Skills are earned when a Hero gains an advance. Each warband’s entry specifies which skill lists its Heroes may draw from — all warbands have their own strengths and weaknesses reflected in what is available to them. Some warbands also have access to a unique Special Skill list, clearly indicated in their warband entry.
There are five universal skill categories, plus warband-specific Special Skills. The five core categories are detailed on their own subpages, linked below.
Skill Categories
Combat Skills Skills focused on close-quarters fighting — improving accuracy, resilience, versatility with weapons, and the ability to handle multiple opponents. Examples: Strike to Injure, Step Aside, Weapons Training, Expert Swordsman.
Shooting Skills Skills that enhance ranged combat — faster rates of fire, extended range, the ability to ignore cover, and mastery of unusual weapons. Examples: Quick Shot, Eagle Eyes, Trick Shooter, Pistolier.
Academic Skills Skills tied to knowledge, trade, and arcane learning — improving spell casting, finding rare items, driving hard bargains, and expanding access to magic. Examples: Sorcery, Streetwise, Haggle, Arcane Lore.
Strength Skills Skills that leverage raw physical power — hitting harder, fighting better in ruins, inspiring Fear, or wielding double-handed weapons without penalty. Examples: Mighty Blow, Resilient, Fearsome, Strongman.
Speed Skills Skills that prioritise mobility and evasion — leaping obstacles, sprinting, avoiding missile fire, climbing without penalty, and springing back from knockdowns. Examples: Leap, Acrobat, Dodge, Scale Sheer Surfaces.
Warband-specific Special Skills are listed on each warband’s own page. Warbands with unique skill lists include the Skaven, Sisters of Sigmar, Cult of the Possessed, Witch Hunters, and many others.
Source: Mordheim Rulebook. Skill descriptions based on mordheimer.net.