Learning new skills

So, you want to learn a new skill?

Well, plan to take time off from adventuring to line up an internship or tutelage when you find someone with a skill you want to learn, and keep in mind that new skills usually start at or below those listed in the book (based on the teacher and/or student's IQ and background).

Want a skill, but don't have access to a teacher? Trying to find someone who can teach the character a skill could be an adventure in and of itself.

Things to keep in mind when learning new skills:

Teacher's IQ: A dim/slow teacher won't teach very effectively, so it will take longer to learn from them.

Character's IQ: As above dim/slow characters will learn slower than a bright student.

Character's Background: A character with a wilderness background will not learn an urban/tech skill as fast as someone who grew up in the urban/tech setting. Conversely, a character who grew up in an urban setting will not learn wilderness survival skills as fast.

Character's Skills: If a character has a related/similar (basic mechanics) skill, they may learn a related skill (automotive mechanics) faster.

Setting: New skills may be picked up faster in an environment conducive to the skill. You'll learn chemistry faster/better with access to a chemistry set or lab.

Time: Don't expect a character to learn a skill overnight. If the character just wants a crash course in auto mechanics or the French language, harsh penalties/restrictions should be imposed to reflect this. If the GM and player agree that the player can take few months to a year-or-more off from adventuring to learn, skills should start out at, or near, base level.

Money: Teachers and tutors need to make a living too. GM should set up a pricing system for learning skills. Alternatively, the character may end up paying through an unpaid internship or servitude.

Other ways of learning can include old language books, instructional videos, tinkering, etc. Though these methods will take longer and results may vary.