy than Paper Making.

Martial Skills
Martial Skills are those used in combat.

Archer
An archer has spent many years honing his marksmanship with the bow. His skill is welcome in any army, and he can almost always provide meat for his table. Archers from Avalon, in particular, are famed for their skill with the bow. (PG 151)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Bow)
 * Fletcher
 * Horse Archery
 * Snapshot
 * Trick Shooting

Athlete
Athletes put in long hours making themselves faster, stronger, or more agile than most people. Their skills are often needed in Syrneth trap-riddled tombs. (PG 151)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Climbing
 * Footwork
 * Sprinting
 * Throwing
 * Break Fall
 * Leaping
 * Long Distance Running
 * Lifting
 * Rolling
 * Swimming
 * Swinging
 * Side-step

Blowpipe
Primarily from Cathay

While the darts of blowpipes are not likely to cause a lot of damage in and of themselves, they are an effective means of introducing a poison into the body of the target. You are skilled at aiming and firing blowpipes. (CJE 91)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Blowpipe)
 * Fletcher (Darts)
 * Trick Shooting (Blowpipe)
 * Poison

Bodyguard
Bodyguards are charged with the duty of protecting the health and well-being of another person. They must prevent harm from befalling their clients, often risking their own lives in the process. (SH 93)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Interpose
 * Shadowing
 * Unobrtusive
 * Ambush
 * Cold Read
 * Conceal
 * Menace

Buckler
Anyone can hold up a buckler, but a soldier trained in its use can turn it into an offensive weapon as well. (PG 152)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knack
 * Parry (Buckler)
 * Attack (Buckler)

Captain
Captains are similar to Commanders, except for one very important difference. Instead of learning how to fire artillery, which is useless aboard ship, they learn the art of bribery. Armed with that knack, they're always ready to handle an unethical harbormaster or a corrupt tariff collector. (PN 99, WOB 166)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Strategy
 * Tactics
 * Ambush
 * Bribery
 * Cartography
 * Diplomacy
 * Gunnery
 * Incitation
 * Leadership
 * Logistics

Chain
Primarily from Cathay

You have trained yourself in the use of chains and flail-like weapons, including the Seung Tjat Koen and Sa Tjat Koen. (CJE 90)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Chain)
 * Bind (Chain)

Cloak
In the hands of a trainer fighter, the cloak can be more than simply a decorative garment. It can serve nearly as a shield, and can entangle an opponent. Its primary drawback is that - unlike many other off-hand weapons - it cannot be used to attack. (CA 95)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Parry (Cloak)
 * Entangle

Commander
Wise rulers know just how important capable commanders are to the survival of their country. A general is the glue that binds an army together; without his diplomatic and strategic skills, it all falls apart. (PG 152)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Strategy
 * Tactics
 * Ambush
 * Artillery
 * Cartography
 * Diplomacy
 * Gunnery
 * Incitation
 * Leadership
 * Logistics

Crossbow
Crossbows, while rapidly falling out of style, still hold some attraction for soldiers and assassins alike. Their quiet operation and ease of use are their main advantages. (PG 153)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Crossbow)
 * Fletcher
 * Reload (Crossbow)

Dirty Fighting
The niceties of pugilism are not for everyone. Some folks think that fair play is a good way to get killed. (PG 153)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Dirty Fighting)
 * Attack (Improvised Weapon)
 * Eye-gouge
 * Kick
 * Parry (Improvised Weapon)
 * Throat Strike
 * Throw (Improvised Weapon)

Exotic Thrown Weapons
Primarily from Cathay

In Cathay, there are many strange throwing weapons that do not fit well into any other category, such as knives or improvised weapons, including the chakram and paku. You employ this Skill when using these missile weapons. (CJE 91)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Throw (Exotic Thrown Weapons)
 * Trick Throwing

Exotic Paired Weapons
Primarily from Cathay

In Cathay, there are many strange weapons that are traditionally used together in pairs, and do not fit well into any other category, such as knives or fencing weapons. Examples include the Shuang Huan (Full Moon) and the Shuang Gao. You use this Skill when you are wielding these weapons, either as a pair or singly. (CJE 91)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Exotic Paired Weapons)
 * Parry (Exotic Paired Weapons)
 * Double Parry (Exotic Paired Weapons)

Fencing
Heroes trained in Fencing have a basic understanding of the theories and techniques of modern swordplay. This skill trains the Hero in the use of fencing weapons such as the rapier, foil, smallsword, and epee. It is the foundation for most of the training presented in Theah's Swordsman Schools. (PG 154)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks (none)
 * Attack (Fencing)
 * Parry (Fencing)

Firearms
While the pistol and musket are new weapons, they are rapidly becoming the most popular in the world. They are still fairly inaccurate, which is perhaps their greates flaw. (PG 154)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Firearms)
 * Reload (Firearms)

Hard Martial Arts
Primarily from Cathay

There are two kinds of martial arts, based on a fundamental difference in philosophy: proactive hard styles that block an enemy’s attacks and strike back in return, and reactive soft styles that prefer to deal with an enemy’s attack by turning its kinetic energy and momentum back against him. You have studied one or more of the hard martial arts. (CJE 88)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Hard Martial Arts)
 * Balance
 * Block (Hard Martial Arts)
 * Footwork
 * Jab
 * Break Fall
 * Corps-a-corps
 * Kick
 * Knife Hand
 * Leaping
 * Throat Strike

Heavy Weapon
Not everyone has switched over to the more modern and analytical style of swordsmanship. This skill trains the Hero in the use of heavy swords (any swords not listed under the Fencing Skill), axes, and clubs. Just because it's no longer in vogue doesn't mean it is ineffecutal. A Heavy Weapon requires both hands to use. (PG 155)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks (none)
 * Attack (Heavy Weapon)
 * Parry (Heavy Weapon)

Hand Axe
While no longer commonly used in other nations, the hatchet remains a staple weapon in Ussuran combat. Those who practice this skill are proficient with hatchets, throwing axes, and other one-handed axes. Many of them learned to use it as a practical tool, and found it relatively easy to transfer their knowledge for combat purposes. (US 96)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Hand Axe)
 * Parry (Hand Axe)
 * Throw (Hand Axe)

Knife
Knives are more easily concealed than swords, but are commonly perceived as less of a threat. Sailors are often very proficient with knives, since they use them frequently in their daily lives. (PG 155)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Knife)
 * Parry (Knife)
 * Throw (Knife)

Panzerhand
The Eisen frequently fight with heavy iron gloves on their left hand, using them to grab weapons away from their opponents. This skill trains the Hero in that art. (PG 155)

Basick Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Panzerhand)
 * Parry (Panzerhand)
 * Upppercut

Polearm
On the battlefield of Theah, polearms such as pikes see frequent use alongside muskets. They allow the soldiers to keep their enemies at bay while the musketeers reload. (PG 155)

Basic Knacks Advance Knacks
 * Attack (Polearm)
 * Parry (Polearm)
 * Set Defense

Pugilism
Pugilism is the gentleman's art of unarmed self defense. A gentleman often needs to defend himself from scoundrels who would do him harm, and this skill goes a long way towards that. (PG 156)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Pugilism)
 * Footwork
 * Jab
 * Ear Clap
 * Uppercut

Rider
A Hero with this skill can climb on nearly any trained horse and ride with minimal effort. However, advanced training teaches some spectacular skills. (PG 156)

Basic Knacks Advance Knacks
 * Ride
 * Animal Training
 * Mounting
 * Trick Riding

Sentry
Sentries stand guard at the gates and doors of strongholds, keeping a careful watch on those who come and go. They keep unwelcome visitors out, and do their best to ensure that those they do let in are not bearing concealed weapons. (SH 94)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Etiquette
 * Stand Watch
 * Unobtrusive
 * Ambush
 * Hand Signs
 * Menace

Shield
Anyone can hold up a shield, but a soldier trained in its use can turn it into an offensive weapon as well. Due to the similarities between bucklers and shields, you may use onehalf of your Parry (Buckler) Knack (rounded down) instead of the Parry (Shield) Knack when using a shield, whichever is higher. Similarly, you may use one-half of your Parry (Shield) Knack (rounded down) instead of the Parry (Buckler) Knack, if it is higher. (US 96)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Parry (Shield)
 * Attack (Shield)

Sling
Primarily in Crescent

While the sling is one of the most primitive missle weapons. It still sees some use in teh Empire of the Crescent Moon. The advantages of this weapon include its light weight and the abundant supply of ammunition, especially in the rocky terrain on the Empire's northern, western and southern borders. (CE 74)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Sling)
 * Snapshot (Sling)
 * Trick Shooting (Sling)

Soft Martial Arts
Primarily from Cathay

There are two kinds of martial arts, based on a fundamental difference in philosophy: proactive hard styles that block an enemy’s attacks and strike, and reactive soft styles that prefer to deal with an enemy’s attack by turning its kinetic energy and momentum against him. You have studied one or more of the soft martial arts. (CJE 89)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Balance
 * Block (Soft Martial Arts)
 * Footwork
 * Grapple
 * Break Fall
 * Disarm (Unarmed)
 * Escape
 * Joint Lock
 * Leaping
 * Side-step
 * Throws

Staff
Staves are more easily constructed than swords or polearms, and thus are erroneously perceived as less of a threat. While most of your practice in fighting with staves is focused on weapons like the quarterstaff of Avalon or the gwon of Cathay, even a long walking stick can be used as a weapon with this Skill. Staves require both hands to use. (CJE 88)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Attack (Staff)
 * Haymaker

Wrestling
Often seen as entertainment for commoners, wrestling has more practical uses as well. A wrestler, if he can get past an opponent's weapon, has a natural advantage over as untrained fighter. (PG 156)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Grapple
 * Bear Hug
 * Break
 * Escape
 * Head Butt

Civil Skills
Civil skills are those not used in combat.

Acrobat
Similar to Performer, the Acrobat skill represents the ability to perform dextrous feats such as tumbling, tightropewalking, and juggling. Though intended as a form of entertainment, the Acrobat skill can come in handy during more pressing circumstances, such as the need to cross a chasm using only a thin line or the ability to leap from a building with minimal harm. (US 93)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Balance
 * Footwork
 * Break Fall
 * Circus
 * Contortion
 * Juggling
 * Leaping
 * Lifting
 * Rolling
 * Stunt
 * Swinging

Archaeologist
While other scholars dabble with the knowledge left behind by the Syrneth, Archæologists are scholars specialized in the study of the old races. This Skill can only be learned in the halls of the Explorer’s Society. It is not available to Vaticine scholars.

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Occult
 * Research
 * Society Lore (Explorer's)
 * Artifact Evaluation
 * Syrneth Lore
 * Trap Lore

Arson
It takes more than just lethal intentions and a barrel of gunpoweder to demolish a building. You have to know where to plant the explosives, how a fire mgiht spread, and what points are most vulnerable to attack. Arsonists have a strong understanding of flammable chemicals and combustibility, as well as things like building foundations and load-bearing walls. While a bomb-maker can construct the explosives, the arsonist knows where to put them to cause the most damage. (RI 82)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Mathematics
 * Street Navigation
 * Architecture
 * Cartography
 * Conceal
 * Natrual Philsosophy

Alchemy
You have knowledge of arcane chemical theories intended to transform one base object into another. Most alchemical notions have been replaced by more modern concepts of chemistry and natural philosophy, but the Daughters still make use of them from time to time. (RI 84)

Note: This skill is different from the Alchemist Advantage detailed in IC. That Advantage refers to a fundamental shift in perception. The Alchemy Skill is merely a collection of theories, most of which have been supplanted.

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Research
 * Natural Philosophy
 * Occult
 * Poison

Artist
You specialize in one of the fine arts, perhaps composig love sonnets for your beloved or painting portraits for the nobility. Artists are a special breed and can make a living with their work, which has the potential to elicit emotion and manipulate the masses, or focus upon one individual and change his heart forever. (PG 138)

Note: When you buy this Skill, you do not receive all the Basic Knacks at rank 1. Instead, you receive only one Basic Knack at rank 2. You may purchase additional Basic Knacks for 1 Hero Point each.

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks (none)
 * Composer
 * Drawing
 * Musician (specify Instrument)
 * Sculpting
 * Singing
 * Writing

Bard
Bard heroes wander the Avalon countryside seeking adventures, stories, and the world's riddles. While they descend from the druids, one does not have to be a druid in order to practice the bard skill. Musicians and storytellers are as plentiful as grain. (AV 95)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Etiquette
 * History
 * Oratory
 * Singing
 * Diplomacy
 * Herb Lore
 * Riddles
 * Sidhe Lore

Bomb-making
Bomb-makers know how to manufacture grenades, gunpowder bombs, and other types of explosives - a dangerous and highly technical occupation. Creating a bomb takes the right chemicals, plenty of time, and steady nerves. (Ri 83)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Blacksmith
 * Cooper
 * Mathematics
 * Fuses
 * Natural Philosophy
 * Poison

Cao Yao
You have a strong knowledge of various healing techniques and substances. You are a practical physician, and make use of the healing skills available throughout the Qi Guo. (CJE 80)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Diagnosis
 * First Aid
 * Masseur
 * Acupuncture
 * Compounds
 * Quack

Courtesan
Courtesans are more than simple jennys. Clever, witty, and well-educated, they advise, seduce, and entertain their male clients, providing companionship on every level. They also learn to manipulate others to their advantage, for they lack the protection of family or marriage. Vodacce courtesans are charming to a fault, and as dangerous as they are alluring. There are no male courtesans; men may not learn this Skill. (VO 92)

Note: You begin with 3 of the following Basic Knacks at rank 1. You may purchase additional Basic Knacks at Rank 1 for 1 Hero Point.

Basic Knacks Advanced
 * Acting
 * Dancing
 * Etiquette
 * Fashion
 * Jenny
 * Masseur
 * Unobtrusive
 * Cold Read
 * Conceal
 * Gossip
 * Mooch
 * Poison
 * Politics
 * Seduction
 * Sincerity

Courtier
Cortiers are skilled in the diplomatic arts. As a member of this esteemed profession you can dine with kings, chat pleasantly with Cardinals or, when required, pull state secrets from your own lovers' ips. (PG 139

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Dancing
 * Etiquette
 * Fashion
 * Oratory
 * Diplomacy
 * Gaming
 * Gossip
 * Lip Reading
 * Memorizing
 * Mooch
 * Politics
 * Scheming
 * Seduction
 * Sincerity

Criminal
Criminals operate outside the law. They rob othres, scam them out of their money and occasionally even set someone else up to take the fall. In short, they'll do anything it takes to get what they want. (PG 140, CM 6)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Gambling
 * Shadowing
 * Stealth
 * Ambush
 * Cheating
 * Lockpicking
 * Pickpocket
 * Prestidigitation
 * Quack
 * Scrounging

Doctor
Doctors are trained in the professional art of healing (and sometimes the not-so-professional arts of mangling for the "betterment" of the patient). They use just about anything to cure their charges, including medicines, bandages, cauterization, or even obscure fold remedies. (PG 141)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Diagnosis
 * First Aid
 * Dentist
 * Examiner
 * Quack
 * Surgery
 * Veterinarian

Engineer
Description needed (CA 93)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Architecture
 * Drafting
 * Mathematics
 * Accounting
 * Cannonsmithing
 * Natural Philosophy

Falconer
Description nedded (US 94)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Bird Handling
 * Animal Training

Fence
Description nedded (RI 84)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Appraising
 * Socializing
 * Haggling
 * Shopping
 * Underworld Lore

Feng Shui Shi
Description nedded (CJE 78)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * \Chanting
 * Gardner
 * Interior Design
 * Oratory
 * Philosophy
 * Astronomy
 * Cartography
 * Geomancy
 * Meditation
 * Occult
 * Theology

Forger
Description nedded (RI 85)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Calligrapher
 * Forgery
 * Paper Maker
 * Research
 * Conceal
 * Cryptography

Fortune Telling
Description nedded (US 94)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Oratory
 * Palm Reading
 * Bones
 * Card Reading
 * Cold Read
 * I Ching
 * Haggling
 * Occult
 * Omens
 * Other Divination (specify)

Guide
Description nedded (VO 93)

Note: Start at rank 1 in 3 knacks; Street Navigation must be one of them.

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Climbing
 * Ride
 * Stealth
 * Street Navigation
 * Survival
 * Tracking
 * Trail Signs
 * Ambush
 * Cartography
 * Direction Sense
 * Navigation
 * Swimming

Gwai Liao
Description nedded (CJE 79)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Etiquette
 * Fashion
 * Mathematics
 * Oratory
 * Research
 * Writing
 * Accounting
 * Diplomacy
 * Law
 * Politics
 * Scheming
 * Sincerity

Herbalist
Description nedded (SD 85)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Cooking
 * Diagnosis
 * First Aid
 * Flora
 * Compounds
 * Poison
 * Quack

Hunter
Description nedded (PG 136)

Note: Start at rank 1 in 3 knacks

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Fishing
 * Skinning
 * Stealth
 * Survival
 * Tracking
 * Trail Signs
 * Traps
 * Ambush
 * Animal Training

Medicine Man
Description nedded (IG 79)

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Diagnosis
 * First Aid
 * Flora
 * Religious Lore (own religion)
 * Compounds
 * Quack
 * Storytelling

Merchant
Description nedded (PG 137, PN 100, VO 94, VV 93)

Note: Start at rank 2 in one knack

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Apothecary
 * Baker
 * Barber
 * Blacksmith
 * Brewer
 * Butcher
 * Calligrapher
 * Carpenter
 * Ceramics
 * Chandler
 * Cobbler
 * Confectioner
 * Cooking
 * Cooper
 * Distiller
 * Dying
 * Embalmer
 * Fireworks
 * Fletcher
 * Florist
 * Furrier
 * Gardener
 * Glassblower
 * Gunsmith
 * Hatter
 * Innkeeper
 * JennyJeweler
 * Kitemaker
 * Mason
 * Masseur
 * Miller
 * Paper Maker
 * Scribe
 * Seamstress
 * Shipwright
 * Spinner
 * Steward
 * Tailor
 * Vintner
 * Weaver
 * Wigmaker
 * Accounting
 * Appraising
 * Architecture
 * Bartending
 * Haggling
 * Tinker

Missionary
Description nedded (CP 86)

Note: cannot also have monk or priest

Basic Knacks Advanced Knacks
 * Oratory
 * Philosophy
 * Survival
 * Cold Read
 * Diplomacy
 * Theology