Skiing (sage ability)

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Skiing is an amateur-status sage ability in the studies of Athletics and Mountaineer granting the character the knowledge and skill to fashion, maintain and effectively use wooden skis for travel and transport over snow-covered terrain. While the ability includes some capacity for downhill movement, the technology and materials available in the 17th century limit its use to Nordic or cross-country skiing rather than modern alpine skiing. The emphasis of this skill is on endurance, navigation of snowy landscapes and practical transport, rather than speed or agility on steep descents.

An amateur skier differs significantly from an unskilled or "common" skier, who may possess basic knowledge of skiing (minimum 3 pts. of knowledge) but lacks the expertise to fully utilise it. Common skiers are unable to craft or properly maintain skis, resulting in equipment that is prone to failure. They also ski more slowly, with less stamina and consistency over long distances compared to those with the full ability. The amateur skier, by contrast, can sustain a reliable pace, navigate snowy terrain efficiently and endure prolonged journeys in harsh winter conditions.

It's important note that this ability is entirely dependent on environmental conditions, as skiing is impossible without sufficient snow cover. Where this skill is applied, it can greatly improve travel efficiency across otherwise difficult or impassable terrain, making it invaluable in mountainous or northern regions during winter months.

Common Skiers

These can maintain a speed of about 3 miles per hour under typical conditions. In combat terms, this translates to a cost of ½ an action point (AP) per combat hex of movement. They are able to sustain this pace for two 3-hour periods in a day, separated by an hour of rest, resulting in a total of 6 hours of skiing and a maximum distance of 18 miles. This assumes no significant elevation change, with the route involving no more than 400 feet of ascent or descent overall.

If the skier faces an uphill climb of more than 400 feet, their total travel distance is reduced by 3 miles for every 80 feet of elevation gained above that threshold. For example, if a common skier climbs a total of 540 feet during the day, the excess elevation above 400 feet is 140 feet. This is treated as two increments of 80 feet, resulting in a reduction of 6 miles. Consequently, the skier would travel 12 miles instead of the maximum 18 miles on flat terrain.

In contrast, if the skier descends more than 400 feet in total elevation, their travel distance increases by 3 miles for every 200 feet of descent beyond that threshold, up to a maximum bonus of 12 miles. For example, if the skier descends 540 feet, the additional drop of 140 feet beyond 400 is treated as one increment of 200 feet, resulting in a 3-mile bonus. In this case, the skier would travel a total of 21 miles. However, if the descent exceeds 1,200 feet, the added effort of managing a steep downhill prevents any further bonus, as controlling speed and maneuvering require significant exertion.

This framework reflects the physical limitations and capabilities of common skiers, whose stamina and skill are sufficient for moderate distances but do not allow for optimal use of terrain or prolonged endurance. While effective for traversing snowy environments, common skiers are distinctly less efficient than amateurs in both distance covered and terrain adaptability.

Amateur Skiers

These can maintain a speed of 4 miles per hour under typical conditions. In combat terms, this equates to a cost of ½ AP per combat hex, with an additional bonus of +2 hexes when the character's full movement for the round is devoted to skiing. This reflects their greater efficiency and ability to capitalize on momentum compared to common skiers.

Amateurs are able to sustain this pace for an 8-hour stretch before requiring an hour of rest, after which they can continue skiing for an additional 3-hour period, resulting in a total of 11 hours and 44 miles traveled in a day. This assumes that the total elevation change along the route does not exceed 400 feet. If the skier encounters a net elevation gain of more than 400 feet, the total distance traveled is reduced by 2 miles for every 80 feet of ascent above that threshold, rounded up. For example, if an amateur skier climbs a total of 540 feet during the day, the excess elevation above 400 feet is 140 feet, which is treated as two increments of 80 feet. This results in a reduction of 4 miles, reducing the total distance to 40 miles.

Conversely, if the skier descends more than 400 feet over the course of the day, their total travel distance increases by 3 miles for every 100 feet of descent beyond the threshold, up to a maximum bonus of 24 miles. For instance, if the skier descends a total of 540 feet, the excess descent of 140 feet beyond 400 feet is treated as one increment of 100 feet, resulting in a bonus of 6 miles. This increases the skier’s total distance to 50 miles. However, if the descent exceeds 800 feet, the strain of managing steep downhill travel offsets any further bonuses, reflecting the difficulty of controlling speed and maintaining balance over prolonged drops.

Amateur skiers demonstrate superior endurance and skill compared to common skiers, enabling them to traverse longer distances, navigate terrain more effectively and maximize their efficiency in both flat and descending conditions. Their training and experience make them significantly more adept at handling the challenges of skiing in snowy wildernesses.

Authority Skiiers

Authority skiers represent a pinnacle of skill and endurance for individuals who have dedicated their lives to skiing as a primary mode of transport in snowbound regions. They can maintain a remarkable speed of 6 miles per hour under optimal conditions. In combat terms, this translates to a cost of ½ AP per combat hex, with an additional bonus of +3 hexes whenever their full movement is applied to skiing in a given round. Their expertise allows them to capitalise on terrain with precision, navigating snow-covered landscapes with unmatched efficiency and control.

Authority skiers can sustain their pace for an extended 10-hour period before requiring a 1-hour rest, after which they can continue for an additional 5 hours, resulting in a total of 15 hours and 90 miles traveled in a day. This distance assumes a net elevation change of no more than 400 feet over the course of the journey. If the elevation gain exceeds 400 feet, the skier’s total distance is reduced by 1 mile for every 80 feet of ascent beyond that threshold, rounded up. For example, a total climb of 540 feet would result in a reduction of 2 miles, reducing the total distance to 88 miles.

On descents, authority skiers gain 3 miles for every 100 feet of elevation dropped beyond the initial 400 feet, with a maximum bonus of 36 miles. For instance, if the skier descends 540 feet, the 140 feet beyond 400 feet is treated as one increment of 100 feet, granting a bonus of 3 miles. This increases their total travel distance to 93 miles. Authority skiers can manage descents of up to 1,200 feet before the strain of controlling their speed negates any further gains, reflecting their superior balance and agility even on steep slopes.

In addition to their physical prowess, authority skiers possess an advanced understanding of terrain, weather patterns and snow conditions. They can anticipate hazards such as avalanches, weak snow bridges over crevasses or unstable icy surfaces, providing a +4 bonus to saving throws and ability checks for themselves and up to four others they are actively guiding. This level of expertise also allows them to identify the fastest, safest routes through treacherous areas, significantly reducing travel time and risk.

Authority skiers are adept at crafting, maintaining and repairing skis and related equipment, even under challenging circumstances. Their knowledge of snow dynamics enables them to assess when to modify their gear or adapt their techniques to suit varying conditions, such as deep powder, icy crust or slushy snow. Their lifetime of experience also allows them to predict storms or snowfalls with reasonable accuracy, helping them plan safe routes and avoid dangerous weather.

This skill set makes authority skiers invaluable guides and messengers in regions where skiing is essential for survival, allowing them to traverse vast distances, navigate challenging terrain and ensure the safety of those who travel under their care.


See also,
Fighter Sage Abilities
Ranger Sage Abilities
Training (sage field)
Wilderland (sage field)