Skills
| Skill List |
|---|
A "Skill" is a numerical representation of a character's ability to complete an action.
In general, the success of an action is determined by:
- Determining what Skill the action falls under
- Determining what ability the action uses
- Rolling a d20
- Adding in Modifiers:
If the resulting number is at or above the DC, the action is successful. Otherwise, the action fails.
Contents
Types of Skills
There are two types of skills: Tiered Skills and Specialized Skills. However, all skills have these similar qualities:
- Family Modifier
- The Family Modifier is a number that determines how good characters are at performing actions tied to the Skill.
- Specialization
- Characters can specialize in specific actions that fall under the Skill, increasing the Action Modifier when that action is attempted. This costs less than increasing the Family Modifier, but doesn't transfer to any other action.
Tiered Skills
Tiered skills consist of an amalgamation of actions that fall under a particular theme. These skills aren't attached to a particular Ability Score. The ability is chosen by the GM based on the action being performed.
Tiered skills have their name because they have a unique method of advancement. Every Tiered skill has at least three tiers, each unlocking new actions and new capabilities for the Skill's user.
Actions can exist in two Tiered Skills at the same time. For example, jumping exists both within Acrobatics and Athletics. When a character attempts to jump for distance, such as trying to leap a 20-foot gap, the character would use the Athletics skill. If the character was attempting to jump precisely to the top of a pole, however, he would utilize the Acrobatics skill.
Specialized Skills
Specialized skills are quite similar to Tiered skills, with the key exception that in order to attempt any of the actions detailed in the Skill, the character must specialize in that action. The Skill still has a Family Modifier, however, so the entire Skill can be advanced at the same time.
Using a Skill
- Determine what Skill the action falls under
- Determine the DC of the action
- Determine what ability the action uses
- Follow the following formula:
1d20 + Attached Ability Score + Family Modifier + Specialization Modifier (if any) + Miscellaneous Modifiers (if any)
If the resulting number is at or above the DC, the action is successful. Otherwise, the action fails.
Advancing a Skill
Skills can be advanced upon leveling up by spending upgrade points. A skill's Family Modifier is limited by the Maximum Skill Modifier for the character's new level. A skill's action's Modifier has no limit.
| Advancement | Cost* |
|---|---|
| Increase skill's Family Modifier by 1 | 1 point |
| Increase a skill's action's Modifier by 2 | 1 point |
| Increase a tiered skills Tier by 1 | 4 points + (current Tier x 2) |
- The cost assumes the skill being advanced is a Class Skill. Non-class skills can be upgraded for half-again the price (150%).
