The advancement of a character’s aptitude, technique or procedure rating is as simple as spending experience. Of course that expenditure must be justified by training or learning the skills at a proper level to advance. There are several ways to do this in the game world, all of which are subject to the Arbitrator’s approval.
Levels may only be increased by one per training session. It is a good rule of thumb that the time between learning one level and the next should be equal to 6 weeks minus INT level of the character in weeks of moderate study.
The first and most common method is to find a trainer. Trainers are other characters or NPCs who possess at least one level higher than the desired level to be learned. Any trainer can teach a character up to one level below their current level. The character must roll INT vs the Victory Chart with each grade of success determining successful learning. Apprentice for level 1, Average for 2, Journeyman for 3, Master for 4 and Phenomenal for 5. Rank 6 is beyond training.
Trainers with the Instruction Aptitude may add their Instruction level as an exchange to the trainee’s roll to boost their chances. Additionally, a trainer who rolls an Ultimate can teach up to their own level.
Characters can also learn from items such as books, scrolls, and other tomes. This is much harder than learning from another person and will double the time to learn for each failure rolled. Such items are created by someone, and should be given a level based upon the creator’s understanding and ability to express it effectively. Language and cultural barriers make this method of self teaching more difficult. The item’s level works just as the Instruction level of a trainer.
Finally, some stubborn or shy characters may attempt to learn something by imitation alone. This method is tricky as it bestows a false sense of security with the learner. While they will learn if they practice and have a good Imitation roll instead of INT, levels learned in this fashion may not rise above 1 and are accompanied by a Forced Exchange Low.
In the end it is hard work and practice that will improve levels in Aptitudes, Techniques and Procedures. While Benefits such as “Fast Learner” may help reduce time or increase chances of success, nothing teaches like skill and patience.
