Acrobatics training supplements the Explorer's natural agility to perform feats the less athletic would not even consider. Leaping between catwalks in the enginarium and flipping over the heads of shorter foes is possible with this skill. The difficulty of the Test depends on the difficulty of the feat involved: dodging around the legs of an enraged xeno and leaping from stone to stone in a swirling magma flow would both present significant challenges. The more Degrees of Success obtained, the more stylish or dramatic the end result.

Skill use:

Full Action unless otherwise noted

Special Use: Disengage

When taking the Disengage Action in combat, the Explorer may make an Acrobatics Test to reduce it to a Half Action.

Special Use: Jump & Leap

An Acrobatics Test may substitute for an Agility Test when jumping or a Strength Test when leaping, according to the appropriate rules on page 266.

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Awareness encompasses the Explorer's subconscious ability to react to things his conscious mind may not perceive. He can use this Skill to notice threats -such as ambushes, traps, or cleverly hidden objects- or slight changes in the environment -such as a faint vibration in the deck plating or the smell of the air recyclers. When using Awareness against an opponent, the test is always Opposed. This use includes noticing ambushes, spotting traps, and other things involving another's actions. However, noticing environmental factors is a Standard Test. This use includes perceiving trace scents, motion, or similar things.

Skill use:

Free Action made in reaction to something

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The Barter skill allows the Explorer to negotiate better prices or exchange for goods and services. This can modify the Acquisition Modifier for items where the price is not set, but rather the result of negotiation. Thus, the Explorer could not use it to change the cost for promethium at an Imperial Guard depot, but he could definitely use it to haggle with the representatives of House Dimico over the cost of equipping his personal guard with handcrafted bolters. All Barter Tests are Opposed, as they involve interaction by their very nature. Barter may sometimes be used to assist with Acquisition Tests (see page 271).

Skill use:

A typical Barter Test takes about five minutes, but delicate dealings and intricate negotiations may involve Extended Tests.

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Blather allows the Explorer to stall for time with a confusing or distracting stream of conversation. Blather Tests are always Opposed by the target's Willpower, or Scrutiny if the target actively suspects the tactic. Winning the Opposed Test results in the opponent's bemused inaction for his entire round. For every degree of success, the Explorer has dumbfounded the target for an additional round. Loosing the Opposed Test means that everyone involved may act normally. Some Talents allow the Explorer to use Blather against many opponents. However, even without these Talents, he can affect a number of targets equal to his Fellowship Bonus if he is able to win the Opposed Test. If the group shares similar Characteristics, the GM may roll a single Willpower Test for the group to save time. While the Explorer's opponents may be confused by his banter, they will not remain inactive in the face of obvious danger or preparations to harm them. The character and his target must share a common language or the Test fails automatically.

Skill use:

Full Action.

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The Carouse Skill is used to resist the effects of alcohol and narcotics. Frequent imbibers can build up quite a tolerance to inebriants, remaining clear-headed and lucid while those across the table find their judgement or capabilities diminished. The Explorer makes a Skill Test whenever he suffers the effects of alcohol or similar intoxicants. Each time he would otherwise suffer from the effects of an intoxicant, make a Carouse Test. Failure indicates he has gained a level of Fatigue or suffers the side effects of the substance. Should he lose conscious, the Explorer will remain passed out for a number of hours equal to 1d10 minus his Toughness Bonus (minimum 1 hour).

Skill use:

Free Action

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The Explorer can use the Charm Skill to improve the disposition of others towards him, making a Charm Test whenever he wishes to change the minds of an individual or small group. He need not make a Charm Test each time he speaks with others in a pleasant manner, but only when he wishes to change their opinion, disposition, or convince them to do something. All Charm Tests are Opposed by Willpower and can affect a number of targets equal to the Explorer's Fellowship Bonus. His targets must be able to see and hear clearly, and share a common language.

Skill use:

1 minute

Special Use: Inspire

Those in a position of authority can use the Charm skill to inspire a group-related test, either with positive or negative reinforcement. Success provides a +10 bonus to the next Skill Test of the motivated group. Thus, the ship's priest might inspire the gunnery crews to greater effort, or the Explorator might speed the efforts of the Tech-adepts under his command by putting the fear of the Omnissiah into them! When used on board a starship during combat, this is known as the Put Your Backs Into It! Action (see page 218). Characters can also use this skill as an Extended Test for purposes on improving morale on board their vessel. (See page 226).

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The Chem-Use skill allows the Explorer to safely identify, handle and prepare a variety of chemicals, toxins, poisons, and drugs. While Chem-Use covers the use and basic combination of these substances, the Trade (Chymist) skill deals with their manufacture from base components. Success in a Chem-Use Test, modified by the appropriate difficulty for the chemical or drug in question, indicates it has been applied correctly for the desired results. Failure indicates the dose was wasted without effect. See Chapter V: Armoury for more information on drugs, chemicals, and their effects. When using a medicae injector or narthecium, the Skill Test to administer a drug or antidote is reduced to a Half Action. Employing Chem-Use to apply particularly complex combinations of substances or toxins uses an Extended Test of duration and difficulty set by the GM for the treatment in question.

Skill use:

Full Action

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Many groups and organizations employ ciphers as a secret, shorthand code to communicate basic ideas, warnings, or information rapidly. The Explorer can use and understand the hand signals, physical markings, or other subtle signs employed to express these concepts. Skill Tests are not required to either leave or read basic messages but are necessary to communicate or decipher complicated meanings or signs obscured by the passage of time.

Skill use:

Full Action

Skill groups:

Astropath Sign: Owing to the sensory changes involved in soul binding, this special language has components on many levels, including whispers of the mind.
Mercenary Cant: Many mercenary companies operate in the Expanse, and each has an abbreviated, clipped battle language for orders and commands. Though there are some commonalities, each is essentially unique.
Nobility Family: The secretive families of the Navigators have histories stretching back for millennia, and many use languages or dialects long-dead to modern ears. Each family uses a specific one tied to their history.
Rogue Trader: Each trader, vessel, or fleet develops its own code to help coordinate negotiations and keep secrets from other merchants or the authorities.
Underworld: Crime lords have used ciphers since time immemorial, and their sophistication has only increased over this period. Each organisation uses its own to deter competition.

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With the Climb skill the Explorer can ascend or descend ropes, pipes, and both natural and man-made walls. This skill is not used for ladders or other easily ascended ways, but for climbs without ready handholds or other poor climbing conditions. The condition of the surface or item and the environmental conditions can impose additional bonuses or penalties. It's far more difficult to ascend an icy rock face in a blizzard than a ship's bulkhead crisscrossed with pipes and conduits. A successful Test allows the character to ascend or descend at one-half his half move rate. See Climbing in Chapter IX: Playing the Game for more details.

Skill use:

Half Action

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The Explorer utilizes the Command skill to both direct those under his authority and establish actions for groups to execute on command, such as bringing a ship to battle stations. This skill is only effective upon those under the Explorer's authority. A successful Command Test indicates that those whom he directs follow his instructions in a timely manner. Failure on the Skill Test when used on an individual simply means that he does not follow the Explorer's directions, though additional Degrees of Failure can indicate that the individual accepts the task with no intention of actually doing it, or could even misinterpret the command or take contradictory actions. For directing groups, Degrees of Success or Failure will increase or decrease the time necessary to execute the orders, with three or more Degrees of Failure subjecting them to confused inaction. A Command Test can affect a number of targets equal to the Explorer's Fellowship Bonus. They must be able to see and hear him, though this could be done remotely through a vox- or pict-caster, and use speak a common language.

Skill use:

Half Action for simple commands, Full Action for more involved direction.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

The Explorer use the Commerce skill to build business ventures, negotiate contracts, and form trade networks. Commerce can be an Opposed Test, pitting the character's Commerce Skill against one of several possibilities, depending on the situation at hand. For negotiations, the character Tests against his opponent's Commerce Skill. If attempting to bilk an easy mark, it would be against the target's Scrutiny Skill. It can also be a standard Skill Test, representing the knowledge involved in managing a commercial venture -in the absence of others acting specifically against the Explorer. Commerce is the main skill for utilising the Explorers' Profit Factor to make Acquisitions (see page 271). The time necessary for a Commerce Skill Test varies from instant, such as recalling details about a recent venture, to the months necessary to build complex financial net orks.

Skill use:

Variable

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The Common Lore Skill allows the Explorer to recall general information, procedures, divisions, traditions, famed individuals, and superstitions of a particular world, group, organisation, or race. This Skill differs from Scholastic Lore, which represents scholarly learning, and Forbidden Lore, which involves hidden or proscribed knowledge, in that it deals with basic information learned from prolonged exposure to a culture or area. The GM will determine what extra information to provide for additional Degrees of Success.

Skill use:

Free Action

Skill groups:

Adeptus Arbites: Knowledge of the various arms and subsects of the Arbites, including details of rank structure, common procedures, and the basic tenants of Imperial Justice.
Adeptus Astra Telepathica: Knowledge of how psykers are recruited and trained for the Adeptus Terra, including how Astropaths are used throughout the Imperium, and the basics of sending and receiving astro-telepathic messages.
Adeptus Mechanicus: A general understanding of the symbols and practices of the Adeptus Mechanicus, as well as its hierarchy, identifiable ranks, and the existence of the Sixteen Universal laws.
Administratum: Broad knowledge of the labyrinthine workings, rules, traditions, and dictates of the Adeptus Administratum.
Ecclesiarchy: Understanding of the structure of the Adeptus Ministorum and its role in the worship of the Emperor.
Imperial Creed: Knowledge of the rites, practices, and personages of the Imperial Cult, the most common observances, festivals, and holidays in honour of the Emperor.
Imperial Guard: Basic information about the ranking system, logistics, structure, and basic tactical and strategic practices of the Imperial Guard, as well as particularly famed regiments.
Imperial Navy: Basic information about the ranks, customs, uniforms, and particular traditions of the Imperial Navy, as well as famous admirals and ships.
Imperium: Knowledge of the segmenta, sectors, and most well known worlds of the Imperium.
Koronous Expanse: Information concerning the general astrography of the Expanse, including known warp passages, regions, and legends of what may be found there.
Navis Nobilite: Information about the size, customs, dress, and predominant characters of the Navigator families.
Rogue Traders: Understanding of the most famed Warrants of Trade, their bearers, and the vessels carrying them throughout the Imperium.
Tech: An understanding of simple litanies and rituals to sooth and appease machine spirits.
War: Knowledge of great battles, notable commanders, heroes, and famous stratagems employed by the Imperium in its many campaigns.

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The Concealment Skill is used to hide things, from small objects to vehicles to starships, or objects on the character's person. Use of the Skill requires an appropriate environment to mask the item in question: buildings and trees for a small shuttle or an asteroid field and space anomaly for a starship. Concealment is always an Opposed Test, pitting the Explorer's Concealment against his opponent's Awareness or Scrutiny. Conceal represents active efforts to foil another character's search attempts. If the character or the object being hidden remains perfectly still, he gains a +10 bonus to the Skill Test.

Skill use:

Half Action

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Explorers with the Contortionist Skill can make use of their innate flexibility to allow them to escape bonds, squeeze through opening normally too small for passage, or fit into an area normally too small for their body. It also provides an alternative to brute strength in grappling.

Skill use:

Full Action unless otherwise noted below.

Special Use: Escape Bonds

The Explorer can make a Contortionist Test to slip free of bonds. This is an Opposed Test, using the character's Contortionist Skill against his opponent's Characteristic Test using Intelligence. The quality of the bonds and the time used to employ them will affect the difficulty of the Test. It may be impossible to escape adamantine manacles properly employed by a bounty hunter, but it is far easier to slip out of the crude ropes hastily applied by a feral tribesman -especially after applying grox fat to one's wrists. Escaping bonds requires one minute, with each Degree of Success reducing this time by 10 seconds.

Special Use: Escape Grapple

After an opponent has grappled the Explorer in combat, he may escape using the Contortionist Skill. Make an Opposed Test with the Contortionist Skill against by the grappler's Strength Characteristic Test. Success indicates the Explorer has freed himself. Failure means he remains grappled.

Special Use: Squeeze Through

The Explorer can make a Contortionist Test to squeeze through a tight space, such as through a maintenance conduit aboard a ship or a gap in blast doors warped open by damage. He can also use this aspect of the skill to cram himself into a space normally too small to fit a human body. The GM sets the difficulty of the Test according to the size of the passage or opening, and is well within his rights to rule that some spaces are simply too small to allow use of this Skill. A successful Skill Test indicates that the character has managed to squirm through the gap or into the crate. Failure means that he cannot pass the area or will not fit into the space. Four or more Degrees of Failure mean he has become stuck until he can succeed in another Contortionist Test or someone else pulls him free. Squeeze Through takes 1 minute, with each Degree of Success reducing this time by 10 seconds.

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The Deceive skill enables the Explorer to mislead others as to his true intent. Any time he tells a lie, reveal only part of the truth or spin information to his advantage with the intent to mislead someone, the character must make a Deceive Test. He need not make a Deceive Test for every lie, but only when that deception would change someone's mind, opinion, or actions. Deceive is always an Opposed Test, using your Deceive Skill against the opponent's Scrutiny. A Deceive Test affects a number of targets equal to the Explorer's Fellowship Bonus. The targets must be able to see and hear him clearly, either in person or via vox- or pictcaster. They must also speak a common language

Skill use:

1 minute, or more for complex deceptions

Special Use: Con

The ship's master or officers can use deception to temporarily increase the crew's morale during combat by plying them with exaggerated battle reports or idle suppositions concerning what Ork reebooters do to prisoners. Outside of combat, the Explorer can use this skill to reduce the effect of long warp passages on the crew's morale. Each failure imposes a cumulative -10 penalty upon subsequent attempts, as character's audience becomes wise to the deceptions (See page 293).

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The Explorer can use the Demolition Skill to employ explosives in the proper quantity to achieve a desired effect, from cutting through the hatch of a Land Raider to destroying a plasma conduit without significant y damaging the reactor behind it. It can also be used to diffuse the explosive left by others or to manufacture demolition materials, from slow fuses to blasting caps to the explosives themselves. This Skill pertains to set charges rather than grenades and other devices intended for use against the enemy in combat.

Skill use:

Full Action unless otherwise noted

Special Use: Defuse Explosives

Defusing charges also falls under the Demolition Skill. Make an Opposed Test against the Demolition Skill Test of the individual who set the explosives. Winning the Test indicates that the bomb has been defused. Simple failure means that while the charge has not been disarmed, neither has it gone off. Four or more Degrees of Failure indicates the Explorer has set off the device, suffering the consequences of the explosion. Defusing multiple charges or complex trigger mechanisms may require an Extended Test as determined by the GM.

Special Use: Manufacture Explosives

Much like the Trade Skills, the Demolition Skill allows the Explorer to make explosive materials from basic components. This use of the Demolition Skill is an Extended Test, and the GM will assign a difficulty and du ation in accordance with the complexity of the compound and the materials at hand. Constructing breaching charges in a wellstocked Munitorum warehouse is far easier than making a fuse from dried vines and animal droppings.

Special Use: Place Explosives

The effectiveness of explosive devices is greatly dependent upon the skill with which they are placed. Success on a Demolitions Test indicates the Explorer has successfully planted the explosive charge, set with his trigger of choice. Possible triggers are only limited by one's imagination, and can include trip wires, timers, proximity sensors, or remote activators. Failure indicates that the explosives will fail to go off when triggered, though the character will not know this till the time of activation. Four or more Degrees of Failure indicates the Explorer has detonated the device on himself ! Some tasks, such as rigging a building for demolition or setting a series of charges to scuttle a cargo bay, require an Extended Test. The GM will set difficulty and duration depending on the extent of the undertaking. When placing explosives, make sure to note the total Degrees of Success Test result, as it may be used in an Opposed Test if someone attempts to defuse the explosive.

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The Disguise skill allows the Explorer to mask his features and even assume another's appearance. The difficulty of the test depends upon the materials available, the differences between the character and the desired appearance, and any other elements that would affect the deception. Disguise is an Opposed Skill Test against a foe's Scrutiny. The application of the most elementary of disguises takes one minute. The more elaborate the deception, the more time required, up to weeks or months in the case of impersonations involving prosthetics, surgery, or xeno mannerisms. The GM will assign an appropriate difficulty and set the time equired for the desired effect.

Skill use:

1 minute or more

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Use the Dodge skill as a Reaction to nullify a successful handto-hand or ranged attack. Success on the Skill Test means the attack has been avoided and deals no damage. See Chapter IX: Playing the Game for more information on Dodge.

Skill use:

Reaction

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The Drive allows the Explorer to control land-based, hover-, or skimmer-type vehicles. Vehicles include Cargo-8s, Rhinos, Land Speeders, Sentinels, and other ground-based transports. Normal driving does not require a Skill Test, but one is required for hazardous conditions, excessive speed, or dangerous manoeuvres

Skill use:

Half Action

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The Explorer can use Evaluate to determine the approximate value of an object or group of items. Thus, the Skill can be used on a single power sword or a cargo hold full of lasrifles. Success on the Evaluate Test reveals the item's Availability Modifier (see page 272). Additional Degrees of Success will give additional information about the objects. A failure results in the miscalculation of an item's true value, with the degree of error increasing with each Degree of Failure. The GM should roll Evaluate Tests and only reveal what the Explorer believes to be true. The difficulty of the Test should be adjusted for the Explorer's access to the item and the time allowed by the seller. Using Evaluate on large cargoes requires an Extended Test, though the Explorer can appraise single items in about a minute. Additionally, Evaluate can be used at the GM's discretion to assist with determining the requirements for Endeavours (see page 277).

Skill use:

1 minute or more

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Forbidden Lore skills represent knowledge usually hidden, veiled, or proscribed by an organisation or society. Mere possession of this knowledge may cause difficulties for those not associated with the group in question. Excessive knowledge of the hidden truths of powerful Navigator houses can be decidedly bad for one's health for those outside the Navis Nobilite. A successful Forbidden Lore Test indicates the Explorer can 82 III: Skills recall basic information about the subject. The GM will reveal additional information as appropriate to the Degree of Success on the roll.

Skill use:

Free Action

Skill groups:

Adeptus Mechanicus: An in-depth understanding of followers of the Machine God, including such things as their rituals, observances, common beliefs, core philosophies, and specific knowledge of the Universal Laws.
Archeotech: Knowledge of the great, lost tech devices of past times and clues to their mysterious functions and purposes.
Daemonology: Lore about some of the most infamous warp entities and their twisted physical manifestations.
Heresy: Wisdom concerning acts and practices deemed heretical by the Imperium, the most contemptible heretics of history, and their acts.
Mutants: The study of stable and unstable mutations within humanity, their cancerous influence and mutagenic development over time, and some of the studies and books on the topic.
Navigators: Secret knowledge about the Navis Nobilite families, their breeding programs, common mutations, and prominent patriarchs.
Pirates: Knowledge of the scourge of the warp lanes, their tactics, infamous vessels, and inhuman captains.
Psykers: Skill in identifying psykers, the physical effects of their powers, the danger they cause, and the general extent of their capabilities.
The Inquisition: Understanding the secretive organisation of the Imperium, its common tenets and famous Inquisitors.
The Warp: An understanding of the energy of the warp, its interaction and interrelation with realspace and how its tides and eddies affect travel between the stars.
Xenos: Knowledge of the minor and major alien species known to the Imperium, the threat they pose, and their general appearance.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

The Explorer uses Gamble when participating in games of chance popular amongst both officers and crew of trader fleet . Each participant wagers an amount, though these are typically the same, and makes an Opposed Test with the Gamble Skill. The player with the most Degrees of Success or fewest Degrees of Failure wins the pot. The Explorer may choose to lose against any player with a worse result as part of a Deceive attempt. Those with both Skills may use Sleight of Hand instead of Gamble to hide cards or alter dice rolls. Success gives the character a +20 bonus to his tests, but four or more Degrees of Failure indicates he has been caught in the act.

Skill use:

Full Action for an entire day of gaming

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

The Explorer can use Inquiry to gain information by asking questions, through conversation or simple eavesdropping. Inquiry allows him to pick up general information about an area: its news, recent events, and more. Additional Degrees of Success reveal more detailed or more secretive tidings. Inquiry can also be used as an Investigation Skill, allowing the Explorer to hunt after a particular item of information from either individuals or resources, such as the ship's librarium. This use is virtually always an Extended Test, with Difficulty and Duration set by the GM. Additional information on Investigation can be found on page 264 of Chapter IX: Playing the Game.

Skill use:

1 hour or more.

Special Use: Hunt for Sedition

A character may use his skills of inquiry among members of the crew to plumb for malcontents, malingerers and mutineers. Successful use of Inquiry improves Morale by 1d5 by removing of negative influences from the rest of the crew, but for every point the ship’s Morale improves, the Population is reduced by 1 in turn as the seditious elements are purged.

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Interrogation allows the Explorer to extract information from an unwilling subject. The application differs from torture, where a subject will frequently say anything to stop the ordeal. Rather, it represents skilled application of psychology, various devices, serums, and other techniques. The GM may modify the Difficulty of the Test according to the availability of tools, facilities, and other conditions. Interrogation is always an Opposed Test, pitting the Explorer's Interrogation Skill against an opponent's Willpower. If he wins the Opposed Test, the Explorer gets one answer, plus one answer for each Degree of Success. If the opponent wins the Opposed Test, the Explorer gets nothing of worth. Two or more Degrees of Failure inflict 1d10 plus the character's Willpower Bonus in Damage, and prevents any further interrogation for 1d5 days. If the Explorer suffers four or more Degrees of Failure, he deals the same Damage and his subject gains a +30 bonus to Willpower Tests made to resist Interrogation at the hands of the Explorer or his allies. Each Interrogation Test inflicts one level of Fatigue on the target.

Skill use:

1d5 hours

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The Explorer uses Intimidate to pressure an individual to give in to his demands. The character does not make an Intimidate Test every time he makes a threat, but only when it involves coercion. Though Intimidate lists Strength as its associated characteristic, the Explorer may substitute either Intelligence or Fellowship if the threat involves more subtle methods than brute force, such as blackmail or humiliation. 83 III: Skills An Intimidate Test affects a number of targets equal to the Explorer's Strength, Intelligence, or Fellowship Bonus, depending on the characteristic used for the test. His targets must be able to see and hear him clearly, either in person or via pict- or vox-caster, and speak a common language.

Skill use:

Full Action

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An Invocation test is a Full Action. For the duration of the round, the Explorer clears his mind of external influence and focuses his will more intently. This may be through recitation of mantras, use of psychic foci, or meditation. A successful test indicates that his mind is ready to channel the warp more intensely than usual while still limiting his exposure. On the next round, the Explorer adds +1 to the final Psy Rating of any Fettered Power Test. Failure on the Invocation Test indicates that the Explorer's attempts to focus have backfired, and he suffers a -1 penalty to the final Psy Rating of a Fettered Power Test. If this reduces the Psy Rating to zero, the power fails to activate

Skill use:

Full Action

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Literacy allows the Explorer to read and write any language he speaks. Everyday activities do not require Literacy Tests, but situations involving regional variations, damaged manuscripts, archaic usage, or colloquial phrases necessitate a Test.

Skill use:

1 minute for 1 page of text, roughly 750 words

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The Explorer uses Logic to solve problems, decipher puzzles, and deal with other situations involving demonstration and inference. A Logic Test might infer the missing symbol in a series or to solve a particularly troublesome mathematical equation. He can also use the Skill to prepare a reasoned argument for debate or philosophical exchange. The preparations of complex reasoning or complicated problems are Extended Tests.

Skill use:

1 minute, or longer for particularly complex problems.

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The Medicae Skill helps diagnose and treat injuries by suturing wounds, applying counterseptic, and use of medical devices such as the Narthecium. On individual patients Medicae provides First Aid and Extended Care for short- and long-term treatment. On larger groups of wounded, Medicae can help save the lives of those that can be saved and apply the Emperor's grace to those who cannot, resulting in fewer overall deaths. It can also help diagnose widespread medical problems and apply the ounce of prevention before the pound of cure becomes necessary

Skill use:

Full Action

Special Use: Diagnose

Medicae can also be used to diagnose disease and other ailments, both on one's fellow Explorers and also on the crew at large. On individuals, a successful Skill Test yields the name of the ailment and basic treatments. When used on groups, a successful Skill Test prevents casualties to the Crew Population due to disease or malnutrition due to extended voyages.

Special Use: Extended Care

Skill for extended care speeds the healing process. The Explorer can properly treat a number of patients equal to his Intelligence Bonus. Each additional patient imposes a cumulative -10 penalty to the Medicae Tests to provide extended care. For lightly damaged patients, make one Test at the end of each day. For heavily or critically damaged patients, Test once at the end of each week. Success allows the patient to remove twice the normal Damage -removing Critical Damage first- plus 1 point for each Degree of Success. Failure does not adversely affect the patients, who heal at the normal rate. Two or three Degrees of Failure indicate that all lightly and heavily damaged patients take 1 Damage each, using Sudden Death to resolve any Critical Damage (see page 250). Four or more Degrees of Failure indicate all patients take 1d10 Damage, using Sudden Death to resolve Critical Damage. For additional information on Healing, see Chapter IX: Playing the Game.

Special Use: First Aid

The Medicae Skill performs first aid for the injured, removing a small amount of damage by suturing lacerations, bandaging abrasions, and plugging punctures. A successful Medicae Test removes Damage equal to the Explorer's Intelligence Bonus on lightly damaged characters or 1 damage point from heavily or critically damaged characters. The First Aid use of the Medicae Skill can be used to treat any number of untreated injuries with a single Medicae Test. If successful, the Medicae Test removes Damage as detailed above. Once the Medicae Test is performed, the injuries are treated (for better or worse) and cannot be treated with another First Aid Test. They may be treated with an Extended Care Test. Skill Use: Full Action.

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The Explorer uses the Navigation Skill to plot a course between two points. The course might be across a continent or through the tides of the empyrean. A successful Navigation Test also provides an estimated travel time based on geography, cosmography, prevailing conditions, weather, warp tides and the like.

Skill use:

1 minute for simple location, 1d5 hours for plotting courses or routes.

Skill groups:

Stellar: Stellar Navigation is used to navigate in space between planets, using star-charts, and carto-mantic rituals.
Surface: Surface Navigation is used to navigate across a planet's surface, using logi-compasses, map readouts, and geographical knowledge.
Warp: Warp Navigation reflects the Navigator's ability to steer a starship through the tides of the empyrean, using the beacon of the Astronomicon as a reference. It determines how quickly a ship reaches its destination. When conditions are particularly challenging, the Skill also determines if the ship reaches its destination at all.

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The Explorer uses the Performer Skill to entertain and enthrall groups of spectators. Performer Tests take an amount of time dependent on the art form involved.

Skill use:

Variable

Skill groups:

Dancer:
Musician:
Singer:
Storyteller:

Special Use: Charming Performance

The Explorer may make a Difficult (-10) Performer (Storyteller) or Performer (Singer) Test instead of Charm, to win round the audience, causing their disposition to improve by one level, or to temporarily improve the Morale of the crew. When used to improve Morale, a successful Test adds +5 to the ship's Morale, with an additional +10 for every two Degrees of Success, for the duration of the combat.

Special Use: Enthralling Performance

The Explorer may make a Difficult (-10) Performer (Musician) or Performer (Singer) Test instead of a Blather Test, utterly enthralling and distracting the audience for a moment. When used in place of Blather, it is subject to the same rules and conditions.

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Craft Explorers use the Pilot Skill to fly anything from personal jump packs to small atmospheric craft -such as landers or gun-cutters- to void-faring fighter , bombers, and capital vessels. Under normal conditions, piloting does not require a Test, but unusual or difficult conditions such as storms, obstacles, or dangerous manoeuvres do require a Skill Test. When chasing another vehicle or ship or contesting for position, the Explorer make an Opposed Pilot Test against his opponent. Complete rules for starships can be found in Chapter VIII: Starships

Skill use:

Half Action

Skill groups:

Flyers:
Personal:
Space Craft:

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Those with the Psyniscience Skill sense the currents and eddies of the warp. The Explorer can use the Skill to detect the presence or absence of daemons and the use of psychic powers. The Skill also allows detection of psychic phenomena, disturbances, voids, or other areas where the flow of the immaterium has been unsettled or disrupted. The general results of Psyniscience tests are summarised below: Degrees of Success Result Standard Success Awareness of immaterium disruption or number of entities present One Approximate direction of the phenomena or creatures Two Rough location of the warp creatures or beings affecting the immaterium. Three + Exact position of the creatures or psykers present

Skill use:

Full Action

Special Use: Astropathic Interference

Astropaths can also use the Psyniscience skill to block the communications of other Astropaths. Used in this way, this is an Opposed Test, with the interfering Astropath suffering a -10 penalty for each Void Unit between himself and the target. If successful, the blocking Astropath stops the blocked Astropath's ship from sending or receiving Astropathic transmissions.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Scholastic Lore grants the Explorer knowledge of a particularly complex or esoteric subject. A successful Skill Test allows him to recall necessary information or research a particular subject should appropriate reference material be readily available. Scholastic Lore grants a depth of knowledge far beyond that of Common Lore, requiring both experience and study to obtain. Scholastic Lore Tests can identify things that fall within the Explorer's area of expertise: a person, book, starship or machine spirit. A successful Skill Test within the realm of the character's specialty reveals basic information about the object in question in accordance with the following table: 85 III: Skills Degrees of Success Result Standard success Reveals basic information known to scholars on the topic. One Reveals uncommon information, known to few dedicated academics. Two Reveals obscure information, known to only serious scholars. Three + Reveals extremely rare information, known only to true experts in the field Scholastic Lore overlaps with Common Lore and Forbidden Lore in some areas, but it represents more in-depth, academic information. An Explorer with Common Lore (Navis Nobilite) might know conventional information about the Navigator families and their ability to direct the starships of the Imperium, but one with Scholastic Lore (Navis Nobilite) would be able to trace lineage and historic agreements of a family over the millenia. Scholastic Lore Tests require no time, as the Explorer either knows the fact or not. Researching, however, requires an Extended Test of a Duration and Difficulty appropriate to the task at hand. See page 231 of Chapter IX: Playing the Game for details.

Skill use:

Free Action

Skill groups:

Archaic: An understanding of the Imperium's dark past, its proscribed eras and how the long millennia have changed the face of mankind.
Astromancy: A knowledge of stars, singularities, and the worlds around them, as well as theoretical understanding of how to use telescopes, astrolithic charts, and the like.
Beasts: An understanding of the genus and families of animals and familiarity with the characteristics and appearance of many semi-sentient creatures.
Bureaucracy: A familiarity with the rules and regulations involved with governments, particularly the Adeptus Administratum, and their many and varied departments, bureaus, and policies.
Chymistry: A knowledge of chemicals, their alchemical applications in a number of uses, and their prevalence or scarcity throughout the Imperium.
Cryptology: An understanding of codes, ciphers, cryptographs, secret languages, and numerical keys. This may be used to either create or decipher encryptions.
Heraldry: A grasp of the principles and devices of Heraldry, as well as a knowledge of the most common seals and heraldic devices used by the Imperium's most noble houses and families.
Imperial Creed: An understanding of the specific rituals and practices of the Ecclesiarchy, from the traditional construction of their temples to specific points from its texts. This information may be used to conduct the rituals for others.
Imperial Warrants: Information concerning the establishment, legal scope, and use of the warrants used to by Rogue Traders, as well as the most well known and dynastic warrants of the Imperium.
Judgement: Knowledge of the proper punishments for the myriad of crimes and heresies punishable by Imperial law.
Legend: Going beyond archaic knowledge, this encompasses most secretive portions of Imperial history, such as the Dark Age of Technology, the Age of Strife, the Great Crusade, and the Horus Heresy.
Navis Nobilite: Lore concerning the family trees, contracts, and histories of the great houses of the Navigators.
Numerology: An understanding of the mysterious link between numbers and the physical universe, from Catastrophe theory to the Sadleirian litany.
Occult: An understanding of occult rituals, theories, and superstitions, as well as the better-known mystical uses of occult items.
Philosophy: Knowledge concerning the theories of thought, belief, existence, and other intangibles. As it also includes logic and debate, it may be used for argument or creating philosophical works.
Tactica Imperialis: The theories of the Tactica Imperialis, as well as other systems of troop deployment and battle techniques used by the Imperium. This knowledge may be used to devise a battle plan or deduce the likely flow of war fought by Imperial forces.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

The Scrutiny Skill helps assess the people or objects the Explorer encounters. The character uses it to determine an individual's truthfulness, his motives and generally appraise his personality and temperament. It can also be used to examine an object in detail, noticing small details and characteristics that might pass unseen in a casual inspection. For starship auspex returns, it allows determination of a vessel's mass, velocity, and more. Scrutiny is an Opposed Test against the target's Deceive Skill when trying to perceive falsehoods or deceptions. However, Scrutiny does not reveal hidden secrets or a target's carefully concealed intent, and should never replace good roleplaying in an interactive situation. This Skill counters the Opposed Tests of many manipulative Interaction skills, such as Charm, Deceive, and Intimidate. Aboard starships, this skill operates and interprets the ship's sensors, which require special skills for interpretation of the raw data involved. (See Chapter VIII: Starships for details)

Skill use:

Full Action, though special uses may require more time.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

The Explorer uses the Search Skill to discover things that are physically hidden, from a secreted holdout pistol to a shuttle code. Search involves active investigation, whereas Awareness deals with passive or subconscious detection. Each Search Test covers a small room or area. When an object or individual has been deliberately hidden, the Search Test is an Opposed Test against the target's Concealment.

Skill use:

1 minute

Special Use: Inspection

The Search skill can also be used to find hidden stores, contraband, stowaways, and even evidence of sabotage on vehicles and starships. Depending on the size of the vehicle, the GM may designate this as an Extended Test with an appropriate Duration.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Secret Tongue represents comprehension of a particularly obscure and arcane language known to only those of a specific class or organisation. Some resemble codes or ciphers more than an actual language, and some even use a common tongue in unusual ways. Code words, ciphers, sub-sonics, visual cues, and countless other techniques allow secret communication while maintaining normal appearances. Skill Tests are unnecessary so long as all speakers know the secret language. Situations involving adverse conditions, such as speaking over a poor vox link or communicating complex concepts, require a Skill Test of appropriate Difficult . Groups of Explorers may even develop their own secret tongue, which would become available as an Elite Advance.

Skill use:

Free Action

Skill groups:

Administratum: A collection of acronyms, jargon, and procedural litanies used by the Adeptus Administratum. It should be noted that this language can be exceedingly longwinded.
Ecclesiarchy: An allegorical language of devotion and politics, it makes use of religious metaphors and passages of holy texts in archaic High Gothic.
Military: A selection of coded phrases, jargon, hand gestures, references to ancient battles, and a surprising number of terms for death.
Navigator: A number of archaic, dead tongues or dialects, now only know to the ancient Nobilite families that keep the old languages alive.
Rogue Trader: A prearranged series of code phrases and inflections intelligible only to those in the same vessel or fleet. Each trader eventually develops his own system of clandestine communication.
Tech: This coded binary cant includes high and low frequency sound waves and occasionally optical pulses.
Underdeck: A crude version of Low Gothic originating in the underhives, but migrated to the bilges and lower decks of most vessels; it incorporates a mishmash of colourful slang terms

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Security is used to bypass mechanical locks and other physical security systems. This differs from many systems that employ codes or cogitators that are more suited to the Tech-Use Skill. The GM sets the Difficulty of the Test according to the complexity of the mechanism. In most cases one Test is sufficient, but large, intricate systems may require Extended Tests. See the Tech-Use Skill for systems that combine both mechanical and technical challenges. Using this Skill without proper tools or equipment is extremely challenging, and any attempt to bypass a lock or other security system without using a multikey or other set of appropriate tools suffers from a -20 penalty

Skill use:

1 minute, reduced by 10 seconds for each Degree of Success.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Shadowing allows the Explorer to follow others on foot or using vehicles and starships. It contrasts with Concealment because it involves movement and blending into one's surroundings. On foot, it might involve using physical cover or the press of bodies in a crowd; in a vehicle, techniques might include false turns or using a cargo hauler as cover; aboard ships it can entail the use of asteroids or other stellar objects or busy space lanes around major systems. Shadowing Tests are always Opposed Tests against the opponent's Awareness or Scrutiny Skill. A single Shadowing Test is sufficient to follow an opponent unseen for one minute.

Skill use:

1 minute

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Use the Silent Move Skill anytime silence and secrecy is essential in the Explorer's activities. The GM sets the Difficulty of the Test depending on the environment, where the echoing steel halls of a cargo bay yields a greater Difficulty than the wood-panelled, carpeted environs of the officers' quarters. Silent Move Tests are always Opposed Tests against the opponent's Awareness or Scrutiny Skill.

Skill use:

Free Action as part of Movement

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Explorers use Sleight of Hand for any task requiring a combination of deception and dexterity. Examples include palming small objects, picking pockets, or performing tricks. The GM sets the Difficulty for the Test according to the size of the object and the intensity of observation. Sleight of Hand is always an Opposed Test against the opponent's Awareness or Scrutiny. The Explorer can use Sleight of Hand instead of Gamble to employ deception and alter the odds in games of chance. See the Gamble skill for more information. Though Sleight of Hand usually requires a Half Action, the Explorer may make a Test as a Free Action with a -10 penalty

Skill use:

Half Action

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Speak Language is used to communicate with others using the same language. The Imperium has nearly as many languages as it has star systems, but for all this variety, most people can speak or understand a variation of Low Gothic. In most situations, Skill Tests are unnecessary so long as those involved all speak a common tongue. However, communication with those using obscure dialects or cryptic, complex concepts will require a Test at an appropriate Difficulty

Skill use:

Free Action

Skill groups:

Eldar: Though no human can hope to capture the subtle nuances and sub-tones of this extremely complex and ancient language, it is enough to make one's meaning clear.
Explorator Binary: Very similar to Techna-Lingua, the binary language of the Explorator fleets has diverged from its parent tongue; the Mechanicus permits its use, but frowns on it for official discourse. Questors and other field operatives use it to keep conversations private from their planet-bound brethren.
High Gothic: The official language of the Imperium, used by Imperial officials, nobility, members of the Ecclesiarchy, and those involved in high-level negotiations.
Low Gothic: The common tongue of the Imperium, used by the countless billions of ordinary citizens.
Ork:
Techna-Lingua: The official language of the Adeptus Mechanicus, this binary language has been optimized for rapid communication of technical data and servitor commands.
Trader's Cant: Many Rogue Traders employ this language when dealing with their fellow traders, which allows for rapidfire negotiations and interchange.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Survival allows the Explorer to endure for prolonged periods in unusual or alien environments. A skilled outdoorsman, the character can find edible plants, hunt for game, and determine if food is safe for consumption. He can also construct viable shelters from native materials or improvised substances and ensure they're located away from flood- hutes or the territory of predators. The Difficulty of these Tests depends on the location-barren deserts provide much greater challenge than verdant tropical forests. This Skill can also apply to man-made environments, such as artificial worlds, the depths of the Underhive, or the belly of massive starships. In this case, it can provide safe resting areas away from plasma vents and knowledge about which sacred unguents also provide minimal nutrition.

Skill use:

Full Action

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Swim allows the Explorer to swim through various liquid mediums. Under normal conditions swimming does not require a Test. More difficult waters, unusual circumstances, or long distances call for a Skill Test. For more information on Swim, see the Swimming section on page 267 of Chapter IX: Playing the Game

Skill use:

Full Action

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Tech-Use allows the Explorer to use or repair complex mechanical items or fathom the workings of unknown technical artefacts. Using a basic piece of equipment under typical circumstances requires no Test, such as using a voxcaster or opening a shuttle hatch. Tech-Use Tests are necessary for unusual or unfamiliar gear, malfunctioning or broken items, and any situation where conditions are less than ideal, such as attempting to use the same vox-caster near a plasma core or coaxing the machine spirit of a strange vessel's warp drive to reignite its fi es. The Explorer can also use Tech-Use to repair damaged or defective items, using an Extended Test of Duration and Difficulty set by the GM depending on the item's complexity and the extent of the damage. Tech-Use does not include building an item from scratch, which requires the relevant Trade Skill. A Tech-Use Test to determine the function of a complex system takes one minute, but the GM may adjust this depending on the complexity. Tests made to repair items are Extended Tests, the Duration of which will depend upon 88 II the size and complexity. Tech-Use can be used to direct the actions of Servitors; when used this way, Tech-Use functions identically to Command

Skill use:

1 minute, or more for more complex systems.

Special Use: Security Systems

Security covers mechanical security systems, but many systems may have both physical and electronic components, and certain examples may be entirely controlled by cogitators and machine spirits. The GM will determine the necessary Skill Tests required for a particular system, which may include a combination of both Skills, or may involve a single roll with an appropriate modifier for possessing, or lacking, either Skill.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

With the Tracking Skill the Explorer can follow the signs left by his quarry. Following obvious tracks does not require a Skill Test and is considered part of an Explorer's movement. In instances where the time or elements have eroded the signs or where the very environment makes seeing them difficult, such as darkness or fog, Tracking Tests are required. The Difficulty depends on the condition of the traces and the tracker's surroundings. When following any tracks where the Difficulty of the Test is more than Challenging (+0), the tracker's Movement rate drops to half. Cunning or devious quarry may attempt to conceal or erase their tracks. In any case where an opponent has attempted to do this, make an Opposed Test made against the prey's Concealment. The Explorer can use this Skill with the Investigation and Exploration rules on page 263 to determine information about the quarry, including time since they passed, numbers and their race.

Skill use:

Free Action made as part of Movement.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

Trade Skills allow the Explorer to create things, from contracts to starships. At the GM's discretion, Explorers with this Skill can earn additional Profit Factor plying a trade. They can identify the work of particularly famous or infamous craftsmen, or recall information concerning items of their trade. Trade Tests can represent the work of hours, weeks, or months depending on the complexity of the task at hand. However, Tests that involve the examination of an item to recall information require a Full Action.

Skill use:

Variable depending on task and complexity.

Skill groups:

Archaeologist (Int): Used to locate, examine, and analyze ancient ruins and artefacts.
Armourer (Ag): Used to design, upgrade, and forge weaponry, from personal arms to starship batteries.
Astrographer (Ag): Used to create two- and three-dimensional representations of stellar locations and warp routes.
Chymist (Int): Used to create poisons, drugs, and a wide variety of other compounds.
Cryptographer (Int): Used to create or decode ciphers, codes and other puzzles.
Explorator (Int): Used in the exploration of unknown stellar regions.
Linguist (Int): Used to learn or decipher new languages, both spoken and written.
Remembrancer (Ag / Int): Used to recount events in a variety of art forms, from sculpture to poetry.
Shipwright (Int): Used to inscribe patterns, text, and art onto materials.
Soothsayer (Fel): Used to "foretell" the future by a number of interpretative arts, though its effectiveness is suspect.
Technomat (Int): Used to maintain and repair technological devices, but through rote memorisation rather than true understanding.
Trader (Fel):
Voidfarer (Ag): Used in the day-to-day operation, logistics, and defence of starships.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook

The Explorer can tame, train, and potentially ride animals encountered in his travels, from spine-hounds to the noble warhorse breeds. Both taming and training beasts are Extended Tests, the Duration of which is determined by the nature and temper of the creature involved. Once an animal has been broken to its master's will -or at least formed a partnership for particularly strong-willed beasts- directing it or issuing commands is a Half Action. Wild animals, or those trained for hostility and aggression, can have their Disposition changed by one level for every two Degrees of Success, up to a maximum of three levels by a Full Action use of this Skill. GMs may impose penalties for animals that have been particularly well trained or those with uncommon Willpower and Intelligence. Wrangling is of no use against cyber-animals, psy-bonded animals, or against any creature with true sentience.

Skill use:

Variable depending on task and complexity.

Rogue Trader - Core Rulebook