horseback riding skill

[Lurker]

As I mentioned in the game thread for Tree's future game, The Crimea is going to be a key even in my history. However, I can't see what skill bundle horseman ship / ride falls under. Did I miss it ????

Also, as he will be a spy, what does perception fall under? Criminology, roguery, or is it just a wis check, is it a knack?

[DMMike]

Well, once again my caveat is that it is up to your Genteel Magistrate to rule on the situation. Below is merely what I'd do in my own home game. Its NOT official!

Generally, I assume basic horseriding is a skill most people would have in the 19th century. Maybe they wouldn't, but its like a skill at writing checques or just using proper letter wirting etiquette; skills that people just have for the most part. Now if you wanted to be an expert horseman, I'd go with either a Profession: Cavalry skill or a Knack with horse riding. Maybe even both, with the knack being +s in combat while riding.

As for a spy, I'd go with Roguery, perhaps at rank 2 along with Etiquettes and either Keen Senses or a Knack in perceptive abilities. Linguist probably wouldn't hurt either, with French being the default second language as any "gentleman or lady" of the era knew French. Historically (at the time of the Crimena War) Russian aristocrats spent most of their time on their estates speaking French to each other and left Russian for speaking to the menials.

That's what I'd do, in my own game. YMMV and its a GM call.

GM Mike, who's fond of GM fiat!

[Lurker]

... YMMV and its a GM call.

GM Mike, who's fond of GM fiat!

Rgr that, & those are my favorite words ...

I think that will be one of the interesting aspects, having Tree run the game, and make his fiats, but you playing so in the after game bs sessions hearing how you would have ruled it, but then thinking through my ideas - as they are different than trees and yours being more low end gilded / grim.

For the horseman ship, I wasn't planning on being a cavalry officer - but my brother will - so I assume my dex prime will be good enough to handle riding , fox hunting and basic horse chases. I don't plan on fighting from horse back so unless Tree leans otherwise I'll call it good

For the observation, it is good to hear I was on the right track, I already planned on taking criminology, roguery, and a knack of observing / spying. So, that should be covered.

Thanks for the insight on how you would do it!

[Treebore]

Since I haven't been forced to come up with my own answers, I am more than happy to do it as Mike suggests. We better compile Mike's responses into the beginings of my Victorious! house rules documnent. I'll leave the gathering of them to you, Les.