From:	shadowrn@*********.com (Christian Casavant)
Subject:	Complementary Skills
Date:	Wed Mar 13 08:25:00 2002

Gurth,

> So you're saying manuals and study are useless, you have to learn everything by
> doing it? I'd say that if you have a good background knowledge skill in (in this
> case) finding yourself a good, hidden shooting position in an urban area, but
> have never actually _done_ it, you're still more likely to find one than someone
> who doesn't even know where to start looking for such a position.


No, I never said that. If you look back you'll see I said that I think
complementary skills can and should augment active skills where
appropriate.

On the other hand, it is easy to argue that there is a certain amount in
reading manuals and study involved in the learning of an active skill so
you shouldn't be able to augment stealth with a knowledge skill in Urban
sniper theory 101 since it was required reading in Urban Sniper School.
If you failed the roll, then you must have fallen asleep during that
lecture. (I personally believe repetition is the best way to learn.
What do learn how to pick a great spot to hide. Practice it over and
over again till you can do it without thought.)

As I mentioned earlier in this thread if you have a knowledge skill in
Welsh Dwarf Mafia, then I would allow you to use that in complement to
Street Etiquette when dealing with a Welsh Dwarf Mobster. The same for
picking a great spot to snipe from if you had a knowledge skill in Great
Places to Snipe from in an Urban Setting.

However, if you've never practised stealth in an urban area, then you
can read all the books you want. You' won't be as good as someone who
has practised it, but you will still be better than someone who has done
neither. Satisified?

Christian