Geminii wrote:How good they are at the best thing they do.
Most of the time, that's going to be their Tech Spec function, or something very close to it.
However, the function does not tell the whole story. It's an indication of the role they fulfil in their faction (or, for neutrals, what they do most of the time - job, hobby etc). While the role requires certain skillsets, the two are not the same thing.
Example: G1 Perceptor's Skill is 10. It applies to what he does best - analysis, experimentation, retaining and combining information, creating new materials and devices. His function is SCIENTIST - most likely because when you have someone with that skillset, they're worth more in a lab than as cannon fodder or a roadie. However, if Perceptor found himself temporarily taking on another role (leader, sniper), I believe his skill rating wouldn't change.
I'm pretty sure it would unless he was also as good in his new role.
I could see Perceptor as being proficient in either of the roles you listed but lets say we put him in the role of a Spy or a Thief, DataCourier, Demolitions excreta........and I'm sure his skill ranking would be effected.
And there is evidence to support that idea.
Just look at the skill rankings of the next 2 characters when their roles changed.
Rodimus Prime [skill 10] changes back to Hot Rod [Skill 6]
And while I admit that might not be the best example because of the lose of the matrix the next example is far better....Grimlock.
Grimlock Function listed as Dinobot Commander had a skill rank of 10.
On the other hand.....
Pretender Grimlock Function listed Lieutenant Commander, thats LT.Commander of the entire Autobot Army not just a sub-group had a skill ranking of 9.And his extended MTMTE Bio stats that theres hope he will become as good at commanding large groups as he was a specialized unit.
Possibly I'm seeing the skill rating as applying more to the inherent character than simply their military appraisal. G1 Thundercracker's Skill is 7 - I'd like to think that if he refused one day to continue fighting, his rating wouldn't change to 1 or 0 just because he wasn't a battlefield asset any more.
Thundercracker is a bad example to use [no offence to you]
Because his listed function is so general.He is listed as a "WARRIOR" which really isint a special or specific function.It means hes a grunt fighter.
So we can assume his skill level will remain the same as long as he "CAN" fight wether he chooses to or not.
But change his function to leader or military strategist,espionage excreta........with out making any changes to the characters bio and I highly doubt his skill rank would remain the same.