To improve or learn a new skill during the game (after chargen) it takes one month per each level of the skill desired. To gain level 0 takes one month. To gain level 1 from 0 takes one month. You cannot skip levels.

To improve Steward-1 to Steward-2 takes two months. To gain Steward 1 from having no skill takes two months (one to get level 0, one to get level 1).

To improve a characteristic takes 1 half year per level of the attribute desired. After each year, roll (INT+END)/2. If the roll fails, the preceding year doesn't count.