Pilot Skills and Studies
Please note that the Pilot Skills and Studies are currently suspended, pending a think-through and possible re-working. However feel free to browse what is here, so that you may plan for the future. All information here is subject to change. - VENA staff
Introduction[edit]
If there is one thing we truly believe here at the Naval Academy, it is that you are more then mere cannon fodder, a mere cog in the ever grinding machine of war. Chances are you're character knows something outside of the cockpit, something that makes them unique, and this would have been reflected in you're bio's and you're character development. The Academy approves of such character enhancing skills, approves of them so much that we have developed a formal way to integrate them into you're day to day life here at the VE by creating the Pilot Skills & Studies Program.
The purpose of this program is to establish any traits, traces of random knowledge and expertise, and transform them into a skill- something notable and helpful on the frontlines. However, while building these general skills, whether it be in the medical or some other engineering field, you will discover what makes your character different- unique. The way in which you do something just a little differently than everyone else, all those little nuances - these are the essence of your character.
As we have stated at other points in your training, the Vast Empire is not the tyrannical Galactic Empire of old, but rather a different entity all together. Where the Emperor's regime created unfaltering obedience through brain washing, false information and other capricious tactics, they lost individualism; independence was dead and so were the hearts of its 'war machine'.
We here at the Vast Empire wish to retain those abilities, personalities and ideals that keeps people from transforming into the mindless automatons the old Empire favored. It is because of this that you are building these 'skills.' These skills, while useful in combat, may well reveal the true identity of your character.
That is not to say the 'grand' concepts summarized above are necessarily your grounds for taking these skills and studies more seriously. While it is true that the system of ranks and other individual elevations will allow you to develop your character more accurately, the most notable use of this system is to collectively 'shake up' the Naval Stories.
The things that immediately come to mind when considering a Naval story, despite the size of the arena in which it takes place, are space ships, space, and death. This is where these skills come into play. Rather than assume your character can only fly, we take those 'nuances' mentioned above, and make them the plot-line. Your character may be exhausted from battle, but do you think that's going to stop them from helping their injured friend if they have the skills to do so? Enter the Pilot Skills and Studies.
System[edit]
As with the Pilot Proficiencies Program (In development), it is necessary to distinguish between the aptitudes and gifts of one pilot from another. Sure, you claim to be an engineer, but how good are ya? Do you really think you can handle that piece of heavy machinery, Screwdriver Steve? I hope those bruises on your fingers aren't from hitting yourself with the hammer too many times because you may just have a problem with that vibro-cutter or spot welder... and thats where our neat little system comes in.
Every person, regardless of what they want to go into has to start at the bottom. (Except for special circumstances, which will come later.) Unlike the Pilot Proficiencies however, if you don't have your character develop any of these skills or go into any of these studies, they really should know absolutely nothing about it. They may think they know something about it, but they would really be quite useless in most situations. A bit authoritarian perhaps, but we can't have everyone knowing everything, it takes away from people's ability to be both unique and innovative.
Also, you may only pick two skills, known as the 'Primary' and 'Secondary' skills. The former being the better of the two skills and the latter being less of a focus. So if we wanted someone to be both a mechanic and a tech, they'd have to choose which one they're 'better' at. It is the hope that with these two skills working in combination with Pilot Proficiencies,you will have a very rounded character.
On a final note, we do not want the system laid out here to rule you're character with an 'Iron Will'. These are merely guidelines to help make the whole experience safe and fun for everyone. Some may say there are several holes with the system - if you think this is the case, then by all means contact the VENA staff with your suggestions, none of this is set in stone.
In the meantime though, I shall sum up the "guidelines" as they stand:
1) Everyone, unless granted special authority, starts off at the bottom of the food chain.
2) You can only have two additional skills or studies: the one you are best at is known as the 'Primary' and the one you can do but aren't quite as skilled with will be known as the 'Secondary.'
3) When choosing which skills or studies you'd like to pursue, it may be best to choose something you already know about from real-life experiences. That or our staff may be able to point out some helpful resources.
4) No one is allowed to start on this programme until they have met the following provisional criteria:
- They have received written permission from their commanding officer.
- They have been continually active for at least two months.
- They have taken and passed their Senior Aviators Exam.
Again, this criteria is subject to change, and of course are subject to any special circumstances
5) All of these skills are considered subordinate to your character's piloting: or at least in terms of focus. Though you may be better at attending to the sick, your pilot's primary concern will always being flying, regardless of whether or not they can do it well.
Skills and Studies[edit]
Whether or not you are ready to take on the extra studies, you'll probably want to read about what's on offer so that you can make a quick, informed decision when the time comes. Below are all the current skills and studies available to navy personnel along with the rank progression. There are also links that hold more comprehensive information about the particular skill.
Please note that all of this information is subject to change. Should you have any questions, contact the VENA staff.
Navy Medics - under re-construction
-> Specialist: Drugs & Medicine(Basic) -> Advance
Medical Trainee -> Medical Orderly -> Field Medic - -> Specialist: Xeno Biology(Basic) -> Advanced
-> Specialist: Health & Fitness(Basic) -> Advanced
Navy Pathfinder - pending
-> Specialist: Communications(Basic) -> Advanced
Scout -> Vanguard -> Pathfinder - -> Specialist: Reconnaissance(Basic) -> Advanced
-> Specialist: ?(Basic) -> Advanced
Navy Engineer - pending
-> Specialist: Fighter Design(Basic) -> Advanced
Trainee Engineer -> Engineer's Assistant -> Engineer - -> Specialist: Field Engineer(Basic) -> Advanced
-> Specialist: Research & Development(Basic) -> Advanced
Navy Mechanic - under reconstruction
-> Specialist: Fighters(Basic) -> Advanced
Trainee Mechanic -> Mechanic's Apprentice -> Mechanic - -> Specialist: Ship(Basic) -> Advanced
-> Specialist: Droids & Weapons(Basic) -> Advanced
Navy Technician - pending
-> Specialist: Programming(Basic) -> Advanced
Trainee Technician -> Assistant Technician -> Technician - -> Specialist: Hardware(Basic) -> Advanced
-> Specialist: Slicing(Basic) -> Advanced
Naval Intelligence - pending
-> Specialist: Assassination(Basic) -> Advanced
Trainee operative -> Minor Operative -> Full Operative - -> Specialist: Espionage(Basic) -> Advanced
-> Specialist: Sabotage(Basic) -> Advanced
Please Note, that you may only specialise in your Primary Study Skill. For you're secondary skill you may only advance to Rank 3.
Starting a Skill or Study[edit]
If you feel that you really want to add any of these abilities to your character's arsenal and you pass the requirements for doing so, you'll need to get in contact with any of the members from the Vast Empire Naval Academy Staff (VENA-S). It is they who will set you up with members who have some experience and will provide you with examples of the skill you're interested in.
