Swimming

Basic Skill

The basic skill of swimming, which is allowed at character creation, differs from the learned skill. The basic skill encompasses the most basic aspects of swimming. Those with the basic skill can tread water, swim up to 1 mile an hour hold their breath for up to 30 seconds and dive up to 10 feet. The amount of time they can spend in the water is up to their endurance level, but without that skill they can spend about 30 minutes in the water before tiring and drowning. 

Learned Skill

The learned skill of swimming differs from the basic skill. The base aspects that are touched upon within the basic skill are expanded upon greatly within the learned skill. A swimmer, as they progress through the skill, learns to dive deeper, swim faster, hold their breath longer and master different swimming styles. Once again, the amount of time a character can be in the water depends on their endurance levels. Without the skill the time stays at 30 minutes throughout the mastery, though this usually isn’t an issue. It is common when training the swimming skill, the endurance skill is trained simultaneously. It is important to note that a character who knows the basic skill of swimming only gains points in the learned skill when they show a deliberate effort to improve themselves.

Related Skills

The only skill that is required in order to begin gaining skill points in swimming, is the basic skill of swimming. Characters who choose to know this skill at creation can dive right in, while those who choose otherwise must write at least three threads of 2000 words each or more detailing a successful attempt at learning to swim, taught by a PC or NPC that has the Basic Skill. Below are other related skills.

• Endurance: This skill, when leveled, allows the swimmer to stay in the water for longer periods of time. With each mastery level the amount of time spent swimming without fatiguing rises.

• Fishing: Some types of fishing, such as hands on fishing, can only be done with the swimming ability. There are many types of fishing that don’t require the fisher to swim, but more opportunities are opened to those why have the skill.

Related Equipment

There is no equipment that is required for the swimming skill, however there are a few items that aid in the exercise. While these items generally give the facade that the character is more skilled in swimming, they in fact inhibit growth in the specific area of the skill they aid in. 

• Waterproof Clothing: Most types of clothing can be made with waterproof material which is useful when swimming. Waterproof clothing will not get bogged down by absorbing water. Although it is recommended to wear as little as possible to reduce water resistance.

• Swimming Cap: A small waterproof cap that fits snuggly over the head to cover the hair of the wearer. It is buttoned below the chin and is meant to reduce water resistance usually created by the swimmers hair.

• Snorkel: Usually made from hollow reeds or bamboo, a snorkel is held in the mouth of the swimmer and points upwards. This device allows the wearer to breathe while under the direct surface of the water. 

• Fins: Usually made from a light wood and cloth, these are attachments made to the feet of the swimmer, similar in shape to the head of an oar or paddle. Secured with straps, fins aid the wearer in moving much faster in water as they allow more water to be pushed by the swimmer, propelling them forward.

Skills Levels

Once the swimmer learns the basic skill of swimming, either during character creation or after completion of a 2000 word thread, the character may begin gaining skill points. Since this skill is unique in having a basic and a learned portion, it is important that the player understands that skill points can only be gained when the character shows effort in improving their skill. Simply swimming in the nearby lake will not be awarded any points.

1-25 Apprentice

At this level the swimmer learns to hold their breath for up to one minute. Speed is worked on slightly in this stage and at higher levels as an apprentice can swim up to two miles an hour. Here the character learns to float and dive, though he cannot do the latter very skillfully. The swimmer begins to feel slightly more comfortable underwater and can start diving to twenty-five feet as long as their breath holds.

26-50 Journeyman

As a Journeyman swimmer, the character will learn to swim up to three miles an hour. They also begin to learn the basics of different types of swimming strokes such as the breaststroke or butterfly. Diving, at this stage, is learned and can be performed safely depending on the depth of water. Here the swimmer is comfortable enough in the water to dive up to thirty-three feet and can hold their breath for up to four minutes. The swimmer here also begins to learn how to protect themselves from dangerous currents.

51-75 Expert

As an Expert, the swimmer is very comfortable in this aquatic environment. They can hold their breath up to a total of eight minutes and can swim up to five miles an hour. They are an expert at diving, different swimming strokes and can dive up to forty-five feet deep. They feel natural in the water and little deters them from it. The swimmer also begins becoming adept at understanding how to protect themselves and their breathing in dangerous and choppy waters.

76-100 Master

As a master swimmer the character is uniquely skilled under the water. They can hold their breath for an astonishing fifteen minutes and swim up to six miles an hour. They can dive as deep as their breath allows, while also considering the increasing pressure of the depths. A master swimmer is completely skilled in all types of swimming strokes, floating and diving is completely safe in almost any depth. As long as their endurance holds up the master swimmer can protect themselves from rapid currents and rough waters that threaten their ability to breathe.