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| + | '''Skill points''' represent how adept a character has been at learning [[skill]]s, determined by [[class]] and [[intelligence]]. These are used to buy [[skill rank]]s, with ranks in those skills closely related to the character's class (the class being increased, in the case of multiclassed characters) costing fewer points than skills less closely related. |
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| − | '''Skill Points''' |
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| + | In this way, class is a significant factor in both the type and quantity of skills a character can possess. |
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| − | If you buy a [[Class]] skill, your character gets 1 rank (equal to a +1 bonus on checks with that skill) for each skill point. If you buy other classes’ skills (cross-class skills), you get 1/2 rank per skill point. |
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| + | Each class has a number of skill points (from 2 to 8) it receives each [[class level|level]]. To this is added the [[ability modifier|intelligence modifier]], subject to a minimum of 1 skill point, and the sum is quadrupled at [[character level]] 1. |
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| − | '''Using Skills''': To make a skill check, roll: 1d20 + skill modifier (Skill modifier = skill rank + ability modifier + miscellaneous modifiers) |
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| + | These points are then available for immediate spending on ranks, or they may be saved and carried over to future [[level-up]]s. The costs and limits for skill ranks depend on the class being acquired, not the class that granted the skill points being spent, so it is not uncommon for players to "skill dump", saving skills from one class to be spent later with another class' costs and limits. (This is permitted by the game, even though the ability to save skill points was likely motivated by a much more limited use, specifically compensation for the inability to buy half ranks in a skill.) |
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| − | This roll works just like an [[Attack roll]] or a [[Saving throw]] — the higher the roll, the better. Either you’re trying to match or exceed a certain [[Difficulty Class]] (DC), or you’re trying to beat another character’s check result. |
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| + | The skills closely related to a class are called "[[class skill]]s"; each rank in a class skill costs one skill point. The other skills are called "[[cross-class skill]]s" (or "unavailable"); each rank in a cross-class skill costs two skill points. |
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| − | '''Skill Ranks''': A character’s number of ranks in a skill is based on how many skill points a character has invested in a skill. Many skills can be used even if the character has no ranks in them; doing this is called making an untrained skill check. |
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| − | '''Ability Modifier''': The ability modifier used in a skill check is the modifier for the skill’s key ability (the ability associated with the skill’s use EG. [[Str]], [[Dex]] and others). The key ability of each skill is noted in its description. |
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| + | (A cross-class skill may be higher than this if it was raised as a class skill earlier, but it cannot be raised higher than this during the current level-up.) |
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| − | '''Miscellaneous Modifiers''': Miscellaneous modifiers include racial bonuses, [[Armor check]] penalties, and bonuses provided by [[feat]]s, among others. |
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| − | Each skill point you spend on a class skill gets you 1 rank in that skill. Class skills are the skills found on your character’s class skill list. Each skill point you spend on a cross-class skill gets your character 1/2 rank in that skill. Cross-class skills are skills not found on your character’s class skill list. (Half ranks do not improve your skill check, but two 1/2 ranks make 1 rank.) |
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| − | The maximum rank in a class skill is the character’s level + 3. If it’s a cross-class skill, the maximum rank is half of that number (do not round up or down). |
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Latest revision as of 19:41, 16 November 2011
Skill points represent how adept a character has been at learning skills, determined by class and intelligence. These are used to buy skill ranks, with ranks in those skills closely related to the character's class (the class being increased, in the case of multiclassed characters) costing fewer points than skills less closely related. In this way, class is a significant factor in both the type and quantity of skills a character can possess.
Each class has a number of skill points (from 2 to 8) it receives each level. To this is added the intelligence modifier, subject to a minimum of 1 skill point, and the sum is quadrupled at character level 1. These points are then available for immediate spending on ranks, or they may be saved and carried over to future level-ups. The costs and limits for skill ranks depend on the class being acquired, not the class that granted the skill points being spent, so it is not uncommon for players to "skill dump", saving skills from one class to be spent later with another class' costs and limits. (This is permitted by the game, even though the ability to save skill points was likely motivated by a much more limited use, specifically compensation for the inability to buy half ranks in a skill.)
The skills closely related to a class are called "class skills"; each rank in a class skill costs one skill point. The other skills are called "cross-class skills" (or "unavailable"); each rank in a cross-class skill costs two skill points. The maximum number of ranks a class skill can be raised to is character level plus three, while the maximum for a cross-class skill is half this number, rounded down. (A cross-class skill may be higher than this if it was raised as a class skill earlier, but it cannot be raised higher than this during the current level-up.)