There are five free skills; every Adult character starts with these skills.  The world of Valys is a harsh and brutal place and although not everyone carries weapons or even uses them, everyone has basic training on how to survive. 

The other skills must be bought with the racial starting skills or gained through play with experience points.

  

Skills are classified as Active or Passive skills. 

Passive skills can be used at anytime however, Active skills cannot be used when crippled or unconscious. 

All skills are considered to be active unless they say passive next to the description.  

All rites and spells are active. 

 

The following skills may be used by any character.  It is assumed that these are abilities that any character can do if needed 

 

Anyone can use a single handed weapon in their primary hand.  This skill allows them to use a weapon up to 36” long.   It makes no difference whether this weapon is a dagger, axe, sword, mace or club.  

  

Anyone can use a weapon in both their hands.  The weapon must be held securely in both hands to both attack and parry. The weapon may be from 36” to 76”.  This skill allows you to use large axes and swords, staffs and spears. 

  

By holding a wounded location with both hands and stopping the blow flow a character can suspend the death count on any Dying person.  This skill does not work if a character is Fatally Wounded. They can use no other active skills whilst performing this action. 

Someone with Hold wounds can also use the phrase Discern Wounds after ten seconds of close examination.  This will tell them any wounds and the damage state of a person. 

  

Anyone can wear leather armour and this skill allows people to use active skills whilst wearing the armour. 

  

Thrown weapon allows a character to throw a weapon with their primary hand. 

Only specially designed thrown weapons must be thrown.  At no time should normal melee weapons be thrown.