Anthropometry and Acrobatics

[GM Elton]

Quick question:

Does the study of Anthropometry fall under Acrobatics -- since its Ancient Greek contortionism mixed with Natural Philosophy and Mathematics (thats Science and Mathematics) -- or can a knowledge skill go along with it?

Profession: Contortionist would be a by gone conclusion.

[eakratz]

If something that specific ones up in the game, acrobatics would be fine by me. Other knowledges that may apply: nature for the A&P aspect and local if it's about humanoids. Possible heal.

[Gwen Smith]

The performance could fall under Escape Artist: that's where squeezing and wriggling out of bonds come in. Maybe the study would come under Heal and Knowledge Engineering?

[KahnyaGnorc]

The Heal skill includes knowledge of anatomy . . . the knowledge on HOW to do that sort of thing with one's body without injury, but, yes, Acrobatics would be needed to actually DO it.

[GM Elton]

Thanks guys.
:)

[Kazaan]

Knowledge: Natural would probably apply to the study of the process. Heal would apply to practical understanding of the procedure and process. Acrobatics or Escape Artist would apply to the practice of actually doing it. I'd also warrant that, just as Sleight of Hand can be used "as if it were a Perform skill" to perform for money (encompassing juggling, sleight of hand, etc), you should probably be able to apply a similar principal to use either an Acrobatics check for "free" contortionist performance (circus contortionist) or Escape Artist for "enclosed" or "bound" performance (Houdini style).

[Gwen Smith]

Your check to perform the skill is really going to be Escape Artist, particularly the Tight Space rule (Tight Space: The DC noted is for getting through a space through which your head fits but your shoulders don't. If the space is long, you may need to make multiple checks. You can't squeeze through a space that your head does not fit through.).

The Acrobatics skill is much more about balance and mobility ("You can keep your balance while traversing narrow or treacherous surfaces. You can also dive, flip, jump, and roll to avoid attacks and overcome obstacles"), even though in real life we associate contortionist with "acrobats".