New Skill Specialisations

[Dan Gurden]

I struck me recently that when I was writing the NPC's in tha Bajoran book that over the I have often created new specialisations from existing skills that are not covered in existing ICON material... Now I had some notes for older specialisations, so I updated and added the new ones. With just a little detail about what these might entail...

Some of the Medical Skills were things I was thinking about during recent dicussions about the medical sourcebook, and a couple of others came from the Damage Control teams thoughts in the recent RRT discussions;

The really eagle eyed might notice the Bajoran Sourcebook addressed my old Jury Rig specialisation where I tried to correct the original critique that it was too powerful, while that wasn't my intention, a minor alteration was added as it was supposed to be a weaker skill...

Anyway. Enough about the why. Here's the skills. If you guys have any others to add I would be happy to see them;

[Dan Gurden]

Command;
Administration – Accountancy
The ability to manage finances, read financial documents and balance the books. This skill is uncommon in the Federation in modern times. But it remains an essential life skill amongst the Ferengi; who practice this skill for recreation and business, assessing their own worth and that of others.
Usually used by; Accountants, Bureaucrats, Ferengi

Administration – Colonial Management
The management of a civilian colony. Part community leader, part manager, with additional responsibilities when hosting visitors and managing any system space traffic. The role of Colonial Administrator is often assigned when new colonies are setup, but later more established colonies will use their own methods of appointing new colonial leadership.
Usually used by; Colonial Administrators, Politicians, Bureaucrats, Aides

Administration - Specific Organisation
The knowledge of certain administration techniques and practices, usually this focus is quite large and wide-faring. The character must state which organisation this specialisation is for.
Usually used by; Politician, Bureaucrats, Secretaries, Aides and Admirals.

Behaviour Modification - Hypnotherapy
The knowledge of certain hypnosis techniques to help alter certain behavioural traits and activities. Can only be used on a volunteer or pliant subject, and can be resisted. Under certain circumstances, this skill can be used to ease and lower the difficulties concerned with certain psychological flaws.
Usually used by; Ships Counsellors, Stage Magicians/Entertainers

Command – Crisis Management
Similar to Combat Leadership, this is a degree of command skill in crisis, but not necessarily while under fire. Used to keep a cool head appraise the situation and command a group of people to deal with the situation appropriately
Usually used by; Non combat leaders, Emergency Services

Command – Teaching
The knowledge of Education techniques to enable effective learning by the pupil. Ranging from the teaching of children to more advanced adult education and Physical Training.
Usually used by; Instructors, Sports Coaches, School Teachers

Diplomacy - Species Specific
The use and practices of Diplomatic skills focused towards a specific species, usually developed over a long period of contact with the species in question, focusing on the specific quirks and traits of this species. The species must be specified by the player. This skill would likely mark out such a character as an expert and my be supplemented with appropriate culture and language skills.
Usually used by; Explorers and Diplomats.

Espionage - Covert Operations.
The knowledge and use of Covert Operations in the modern espionage world. Closely related and partially interchangeable with the Specialisation of the same name for Strategic Operations.
Usually used by; Spies, Covert Operatives and Senior Military Commanders.

Persuasion - Counselling.
No longer required; *replaced by Owen's Psychology Skill, seperated from medical Sciences. See Below*

Persuasion - Negotiation.
Persuasive techniques used in Negotiations, used to give the Negotiations an edge.
Usually used by; Ships Counsellors, Starship Captains, Negotiators and Diplomats.

Planetary Tactics - Large Unit.
Knowledge and the use of large scale, land-based, military tactics, rarely used and developed, until the Dominion War brought large scale battles back into regular tactics. Closely related to the Starship Tactics specialisation Large Fleet Tactics.
Usually used by; Military Leaders and Tactical Analysts.

Starship Tactics - Large Fleet Tactics.
Knowledge and the use of large scale, military tactics, rarely used or required, until the Dominion War brought large scale battles back into regular tactics. Used for fleets of more than 20 or so vessels. Closely related to the Planetary Tactics specialisation Large Unit.
Usually used by; Admirals and Tactical Analysts.

Starship Tactics - Small Fleet Tactics.
Knowledge and the use of tactics developed for far smaller fleets and armadas.
Usually used by; Captains, Admirals and Tactical Analysts.

[Dan Gurden]

Operations;
Computer - Data Protection.
Methods used in the protection of Computer system, allowing a counter to certain Alteration and hacking techniques.
Usually used by; Computer Specialists and Security Technicians.

Computer - Holographic Programming.
Programming systems used to create holographic programs and environments, also used to adjust and expand established holodeck programs, and can be used with Computer Simulation/Modelling to recreate and realistically model in a holographic environment...
Usually used by; Holographic Specialists, Holodrama Writers, Casual Users of Holodecks and Operations Officers.

Material Engineering - Firefighting
No longer required; Suggested that this is an over specialisation and can be folded into Material Engineering (Structural Spaceframe), especially alonside the Physical Sciences (Pyrotechnics)...

Demolitions - Civil Demolitions.
Knowledge of demolitions techniques and explosives used in Civil Engineering.
Usually used by; Engineers, Miners, Builders and Terraformers.

Demolitions – Advanced Explosives
Knowledge of highly advanced demolitions techniques and explosives. Often very high tech and experimental, such as sonic based explosives or the super secret spy gear often portrayed in fiction…
Usually used by; Engineers, Covert Operatives

Energy Weapon - Ferengi Energy Whip.
Use of the Energy Whip, an uncommon weapon occasionally seen in use with Ferengi Privateers.
Usually used by; Ferengi Armed Forces/Privateers.

Energy Weapon – Plasma Shotgun
High tech energy shotgun using a Plasma energy discharge of a type in use on Earth prior to the development of Phaser Technology. Due to Federation restrictions and ease of use these weapons remain common amongst civilian farmers and colonists.
Used by Colonists, Farmers, Sportsmen

First Aid – Triage
The ability to manage high patient volumes in a crisis situation and to provide initial evaluation for emergency care. To identify which patients require immediate care, who can be placed in a hold ward for next available doctor, and who needs to be made comfortable but is beyond help.
Used by. Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, Corpsmen and emergency service personnel.

Ships Systems - Emergency Forcefields
Use of the emergency force fields on a Starship. Used in emergencies either to repair hull breech, fight fires or for security requirements.
Used by. Security, Damage Control Teams

Ships Systems - Fire Suppression Systems
Use of a Starships inbuilt Fire Suppression systems, from Emergency Forcefields to Oxygen suppression. These facilities are built into all Starfleet vessels, Starbases and even buildings.
Used by. Firemen, Damage Control Teams

Systems Engineering - Holographic Systems.
Repair and upkeep of Holodeck systems.
Usually used by; Holographic Specialists and Operations Officers.

Personal Equipment - Comm Badge/Universal Translator.
Not a new specialisation, however, considering that during TNG era, the Universal Translator was installed within the standard comm badge, there seemed little point in separating their functions.
Usually used by; Communications Specialists, Linguists and Diplomats.

Primitive Weapon - Shotgun.
One of the few ancient Earth gunpowder weapons to remain in some common usage, owing much to its enduring sports use, still used for target shooting in the Olympics in the 24th century.
Usually used by; Sportsmen.

Ships Systems - Probes.
Used for the use and adjustment of the various Probes, available aboard almost all Space Going vessels. This will include the specialist through to the multi-purpose Probes utilising the common remote piloting interface.
Usually used by; Scientists and Starship Crew.

Systems Engineering - Jury Rig
This Engineering Specialisation allows the character to patch and repair equipment and Starship Systems in an emergency. Jury Rigged repairs are often ad-hoc and non standard and by definition they are also temporarily, creating a hodgepodge mix of technologies and combining elements that may not perform the desired function for long, just requiring them to function '…just long enough'... Although the character must also have some levels of skill in the use or engineering of the desired equipment being repaired. This skill is also often used the advantage ‘Innovative’. Use of this skill will reduce the target difficulty of a repair challenge by one level. But should the character roll a dramatic failure during the repair he will make matters worse and additional repair tests will be required to resolve. In game usage if a dramatic failure is rolled using the repaired systems will result in systems failure.

Vehicle Operations – Lifepod
While Starfleet personnel are all rated on Lifepod controls and evacuation procedures, they are designed with standard LCARs interface. However some specialists are trained in the specialist piloting of Escape Craft.
Usually used by; Starship Crew.

Weaponsmith - Antique Weapon Restoration.
The ability to rebuild and restore ancient weapons, also used as an understanding of the operation of said weapons, under the right circumstances this skill could even be used to build a replica of such a weapon, from Katana Swords to Projectile weapons...
Usually used by; Historians and Collectors.

[Dan Gurden]

Science;
Medical Sciences – Cloning
In biology, cloning is the process of producing similar populations of genetically identical individuals. From a microscopic level through to the replication of complex living matter.
Medical Sciences – Forensic Pathology
A sub-specialty of pathology that focuses on determining the cause of death by examining a corpse. The autopsy is performed by a medical examiner, usually during the investigation of criminal law cases and civil law cases in some jurisdictions.
Medical Sciences – Neurology
Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with disorders of the nervous system.
Medical Sciences – Pharmacology
An understanding of Pharmaceuticals and their development
Medical Sciences – Quarantine
An understanding of Quarantine procedures, used to separate and restrict the movement of persons; it is a 'state of enforced isolation'. This is often used in connection to disease and illness, such as those who may possibly have been exposed to a communicable disease.
Medical Sciences - Virology.
Is the study of viruses – submicroscopic, parasitic particles of genetic material contained in a protein coat – and virus-like agents, and their treatments.
Usually used by; Doctors, Medical Staff and Specialists.

Physical Science – Pyrotechnics
The knowledge and use of Pyrotechnics. From setting fires (both real and less dangerous fire effects), through to black-powder Fireworks (and their more modern equivalents). Also would include knowledge and respect for the dangers involved
Usually used by; Firework enthusiast, Firemen,

Planetary Sciences – Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi, and other life forms for food, fiber, biofuel, medicinals and other products used to sustain and enhance life.
Planetary Sciences – Climatology
The study of climate, scientifically defined as weather conditions averaged over a period of time. A climatologist attempts to discover and explain the impacts of climate so that society can plan its activities, design its buildings and infrastructure, and anticipate patterns.
Planetary Science – Ecology
The scientific analysis and study of interactions among organisms and their environment, such as the interactions organisms have with each other and with their abiotic environment.
Planetary Science – Meteorology
The interdisciplinary scientific study of the atmosphere, also used for weather planning and prediction.
Usually used by; Scientists, Farmers and Colonists..

Social Sciences - Vulcan Behavioural Algorithms.
A Vulcan technique, using mathematical and logical models, to understand and even possibly predict the illogical behaviour of other more emotional species.
Usually used by; Vulcan sociologists & Diplomats.

Space Science - Wormhole Theory
Knowledge of Wormholes, historically and theoretically. Many such specialists have sought assignment in Bajor sector where the presence of the stable Bajoran Wormhole has enabled significant understanding and application of the theories.
Space Science - Alternative Dimensions
Knowledge of alternative dimension theory and applications in the real-world. Many Starfleet vessels have reported this phenomenon and a few Scientists have analysed any available sensor data to support these reports to identify, predict and if need be protect against these dimensional incursions.
Usually used by; Scientists and Starfleet types

[Dan Gurden]

Other Skills;
Artistic Expression - Academic Writing
The ability to write and develop an academic paper suitable for peer review. Presenting theory and evidence while trying to engage your readers and foster greater understanding. A well developed paper could help earn the author renown and the respect of their peers. Starfleet actively encourages its personnel to develop and present their own papers.
Usually used by; Academic Scholars, Medical Practitioners and Scientists.

Artistic Expression – Bajoran Iconography
The study and understanding or Bajoran religious and social Iconography. This is nmore focused on the imagery associated with the Bajoran Religion and commonly incorporated into their everyday design ethic over the written Bajoran Language.
Usually used by; Bajoran Priests and Artists

Artistic Expression - Holography.
The writing of Holodeck programs and holo-dramas, very closely related to the Computer specialisation Holodeck Programming, however while one deals with the basic number crunching, this specialisation approaches from a far more artistic angle.
Usually used by; Holographic Specialists, Holodrama Writers, Casual Users of Holodecks.

Artistic Expression – Music Composition
The ability to create a musical composition
Usually used by; Musicians

Bargain - Trade Negotiation
The ability to negotiate trade agreements, usually as part of a diplomatic package, can be made between governments, or when engaging a large scale supplier of product.
Usually used by; Diplomats, Bureaucrats and Merchants

Charm - Personable.
Not everyone is a master of seduction, nor can they influence or appeal. Some people are just plain nice and work to make friends to help influence events and encourage people to go their way, simply because they want to help their friend...
Usually used by; Anyone.

Charm – Performance
The skill of swaying a crowd. Using your abilities to put on a show and draw in
Usually used by; Musicians, Artists, Actors, Conmen and Priests,

Culture - Ferengi Laws of Acquisition.
"Once you have their money, never give it back" Rule of Acquisition Number 1.
All Ferengi Males are expected to learn and understand all 285 Rules of Acquisition before adolescence. These laws are those which govern and restrict trade agreements between the Ferengi and any trade partners.
Usually used by; All Ferengi and Traders.

Stealth - Crowds.
The ability to blend into a crowd and avoid detection, best used in an urban environment.
Usually used by; Spies, Criminals, Law Enforcement Officers and City Dwellers.

Streetwise - Bajoran Resistance
The knowledge of Bajoran resistance activities, from locating dead drops and supply caches to secret communications identifying threats and friends. Many of these skills were taught to the Maquis in their continued fight with the Cardassian regime.
Usually used by; Bajorans (not just active resistance), Some Cardassian Operatives, and even the Maquis

Streetwise – Streetsmarts
Some people are savvy to the ebbs and flow of the street, while they may not be directly connected to any direct criminal activity, they can gauge the mood of a crowd or notice changes in the activity around them that might help them find their way around a location and avoid trouble.
Usually used by; Anyone

[Owen E Oulton]

I do this also. One of the first I did was Psychology. The inclusion of this under Medical Sciences goes all the way back to FASA, but the LUG team followed suit. Under FASA, it was simply a part of a skill group, but in the ICON rules, getting a skill in surgery qualifies you to to psychological counselling - NOT! Counselling would logically go here as well as under Persuasion as you have it. a character with professional levels of Medical Sciences and Psychology would qualify to be a Psychiatrist.

Psychology (Intellect)
Abnormal Psychology, Counselling, Forensic Psychology, Lie Detection, Psychoanalysis, Psychology (Specific Race or Culture), Xenopsychology

The Psychology skill deals with the workings of the sapient mind. Abnormal Psychology deals with the study of mental illnesses; Forensic Psychology with reconstructing the motivations behind a particular act (usually as part of a criminal investigation), Psychoanalysis with the treatment of psychological disorders; Psychology (Specific Race or Culture) with the psychological processes of a specific species; and Xenopsychology with the study of the psychological processes of unfamiliar races.

[Dan Gurden]

Yep always liked the seperation of Phsycology as a seperate skill, along with the distinction between Counsellor and Psychiatrist. Maybe Medical Sciences (Pharmacology)? After all they can pescribe medication.

We never saw Troi butting in at medical with her superior medical knowledge

[Owen E Oulton]

If the character is also an MD, as would be required for a Psychatrist, they would have Pharmacology at their base skill level. Most doctors do not need a high level of Pharmacology, unless they're a specialist or researcher.

[Dan Gurden]

Did anyone ever run up an alternative templete for Ships Counsellor swapping out the Medical Science for Psychology. With supporting roles for a more qualified Ships Psychatrist, and perhaps the Yeoman attached to the team (part personal assistant, part orderly?

Next question. Unlikely as it seems could a fully qualified Psychatrist become a ships CMO?

Although we have now digressed from thesource material and going in a direction suitable for IKI's medical rules;
http://forum.trek-rpg.net/showthread...-Medical-rules

[Owen E Oulton]

Counsellor

Administration (Starship Administration) 2 (3)
First Aid (choose Specialisation) 1 (2)
Psychology (choose Specialisation) 2 (3)
Persuasion (Counselling) 2 (3)
Shipboard Systems (Medical) 2 (3)
Athletics (choose Specialisation) 1 (2)
Computer (choose Specialisation) 1 (2)
Dodge 1
Energy Weapon (Phaser) 1 (2)
History (Federation) 1 (2)
Language - Federation Standard 1
Law (Starfleet Regulations) 1 (2)
Personal Equipment (choose Specialisation) 1 (2)
Planetside Survival (choose Specialisation) 1 (2)
Vehicle Operation (Shuttlecraft) 1 (2)

[Dan Gurden]

Perhaps Ships systems could be optional? Command or Communitions might seem a better fit for a Counselor spending most of the time on the bridge?

[Owen E Oulton]

I suppose so - in early episodes, Troi was much less the ship's psychologist than a soviet-era zampolit without the police powers, so as a captain's advisor this could well be appropriate.

[Dan Gurden]

You noticed that too? I always had Mirror Universe Troi down as a Political officer and the scariest person on the ship...

[Owen E Oulton]

You noticed that too? I always had Mirror Universe Troi down as a Political officer and the scariest person on the ship...

Keeper of the Agoniser Booth. Deanna, She-Wolf of the ISS...

[Dan Gurden]

Keeper of the Agoniser Booth. Deanna, She-Wolf of the ISS...

And absolutely the star of the show...

Next one. Have we ever run a Mirror Universe twist on the standard Starfleet overlays? Lots of Knife work and intimidation methinks...