Learning Module

This optional module allows characters to improve their Skills and Specialisations beyond standard progression, using structured downtime activities and gameplay milestones.

Overview

Each Skill and Specialisation can be improved by +3 through this module, combining different learning methods. Players may mix and match learning styles, earning their +1 in any order, but no Skill or Specialisation can exceed +3 from this module, +1 per method.

Traits Covered

This system applies to the core six Traits:

  • STR, AGI, VIT, INT, WIS, CHA

Note

If using the Luck Module (which adds LUC as a seventh trait), it does not apply to the Learning Module. Learning remains based on the six core traits only. One cannot learn luck.

Skill Advancement

Learning Methods

  • Guided Mastery (+1) – Learn from a mentor.
  • Scholarly Insight (+1) – Study from media or archives.
  • Breakthrough Moment (+1) – Achieve a major success in gameplay.

Guided Skill Mastery

Process

  1. 1-hour session focusing on a skill + one trait (e.g., Stealth(AGI)).
  2. Both student and mentor roll that combination.
  3. If combined total is 30+, mark 1 success for that trait.
  4. After marking all 6 traits for the skill, gain +1.

Notes

  • Mentor must have a higher bonus in the skill than the student.
  • Multiple students can train under the same mentor (same skill + trait). They each make their own check while the teacher only makes one.
  • Students may use different mentors for different traits.

Scholarly Insight into Skill

Process

  1. Requires appropriate media (manuals, VR sims, archives, etc.).
  2. 1-hour session focusing on a skill + one trait.
  3. Make a DC 20 check with chosen skill and trait.
  4. On success, mark 1 success for that trait.
  5. After marking all 6 traits, gain +1.

Notes

  • Media quality may grant bonuses (+1, +2).
  • Media must be accessible (no language barriers, encryption, etc.).

Breakthrough Moment

Process

  • If you roll 40+ on a skill check during gameplay, gain +1 to that skill.

Notes

  • Only applies once (first time) per skill.
  • No downtime required, this can happen at any point during gameplay.
  • This apply even if the character was given help, inspiration or any other bonus.

Specialisation Advancement

Learning Methods

  • Guided Proficiency (+1) – Mentorship training.
  • Studied Expertise (+1) – Research and diverse practice.
  • Field Mastery (+1) – Experience through repeated success.

Guided Specialisation Proficiency

Process

  1. Mentor must have a higher bonus in the specialisation.
  2. 1-hour session using a Trait + Skill combination.
  3. You must use eac trait once (per specialisation) in this process
  4. You can only use same skill once (per specialisation) in this process
  5. Both mentor and student roll the same combination adding their specialisation to the rol.
  6. If combined total is 40+, mark that Trait as completed.
  7. After marking all six Traits, gain +1.

Notes

  • Multiple mentors may be used.
  • Mentors can teach groups (same Trait + Skill combo), same as with a skill.

Studied Specialisation Expertise

Process

  1. Requires appropriate study material.
  2. 1-hour session using a Trait + Skill combo.
  3. Complete 6 sessions:
    • Each Trait (STR, AGI, VIT, INT, WIS, CHA) used once.
    • Each Skill used must be unique across succesful sessions.
  4. Roll Specialisation + Trait + Skill vs DC 25.
  5. After six successful sessions, gain +1.

Notes

  • Media bonuses may apply depending on quality.

Field Mastery

Process

  • Track rolls of 20 that apply the specialisation in active play.
  • After logging 6 such rolls, gain +1.

Notes

  • Players track this autonomously, no GM arbitration needed.
  • Multiple specialisations can benefit on the same roll, if they are all applied.

General Learning Rules

  • Maximum of +3 per Skill or Specialisation (one bonus from each method).
  • Players may retry failed rolls as often as needed (time is the only cost).
  • Players may roleplay learning scenes without requiring GM input.
  • GMs may still introduce story consequences or NPC interactions during learning, but this is optional. Some ideas include:
    • A teacher declares them hopeless and stops teaching them
    • A teacher charges by the hour, costing characters more money
    • CD with instructions gets scratched after some number of failed attempts.

Edge Cases & Clarifications

  • Do I use Luck (LUC) as the 7th check if that module is active?
    No, Learning remains limited to the six core traits.

  • Can I exceed +3 via this module?
    No. Other systems (features, magic items, etc.) must provide further bonuses.

  • Can multiple students learn from the same mentor or media?
    Yes, if learning the same combination.

  • Can Field Mastery count toward two specialisations?
    Yes, when both are used in a roll.