Skill: Helmsman

This is a catch-all skill for the ability to pilot a large craft capable of space flight. Unlike Mech Operations, the Helmsman ability rarely applies to small ships that can be operated by a single person. Indeed, Helmsman is a concert skill that frequently requires the pilot to work with a navigator, life support specialist, chief engineer, and sometimes a gunner in order to successfully maneuver a large ship and keep its complement of passengers safe. Character’s with the Helmsmen ability are assumed to have a working knowledge of most ship cockpit controls, but it will be a rare thing for a helmsman to board a new vessel and fly the ship like they have been doing it for years. All new pilots will need to make an extended Intelligence + Helmsman roll when first boarding a ship before they will be able to operate the craft successfully. Normally, a new pilot will need at least of week or so to fully understand and acclimatize themselves to the specific controls of their new ship. Once acclimated, the pilot may roll Wits + Helmsman to steer the ship well. The difficulty of such rolls is largely dependent on the size and purpose of the ship. For example, a transport freighter will have greater difficulty taking evasive action (Difficulty 8 or more) than a military gun ship (Difficulty 6).

Ability Levels:

0	Abysmal: The cockpit of even a simple spaceship intimidates you. You are too well aware that even one mistake will kill everyone.
1	Novice: The captain lets you take the helm when the ship is cruising the voids and there is little that can go wrong.
2	Practiced: Typical Spacer: You can perform standard landing, docking, and liftoff maneuvers without developing a stomach ulcer.
3	Competent: You have accumulated several years of behind the helm flight time and you even quickly learn the ins and outs of new vessels effectively.
4	Expert: You are the pilot the captain wants behind the helm when an emergency goes down. Your reputation precedes you in most space ports.
5	Master: You are arguably one of the best pilots in the solar system and nearly everyone knows it. Shipping companies compete to have you on the payroll.

Possessed by:

Spacers, Military Personnel, Smugglers, Pirates, The Ridiculously Wealthy, Void Gangrel, Malkavians.

Sample Specialties:
Fuel Conservation, Evasive Maneuvers, Docking Procedures, Landing Procedures, Liftoff Procedures, Dog Fights, Stealth Maneuvers.
Players may choose a specialty at level 4 and gain a second specialty at level 5.