====== Skill Sets ======

A skill set is a collection of traits relevant to a particular
action niche like car chases, gunfights, or blowing things up.
Think of it as defining the same kind of role as one of the
templates in Heroes or Furious Fists, but far narrower: a face
man is good at charm, impersonation, business deals, languages, and much more; a skill set might cover just one of
those areas. This allows you to fine-tune your character, mixing and matching in ways that are awkward with 250-point
templates. It also lets you create specialists suited to lower- or
higher-powered campaigns, or for use as minor NPCs.
Skill sets mostly contain skills, whence the name. However,
training can also convey perks, or the specialized techniques
from pp. 16-19 of Furious Fists. It’s even possible to gain
attribute levels and advantages this way, which you can interpret as either “The training helped me develop my talents” or
“I was chosen for this training because I had these gifts” . . .
the choice doesn’t affect the rules in the slightest.
Each skill set comes with a name and a description. These
often suggest some kind of real-life training, but that doesn’t
mean you took such a course! You might have learned on the
street or at the school of hard knocks, or be a natural. Still, it’s
fun to think about the order you learned things in and come
up with an origin story. That, too, has no effect on the rules,
although it’s likely to affect what the GM is willing to accept
when you get to Everybody Comes from Somewhere (pp. 32-33).
Skill sets cost 25 points apiece. Many overlap, which is
tackled in By the Book (pp. 28-30). For now, simply note which
ones you’re spending points on and make any choices they
offer – but be aware that it’s more effective to select sets that
complement each other and overlap just a little, and that if
you really want to focus on an area, you can select the same
option twice. Double the level of each attribute, secondary characteristic, or leveled
advantage or perk, and the points in each skill or technique, subject
to any notes in the skill set and the limits discussed in By the Book
(pp. 28-30). Where the skill set offers choices, you may choose differently the second time if you want. A few skill sets offer 25- and 50-point
versions; always use the 50-point one when doubling up.
You can sometimes take a power-up more than once; where that’s
allowed, see the specific package for notes and effects.

Academics
25 points
You went to school and did well, whether that means a
liberal-arts education or (with Scientist, p. 21) being a cinematic Mr. Wizard. Any hero can improve IQ later on (From
Good to Great, pp. 31-32), but if being “book smart” is your
skill set, try to build it into your backstory.
Attributes: IQ +1 [20].
Skills: Research (IQ/A) [2]; Teaching (IQ/A) [1]; Writing
(IQ/A) [2].

Airborne School
25 points
You’re trained at military or paramilitary parachuting. You
have no problem with jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, and you’re ready to handle threats – environmental or
human – when you land.
Advantages: Fearlessness 1 [2].
Perks: Upside-Down (Knife) [1].
Skills: Fast-Draw (Knife) (DX/E) [1]; Guns
(Rifle or Submachine Gun) (DX/E) [2];
Jumping (DX/E) [1]; Knife (DX/E) [2];
Navigation (Land) (IQ/A) [2]; Parachuting (DX/E) [4]; Soldier (IQ/A) [2]. • Two
of these options, or one of them twice:
Advanced Jump: HAHO, HALO, and all that
jazz. Skills: Parachuting (DX/E) [4].
Air Assault: Gliding down a rope under
whirling helicopter blades. Skills: Climbing (DX/A) [2]. Techniques: Rappelling at
Climbing+1 [2].
Glider Insertion: Using any kind of steerable glider. Skills:
Piloting (Glider) (DX/A) [4].
Amphibious Operations
25 points
You’ve studied military or paramilitary small-watercraft
ops – anything from coast-guard work to marine expeditions.
You’re at home on a rocking ship or waist-deep in water, and
know your way around small craft.
Advantages: Breath-Holding 1 [2].
Perks: Any two of Naval Training [1], Old Salt [1], or SureFooted (Shallow Water) [1].
Skills: Boating (Motorboat) (DX/A) [8]; Knot-Tying (DX/E)
[1]; Navigation (Sea) (IQ/A) [2]; Seamanship (IQ/E) [2];
Soldier (IQ/A) [2]; Survival (Island/Beach) (Per/A) [2];
Swimming (HT/E) [4].
Area Security
25 points
You’re trained at guarding and patrolling airports, borders,
and similar chokepoints. Your tools of choice are well-trained
senses, sensors (metal detectors, X-ray machines, and even
ground radar), and dogs.
Secondary Characteristics: Per +1 [5].
Skills: Animal Handling (Dogs) (IQ/A) [4]; Body Language
(Per/A) [2]; Electronics Operation (Security) (IQ/A) [4];
Electronics Operation (Sensors) (IQ/A) [2]; Observation
(Per/A) [2]; Search (Per/A) [2]; Tactics (IQ/H) [4].
Armory
25 points
You’re qualified to maintain, modify, and repair manportable weapons and add-ons. You don’t design them, but
you’re adept at procuring and customizing such gear . . . and
you’ve been known to improvise the occasional silencer or
Molotov cocktail.
Advantages: Artificer 1 [10].
Perks: Any two of Cheaper Gear (Guns) [1], Equipment Bond
(any one tool kit) [1], or Weapon Bond (any one gun) [1].
Skills: Armoury (Heavy Weapons) (IQ/A) [4]; Armoury
(Small Arms) (IQ/A) [4]; Explosives (Fireworks) (IQ/A) [2];
Machinist (IQ/A) [2]; Scrounging (Per/E) [1].
Bon Vivant
25 points
You’re most at home when you have your arm around
someone attractive and your feet on a dance floor. You’re also
a regular James Bond when it comes to card games, fine wine,
and fashionable clothing. This goes well with Social Engineering (p. 22).
Advantages: Fashion Sense* [5].
Perks: Two of Alcohol Tolerance [1], High-Heeled Heroine [1],
High-Heeled Hurt (requires the previous perk!) [1], Honest
Face [1], No Hangover [1], or Sartorial Integrity [1].
Skills: Carousing (HT/E) [4]; Connoisseur (any) (IQ/A) [4];
Dancing (DX/A) [2]; Gambling (IQ/A) [4]; Sex Appeal
(HT/A) [4].
* When doubling up, the second instance gives Charisma
1 [5].
Booby Traps
25 points
You’re a master at setting and concealing all kinds of nasty
surprises: tripwires, tiger pits, car bombs . . . you name it.
You have a disturbing ability to turn anything you find into a
deadly trap. You might also be good at avoiding such things –
you may use your Slush Fund to buy Enhanced Dodge (Dive
for Cover) [5/level] (Heroes, p. 18).
Skills: Camouflage (IQ/E) [2]; Explosives (Demolition) (IQ/A)
[8]; Mechanic (Automobile) (IQ/A) [2]; Scrounging (Per/E)
[1]; Smuggling (IQ/A) [4]; Traps (IQ/A) [8].
Bugging
25 points
You’re an expert at concealing “wires” and indoor bugs, and
good with recording technology. Many specialists add expertise in Communications (p. 13) and Electronic Surveillance
(p. 14) – and at Illicit Entry (p. 17) in order to break in and
plant bugs.

Advantages: Circuit Sense 2 [10].
Perks: Either Cheaper Gear (Electronics) [1] or Equipment
Bond (any one tool kit) [1].
Skills: Electronics Operation (Media) (IQ/A) [1]; Electronics
Operation (Surveillance) (IQ/A) [4]; Electronics Repair
(Media or Surveillance) (IQ/A) [1]; Holdout (IQ/A) [4];
Smuggling (IQ/A) [4].
Bushwhacker
25 points
You’re adept at moving alongside or ahead of enemies in
the wilderness, setting traps and ambushes. For greater deadliness, add Booby Traps (pp. 11-12) or a combat skill set such
as Sniper School (p. 22). A terrain-specific package like Desert
Training (p. 14), Forest or Jungle Training (p. 16), or Mountain Training (p. 18) is handy if you specialize.
Advantages: Craftiness 1 [5].
Skills: Camouflage (IQ/E) [2]; Naturalist* (IQ/H) [4]; Stealth
(DX/A) [2]; Tactics (IQ/H) [4]; Tracking (Per/A) [4]; Traps
(IQ/A) [4].
* To give Naturalist more oomph in Action, let it act as a
complementary skill when using Camouflage, Stealth, Tactics,
Tracking, or Traps in genuine wilderness (not campgrounds
or city parks!).
Businessperson
25 points
Whether you’re a slick MBA or a self-made success, you’re
good at deals, numbers, and paperwork. In an Action campaign, this usually means you either lead a corporate-backed
team or are using your personal wealth to fund crime or vigilantism on the side.
Advantages: Business Acumen 1 [10].
Skills: Accounting (IQ/H) [4]; Administration (IQ/A) [2]; Gambling (IQ/A) [2]; Leadership (IQ/A) [2]; Merchant (IQ/A)
[2]; Propaganda (IQ/A) [2]; Savoir-Faire (High Society)
(IQ/E) [1].
Car Thief
25 points
You’re great at finding unattended cars, boosting them,
and being gone in 60 seconds – for either personal use or
profit. This enhances Illicit Entry (p. 17) or Security Systems
(p. 21) in a specific role, and fits well with Repairman (p. 20)
or Tactical Driving (p. 22).
Perks: Either Cheaper Gear (Ground Vehicles) [1] or Equipment Bond (any one tool kit) [1].
Skills: Connoisseur (Cars)* (IQ/A) [4]; Driving (Automobile) (DX/A) [2]; Electronics Repair (Security) (IQ/A) [4];
Forced Entry (DX/E) [2]; Lockpicking (IQ/A) [4]; Mechanic
(Automobile) (IQ/A) [4]; Stealth (DX/A) [2]. • One of Area
Knowledge (city) (IQ/E) [2], Streetwise (IQ/A) [2], or Urban
Survival (Per/A) [2].
* Allows a complementary skill roll when applying Electronics Repair, Forced Entry, Lockpicking, or Mechanic to
auto theft – or Merchant or Streetwise to buy/sell cars.
Chemical Safety
25 points
You’re skilled at finding and safely dealing with toxic spills
and nerve gas. To treat poisoning, take Doctor (p. 18) as well.
As dangerous chemicals often go boom, you may use your
Slush Fund to buy Enhanced Dodge (Dive for Cover) [5/level]
(Heroes, p. 18).
Perks: Precautions 1 [1].
Skills: Chemistry (IQ/H) [4]; Electronics Operation (Security) (IQ/A) [4]; Hazardous Materials (Chemical) (IQ/A) [8];
NBC Suit (DX/A) [4]; Poisons (IQ/H) [4].
Cleaning
25 points
You’re the one the mob or shadowy agency calls when sensitive evidence needs to be found and either disposed of or
destroyed. Blood, bodies, spent cartridges . . . you make it go
away. This is dirty, nasty work that brings no glory, but somebody has to do it.
Advantages: Craftiness 1 [5]; Fearlessness 1 [2].
Skills: Camouflage (IQ/E) [1]; Forensics (IQ/H) [4]; Freight
Handling (IQ/A) [2]; Holdout (IQ/A) [1]; Housekeeping
(IQ/E) [4]; Smuggling (IQ/A) [4]. • Either Animal Handling
(Dogs or Pigs) (IQ/A) [2] or Chemistry (IQ/H) [2].
Climber
25 points
You’re an expert at overcoming vertical obstacles – fences,
buildings, rock faces, mountains – and with the use of ropes,
grapnels, and similar equipment. You have a strong grip and
the sure-footedness of a mountain goat.
Advantages: Lifting ST 1 [3].
Perks: Special Exercises (Lifting ST 1)* [1]. • Either Equipment Bond (Climbing Kit) [1] or Sure-Footed (Uneven) [1].
Skills: Acrobatics (DX/H) [4]; Climbing (DX/A) [8]; Jumping
(DX/E) [1]; Knot-Tying (DX/E) [2]; Throwing (DX/A) [2].
Techniques: Rope Up at Climbing-1 [1]; Scaling at Climbing-2
[2].
* When doubling up, treat this as leveled: Special Exercises
(Lifting ST 2) [2].
Close-Quarters Battle
25 points
You’re trained at rapid close-quarters engagements. Take
other skill sets to reflect whether the training was military or
police, or indoors or out. This one covers spotting threats,
fighting with knives and short-ranged firearms, and using (and
resisting) stun grenades.

Secondary Characteristics: Per +1 [5].
Perks: Robust Hearing [1]; Robust Vision [1].
Skills: Fast-Draw (Ammo) (DX/E) [1]; Fast-Draw (Knife)
(DX/E) [1]; Fast-Draw (Long Arm) (DX/E) [1]; Fast-Draw
(Pistol) (DX/E) [1]; Gesture (IQ/E) [1]; Guns (Pistol) (DX/E)
[2]; Knife (DX/E) [1]; Tactics (IQ/H) [4]; Throwing (DX/A)
[2]. • Two of Guns (Grenade Launcher*, Rifle, Shotgun, or
Submachine Gun) (DX/E) [2].
* Heroes with police backgrounds can justify this – it’s used
to deliver tear gas.
Command
25 points
You are or were a military officer or senior NCO, or maybe
a leader in a paramilitary, intelligence, or police force. You
have an inspiring manner, a good range of motivational skills,
and a fair grasp of practical organization. Compare Mastermind (p. 18).
Advantages: Charisma 1 [5].
Perks: Penetrating Voice [1].
Skills: Administration (IQ/A) [2]; Diplomacy (IQ/H) [4];
Intimidation (Will/A) [2]; Leadership (IQ/A) [4]; SavoirFaire (Military or Police) (IQ/E) [1]; Teaching (IQ/A) [2].
• A total of 4 points in Expert Skill (Military Science), Law
(Police), Strategy, or Tactics, all (IQ/H). Those with Sailor
(p. 21) add Shiphandling (IQ/H) to this list.
Communications
25 points
You’re trained at operating and maintaining fancy comms
gear – including direction-finders, jammers, and digital networks – and with codes and ciphers. Espionage work calls
for one or more of Bugging (pp. 11-12), Computer Intrusion
(below), and Electronic Surveillance (p. 14) as well.
Advantages: Acute Hearing 1 [2]; Circuit Sense 1 [5].
Perks: Either Cheaper Gear (Electronics) [1] or Equipment
Bond (any one radio or tool kit) [1].
Skills: Computer Operation (IQ/E) [1]; Cryptography (IQ/H)
[8]; Electronics Operation (Communications) (IQ/A) [4];
Electronics Repair (Communications) (IQ/A) [2]; Electronics Repair (Computers) (IQ/A) [2].
Computer Intrusion
25 points
You’re a hacker, adept at cracking digital
networks and encryption to steal or alter data –
typically using a custom rig, code of your own
design, and a bit of Dumpster-diving.
Advantages: Born to Be Wired 2 [10].
Perks: Either Cheaper Gear (Electronics) [1] or Equipment
Bond (any one computer) [1].
Skills: Computer Hacking (IQ/VH) [4]; Computer Operation
(IQ/E) [1]; Computer Programming (IQ/H) [2]; Cryptography (IQ/H) [2]; Electronics Operation (Communications)
(IQ/A) [1]; Electronics Repair (Computers) (IQ/A) [1];
Expert Skill (Computer Security) (IQ/H) [2]; Scrounging
(Per/E) [1].
Conspiracies
25 points
You’re a conspiracy nut or possibly a MIB. Pick other skill
sets for technical know-how – this one covers seeing plots in
every word you hear or read. Add Detective Work (p. 14) or
Journalism (p. 17) if you pry further, and/or Tradecraft (p. 23)
to foil Them.
Secondary Characteristics: Either Will +1 [5] (iron-willed
true believer) or Per +1 [5] (wary shoulder-checker).
Skills: Current Affairs (Headline News) (IQ/E) [2]; Current
Affairs (Politics) (IQ/E) [2]; Detect Lies (Per/H) [2]; Expert
Skill (Conspiracy Theory)* (IQ/H) [8]; Intelligence Analysis
(IQ/H) [2]; Research (IQ/A) [4].
* In Action, acts as a complementary skill to Current
Affairs, Intelligence Analysis, or Research when probing an
organization (not a lone individual!) that keeps secrets. When
attempting to penetrate active disinformation – e.g., using
Detect Lies on a Brainwashing victim or Intelligence Analysis
to oppose Propaganda – Expert Skill (Conspiracy) can act as
the master skill and the other skill, as complementary.
Construction
25 points
Many action plots require knowledge of buildings, plumbing, tunnels, and so on. Add Illicit Entry (p. 17) to focus on
infiltration, or Demolitions (p. 14) or Sabotage (p. 21) for
destruction. Brawny working-man’s heroes have Physical
Training (pp. 19-20) – or possibly Goon (p. 16).
Advantages: Artificer 1 [10].
Perks: Equipment Bond (any one tool kit or construction
vehicle) [1].
Skills: Architecture (IQ/A) [4]; Forced Entry (DX/E) [2]. • Two
of Carpentry* or Masonry*, both (IQ/E) [2]; Electrician,
Machinist, or Mechanic (any), all (IQ/A) [2]; or Engineer
(Combat) (IQ/H) [2]. • Either Area Knowledge (city or tunnels under a city) (IQ/E) [4] or Urban Survival (Per/A) [4].
* Nonstandard Action skills. Carpentry complements
Architecture, Forced Entry, or Engineer when dealing with
wooden structures; Masonry does the same for stone ones;
and alongside Repairs (Exploits, pp. 41-42), these skills can
fix kicked-in doors, breaks in walls, and so on to create barricades or hide escape routes.
Countersurveillance
25 points
You’re a pro at bug-sweeping and spotting lens glint,
silently signaling your findings, and generally foiling snoops.
Your skills are transferable to snooping, though Electronic
Surveillance (p. 14) or Surveillance (p. 22) is better. Consider
Area Security (p. 11), too.

Secondary Characteristics: Per +1 [5].
Advantages: Circuit Sense 1 [5].
Skills: Electronics Operation (Communications) (IQ/A) [2];
Electronics Operation (Security) (IQ/A) [2]; Electronics
Operation (Sensors) (IQ/A) [2]; Electronics Operation
(Surveillance) (IQ/A) [2]; Gesture (IQ/E) [1]; Observation
(Per/A) [2]; Search (Per/A) [2]; Shadowing (IQ/A) [2].
Cowboy
25 points
Perhaps you aren’t literally a cowboy, but you’re at home
on the range, a fair hand with horses, and a good shot. As
befits the image, you’re tough, rugged, and always see or
hear the bad guys coming. Many a cowboy is also a Bushwhacker (p. 12).
Attributes: HT +1 [10].
Secondary Characteristics: Per +1 [5].
Skills: Guns (Pistol or Rifle) (DX/E) [2]; Riding (Horse) (DX/A)
[4]; Survival (Plains) (Per/A) [2]; Tracking (Per/A) [2].
Criminal Past
25 points
You are or were some kind of crook. Your other skill sets
hint at your crimes – from petty Theft (p. 22) to almost any
violent option for murder for hire – but you’re at home in
seamy cityscapes, around everyone from bums and addicts on
up to “made men.”
Advantages: Contact Group (Gang, mob, or possibly even the
police; Skill-12; 9 or less; Somewhat Reliable)* [5].
Skills: Carousing (HT/E) [2]; Holdout (IQ/A) [4]; Savoir-Faire
(Mafia) (IQ/E) [2]; Streetwise (IQ/A) [4]; Urban Survival
(Per/A) [4]. • Either Fast-Talk (IQ/A) [4] or Intimidation
(Will/A) [4].
* When doubling up, improve skill to 15, or frequency to 12
or less, or reliability to “Usually Reliable.”
Demolitions
25 points
You’re an expert at blowing up structures and obstacles,
with sidelines in arson and high-explosive munitions. To be
a mad bomber, take Booby Traps (pp. 11-12) instead . . . or
as well! Enhanced Dodge (Dive for Cover) [5/level] (Heroes,
p. 18) suits what you do, and you may use your Slush Fund
to acquire it.
Advantages: Fearlessness 1 [2].
Perks: Either Cheaper Gear (Explosives*) [1] or Equipment
Bond (any one tool kit) [1].
Skills: Architecture (IQ/A) [2]; Armoury (Heavy Weapons)
(IQ/A) [2]; Chemistry (IQ/H) [2]; Engineer (Combat) (IQ/H)
[4]; Explosives (Demolition) (IQ/A) [8]; Explosives (Fireworks) (IQ/A) [4].
* Everything under Arson and Demolition (Heroes, p. 26);
all grenades, rockets, and their launchers; and bulk chemicals
for explosives.
Desert Training
25 points
You’re a desert rat, hardened by
blistering heat and whipping sands.
This might be due to military “desert
warfare” training – but it also suits
lone rugged survivalists.
Attributes: HT +1 [10].
Perks: Sure-Footed (Sand) [1].
Skills: Hiking (HT/A) [2]; Navigation (Land) (IQ/A) [2]; Survival (Desert) (Per/A) [8]; Tracking (Per/A) [2].
Detective Work
25 points
You’re a trained crime-solver. A genuine police officer
should add Law Enforcement (pp. 17-18), and possibly Forensics (p. 16) or Undercover (p. 23). This skill set offers basic
interrogation techniques – tack on Interrogation (p. 17) for
secret police.
Secondary Characteristics: Per +1 [5].
Skills: Criminology (IQ/A) [4]; Detect Lies (Per/H) [2]; Intelligence Analysis (IQ/H) [4]; Interrogation (IQ/A) [2];
Research (IQ/A) [2]; Observation (Per/A) [2]; Search (Per/A)
[2]; Streetwise (IQ/A) [2].
Disease Control
25 points
You’re qualified to deal with all manner of scary contagion,
whether contained in a lab or dispersed in a population; to
treat it, take Doctor (p. 18), too. This includes use of the relevant safety gear.
Advantages: Resistant to Disease (+3)* [3].
Skills: Diagnosis (IQ/H) [2]; Expert Skill (Epidemiology)
(IQ/H) [8]; Hazardous Materials (Biological) (IQ/A) [8];
NBC Suit (DX/A) [4].
* When doubling up, the second level gives Precautions 1
[1] and Resistant to Disease (+8) [5].
Electronic Surveillance
25 points
You know all about using long-range mics, sensors, and
tracking beacons to keep tabs on targets, usually from a vehicle. This sort of work is for the most part is “hands off.” If you
plant bugs and tap phone lines, add Bugging (pp. 11-12).
Advantages: Circuit Sense 2 [10].
Perks: Either Cheaper Gear (Electronics) [1] or Equipment
Bond (any one tool kit or surveillance van) [1].
Skills: Driving (Automobile or Heavy Wheeled) (DX/A) [2];
Electronics Operation (Sensors) (IQ/A) [4]; Electronics
Operation (Surveillance) (IQ/A) [4]; Electronics Repair
(Sensors) (IQ/A) [1]; Electronics Repair (Surveillance)
(IQ/A) [1]; Observation (Per/A) [2].

Electronics
25 points
You’re a wizard with a soldering iron, skilled at general
electronics repair. This also lets you disarm and sabotage digital devices, but that’s not the focus of this skill set.
Advantages: Circuit Sense 2 [10].
Perks: Either Cheaper Gear (Electronics) [1] or Equipment
Bond (any one tool kit) [1].
Skills: Two specialties of Electronics Repair (Communications, Computers, Media, Security, Sensors, and Surveillance) (IQ/A) [4], the other four at [1]. • Scrounging
(Per/E) [2].
Escape and Evasion
25 points
You’re good at escaping restraints and prisons, and at eluding pursuit on foot. Spies and commandos often learn this
alongside Resistance (p. 21) and/or Survival (p. 22) . . . though
it could be something you learned the hard way after doing a
little time inside.
Advantages: Craftiness 1 [5].
Secondary Characteristics: Basic Move +1 [5].
Skills: Camouflage (IQ/E) [1]; Escape (DX/H) [4]; Lockpicking (IQ/A) [2]; Running (HT/A) [4]; Shadowing (IQ/A) [2];
Stealth (DX/A) [2].
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
25 points
You have the risky job of finding, defusing, and disposing of bombs, including booby traps, car bombs, IEDs,
and land mines. Most EOD experts have either Infantry
Training (p. 17) or Law Enforcement (pp. 17-18), too. For
reasons that should be obvious, you may use your Slush
Fund to buy Enhanced Dodge (Dive for Cover) [5/level]
(Heroes, p. 18).
Advantages: Fearlessness 1 [2].
Skills: Electronics Operation (Security) (IQ/A) [4]; Explosives (EOD) (IQ/A) [8]; Hazardous Materials (Chemical) (IQ/A) [2]; Mechanic (Automobile) (IQ/A) [1];
Search (Per/A) [4]; Traps (IQ/A) [4].
Femme Fatale
25 points
You use attraction as a tool – and as a weapon. Though
you might be a “party girl” with Bon Vivant (p. 11) or a fullfledged manipulator with Social Engineering (p. 22), that isn’t
a given. This is customarily a female role, but gigolos have the
same skill set.
Advantages: Appearance (Beautiful)* [12].
Perks: One of High-Heeled Heroine [1], Honest Face [1], or
Penetrating Voice† [1].
Skills: Acting (IQ/A) [4]; Carousing (HT/E) [2]; Fast-Talk
(IQ/A) [4]; Sex Appeal* (HT/A) [2].
* Beautiful gives +4 to Sex Appeal. When doubling up, the
second instance improves Appearance to Very Beautiful [16]
(+6 to Sex Appeal!) and grants Sex Appeal (HT/A) [12] instead
of [4].
† For screaming, of course!
Fireman
25 points
Action movies seem to love firefighters. Such heroes are
more skilled than their realistic counterparts at wielding
fire axes in anger, using extinguishers as weapons, and setting fires. They’re also buff, and good at carrying victims out
of danger.
Advantages: Breath Holding 1 [2]; Lifting ST 1 [3].
Perks: Special Exercises (Lifting ST 1)* [1].
Skills†: Climbing (DX/A) [2]; Driving (Heavy Wheeled) (DX/A)
[2]; Explosives (Fireworks) (IQ/A) [2]; First Aid (IQ/E) [2];
Forced Entry (DX/E) [2]; Liquid Projector (any) (DX/E) [1];
NBC Suit (DX/A) [2]; Professional Skill (Firefighter) (IQ/A)
[4]. • Either Axe/Mace or Two-Handed Axe/Mace, both
(DX/A) [2].
* When doubling up, treat this as leveled: Special Exercises
(Lifting ST 2) [2].
† Professional Skill (Firefighter) allows a complementary
skill roll when using any other skill to enter a burning building, extinguish a fire, save a trapped victim, etc. In a realistic
game, replace Explosives and melee skill with 4 more points
in this skill, and the Liquid Projector specialty is always
Water Cannon.
Fixer
25 points
Your specialty is obtaining gear – wherever, whenever, and
however you can. You’re a master of scrounging, smuggling,
and the black-market deal.
Advantages: Contact Group (Any group that can help you
obtain or smuggle gear – corporation, mob, port authority,
etc.; Skill-12; 9 or less; Somewhat Reliable)* [5].
Perks: Cheaper Gear (any one of drugs and medical gear,
electronics, explosives, ground vehicles, guns, etc.) [1];
Cheaper Gear (a different category of equipment) [1].

Skills: Administration (IQ/A) [2]; Freight Handling (IQ/A) [4];
Merchant (IQ/A) [2]; Scrounging (Per/E) [2]; Smuggling
(IQ/A) [4]; Streetwise (IQ/A) [4].
* When doubling up, the second instance can be another
Contact Group or a superior version of the existing one:
improve skill to 15, or frequency to 12 or less, or reliability to
“Usually Reliable.”
Flight School
You’re a keen-eyed airman with good situational
awareness, rated on one broad class of aircraft. Civilian
and military flyers differ, and while any pilot might take
this skill set twice to qualify on other equipment – and
ex-military commercial pilots often have both packages –
combat aces regularly double up on a single type!
Civilian Pilot
25 points
Advantages: Absolute Direction* [5]; Acute Vision 1 [2].
Skills: Electronics Operation (Communications) (IQ/A) [2];
Mechanic (for Piloting specialty) (IQ/A) [2]; Navigation
(Air) (IQ/A) [2]; Piloting (Glider, Helicopter, Light Airplane,
or Ultralight) (DX/A) [8]. • A total of 4 points in Freight
Handling and Smuggling, both (IQ/A).
* When doubling up, this becomes 3D Spatial Sense [10] –
which aids Piloting as well as Navigation!
Military Pilot
25 points
Advantages: Absolute Direction* [5]; Acute Vision 1 [2].
Skills: Electronics Operation (Communications) (IQ/A) [1];
Navigation (Air) (IQ/A) [1]; Parachuting (DX/E) [1]; Piloting (Helicopter or High-Performance Airplane) (DX/A) [8];
Savoir-Faire (Military) (IQ/E) [1]. • Any three of Artillery
(Bombs or Guided Missile) (IQ/A) [2], Gunner (Machine
Gun or Rockets) (DX/E) [2], or Tactics (IQ/H) [2].
* Again, doubling up makes this 3D Spatial Sense [10].
Forensics
25 points
You’re skilled at scientific evidence collection and analysis,
from lifting fingerprints to finding footprints to examining cold
corpses. This doesn’t require Law Enforcement (pp. 17-18) –
perhaps you’re a dedicated lab monkey, or a medical examiner
with Medicine (p. 18).
Skills: Criminology (IQ/A) [1]; Diagnosis (IQ/H) [4]; Electronics Operation (Security) (IQ/A) [4]; Forensics (IQ/H) [8];
Search (Per/A) [4]; Tracking (Per/A) [4].
Forest or Jungle Training
25 points
You’re comfortable operating in dense vegetation and
adept at exploiting the short lines of sight there. You might
be a rugged, axe-swinging survivalist, familiar with temperate
woodlands – or a commando, guerrilla, or mercenary, at home
in the jungle, machete in hand.
Secondary Characteristics: Outdoorsman 1 [10].
Skills: Camouflage (IQ/E) [1]; Hiking (HT/A) [2]; Navigation
(Land) (IQ/A) [2]; Stealth (DX/A) [2]; Tracking (Per/A) [2].
• One of these options:
Forest: Axe/Mace (DX/A) [2]; Survival (Woodlands) (Per/A) [4].
Jungle: Knife (DX/E) [2]; Survival (Jungle) (Per/A) [4].
Goon
25 points
You’re big, menacing, and hard to coerce. How good
you are at violence depends on your other skill sets: Heavy
Weapons (below), Obsolete Weapons (p. 19), and Unarmed
Combat (p. 23) all fit – but action fiction frequently portrays
laborers with Construction (p. 13) or Repairman (p. 20), and
jocks with Physical Training (pp. 19-20), as goons.
Attributes: ST +1 [10].
Secondary Characteristics: Will +1 [5].
Advantages: Fearlessness 1 [2].
Skills: Intimidation (Will/A) [8].
Heavy Weapons
25 points
You have the strength and training to use big guns: flamethrowers, grenade launchers, LAWs, machine guns, mortars,
and SAMs. The most realistic background for this stuff is military – but in Action, all bets are off!
Attributes: ST +1 [10].
Perks: Huge Weapons 1 [1].
Skills: Artillery (Cannon or Guided Missile) (IQ/A) [2]; Gunner (Cannon or Machine Gun) (DX/E) [2]; Guns (Grenade
Launcher) (DX/E) [2]; Guns (LAW) (DX/E) [2]; Guns (Light
Machine Gun) (DX/E) [2]; Liquid Projector (Flamethrower)
(DX/E) [2]. • Another 2 points in any one of those skills or
Forward Observer (IQ/A) [2].
Hostile Extraction
25 points
That is, kidnapping: You stalk your unsuspecting quarry
until you can overpower him – usually to force him into a vehicle. Tools range from basic (threats, blackjacks, grappling,
rope, and handcuffs) to high-tech (pepper spray, stun guns,
and Tasers).
Advantages: Craftiness 1 [5].
Skills: Brawling (DX/E) [2]; Fast-Draw (Pistol) (DX/E) [1];
Guns (Pistol) (DX/E) [1]; Holdout (IQ/A) [2]; Intimidation (Will/A) [4]; Knot-Tying (DX/E) [2]; Liquid Projector
(Sprayer) (DX/E) [2]; Shadowing (IQ/A) [2]; Stealth (DX/A)
[2]. • Either Judo (DX/H) [2] or Wrestling (DX/A) [2].

Illicit Entry
25 points
You have in-depth experience at defeating doors and
mechanical locks, and aren’t bad with simpler fences and
alarms. A full-on thief also needs a few of Climber (p. 12),
Parkour (p. 19), Security Systems (p. 21), and Theft (p. 22).
Perks: Equipment Bond (any item from Burglar’s Tools,
Heroes, pp. 26-27) [1].
Skills: Climbing (DX/A) [2]; Electronics Operation (Security)
(IQ/A) [4]; Escape (DX/H) [4]; Forced Entry (DX/E) [4];
Lockpicking (IQ/A) [8]; Stealth (DX/A) [2].
Impersonation
25 points
You’re good at passing yourself off as someone you
aren’t – usually a generic alter-ego, occasionally a specific
target – and are especially fluent in one particular cultural
background. You’re skilled with faked mannerisms, disguises, and outright lies.
Advantages: Craftiness 1 [5]; Cultural Familiarity (any)* [1];
Language (any at Native)* [6].
Skills: Acting (IQ/A) [4]; Disguise (IQ/A) [4]; Fast-Talk (IQ/A)
[4]. • One skill for Fitting In (Exploits, p. 16): Administration (IQ/A) [1], Savoir-Faire (High Society, Mafia, Military,
or Police) (IQ/E) [1], or Streetwise (IQ/A) [1].
* Each counts as a successful complementary skill roll (giving +1) when using Acting or Fast-Talk merely not to be identified as yourself.
Infantry Training
25 points
You’ve attended boot camp and learned to shoot rifles,
chuck grenades, and bayonet things – and to salute, march,
and schlep a heavy pack. To raise combat skills, also take
Close-Quarters Battle (pp. 12-13), Heavy Weapons (p. 16),
Sniper School (p. 22), or the like.
Advantages: Fit* [5].
Skills*: Camouflage (IQ/E) [1]; Guns (Rifle) (DX/E) [2]; Hiking (HT/A) [2]; NBC Suit (DX/A) [2]; Savoir-Faire (Military)
(IQ/E) [1]; Soldier (IQ/A) [4]; Spear (DX/A) [2]; Throwing
(DX/A) [2]. • Either Brawling (DX/E) [2] or Karate (DX/H)
[2]. • Either Judo (DX/H) [2] or Wrestling (DX/A) [2].
* When doubling up, Fit [5] becomes a general HT +1 [10],
and the solider may opt not to double up on one skill, instead
spending the points on Gunner (any) or Guns (any), both
(DX/E); Artillery (any) or Forward Observer, both (IQ/A); or
Engineer (Combat) (IQ/H).
Intelligence
25 points
You’ve been taught to identify valuable information, grab
what you can (especially maps and reports), and memorize or
photograph what you can’t. You also know how to analyze this
stuff – preferably after you’re out of harm’s way.
Advantages: Eidetic Memory* [5].
Skills: Cartography (IQ/A) [2]; Intelligence Analysis (IQ/H) [8];
Photography (IQ/A) [2]; Search (Per/A) [2]; Speed-Reading
(IQ/A) [2]. • Another 4 points distributed among any of
those skills, Accounting (IQ/H), or Expert Skill (Military
Science) (IQ/H).
* When doubling up, this becomes Photographic Memory
[10].
Interrogation
25 points
You’re a hardcore interrogator. You don’t just interview
people – that’s Detective Work (p. 14) or Journalism (below).
You break them, and might even employ torture. If you don’t
merely learn but also attempt to alter what your subject
believes, get Psy-Ops (p. 20) as well.
Perks: Penetrating Voice* [1].
Skills: Detect Lies (Per/H) [8]; Interrogation (IQ/A) [8]; Intimidation (Will/A) [4]; Psychology (IQ/H) [4].
* When you have someone strapped to a chair and are yelling at him, the +1 to Intimidation definitely does apply!
Journalism
25 points
Hard-nosed reporters and stringers seeking their big break
are often drawn into Action stories. Anything interesting or
unusual attracts you. You’re used to using investigative skills
at bonuses in safe circumstances (pp. B345-346); double up to
count on them in dangerous ones.
Skills: Current Affairs (any) (IQ/E) [2]; Current Affairs (any
other) (IQ/E) [1]; Intelligence Analysis (IQ/H) [2]; Interrogation (IQ/A) [2]; Observation (Per/A) [2]; Photography
(IQ/A) [2]; Propaganda (IQ/A) [2]; Public Speaking (IQ/A)
[4]; Research (IQ/A) [4]; Writing (IQ/A) [4].

Law Enforcement
25 points
You know how to pound a beat and respect procedure.
Combat training spans the “spectrum of force” from unarmed,
through pepper spray, Taser, and baton or tonfa, to handgun and finally shotgun. To be good at anything but driving
around, making people respect your authority, add a skill set
like Area Security (p. 11), Detective Work (p. 14), Forensics
(p. 16), or Personal Security (p. 19).

Skills: Criminology (IQ/A) [2]; Guns (Pistol) (DX/E) [1]; Guns
(Shotgun or Submachine Gun) (DX/E) [2]; Law (Police)
(IQ/H) [4]; Liquid Projector (Sprayer) (DX/E) [2]; SavoirFaire (Police) (IQ/E) [1]. • Either Driving (Automobile or
Motorcycle) or Riding (Horse), both (DX/A) [2]. • Either
Brawling (DX/E) [2] or Karate (DX/H) [2]. • Either Judo
(DX/H) [2] or Wrestling (DX/A) [2]. • Either Shortsword or
Tonfa, both (DX/A) [2].
Techniques: Arm Lock at Judo+2 or Wrestling+2 [2]; Retain
Weapon (Pistol) at DX+2 [3].
Linguist
25 points
You’re a trained interpreter or just a “citizen of the world.”
You’re multilingual in the extreme and have a trained ear.
Advantages: Acute Hearing 1 [2]; Language Talent* [10]; Language (any at Native) [4]; Language (any other at Native)
[4]; Language (yet another at Native) [4].
Skills: One of Gesture (IQ/E) [1], Lip Reading (Per/A) [1],
Public Speaking (IQ/A) [1], or Writing (IQ/A) [1] – or Linguistics (IQ/H) [1] in a realistic campaign, though Action
doesn’t use that skill.
* When doubling up, choose Cultural Adaptability [10] or
Voice [10] the second time.
Local Expert
25 points
Traveling heroes in globetrotting campaigns need locals to
navigate, translate, and make introductions. This skill set covers NPC guides and “exotic foreigner” PCs alike.
Advantages*: Contact Group (Any local group of importance;
Skill-12; 12 or less; Somewhat Reliable)† [10]; Cultural
Familiarity (any) [1]; Language (any at Native) [6].
Skills*: Area Knowledge (any) (IQ/E) [2]; Current Affairs
(Regional ) (IQ/E) [2]. • One of Savoir-Faire (High Society,
Mafia, or Servant) (IQ/E) [4], or Streetwise (IQ/A) [4].
* Choose traits consistently! A Moscow-based underworld
liaison might have Contact Group (Solntsevskaya Bratva), Cultural Familiarity (Eastern Europe), Language (Russian), Area
Knowledge (Moscow), Current Affairs (Moscow), and SavoirFaire (Mafia), while a state-provided attaché in China gets
Contact Group (Ministry of State Security), Cultural Familiarity (East Asia), Language (Mandarin), Area Knowledge (Beijing), Current Affairs (Beijing), and Savoir-Faire (Servant).
Mixing these lists would make no sense.
† When doubling up, improve skill to 15 or reliability to
“Usually Reliable.”
Mastermind
25 points
You excel at Planning (Exploits, p. 17) – prepping for
stings, tactical strikes, heists, raids, and so on. You work
best with maps, equipment lists, and mockups. To be really
good with people, take Command (p. 13) as well.
Skills: Area Knowledge (any) (IQ/A) [1]; Cartography (IQ/A)
[4]; Research (IQ/A) [4]. • Three of Architecture, Leadership,
Streetwise, Teaching, or Writing, all (IQ/A) [4]; or Strategy
or Tactics, both (IQ/H) [4]. • Either Criminology (IQ/A) [4]
or Intelligence Analysis (IQ/H) [4].
Medicine
You’re a trained medical practitioner. The 25-point level
(Medic) is for a military corpsman, police- or fire-department paramedic, or similar first-responder; the 50-point level
(Doctor), for a qualified physician. In either case, you may
use your Slush Fund to buy Higher Purpose (“Medic!”) [5];
see Heroes, p. 18.
Medic
25 points
Advantages: Healer 1 [10].
Perks: Equipment Bond (crash kit or first aid kit) [1].
Skills: Diagnosis (IQ/H) [1]; Fast-Draw (Medical Gear) (DX/E)
[1]; First Aid (IQ/E) [4]; Surgery (IQ/VH) [8].
Doctor
50 points
Advantages: Healer 3 [30].
Perks: Equipment Bond (crash kit, first aid kit, or surgical
kit) [1].
Skills: Diagnosis (IQ/H) [4]; Fast-Draw (Medical Gear) (DX/E)
[1]; Pharmacy (Synthetic) (IQ/H) [2]; Physician (IQ/H) [4];
Surgery (IQ/VH) [8].
Mountain Training
25 points
You’re accustomed to moving through and surviving in
mountainous terrain, where the ground is at best uneven
and at worst vertical. You may belong to a special military
unit or be a simple mountain man. Climber (p. 12) is a common complement.
Advantages: Outdoorsman 1 [10].
Perks: Sure-Footed (Uneven) [1].
Skills: Camouflage (IQ/E) [1]; Climbing (DX/A) [4]; Hiking
(HT/A) [2]; Knot-Tying (DX/E) [1]; Navigation (Land)
(IQ/A) [2]; Survival (Mountain) (Per/A) [4].

Negotiator
You know what people want and try to broker deals
between all parties in a dispute. With Law Enforcement
(pp. 17-18), this makes you a cop who handles tense standoffs, but that isn’t the only option – plenty of super-spies are
diplomats, at least in name.

Negotiator 1
25 points
Advantages: Sensitive [5].
Skills: Diplomacy (IQ/H) [8]; Merchant (IQ/A) [4]; Psychology
(IQ/H) [8].
Negotiator 2
50 points
Advantages: Empathy [15]; Voice [10].
Skills: Diplomacy (IQ/H) [8]; Merchant (IQ/A)
[8]; Psychology (IQ/H) [8]; Public Speaking
(IQ/A) [1].
Nuclear Disposal
25 points
You know the correct techniques for detecting, handling, and disposing of radioactive
dangers like stolen plutonium, dirty bombs,
and nuclear weapons. This just about always
suggests a military background! (It’s also
very specialized.)
Advantages: Fearlessness 1 [2].
Perks: Precautions 1 [1].
Skills: Electronics Operation (Security) (IQ/A)
[4]; Expert Skill (Military Science) (IQ/H)
[2]; Explosives (Nuclear Ordnance Disposal)
(IQ/A) [8]; Hazardous Materials (Radioactive) (IQ/A) [4]; NBC Suit (DX/A) [4].
Obsolete Weapons
25 points
Action stories have a special place for slick
heroes who wield katanas or sword canes
despite the existence of guns; for thugs who like
clubs, lengths of chain, and axes; for all manner of knifefighters; and of course for ninjas (who often double up!).
Advantages: Enhanced Parry 1 (One melee weapon) [5].
Perks and Techniques*: A total of 8 points in any combination of weapon perks and techniques from Furious Fists,
pp. 15-19 for which you have the prerequisites.
Skills*: A total of 12 points in any of Fast-Draw (any low-tech
weapon) or Knife, both (DX/E); Axe/Mace, Broadsword,
Cloak, Jitte/Sai, Main-Gauche, Parry Missile Weapons,
Rapier, Saber, Shortsword, Smallsword, Spear, Staff,
Tonfa, Two-Handed Axe/Mace, Two-Handed Sword, or
Whip, all (DX/A); Flail, Kusari, or Two-Handed Flail, all
(DX/H); or Armoury (Melee Weapons) (IQ/A).
* Optionally, put some of these points toward Crossbow
(DX/E), Thrown Weapon (any) (DX/E), or Blowpipe (DX/H).
Parkour
25 points
You’re adept at tactical movement on foot. Such athletics
are used in urban settings by students of the street and forward-looking law-enforcement and military schools. Combine it with Climber (p. 12) and there will be few places you
can’t reach!
Secondary Characteristics: Basic Move +1 [5].
Perks: Compact Frame [1].
Skills: Acrobatics (DX/H) [4]; Climbing (DX/A) [2]; Escape
(DX/H) [2]; Jumping (DX/E) [1]; Running (HT/A) [4];
Urban Survival (Per/A) [2].
Techniques: Evade at Acrobatics+2 [2]. • One of Acrobatic
Stand at Acrobatics-4 [2], Balancing at Acrobatics+2 [2],
Dive n’ Roll at Acrobatics-2 [2], Running Climb at Acrobatics+1 [2], Skidding at DX [2], Sliding at Acrobatics+2 [2],
or Spinning at Acrobatics [2].
Personal Security
25 points
You’re a bodyguard, good at spotting threats and covering your man. If necessary, you’re ready to stop a bullet. A
protection agent assigned to a politician should take Law
Enforcement (pp. 17-18), too – but you could be a hireling or
a mob soldier instead.
Secondary Characteristics: Per +1 [5].
Advantages: Fearlessness 1 [2]; Hard to Kill 1 [2].
Skills: Body Language (Per/A) [2]; Fast-Draw (Pistol) (DX/E)
[1]; Guns (Pistol) (DX/E) [1]; Holdout (IQ/A) [2]; Observation (Per/A) [2]; Savoir-Faire (Servant) (IQ/E) [2]; Tactics (IQ/H) [4]. • Either Judo (DX/H) [2] or Wrestling
(DX/A) [2].
Physical Training
25 points
This represents spending lots of time at the climbing wall,
gym, pool, ski slope, track, weight room, etc. Any action
hero can improve most of these traits (From Good to Great,
pp. 31-32) – selecting it here makes it part of your backstory,
so play it up!

Attributes: Either ST +2 [20] or both ST +1 [10] and HT +1 [10].
Secondary Characteristics: FP +1 [3].
Skills: A total of 2 points in any of Bicycling or Jumping, both
(DX/E); Boxing, Climbing, or Wrestling, all (DX/A); Acrobatics, Judo, or Karate, all (DX/H); Swimming (HT/E); Lifting or Running, both (HT/A); or Skiing (HT/H).
Pistolero
25 points
You’re well-trained with handguns, and can carry, maintain, shoot, and reload pistols with maximum efficiency.
Perks: Off-Hand Weapon Training (Pistol)* [1]. • Either
Cheaper Gear (Guns) [1] or Weapon Bond (any one handgun) [1].
Skills: Armoury (Small Arms) (IQ/A) [2]; Fast-Draw (Ammo)
(DX/E) [2]; Fast-Draw (Pistol) (DX/E) [2]; Guns (Pistol)
(DX/E) [8]; Holdout (IQ/A) [4].
Techniques: Dual-Weapon Attack (Pistol) at Guns (Pistol)-3*
[2]; Retain Weapon (Pistol) at DX+2 [3].
* When doubling up, these two traits become Off-Hand
Weapon Training (Pistol) [1] and Dual-Weapon Attack at
Guns (Pistol) [5].
Psy-Ops
25 points
You deal in brainwashing, propaganda, and related mind
games. You know how to apply and resist those arts – but the
most heroic application is deprogramming (Exploits, p. 17).
Whatever you do most, consider taking Interrogation (p. 17)
as well.
Secondary Characteristics: Will +1 [5].
Skills: Brainwashing (IQ/H) [8]; Propaganda (IQ/A) [4]; Psychology (IQ/H) [8].
Recon
25 points
You’re a military-style scout who infiltrates quietly,
observes from concealment, and then departs swiftly. This
usually accompanies Desert Training (p. 14), Forest or
Jungle Training (p. 16), Mountain Training (p. 18), Sniper
School (p. 22), or Survival (p. 22). A Rambo would want
Booby Traps (pp. 11-12) and/or Bushwhacker (p. 12), too.
Secondary Characteristics: Per +1 [5]; Basic Move +1 [5].
Advantages: Night Vision 2 [2].
Skills: Camouflage (IQ/E) [2]; Gesture (IQ/E) [1]; Navigation
(Land) (IQ/A) [2]; Observation (Per/A) [4]; Stealth (DX/A)
[2]. • Either Forward Observer (IQ/A) [2] or Tracking
(Per/A) [2].
Records Falsification
25 points
You can fake documents of most kinds: identity cards, ledgers, photographs . . . even banknotes, in a pinch. To falsify
digital records, tack on Computer Intrusion (p. 13).
Skills: Accounting (IQ/H) [4]; Administration (IQ/A)
[4]; Computer Operation (IQ/E) [1]; Electronics
Operation (Media) (IQ/A) [4]; Forgery* (IQ/H) [12].
* Counterfeiting (IQ/H) defaults to Forgery-2,
which usually suffices because it rarely arises in
Action. If it’s essential to a character concept, take
it instead of Forgery and use Forgery at its Counterfeiting-2 default.
Repairman
25 points
You’re skilled at general automotive, mechanical,
and electrical repair, and familiar with tools and
shops. This doesn’t include electronics – Electronics
(p. 15) and specific technical skill sets cover that.
Likewise, you’ll need Armory (p. 11) to fix weapons.
Advantages: Artificer 1 [10].
Perks: Equipment Bond (any one tool kit) [1].
Skills: Electrician (IQ/A) [2]; Machinist (IQ/A) [2];
Mechanic (Automobile) (IQ/A) [4]; Mechanic
(Free-Flooding Sub, Glider, Heavy Wheeled,
Helicopter, High-Performance Airplane, Light
Airplane, Motorboat, Motorcycle, Ship, or Ultralight) (IQ/A) [2]; Mechanic (any other) (IQ/A) [2];
Scrounging (Per/E) [2].
Researcher
25 points
You can wade through your own weight in records – digital
or paper – in, err, record time, and run database searches like
nobody else.
Skills: Accounting (IQ/H) [4]; Administration (IQ/A) [2]; Computer Operation (IQ/E) [1]; Current Affairs (any) (IQ/E) [2];
Electronics Operation (Media) (IQ/A) [4]; Research (IQ/A)
[8]; Speed-Reading (IQ/A) [4].

Resistance
25 points
You’re either a graduate of a course on deceiving interrogators and resisting torture, or you’ve been a victim so often
that you’ve learned to anticipate the tricks. Regardless, you’re
hardened against Interrogation (p. 17) and Psy-Ops (p. 20).
Secondary Characteristics: Will +1 [5].
Advantages: Hard to Subdue 1 [2]; High Pain Threshold* [10].
Skills: Acting (IQ/A) [4]; Fast-Talk (IQ/A) [4].
* When doubling up, the second instance adds HT +1 [10].
Sabotage
25 points
You’re adept at getting into and damaging machinery in
subtle ways that endanger users: ground faults, severed elevator cables, gas leaks, and so on. Many saboteurs add Booby
Traps (pp. 11-12) or Demolitions (p. 14) – or Repairman
(p. 20), which overlaps.
Perks: Equipment Bond (any one tool kit) [1].
Skills: Electrician (IQ/A) [4]; Forced Entry (DX/E) [2]; Lockpicking (IQ/A) [4]; Machinist (IQ/A) [4]; Mechanic (any*)
(IQ/A) [4]; Scrounging (Per/E) [2]; Traps (IQ/A) [4].
* Besides vehicular specialties, there may be ones like
“Nuclear Power Plant” that go beyond what Electrician and
Machinist cover. Ask the GM!
Safecracking
25 points
You’re an artist with high-security vaults. If you’re exceptionally good, also take Demolitions (p. 14) if you favor
thermite and explosives, or Illicit Entry (p. 17) if you prefer
burglar’s tools – the overlap will boost skills that often suffer
large penalties.
Skills: Connoisseur (Safes & Vaults)* (IQ/A) [1]; Electronics
Operation (Security) (IQ/A) [4]; Explosives (Demolition)
(IQ/A) [4]; Forced Entry (DX/E) [4]; Lockpicking (IQ/A) [8];
Machinist (IQ/A) [4].
* Allows a complementary skill roll when attacking a safe
or a vault with any other skill in this set.
Sailor
You have experience as a crewman aboard a merchant or
blue-water navy vessel. Each is its own skill set. Either way,
you’re comfortable days away from land, on (or under) the
open ocean.
Civilian Crewman
25 points
Perks: Old Salt [1].
Skills: Boating (Motorboat) (DX/A) [2]; Knot-Tying (DX/E)
[2]; Mechanic (Ship) (IQ/A) [4]; Navigation (Sea) (IQ/A) [4];
Scrounging (Per/E) [2]; Seamanship (IQ/E) [4]; Swimming
(HT/E) [2]. • A total of 4 points in Freight Handling and
Smuggling, both (IQ/A).
Military Crewman
25 points
Perks: Naval Training [1]; Old Salt [1].
Skills: Boating (Motorboat) (DX/A) [2]; Knot-Tying (DX/E)
[2]; Mechanic (Ship) (IQ/A) [2]; Navigation (Sea) (IQ/A)
[4]; Savoir-Faire (Military) (IQ/E) [1]; Swimming (HT/E)
[2]. • Either Seamanship or Submariner, both (IQ/E) [4].
• Three of Artillery (Cannon, Guided Missile, or Torpedoes)
or Forward Observer, both (IQ/A) [2], or Gunner (Machine
Gun) or Guns (Pistol, Rifle, or Submachine Gun), both
(DX/E) [2].
Scientist
25 points
You’re skilled at the few nonmedical sciences relevant to
action heroes – that is, you know about dangerous chemicals,
plants, and animals, and can run lab tests for clues. This skill
set almost always accompanies Academics (p. 10).
Skills: Chemistry (IQ/H) [8]; Current Affairs (Science &
Technology)* (IQ/E) [1]; Forensics (IQ/H) [8]; Naturalist†
(IQ/H) [8].
* Action has uses for Chemistry, Forensics, and Naturalist,
but not Biology, Geology, Physics, or other sciences. Those are
one-off plot devices in this genre, reserved for NPC specialists.
If a PC must advance a science plot, Current Affairs (Science
& Technology) is the go-to skill (Exploits, p. 10).
† See Bushwhacker (p. 12) for an important note.
Security Systems
25 points
You’re a pro at running bypasses on electronic alarms, cutting power to sensors, and disabling deadly booby traps. This
also makes you good at setting up and operating such things,
though that isn’t your focus. This skill set pairs well with Illicit
Entry (p. 17).
Advantages: Circuit Sense 2 [10].
Perks: Either Cheaper Gear (Electronics) [1] or Equipment
Bond (any one tool kit or electronic burglary gadget) [1].
Skills: Computer Operation (IQ/E) [1]; Electrician (IQ/A) [1];
Electronics Operation (Security) (IQ/A) [4]; Electronics
Repair (Security) (IQ/A) [4]; Traps (IQ/A) [4].
Silent Killing
25 points
You’re adept at using bare hands, knives, and garrotes for
surprise attacks and sentry removal (though not necessarily
for fighting).
Advantages: Striking ST 1 (Assassination, -60%) [2].
Perks: Dirty Fighting 1 [1]; Special Exercises (Striking ST 1)*
[1].
Skills: Fast-Draw (Knife) (DX/E) [1]; Holdout (IQ/A) [4]; Garrote (DX/E) [4]; Knife (DX/E) [4]; Stealth (DX/A) [4].
Techniques: Neck Snap at ST-1 [4].
* When doubling up, treat this as leveled: Special Exercises
(Striking ST 2) [2].

Sniper School
25 points
Whether you’re called “sharpshooter,” “assassin,” or even
“big game hunter” by those around you, you know how to
use high-powered rifles from concealment to deliver death
from afar.
Advantages: Acute Vision 1 [2]; Night Vision 1 [1].
Skills: Armoury (Small Arms) (IQ/A) [2]; Camouflage (IQ/E)
[2]; Guns (Rifle)* (DX/E) [12]; Observation (Per/A) [2];
Stealth (DX/A) [4].
* If you insist, put some or all of these points into Crossbow
(DX/E) instead. That will necessitate getting closer!
Social Engineering
25 points
You know how to “work” other people to learn secrets,
enter private functions, and get close enough for skullduggery.
This is sufficiently risky that devotees usually double up and
later optimize (Trading Up, pp. 30-31) by skimming skill points
to acquire Smooth Operator [15/level]. The classic social engineer is also a Bon Vivant (p. 11).
Advantages: Charisma 1 [5].
Perks: Honest Face [1].
Skills: Acting (IQ/A) [4]; Diplomacy* (IQ/H) [4]; Fast-Talk*
(IQ/A) [2]; Intimidation* (Will/A) [2]; Public Speaking
(IQ/A) [2]; Savoir-Faire (High Society or Servant)* (IQ/E)
[1]; Sex Appeal* (HT/A) [2]; Streetwise* (IQ/A) [2].
* Charisma doesn’t add to these skills in general (only to
Public Speaking) but does apply when making Influence rolls.
Spin Doctor
25 points
You have a gift for convincing people – usually mobs but
sometimes those watching at home – to see things your way.
A squad with a silver-tongued mouthpiece can keep a major
screw-up from turning into a riot right now. See also CoverUps (Exploits, p. 26).
Advantages: Voice* [10].
Perks: Honest Face [1].
Skills: Diplomacy (IQ/H) [4]; Fast-Talk (IQ/A) [2]; Propaganda
(IQ/A) [4]; Public Speaking (IQ/A) [2]; Writing (IQ/A) [2].
* When doubling up, the second instance gives Charisma
2 [10].
Surveillance
25 points
You’re talented at staking out or shadowing targets up
close – often on foot, usually in the city. You prefer the
old-fashioned way, involving no gear more high-tech than a
camera. As far as your mark knows, you’re just someone having coffee at the next table.
Secondary Characteristics: Per +1 [5].
Skills: Body Language (Per/A) [2]; Lip Reading (Per/A) [2];
Observation (Per/A) [4]; Photography (IQ/A) [4]; Shadowing (IQ/A) [8].
Survival
25 points
You have general survival training for being unequipped
behind enemy lines in any terrain. A specialized skill set like
Desert Training (p. 14), Forest or Jungle Training (p. 16), or
Mountain Training (p. 18) is a common addition. For military
types, Escape and Evasion (p. 15) and Resistance (p. 21) traditionally go with it.
Attributes: HT +1 [10].
Skills: First Aid (IQ/E) [2]; Hiking (HT/A) [2]; Navigation (Land) (IQ/A) [2]; Naturalist* (IQ/H) [4]; Scrounging (Per/E) [2]; Swimming (HT/E) [1]; Urban Survival
(Per/A) [2].
* See Bushwhacker (p. 12) for an important note.
Tactical Driving
25 points
You can handle a ground vehicle under hostile conditions.
This covers driving, route-plotting, and tailing – especially in
built-up areas – and also being able to cope with stop-searches,
flat tires, and so on.
Perks: Either Cheaper Gear (Ground Vehicles) [1] or Equipment Bond (one particular vehicle) [1].
Skills: Driving (Automobile, Heavy Wheeled, or Motorcycle)
(DX/A) [8]; Mechanic (for Driving specialty) (IQ/A) [2];
Navigation (Land) (IQ/A) [4]; Shadowing (IQ/A) [4]; Urban
Survival (Per/A) [2]. • A total of 4 points in Freight Handling and Smuggling, both (IQ/A).
Theft
25 points
You’re slick at shoplifting, palming valuables, and picking
pockets. You needn’t be a petty criminal – spies need this skill
set to grab secret files and acquire untraceable gear in the field,
while underfunded guerrillas often have no choice but to steal.
Advantages: High Manual Dexterity 1 [5].
Skills: Filch (DX/A) [4]; Holdout (IQ/A) [4]; Pickpocket (DX/H)
[4]; Search (Per/A) [2]; Sleight of Hand (DX/H) [4]; Stealth
(DX/A) [2].
Toxicology
25 points
You aren’t a forensic scientist but an expert with noxious
substances. You might be a killer, but this skill set is just as
useful for sedating violent bad guys and for using truth serums
alongside Interrogation (p. 17).

Skills: Holdout (IQ/A) [4]; Pharmacy (Synthetic) (IQ/H) [8];
Physician (Drugs)* (IQ/A) [4]; Poisons (IQ/H) [8]. • Either
Fast-Draw (Syringe) or Liquid Projector (Squirt Gun), both
(DX/E) [1].
* This optional specialty works as Physician when the sole
objective is to administer drugs. Combine its points with fullfledged Physician if you have Doctor (p. 18).
Tradecraft
25 points
You have basic skills taught to spies everywhere: not standing out, safely entering and exiting neutral areas, spotting and
avoiding threats, and making and collecting “dead drops.” Just about every
skill on the BAT is part of this picture
as well.
Advantages: Craftiness 1 [5].
Skills: Acting (IQ/A) [2]; Filch (DX/A)
[2]; Holdout (IQ/A) [2]; Observation
(Per/A) [4]; Shadowing (IQ/A) [2];
Smuggling (IQ/A) [4]; Urban Survival (Per/A) [4].
Unarmed Combat
All Action characters can fight
unarmed, but you’re tough. Below, SelfDefense is for those who can’t avoid
barehanded mayhem on the job, while
Martial Arts is for those for whom it’s
a lifestyle. See Furious Fists for details
regarding perks and techniques.
Self-Defense
25 points
Advantages: Either Enhanced Parry 1
(Bare Hands) [5] or Fit [5].
Skills: Either Brawling (DX/E) [8] or
Karate (DX/H) [8]. • Either Judo
(DX/H) [8] or Wrestling (DX/A) [8].
Techniques: A total of 4 points in any
of Arm Lock [1 to 4], Choke Hold
[2 or 3], Disarming [2 to 4], Elbow
Strike [1 or 2], Feint [2 to 4], Ground
Fighting [2 to 4], Kicking [2 or 3],
Knee Strike [1], Leg Lock [1 to 4],
Stamp Kick [2 to 4], Uppercut [1], or
Wrench (Limb) [2 to 4].
Martial Arts
50 points
Advantages: Enhanced Parry 1 (Bare
Hands) [5]; Fit [5].
Perks and Techniques: A total of 12 points in any combination of perks and techniques from Furious Fists, pp. 15-19
for which you have the prerequisites.
Skills: Acrobatics (DX/H) [4]. • One of Boxing (DX/A) [12],
Brawling (DX/E) [12], or Karate (DX/H) [12]. • One of Judo
(DX/H) [12], Sumo Wrestling (DX/A) [12], or Wrestling
(DX/A) [12].
Undercover
25 points
You are or were a plainclothes cop in the Action mode. Add
Detective Work (p. 14) and/or Law Enforcement (pp. 17-18) if
you’re as good at honest police work as you are at deceiving
gangsters, and Impersonation (p. 17) if you’re posing as someone else.
Skills: Acting (IQ/A) [4]; Criminology (IQ/A) [2]; Fast-Draw
(Pistol) (DX/E) [1]; Fast-Talk (IQ/A) [4]; Guns (Pistol)
(DX/E) [1]; Holdout (IQ/A) [4]; Law (Police) (IQ/H) [2];
Savoir-Faire (Mafia) (IQ/E) [2]; Savoir-Faire (Police) (IQ/E)
[1]; Streetwise (IQ/A) [4].
Underwater Operations
25 points
You’re adept with scuba gear, swimmer delivery vehicles,
underwater demolition, and (most cinematically) spearguns. It’s rare to have this skill set without Amphibious
Operations (p. 11).

Secondary Characteristics: Water Move +1 [5].
Advantages: Breath-Holding 1 [2].
Skills: Aquabatics* (DX/H) [2]; Crossbow (Speargun) (DX/E)
[1]; Explosives (Underwater Demolition) (IQ/A) [4]; Knife
(DX/E) [1]; Scuba (IQ/A) [4]; Submarine (Free-Flooding
Sub) (DX/A) [2]; Swimming (HT/E) [4].
* Replaces Acrobatics underwater, where it’s used for eluding sensors (Exploits, p. 22), in chases (Reverse and Stunt
maneuvers, and boarding hostile subs), and in flashy fighting
between divers (Exploits, p. 37).
Urban Assault
25 points
You have training at breaching buildings and fighting in
built-up areas. Your methods include rappelling down from
the roof; using explosives, rams, and shotguns on doors; and
exploiting cover. True urban commandos add Close-Quarters
Battle (pp. 12-13).
Advantages: Enhanced Dodge 1 (Dive for Cover) [5].
Skills: Climbing (DX/A) [2]; Explosives (Demolition) (IQ/A)
[2]; Forced Entry (DX/E) [2]; Guns (Rifle or Submachine
Gun) (DX/E) [2]; Guns (Shotgun) (DX/E) [2]; Tactics
(IQ/H) [4]; Urban Survival (Per/A) [4].
Techniques: Rappelling at Climbing+1 [2].

Winter Operations
25 points

You’re comfortable in cold environments ranging from
winter snow to Arctic ice. This is common among Alaskan,
Canadian, Nordic, and Russian action heroes. To be a winter
warrior, add Infantry Training (p. 17).
Attributes: HT +1 [10].
Perks: Sure-Footed (Ice/Snow)* [1].
Skills: Navigation (Land) (IQ/A) [2]; Survival (Arctic) (Per/A)
[8]; Tracking (Per/A) [2]. • One of Animal Handling (Dogs)
(IQ/A) [2], Driving (Halftrack)† (DX/A) [2], Hiking (HT/A)
[2], or Skiing (HT/H) [2], for dogsleds, snowmobiles, snowshoes, or skis, as suits your stereotype.
* One specialty in Action, because this doesn’t come
up often.
† Another rare specialty, covering snowcats and snowmobiles of all configurations.