Re: What skills for building machines?
Generally speaking, I'd go with using the same skill for building and repairing. To my knowledge, LTC3 is the only rulebook that actually has rules for making things (rather than designing or repairing them), and it generally uses Repair skills as Build skills (in cases where neither skill exists, it tends to use Professional Skill).
Low tech machines kind of break the mold here, where it seems one uses Mechanic for repairs/maintenance and Machinist to actually make them. That feels a bit off when considering Machinist doesn't have required specialization. Part of me feels like Machinist works for simple machines as-is, and also allows you to build anything for which you have the appropriate Mechanic skill (probably using the lower skill... or maybe the lower of (Lower Skill +2) and (Higher Skill)). Maybe that should be a general trend for other things? Someone with Armory (Melee Weapons) knows how to repair and maintain swords; someone who also has Machinist knows how to make them.
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