Hello.

What is the point to buy Common Lore (Tech) when you already have Tech Use?

Is Common Lore (Tech) a toned down Tech use skill for the ignorant denizen of the imperium?

Common Lore (Tech) is all about knowledge of an item. It in no way grants you any practical skill in using it. It is the difference between someone who says "that's a Harrier jump jet," and someone who says "that's an EAV-8B Matador, used by Spain."

Tech-Use is more than just knowing how to use a device. It also covers repair, maintenance and possibly fabrication of a device as well. The fact that one might allow bonuses to a Tech-Use roll for a successful Common Lore (Tech) check; identifying a specific model and components should make it less likely that you louse up the job. It'd be like trying to fix a 2.2 liter engine in a car that actually had the 2.4 liter version.

-=Brother Praetus=-

Brother Praetus said:

I agree. In fact, Common Lore (tech) can do things Tech Use can't. Let's say we have someone who seems some sort of unfamiliar weapon. If he only has Tech Use, he'll still have no idea what it is. Maybe he can crack it open and get a look at the insides to get a sense of exactly how it functions. However, the person with Common Lore (tech) could simply say "Well, that's a Cadence 'Widower' Dart Caster device." He won't know how to maintain it but he knows about it.