Abilities
or, How I Won the War, Then Started the Next One
Abilities are somewhat different from Skills, both in their function and expression. Unlike Skills, Abilities are designed to function cumulatively, allowing several characters or NPCs to pool their abilities to determine a final result. They are less granular than skills, requiring more time and having consequences on a grander scale.
There are only two Abilities in Death Before Dishonor: Military (MA) and Political (PA). Each are generated by the roll of a single die during character generation.
It is possible to train Abilities, but the training is generally harder than Skills, and there are more strict limitations. Abilities are more commonly increased by "on-the-job training", by actually making use of them in play. For details regarding the uses of these Abilities, see Chapters Four and Six.
Military Ability (MA)
"Some men are born to lead, others to follow". That maxim is proved by a character's Military Ability. This Ability quantifies your character's facility with military concepts, including leadership, strategic and tactical acumen, and quick thinking; his score greatly affects your battle results for good or ill. Initially based on 1D6, with higher numbers representing higher skill. Military Ability may be increased by active field command (see XXX) or taking courses at the Military Academy.
Political Ability (PA)
Some men are bureaucrats, others are statemen, some have no facility with politics at all. How can we tell? Why, by the character's Political Ability score, certainment!
When it comes to the ability to persuade others or lead a city, write a legal brief or judge a case, the character's PA is the key element. Generated on 1D6, it is possible (though rare) to exceed an ability greater than 6. Like Military Ability, PA can be advanced by Law School or active participation in politics (see XXX).
Raising Skills and Abilities
In the course of their careers, characters are offered opportunities for improving themselves. Improvements in Social Level, Characteristics, Skills and Abilities are all common activities. Social Level increases come about from participating in events which have a social impact. Characteristics, such as Strength of Constitution, may be raised at a Gymnasium. Note that Endurance may never be improved directly -- it is always and automatically increased when either Strength of Constitution is developed.
That said, there are more options available to the character who elects to do so. First of all, there are several schools throughout Paris to develop most Skills, from amateur associations to professional schools. The more prestigious the institution, the more expensive it is to attend; however, the higher the prestige of the school, the greater the potential increase. See the Training & Schooling rules for details on the mechanics of training skills.
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