# Introduction Aptitude, or Aptitude values, is a general rating between -3 to +6 that represents the approximate amount of knowledge or experience a character has in a given field. Aptitude values are used for [[Faculties]], Senses, and Talents. Aptitude is strongly linked to Item **Quality** values. # Aptitude Ranking - **Unfamiliar: -1**; the character is wholly unfamiliar with this skill. - **Familiar: +0**; the character has seen the skill done before, but has had little to no practice. - **Amateur: +2**; the character has had a chance to exercise the skill frequently in down time or taken rudimentary training. - **Proficient: +4**; the character is comfortable performing the skill or techniques and has mastered the basics of it. - **Adept: +6**; plenty of experience with the skill and practice. They are notable among those who are not trained, although not so much among their peers in the profession. - **Professional: +8**; Thorough study and years of experience, and an understanding of edge cases or uncommon problems one might come across. These are the most efficient (and potentially expensive) practitioners that might still be considered somewhat common to come across in any well populated city. - **Expert: +10**; a level of expertise. They are usually well regarded by others who understand the craft and their opinion is most valuable. An advanced comprehension of the material is understood on an academic level. These are typically professors, trainers, instructors, or the equivalent in the field. - **Master: +12**; One who understands all techniques of the field and actively pushes against the boundaries of folk knowledge, learning and understanding more of the field. These masters are founts of knowledge to look up to. This level of mastery usually finds itself in the courts of royalty or the most prestigious of academies. # Quality Ranking Quality is an item rating system that serves as a shorthand for availability, price, make, and complexity. Quality levels may determine an Aptitude level needed to acquire or craft an item, or the aptitude needed to make full use of the items' capabilities. - 1\* quality indicates a humble item that anyone can use. These items rarely have anything deeper than surface level function. Some 1* quality items may even be dilapidated and in disrepair. - 2* quality indicates a plain and standard item of decent make. These items are common use in normal, every day life, and are standard fare for anyone in the public to use. - 3* quality indicates a fine item of sturdy make. These items are uncommon, but are easily obtainable by those willing and able to invest in higher grade components. - 4* quality are artisanal quality items, made with particular deliberation. Components used are above standard, and these items are somewhat rare. - 5* quality items are master-crafted items, top of the line work that are the finest that can be reasonably obtained from highest echelon of craftsfolk. An immense amount of money, time, and effort means these items are rarely used outside of elite military and royalty use. - 6* quality items are mythic, legendary items that have stood the test of time and true magnum opus works of generations. These items are immensely valuable and highly treasured.