This skill is described as being, "Used in the exploration of unknown stellar regions." That seems really vague to me. Is this the catch-all for planetary surveys? What are some of the things that it might call for a Trade (Explorator) Test?
What does Trade (Explorator) actually cover?
Planetary surveying, assessment of unknown ores, study of planetary bodies and their orbits, et cetera. Space geologist.
On a related note, how would GMs out there rule on the possible increase in profit factor for this particular trade? Mineral reports, published works on native inhabitants (factual and/or imperial propoganda), samples or heretofore unknown elements all seem to be viable ways to increase, although possibly temporarily, profit factor by making the appropriate trade rolls.
Ale Golem said:
On a related note, how would GMs out there rule on the possible increase in profit factor for this particular trade? Mineral reports, published works on native inhabitants (factual and/or imperial propoganda), samples or heretofore unknown elements all seem to be viable ways to increase, although possibly temporarily, profit factor by making the appropriate trade rolls.
Look at the crafting time required. Any deep geological survey can be long. A full solar system survey could be the 2d10 x 1 years...
There are ways of balancing it. But a successful roll could give a +1 PF but I find this a lack of imagination on skill use.