GURPS - Compendium 1..

Revolution. It does not automatically impart knowledge about
how any given conspiracy works today, however. Conspiracy
theorists can sometimes determine whether a certain strange
occurrence is truly a coincidence or a result of a given conspiracy.
There may be a penalty of -1 to -5 depending on circumstances
(GM's option). Only a critical success will give insight about
what group caused the occurrence, or why.
Remember that even without Conspiracy Theory skill, one
may sometimes detect the workings of a conspiracy. Depending
on the situation, the skills of Criminology, Forensics, Occultism
or any of the sciences might be as good as Conspiracy Theory to
let you realize that something is wrong here.
See History: Esoteric, p. 157.
Cryptanalysis/TL (Mental/Hard) Special default;
see below
This is the ability to break codes and to recognize, analyze
and break into encryption systems. It may be used in wartime, in
espionage, or simply in high-stakes business dealings. It can
involve anything from state-of-the-art tactical encryption sys tems
to unsophisticated substitution ciphers.
There is no default when dealing with modern, high-tech
encryption. However, pre-20th-century ciphers were much simpler,
and even in present-day and futuristic campaigns, simple
ciphers can be encountered - terrorists seldom have access to
good encoding equipment, and professional spies often lack the
equipment and training of modern cryptographers. Thus, agents
may encounter the same symbol codes, substitution ciphers and
other basic deceptions used throughout history. When attempting
to crack these simple codes, characters may attempt a
default roll at Mathematics-3, IQ-5, Cryptography-5 or
Cryptology-5. Alternatively, the GM can actually hand out
coded messages and let the players try to solve them.
Those with access to a computer gain a bonus of +1 to +5
when using Cryptanalysis. A home computer confers +1, a minicomputer
confers +2, a mainframe confers +3 or +4 and a supercomputer
offers a +5. One must have a trained programmer, or a
Computer Operation skill of 15+, to effectively use a computer in
Cryptanalysis. Appropriate software is also required.
When decoding, a sample of the code (with translation) gives a
+5. If the message to be decoded is shorter than 25 words, roll at -
5. Anyone with a Mathematical Ability advantage gets +3 to
Cryptanalysis rolls.
Note that some codes will be effectively unbreakable; the
NSA has had Cray supercomputers working full-time for years
on some high-level diplomatic systems, without success.
Cryptanalytical training requires a Top Secret/Special
Compartmentalized Intelligence Clearance in the U.S., and similar
clearance in other nations (see Security Clearance, p. 29).
Therefore, those whose disadvantages pose a security risk may
not learn this skill through normal channels.
Furthermore, agents with this skill become targets for enemy
spies, and superiors may be quite reluctant to let a trained cryptanalyst
go on risky missions. Spies and criminals may find their
way around such restrictions ... An intelligence agency with
powerful connections might arrange to have some of its members
trained through unofficial channels. Foreign cryptanalysts may
find themselves forced into spying by defection.
Cryptography/TL (Mental/Hard) Special default;
see below
This skill allows one to encode information. It is the exact
opposite of Cryptanalysis (above), and like that skill, covers the
use of all varieties of encryption systems, codes and ciphers.
The difficulty modifier for encryption should be based on the
complexity of the procedure and how commonly known it is.
Cryptographers may also devise codes and ciphers of their
own. When they create a hasty cipher, note the amount by
which they succeed on their Cryptography roll. This equals the
penalty applied to rolls by enemy cryptanalysts trying to read
the message. By rolling at -2, one can try to devise a code that
appears to be innocent conversation, thereby avoiding attention
from eavesdroppers. Anyone can attempt to devise a trivial code
or cipher on an IQ-5 roll, but such schemes never have any
Cryptanalysis penalty, no matter what the roll.
To create a more effective code requires 3d days of work,
plus an additional day for each failed roll. The penalty to break
such a code is equal to twice the amount by which the
Cryptography roll was made. This means that a master cryptographer
(skill of 20-25) can easily create codes which can only be
solved at -20 to -30! If the penalty to solve the code reduces the
effective Cryptanalysis skill of the code-breaker to less than 3,
then that code is considered completely unsolvable by the analyst,
even with a critical success.
Cryptographers are subject to the same security measures and
career restrictions as cryptanalysts. Previous GURPS supplements
have confused this skill with Cryptanalysis (above) and
Cryptology (below), but they are not the same thing. In a campaign
where all three skills are being used, Cryptography
defaults to either of these other skills (and vice versa) at -5.
Cryptology/TL (Mental/Hard) Special default;
see below
This is the scientific study of codes and ciphers. A cryptologist
has a theoretical understanding of encryption schemes,
including how they change with TL and why some schemes are
more effective than others. He can try to apply his knowledge
practically, to create or break codes, but this not his forte - he is a
scientist, not a technician, and such attempts should always be
made at -5 or worse.
Previous GURPS supplements have confused this skill with
Cryptanalysis and Cryptography (above), but they are not the
same thing. In a campaign where all three skills are being used,
Cryptology defaults to either of these other skills (and vice
versa) at -5.
Cyphering (Mental/Easy)
Defaults to IQ-2
This is the ability to do simple mathematical manipulations -
add, subtract, multiply and divide. In any society where illiteracy is
the norm, this skill must be specifically learned. It is necessary
to any but the most primitive merchant or administrator, and is
a prerequisite to Accounting and Mathematics. One who has
Mathematics skill need not roll against Cyphering.
Most peasants never need this skill, and many others - even
nobles - never bothered to learn their cyphering. Default use of
this skill is "counting on fingers," feasible only for adding and
subtracting numbers below 20.
Mathematical Ability adds directly to Cyphering skill. The
Lightning Calculator ability makes this skill unnecessary.
Herbalist (Mental/Hard) Defaults to Naturalist-6
See p. 150 under Medical Skills.
Herbary (Mental/Average)
See p. 150 under Medical Skills.
No default
Prerequisite: Botany-12+
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