These are All the skills that I know of:
Masters of this art are informed in the interaction of substances, both natural and mystical. They are particularly renowned for the brewing of potions of great virtue.
All alchemists are able to create at least eight distinct potions, each one derived primarily from one of the eight reagents.
From the BLACK PEARL is brewed a RED potion of REFRESHMENT.
From BLOODMOSS is brewed a BLUE potion to increase AGILITY.
From GARLIC is brewed a BLACK potion which strikes the drinker BLIND.
From GINSING is brewed a YELLOW potion virtuous for the HEALING of wounds.
From MANDRAKE is brewed a WHITE potion for the enhancement of bodily STRENGTH.
From NIGHTSHADE is brewed a GREEN tincture of most deadly POISON.
From SPIDER SILK is brewed an ORANGE draught of SLEEP.
From SULPHUROUS ASH is brewed a volatile PURPLE mixture which produces a formidable EXPLOSION.
While the alchemist's laboratory customarily contains a copious selection of tools and vessels, a skilled alchemist in truth needs little more than the proper reagent and a vessel to hold the finished distillation in order to create any of the potions here listed.
Anatomy The mysteries of the structures of the human body are useful not only to the healer, but also to the fighter, who through study acquires the ability to gauge accurately the strength and agility of an opponent.
Animal Lore The ignorant rightly fear the claws and fangs of the beasts of the field, but those who are wise in their ways walk unafraid in the deepest wilderness.
Those who are informed in the lore of animals may look at a beast and discern its accustomed habitat, its uses (that is, whether it yields fur, palatable meat or other useful products) and whether or not it is presently hungry or satiated. Those who travel with animal companions may discern much about the mood and disposition of their pet with this skill.
Animal Taming One must often rely on one's companions on a journey. When no human companions are available, a well-trained steed or faithful hound can often serve the same purpose. Most any beast can be trained, and it is said that some have even tamed young dragons. Be warned, however, that the wilder beasts require far more skill to turn to the trainer's will, and all trained animals must be treated kindly and kept well fed, lest they turn on their masters.
Archery The noble art of the bow is useful both as a means of defense and as a means of procuring food. A keen eye is needed whether one prefers the bow or crossbow, and the skilled archer also finds enhanced accuracy with spears and other thrown weapons.
Arms Lore If one aspires to be a warrior, it is insufficient for one to merely seek mastery of one's own body and chosen style of combat. One should also acquire some ken of the weapons, styles and techniques which may be faced in battle.
Those fully conversant in such lore may discern the amount of protection offered by armor of a given type, and the harm that can done with a certain weapon. Further, they can tell on sight whether a weapon can be wielded with one or two hands, what sort of wound it produces (whether it be made to slash, bash or pierce a foe), its state of repair, whether it is too large or unwieldy to be used to full effect given the wielder's size and strength, and the range of a projectile. Finally, it is most useful to be able to recognize a poisoned or envenomed blade.
Begging An ignoble skill, to be sure, but few travellers indeed are never required to rely on the mercy and generosity of strangers when their fortunes turn. It requires a specific humble demeanor to approach a passer-by for alms and come away with a coin rather than a cuff.
Blacksmithy Although it is the work of a lifetime to wholly master the smithy's art, it is within the reach of any interested traveller to acquire such fundamental skills as the shoeing of a horse or the honing of a blade.
There are many tools of metal work, but at minimum one must have a hammer and tongs, access to a forge or anvil, and a sufficient supply of raw metal. With these, the smith can make or repair all manner of armor and weapons.
Bowcraft/Fletching Fletching is the technique of making true arrows, while a bowyer, of course, is a maker of bows. Those who study one invariably acquire similar skill in the other. The fletcher learns to select sticks which can be shaped into strong, straight shafts, then fixing the proper sort of feather to the shaft to guide it surely in flight. Likewise the bowyer learns to select and shape a firm yet pliant bowshaft and string it to the correct tension.
Camping It is a foolish wanderer indeed who believes that one will always have the funds to pass the night in an inn, or indeed that there will always be an inn convenient when night falls. Therefore it behooves all who seek a life on the road to learn to establish a camp that is secure from beasts and the elements, which also offers a degree of defense against human predators.
The first art of the camper is to learn to build a warm fire which burns clean and lasts long. A well-selected campsite with a properly made campfire becomes a place of safety and refuge from the terrors of the wild.
Carpentry Given ownership or access to the proper tools, the carpenter can make any number of containers or items of furniture. A skilled carpenter can hew the wood and prepare the lumber necessary for the task.
The woodshaper's art has a multitude of uses in making oneself comfortable on the road. And, should funds be short, there is always work available for a competent wood worker.
Cartography Many a great find has been lost forever when the finder was unable to return to the site of the discovery. The mapmaker's art will allow one to be sure, not only of where one is, but also of where one has been. A well-drawn map will also allow one to chart a course while sailing. Most mapmakers scorn to work on anything save a roll of specially prepared vellum, made to hold a mark without fading or smearing, and to withstand heavy use in harsh conditions.
Cooking It is simple enough to bake a loaf or roast game or fish over a flame, but the charm of such fare soon pales. A basic understanding of simple cookery can greatly increase one's comfort. Simple dough can be easily combined by the skilled cook with honey, meat, fruit or vegetables to produce a dish far more palatable than simple bread and roasted meat. Of course, the most subtle cooking skills are of little use unless one may build a fire, or already has one nearby.
Detecting Hidden Travellers live by the keenness of their senses. They must develop them to perceive ambushes, entrapments and things of value which others might miss. Just as it is wise to cultivate the ability to hide from one's enemies, so it is also wise to learn to seek out those who may be hidden. This is the method of focusing all one's attention on a small area, until one is sure that no one and no thing lies in wait therein.
Enticement A skill particular to the bard, allowing one to summon both folk and wild beasts near by the playing of a harp or similar instrument. This is a useful art which must be used with caution, for it will entice both friend and foe to one's side. Once a subject is within arm's reach, however, the enchantment is broken, and the subject may act freely, even with hostile intent towards the bard is hostile.
Evaluating
Evaluating Intellect The ability to judge the mental acuity of those one meets, whether another be clever or dull, wise or foolish. For just as it is prudent to judge the physical prowess of a foe before entering battle, it is equally necessary to judge the intellectual capabilities of those with whom one deals, lest a battle of wits be lost.
Fencing A fencer is one who duels with a light sword or dagger. This is a more subtle skill than common swordplay, and is regarded by most as a pursuit of gentlefolk. However, the lightness of the fencing arsenal and its effectiveness against more heavily armed foes makes this a desirable skill for travellers of all social stations.
Fishing
Fishing The bounty of the land's lakes, streams and rivers is entirely sufficient to support a wanderer who knows how to harvest their plenty. An angler, or fisherman, can feed both self and companions by the correct application of a fishing pole in a likely body of water.
Forensic Evaluation The dead do indeed tell tales, to those who can read aright the signs. Forensic evaluation is the minute examination of a corpse in search of signs of the causes or perpetrators of its demise. Though it may seem a grisly pursuit, this art has long been practiced by the canniest adventurers, for the presence of a recently slain body suggests that the slayer is still nearby. It is wise to know as much as possible about a slayer before one meets him, her or it.
Healing Many are the perils of the wilderness, and wise is the one who knows how to tend the injuries and maladies of others. The staunching of wounds, to stabilize the injured party and allow the healing process to begin, is of paramount interest to the traveller. Even simple healing requires a supply of clean, prepared bandages.
Herding
Herding A herdsman is one who can cause animals to go where he wishes them to be. It requires the vigorous employment of a shepherd's crook in addition to understanding of the ways of beasts. This art is useful in any region where herds are kept.
Hiding Prudence demands that one will sometimes have to conceal oneself. There are many subtle secrets to remaining concealed from canny and determined seekers. Effective hiding demands absolute stillness, for movement draws the eye. It is, of course, easier to hide in places where natural cover is already plentiful, but I have known masters of concealment who could vanish from sight on a new-mown lawn.
Inscription
Inscription At its most basic level, this skill allows one to copy a text from one scroll or book into another with speed and accuracy. It is also essential to those who study the magical arts, allowing the mage to transfer spells from scrolls or tomes to the mage's own book of spells.
Item Identification All who travel the land's byways must betimes trade for their needs, and it is therefore necessary that all travellers should discern the valuable from the worthless. It is further desirable to discern if a commodity has its full value in a certain place at a certain time, or whether it would be more profitable if sold elsewhere.
Finally, it behooves the traveller to recognize the signs of enchantment, if an item of magical potency should chance to come into his possession.
Lockpicking Although usually attributed only to felons, this talent can also come in most useful if, for example, one is falsely imprisoned, or one's rightful belongings are sealed away out of one's reach for unjust reason. But the locksmiths of the land are cunning, and the better-wrought the lock, the harder the picking of it. Furthermore, there are many magically secured locks, and these are utterly immune to the possibility of mechanical tampering.
Mace Fighting A mace is an excellent weapon for a strong warrior, and even a simple club is far preferable to being completely unarmed. Blunt weapons require a unique style of use, quite different from that of edged or pointed arms. Practice with the mace or club can also enhance the skills of one who fights with the axe.
Magery While some of the simple folk still hold a supernatural fear of spellcraft, a certain facility with the mystical is an extremely useful pursuit. It is not necessary to acquire all the mastery of the great wizards, for even a few simple spells can greatly ease the trials of a wanderer's life.
Musicianship Even non-bards can find many occasions to produce a merry tune. But the greatest virtue of the minstrel's art is that it provides a gateway leading to the more subtle and potent skills of the true bard, wherein music may be used to exercise great influence over the actions of others. These skills are catalogued herein as Enticement, Peacemaking, and Provocation. Until one has mastered the playing of some instrument, it is futile to aspire to the more profound bardic arts.
Parrying There will be times, particularly for those who are not warriors by trade, when it is more expedient to hold off the enemy than to seek outright victory. A thorough knowledge of the arts of defense and evasion is fully as necessary as a command of offensive techniques.
Peacemaking One of several skills unique to the art of the bard. It may not be used by any who is not already the master of the harp, or some other musical instrument of choice.
When used successfully, the bard will cause all fights within the immediate vicinity to cease. A skillful bard is even able to pacify hostile creatures, giving rise to the adage "music hath charms to soothe the savage beast."
Poisoning Not simply a skill for murderers, a knowledge of poisons can come in useful in the elimination of monsters and pests. One skilled in poisons can work this deadly art on food or drink, or envenom a blade or arrow (though such venoms rapidly wear off with use). Poison causes sickness, sometimes to death, and more advanced brews may cause the victim to lose strength and become slow and clumsy as it takes effect.
Provocation It lies within the powers of the bard not merely to calm the spirit with his music, but also to enflame it, to stiffen the resolve of the timid and move the overly-cautious to action. With this skill, the bard can actually turn common foes against one another, leaving the bard free to escape while the former confederates fight among themselves.
Resisting Spells
Resisting Spells Whether or not one has ever acquired any proficiency in the magical arts oneself, it is possible to toughen the mind so that one becomes far more resistant to enchantment than the norm. Most adventurers who have survived a few mystical assaults avow that their ability to withstand magical attack has increased with each occult battle.
Snooping This is the name which those who live by thievery have given to their ability to surreptitiously ascertain the contents of a pack or pouch, ere they exercise their other arts which lead to the lightening of said vessel. Useful only to those of larcenous intent, I include this skill in my catalog only for completeness' sake, and as a warning to the honest traveller, who may find some forewarning of the methods of scoundrels useful.
Spirit Speak The spirits of the dead are all around, and most have seen Them. When ghosts are visible, they can also be heard. To most, the voice of the dead is but a soft moaning like an errant breeze, but it is possible to cultivate the art of understanding ghostly murmurs. Those who have mastered spirit speech may converse with a shade as readily as though the living person stood before them.
Stealing The thief is most cunning in the dastardly ability to remove your belongings, even from your pack while you wear it on your own shoulders. I have known a few honorable folk who practice this skill only against the unjust or dishonest, but most thieves are naught but rogues, thoroughly deserving the lash or the blade.
Swordsmanship The ancient and honorable art of fighting with a broadsword, scimitar, flamberge or similar heavy sword is, and surely ever has been, the most attractive option for the traveller with a mind to self defense. The sword is a versatile, powerful weapon which is easily carried. It is simple to learn the basics, but the work of a lifetime to attain complete mastery.
Tactics Individual tactics involves the ability to discern the best way to position oneself to take advantages of an opponent's weakness, the optimal timing of attacks, and the ability to anticipate an opponent's movements or surprise with an unexpected maneuver. It is a subtle art in its own right, quite distinct from simple weapon mastery.
Tailoring The tailor must first learn to spin thread from cotton or flax, and yarn from wool. Then it must be woven on the loom to make cloth, which is then made into clothing. Most tailors also sell their scraps as bandages. Tailoring is an extremely practical trade for the traveller, first because it is always useful, but also because the tools requisite for sewing (if not those for weaving or spinning) are so easily carried in a pack.
Taste Identification Those who develop their sense of taste can oft times discern subtle poisons before they do harm, or tell the use of a potion without diminishing its ultimate effect.
Tinkering Mine own primary calling, a tinker was, from ancient times, a maker and repairer of pots and kettles. Today, however, our skills are more in demand for the making of fine tools for the use of all trades, in addition to precision instruments such as clocks and the mariner's sextant. Although the raw materials with which a tinker works can be massive indeed, the actual tools of the tinker can be easily carried about from town to town.
Tracking Though rangers are most famed for their skills in tracking, all who keep their eyes opened in the wilderness can soon learn to recognize which creatures have passed by recently, and in what direction they then proceeded. Tracking can be useful in obtaining your next meal, or to discover if something is nearby which might see you as its next meal.
Veterinary The value of a faithful steed or animal companion I have already mentioned. Because of this value, it is good to be able to see to the health of such creatures. Further, the skills of a healer-of-beasts are always in demand.
Wrestling By "wrestling" I mean not only the sport of grappling, but all forms of unarmed combat, including kicks and fisticuffs. If one is unarmed against a beweaponed foe, it is foolish to distinguish between fair blows or foul, honorable or ignoble techniques. Instead, one must be willing to take full advantage of all the opportunities which one's body affords.