Prospecting Questions

[Solomani666]

Is this the correct procedure for prospecting:

1. Pilot check for orbit
2. Roll Electronics (Sensors) to determine if a rock has potential.
3. Scan for the number of shifts indicated on the size table for a full survey.
4. Roll Electronics (Sensors) again and if successful. <----- ??
5. Consult the Scan Potential table and the Composition table.
6. Roll the target number of the Resource Presence table.
7. If successful then check the Yield table for the amount of the find.
8. Stake claim etc.......

Where does the Profession (Belter) skill come into play?

 

[PsiTraveller]

The profession does not make an appearance in the process. Anyone can gain the skills of piloting, sensors, and Admin to find and sell a claim. It is an odd situation. The scavenger career does not include Electronics(Sensors) in the skill list. As on page 17 of the Core book these are the basic training skills gained in the career path. A new skill list might be in order to more accurately reflect reality.

The 1st edition Belter Career had the Prospecting section on the career specialist path. It also had the Prospecting skill that could add to the chance of finding something.

A new Skill list for 2nd edition Drifter:Scavenger roll might look like:
Pilot
Astogation
Electronics (Sensors)
Profession (Belter)
Mechanic

These skills would allow a Scavenger/Belter to pilot into an area, plot the course, scan the area, mine it, and repair anything that broke. Gaining a level in Admin would offer the chance to sell the claim for a fair price.

The Profession belter might allow a bonus to the chance of finding something, similar to the Prospecting skill in Beltstrike. Or it may allow for a reduction of problems and disasters by adding to the mining check roll to prevent an incident from occurring.