Skills [Manual]

Skills are usable abilities that your character can learn (generally from studying technique scrolls). These can be used in combat (or occasionally out of it), for various effects.

In general, all skills have these attributes:

• Effectiveness - Regardless of whether your skill is a defensive, offensive or restorative technique , this attribute determines how effective the skill is. The effect can vary based on certain factors -- for example even if you have the qi to utilize a skill that is a rank above your current rank, your effectiveness will be decreased. This number is generally 3 digits (300, for example) and the higher the value, the more effective the skill when used.
• Qi Cost - The amount of qi required to use a skill. Qi Cost varies based on certain factors. Using a skill that is below your rank requires less qi, while the reverse holds true for skills of a higher rank. In general, casting a skill of a different realm is considered impossible.
• Cooldown - When you use a skill you must wait a certain number of turns before it can be activated again. This is the cooldown period and it varies between skills. Generally, the more useful or powerful a skill is, the longer you will have to wait.
• Category - One or more categories determine how a skill is used when cast. Skills can have more than one effect.
• Skill Type - Martial, Weapon or Spirit type skill. This will also enhance the effect of a skill based on your own mastery of a combat type.
• Skill Rank - The desired rank for casting a skill normally. You may still cast a skill if you are below this value, but the cost will be higher and the effectiveness will drop, upwards to a certain minimum effect. Conversely, if your qi core is ranked higher than the skill rank, you will use less qi and deal bonus effect.
• Skill Realm - Determines the realm you must be at to use this skill. Generally speaking, if you are at a lower realm than the skill you want to use, you won't be able to activate it -- even if you meet the cost requirements. Conversely, using a skill from a realm beneath your current realm will automatically boost it's effectiveness and halve it's cost despite all other bonuses in play.
• Affinity - This is whether a skill has an element or other attribute attached to it. These alter the effectiveness of a skill as well. For example, if you happen to be skilled in Medical Techniques and you use a Medical skill, you will gain more of a benefit than someone who isn't. Conversely, if you have a Fire Affinity and activate a Fire Spell then that will be more effective.
• Mastery - By using a skill a certain number of times you can master it. Doing so will boost the skill's effectiveness and reduce the cost permanently , along with rewarding Talent points.

Skills also have the added benefit of improving the combat mastery that matches the skill, or improving associated affinities as well.

Before heading into combat you can equip up to five learned skills, so play to your strengths and choose wisely.