In this part of Mearoc, a person is not considered cultured or "of note" if they do not have one or more "soft" skills. No matter how proficient at killing or battle, a person is viewed as a low-level hack or butcher if they do not have mastery in the "higher" skills.
Each character begins the game with one soft skill of their choice at rank 0. Each session, the character gains one elevation point to increase that skill or to dedicate to learn another soft skill at rank 0.
Outside of this mechanic, in game events, missions, quests, and player actions can increase or decrease these ranks.
As a setting note, "souls" for each soft skill exist. These are akin to independent spirits with intellect and interest in their skill.
| Rank | Title | Setting Information |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 2 | Knowledgeable | Not a beginner but less than a journeyman. You know a little, just enough to be dangerous. |
| 3 - 9 | True Skill | Recognized as having true skill in a subject. At this level of skill, doors open that otherwise would be closed to a beginner. |
| 10 - 24 | Master | A master of your skill. Other masters will recognize, challenge, and aid or hinder you. |
| 25 - 54 | Legend | A level beyond nearly everyone only achievable by the utlimate geniuses and lucky. |
| 55+ | Paragon | Absolute pinnacle of your craft or skill. |
The current list of soft skills in the game:
- Acupuncture
- Alchemy
- Astrology
- Chess (classic)
- Chess (Immortal)
- Cooking
- Calligraphy
- Cartography
- Dancing
- Formations
- Medicine - Using herbs, alchemy and techniques to heal.
- Music Composition
- Oration
- Origami
- Painting
- Pottery
- Runes
- Singing (separate from Bardic behavior)
- Storytelling
- Tea Ceremony
- Teaching
Black Skills or those recognized as soft skills but in a hidden way versus openly. Attaining high ranks in these skills is useful but not seen culturally in most social situations as a good thing or what makes a person civilized.
- Acrobatics (gymnastics)
- Armor crafting
- Farming - includes herbalism or the raising/nourishing of plants
- Gambling
- Leatherworking
- Tattooing
- Weapon crafting