Since we’ve got a theme running here this month, I figured I’d run with it a bit longer.  In your post apocalyptic game, chances are there are some form of skills your character can take, regardless of the system.  In a post apocalyptic wasteland, there are skills that can be extremely useful that most characters won’t take.  So, here’s my list of skills that would be benefitial in the post apocalyptic wasteland.

1.  Medical

This one is a bit of a no-brainer.  No hospitals or ambulances?  Yeah, being able to treat trauma victims and deliver babies would be useful.  Sure.  Basic medical skills are benefitial to pretty much everyone at every point, even if they’re never actually needed.  In a world where tons of doctors and nurses are probably dead, medical skills become vital.  Someone in the group needs these skills…if not everyone.

2.  Brewing/Vinting

Basically, any art that teaches you how to make alcohol.  People want alcohol, especially in times of intense stress.  Being able to provide that is a skill that can make it possible to accomplish so much more.  Trade possibilities are endless, and it’s a good gift when making a diplomatic visit.  Alcohol…the gift that keeps on giving.

3.  Music

I’m not saying to play a bard-type or anything, but someone who can strum a guitar and carry a tune will always be welcomed around the camp fire for a little while…especially if they just want to play!  Music has long been a source of comfort to people, and after an apocalypse?  People need all the comfort they can get.  Not only that, but a creative player can use that skill to gather information without anyone being any wiser.

4.  Engineering

Another no-brainer in my opinion.  However, you don’t have to be an engineer, but have some hands on ability with engineering itself.  For example, a car mechanic is infinitely more useful than an engineer who has spent his entire career in a university setting.  This is the skill that lets a character take on a role similar to the Professor on Gilligan’s Island.  You’ve got a car alternator, but need a generator?  Have an assorment of parts, but need a pump?  This is the skill you need in your group!

5.  Gunsmithing

Most post apocalyptic games use the weapons technology of the modern world.  Regardless of what type of weapon you have, it will eventually need some kind of repairs (even my beloved AK-47 will…eventually).  A gunsmith is the guy or gal you want.  They may have to cannibalize guns in order to repair them, but that’s the breaks.  Chances are, the first couple of weapons that go down won’t be fixed, but used as parts for future weapons that go down.

6.  Machining

Don’t want to cannibalize your guns?  If you’ve got a way to get power, perhaps the skills of a machinist would be benefitial to you.  After all, you can machine new parts, rather than hacking up other weapons.  Not only that, but you would easily be able to make parts for other groups as trade items.  Everyone will need parts at some point.  With the right reference materials, sufficient power, and a machine shop at your disposal, you’ll do just fine!

7.  Gardening

Everyone thinks farming, but gardening is probably more applicable in this day and age.  Modern gardeners use the skills and techniques farmers used to use due to lack of machinery to help them out.  Using hand tools and know-how, gardeners can grow incredible amounts of food in small patches of land available to them.  And let’s face it…food is always a good thing to have!

So there you have it, seven skills that help you thrive after the apocalypse.  When the end is near, these are some of the skills to bone up on.   That is, provided you want to survive!  If not, feel free to just roll over and die a horrible, painful death at the hands of 2-Rock and his crew ;)