Prestidigitation

In the apocalypse, a stage magician’s toolkit might sound worthless. But misdirection, mischief, and a pair of quick hands go further than one might expect. It’s practical. It gets you out of binds. And sometimes, it just gives people a reason to laugh.

When combined with other skills, Prestidigitation can unlock special abilities that reflect your character’s personal style be it practical, performative, or a mix of both. These combinations allow each practitioner to use the craft in ways that suit how they play and who their character is. We want players to be rewarded for these hidden discoveries so we won't list them here, but strongly recommend this skill for any characters who want to have an edge on deception, sleight of hand, theatrics, or misdirection.

Skill Perks

(25%) Perk: Escapologist (Ability): TKTK 20 focus to clear hobble.

(50%) Voice Work: Through control of pitch, tone, and cadence, you can alter your voice to sound like someone—or something—else entirely.

Ventriloquism (Ability): You've learned how to project your voice so it seems to come from a different location. Requires skillchecks to use without revealing yourself, and when used against another player it will always be apparent to everyone what you are doing in order to prevent abuse. (Can be accessed in the Ability Menu, or by typing the command [vent)

Mimic (Ability): Access to a set of sound effects to be used for theatrical effect. The list will expand based on practitioners skill.

(75%) Perk: Stunt Double: You gain proficiency in Dummy Kits.

(100%) Perk: Vanishing Act (Ability): Spend 20 Focus to disappear in a puff of smoke. Grants 2 seconds of stealth during which you cannot be revealed, unless you take an offensive action.

Using Dummy Kits

Available at 75 Skill, and crafted via Woodworking

TKTK

Using Disguise Kits

Under the right circumstances with the right combination of skills, a character can pass as a completely different person with a disguise kit. A kit can be crafted with Painting.

You will know you have access to this ability when it appears on the Ability Menu, or are able to manipulate a Disguise Kit.

Stealing

Under the right circumstances with the right combination of skills, a character has the confidence, or audacity to steal. At this time, the system is solely a PvE mechanic.

You will know you have access to this ability when it appears on the Ability Menu.

DISCLAIMER: USE THIS SKILL RESPONSIBLY

This skill was created with storytelling in mind, and works especially well for scenes built around intrigue, performance, or deception. But we're also aware that prestidigitation has the potential to create... memorable moments. Hilarious moments, even. But if used carelessly, this can be disruptive to others.

So, that said: Read the room. Please use common sense and be mindful of your fellow players when using this skill for humor. Breaking immersion, or disrupting roleplay of others, can be considered Fail RP, or even harassment - especially in safe areas where others can’t shut you up the old-fashioned way. Misuse of these abilities could result in staff intervention and loss of access to the skill.

If in doubt, refer to the Server Rules, and if still unsure, feel free to check in with staff or your fellow players on what may qualify as disruptive in any given situation.

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