So, in summary, it seems that the useful skills/strategies metioned thus far are:

1) Hide and live off the land. (standard survival skills)
2) Some sort of shiphand, navigator.
3) Get in with the clergy. (good understanding of latin / theology)
4) Travelling entertainer / minstrel (Only good if you are Blast.)
5) Try to impersonate a noble.
6) Write messages in a cave, hoping that someone in the future with a time machine can save you.

Have I missed anything?