Operating (Intellect)

Sometimes, a vehicle is so big that quick reflexes and a steady hand aren’t enough to operate it. When using these sorts of vehicles, for which your character needs training, a sharp mind, and the ability to keep track of a lot of information, your character employs the Operating skill. Operating represents your character’s ability to drive, pilot, fly, or sail anything big. Ships, dirigibles, and spaceships (really, anything with a crew) all require the Operating skill. In low-tech settings, your character may use this skill to steer and sail a sailing ship. In steampunk settings, Operating could be used to pilot a war zeppelin. In modern day or weird war settings, your character needs this skill to sail a merchant steamer or pilot a submarine. In the science fiction or space opera settings, your character uses Operating to pilot large spaceships.
Your character should use this skill if…
• Your clipper must safely ride out a storm without losing speed (or a mast).
• Your character pilots a zeppelin to slip around the stern of an opponent’s flying fortress.
• Your character calculates an orbital slingshot maneuver for their starship.
• Your character docks a spaceship with a space station.
Your character should not use this skill if…
• Your character performs routine ship maneuvers in open space.
• Your character wants to upgrade the engines of the ship. That requires a Mechanics check.
• Your character is the captain of a ship and is giving orders. This requires the Leadership skill.