Helmsman
Secondary Ability
The baroque complexity of starship controls is enough to give most folks a headache. Not you. Rigorous training and practice have taught you how to maneuver the weird craft that operate beyond the mundane realm. Although you probably need a support crew to help you (starships are complicated!), you’re got practical knowledge regarding the various screens, buttons, keys, and monitors involved in navigating and steering such advanced vehicles.
Despite some cosmetic similarities to the Pilot Skill above, Helmsman works with a very different sort of vehicle. And because this Skill deals with spacecraft, very few characters – other than Void Engineers and certain Etherites – know that it exists… and even fewer have studied its techniques. On a related note, there are some pretty significant differences between the standardized controls of Technocratic-fleet vessels and the more… um, elegant designs of unique Etherite craft. In game terms, the Storyteller should impose a penalty, typically -1 to -3, on a helmsman who’s trying to puzzle out an unfamiliar set of controls. Oh, the consequences of a blown roll can be downright ugly. In (Ether)space, no one can hear you die.
• Novice: You’re been trained in basic shuttle operations.
•• Practiced: They let you take the helm when things are calm.
••• Skillful: You’re an experienced helmsman who’s seen some scrapes and come through fine.
•••• Expert: “Mr. Sulu – take the helm!”
••••• Master: Han Solo considers you a peer.
Possessed by
Void Engineers, Cyborgs, Space Marines, Etherian Adventurers
Specialties
Combat, Navigation, Crisis Situations, Improvised Circumstances, Guesstimation, Etherite Gadgetry, Extended Trips