MEDICAL SKILL: ENTOMOLOGICAL MEDICINE
The unique specialization in insect biology and its applications to
medicine and science. It is an uncommon skill, but does have
applications on Rifts Earth with alien insect beings like the Xiticix.
In its simplest form, Entomological Medicine gives the scientist or
doctor an in dept understanding of insect biology, physiology, and more
importantly, its chemical aspects. This means the character knows how
and why the insect (from ordinary bugs to giants, and intelligent
insectoids) functions, its physiological strengths and weaknesses,
types of natural weapons, chemical weapons (poisons, acids, chemical
sprays), secretions (chemical trails, resins, webbing, etc.) and other
chemical properties, including where the chemical is secreted, its
exact properties, and the chemical's effect on humans and other
species. In addition, the character can use insect poisons and
chemicals for making medicine and anti-toxins (treatment to counteract
insect poisons and chemicals), as well as extract poison.
In its more advanced application, the character understands and can
treat 'insectoids' - intelligent, humanoid insects like the Xiticix.
This makes the character an equivalent of an insect paramedic who can
help a wounded giant insect, Xiticix, or alien insectoid (with a -20%
penalty to this skill). More complex treatment will require assistance
from a doctor who has this skill. Body-Fixers/Doctors versed in
Entomological Medicine will be able to cure most insect complaints and
injury, from diseases to broken limbs and cracked chitin, but even they
work with a -10% penalty (applied to the Medical Doctor skill).
Note: Characters based in North America have the equivalent of
Lore: Xiticix from this skill at the proficiency level listed here.
Those in South America have Lore: Gatherer & Pincer Warriors.
The first percentage is the level of knowledge and understanding about
the insect, the second is the ability to treat insectoids, handle their
chemicals, and create anti-venoms, drugs, and poisons, using insect
chemicals.
Prerequisites: Chemistry: Analytical OR Mathematics: Basic and Chemistry.
Base Skill: 40%/20%.
Per Experience Level: +5%.