Certain elements of a race are based not on the physical qualities of a race, or even their natural mental talents, but on the social training that offspring in that race receive.
The elves get sword and bow proficiencies.
The dwarves get bonus against goblinoids, giants and with axes.
The halflings get bonuses with thrown weapons.
Gnomes get bonuses against giants and arguably some spell like abilities.
However, what happens when a character of a given race is raised by another? It isn't really balanced to give a human +1 to hit orcs & goblinoids, +4 dodge against giants and familiarity with dwarven axes just because he was raised among the height challenged. Nor would it be fair to strip those qualities from an orce who was raised by humans. But at the same time it doesn't make much sense for these characters to not get something out of the society of their upbringing.
To this end I intend to give every playable race a set of racial abilities tied to their culture. These abilities should be relatively balanced with one another, as should the base of the race prior to society abilities. This will effectively allow a character with an alternative back story to trade societal aspects of his race for something more appropriate if needed.
For humans, I introduce occupations from D20 modern.
For the other races, certain racial abilities will be converted to "racial occupations". In some cases I may have to give the races a slight boost because they may be weaker than a human with an occupation. Does anyone have suggestions on this for the other races?
Examples:
Elves:Standard
Physical Traits
+2 dex
-2 con
Low light vision: Ignore concealment due to darkness less than 100%.
Mental Traits
+2 saves vs enchantments
Immune: magical sleep
Rest in 4 hours
Social Traits
Elf (Occupation)
Elves are trained from birth in traditional elven ways, to be perceptive and to wield weapons effectively.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as to receive either a +2 racial bonus or to become permanent class skills. If you choose permanent class skills and the skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Listen, Search and Spot.
Feats: Proficiency(swords and bows).
Humans
Physical Traits: none.
Humans are human, they are the baseline and have no particular physical qualities.
Mental Traits
+1 bonus feat at first level
+4 skill points at first level, +1 skillpoint at each additional level.
Humans are versitile and flexible. Naturally good at whatever it is that they tend to focus on.
Social Traits
Occupation (Concept from d20 modern)
Occupations are found in d20 modern. They give a boost to one or more class skills, basic feats, wealth and reputation. IIRC each occupation is worth ~7 or 8 "points". each class skill is worth one point, each wealth bonus is worth one point, each reputation bonus is worth one point, a minor bonus feat is worth 3 to 4 points. A wide list of skills to select from is worth 1 point. Each occupation grants at least one class skill +1 to that skill if one of your classes has that skill as a class skill. Minor feats include things like weapon proficiencies, brawl, combat martial arts (improved unarmed attack).
The following list of occupations is taken directly from d20 modern. Some of the skill and feat options need to be modified for D&D.
Academic
Academics include librarians, archaeologists, scholars, professors, teachers, and other education professionals.
Prerequisite: Age 23+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill.
Computer Use, Craft (writing), Decipher Script, Gather Information, Knowledge (arcane lore, art, behavioral sciences, business, civics, current events, earth and life sciences, history, physical sciences, popular culture, tactics, technology, or theology and philosophy), Research, or add a new Read/Write Language or a new Speak Language.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +3.
Adventurer
Adventurers include professional daredevils, big-game hunters, relic hunters, explorers, extreme sports enthusiasts, field scientists, thrill-seekers, and others called to face danger for a variety of reasons.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Bluff, Climb, Demolitions, Disable Device, Drive, Escape Artist, Intimidate, Jump, Knowledge (arcane lore, streetwise, tactics, or technology), Move Silently, Pilot, Ride, Spot, Survival, Swim, Treat Injury.
Bonus Feat: Select one of the following: Archaic Weapons Proficiency, Brawl, or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Athlete
Athletes include amateur athletes of Olympic quality and professional athletes of all types, including gymnasts, weight trainers, wrestlers, boxers, martial artists, swimmers, skaters, and those who engage in any type of competitive sport.
Prerequisite: Strength 13 or Dexterity 13.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Balance, Climb, Drive, Jump, Ride, Swim, Tumble.
Bonus Feat: Select either Archaic Weapons Proficiency or Brawl.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Blue Collar
Blue collar occupations include factory work, food service jobs, construction, service industry jobs, taxi drivers, postal workers, and other jobs that are usually not considered to be desk jobs.
Prerequisite: Age 18+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Craft (electronic, mechanical, or structural), Climb, Drive, Handle Animal, Intimidate, Repair, Ride.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +2.
Celebrity
A celebrity is anyone who, for whatever reason, has been thrust into the spotlight of the public eye. Actors, entertainers of all types, newscasters, radio and television personalities, and more fall under this starting occupation.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose one of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Bluff, Craft (visual art or writing), Diplomacy, Disguise, Perform (act, dance, keyboards, percussion instruments, sing, stand-up, stringed instruments, or wind instruments).
Reputation Bonus Increase: +1.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +4.
Creative
The creative starting occupation covers artists of all types who fan their creative spark into a career. Illustrators, copywriters, cartoonists, graphic artists, novelists, magazine columnists, actors, sculptors, game designers, musicians, screenwriters, photographers, and web designers all fall under this occupation.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Bluff, Computer Use, Craft (visual art or writing), Disguise, Forgery, Knowledge (arcane lore or art), Perform (act, dance, keyboards, percussion instruments, sing, stand-up, stringed instruments, or wind instruments), Spot.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +2.
Criminal
This illicit starting occupation reveals a background from the wrong side of the law. This occupation includes con artists, burglars, thieves, crime family soldiers, gang members, bank robbers, and other types of career criminals.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Disable Device, Disguise, Forgery, Gamble, Hide, Knowledge (streetwise), Move Silent¬ly, Sleight of Hand.
Bonus Feat: Select either Brawl or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Dilettante
Dilettantes usually get their wealth from family holdings and trust funds. The typical dilettante has no job, few re¬sponsibilities, and at least one driving passion that ¬occupies his or her day. That passion might be a charity or philanthropic foundation, an ideal or cause worth fighting for, or a lust for living a fun and carefree existence.
Prerequisite: Age 18+.
Skills: Choose one of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Gamble, Intimidate, Knowledge (current events or popular culture), Ride, or add a new Speak Language.
Reputation Bonus Increase: +1.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +6.
Doctor
A doctor can be a physician (general ¬practitioner or specialist), a surgeon, or a psychiatrist.
Prerequisite: Age 25+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Craft (pharmaceutical), Computer Use, Knowledge (behavioral sciences, earth and life sciences, or technology), Search, Treat Injury.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +4.
Emergency Services
Rescue workers, firefighters, paramedics, hazardous material handlers, and emergency medical technicians fall under this category.
Prerequisite: Age 18+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Balance, Climb, Computer Use, Drive, Jump, Knowledge (behavioral sciences, earth and life sciences, or technology), Search, Treat Injury, Swim.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +2.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs have an obsession about being their own boss. They believe in themselves, have an abundance of confidence, and the ability to acquire the funds necessary to bankroll their newest moneymaking venture. These small to large business owners have a knack for putting together business plans, gathering resources, and getting a new venture off the ground. They rarely want to stick around after the launch, however, as they prefer to put their energies into the next big thing.
Prerequisite: Age 18+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Bluff, Diplomacy, Gamble, Knowledge (business, current events, or technology).
Reputation Bonus Increase: +1.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +4.
Investigative
There are a number of jobs that fit within this occupation, including investigative reporters, photojournalists, private investigators, police detectives, criminologists, criminal profilers, espionage agents, and others who use their skills to gather evidence and analyze clues.
Prerequisite: Age 23+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Computer Use, Craft (visual art or writing), Decipher Script, Forgery, Gather Information, Investigate, Knowledge (behavioral sciences, civics, earth and life sciences, or streetwise), Research, Search, Sense Motive.
Bonus Feat: Select either Brawl or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +2.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement personnel include uniformed police, state troopers, federal police, federal agents, SWAT team members, and military police.
Prerequisite: Age 20+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Diplomacy, Drive, Gather Information, Intimidate, Knowledge (civics, earth and life sciences, streetwise, or tactics), Listen.
Bonus Feat: Select one of the following: Combat Martial Arts, Armor Proficiency (light), or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Military
Military covers any of the branches of the armed forces, including army, navy, air force, and marines, as well as the various elite training units such as Seals, Rangers, and Special Forces.
Prerequisite: Age 18+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Climb, Demolitions, Drive, Hide, Knowledge (tactics), Move Silently, Navigate, Pilot, Survival, Swim.
Bonus Feat: Select one of the following: Brawl, Combat Martial Arts, Armor Proficiency (light), or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Religious
Ordained clergy of all persuasions, as well as theological scholars and experts on religious studies fall within the scope of this starting occupation.
Prerequisite: Age 23+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Decipher Script, Knowledge (arcane lore, art, behavioral sciences, history, streetwise, or theology and philosophy), Listen, Sense Motive.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +2.
Rural
Farm workers, hunters, and others who make a living in rural communities fall under this category.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Balance, Climb, Drive, Handle Animal, Repair, Ride, Survival, Swim.
Bonus Feat: Select either Brawl or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Student
A student can be in high school, college, or graduate school. He or she could be in a seminary, a military school, or a private institution. A college-age student should also pick a major field of study.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Computer Use, Knowledge (arcane lore, art, behavioral sciences, business, civics, current events, earth and life sciences, history, physical sciences, popular culture, technology, or theology and philosophy), Perform (act, dance, keyboards, percussion instruments, sing, stand-up, stringed instruments, or wind instruments), Research.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Technician
Scientists and engineers of all types fit within the scope of this starting occupation.
Prerequisite: Age 23+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Computer Use, Craft (chemical, electronic, mechanical, or structural), Knowledge (business, earth and life sciences, physical sciences, or technology), Repair, Research.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +3.
White Collar
Office workers and desk jockeys, lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, bank personnel, financial advisors, tax preparers, clerks, sales personnel, real estate agents, and a variety of mid-level managers fall within the scope of this starting occupation.
Prerequisite: Age 23+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Computer Use, Diplomacy, Knowledge (art, business, civics, earth and life sciences, history, physical sciences, or technology), Research.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +3.
The elves get sword and bow proficiencies.
The dwarves get bonus against goblinoids, giants and with axes.
The halflings get bonuses with thrown weapons.
Gnomes get bonuses against giants and arguably some spell like abilities.
However, what happens when a character of a given race is raised by another? It isn't really balanced to give a human +1 to hit orcs & goblinoids, +4 dodge against giants and familiarity with dwarven axes just because he was raised among the height challenged. Nor would it be fair to strip those qualities from an orce who was raised by humans. But at the same time it doesn't make much sense for these characters to not get something out of the society of their upbringing.
To this end I intend to give every playable race a set of racial abilities tied to their culture. These abilities should be relatively balanced with one another, as should the base of the race prior to society abilities. This will effectively allow a character with an alternative back story to trade societal aspects of his race for something more appropriate if needed.
For humans, I introduce occupations from D20 modern.
For the other races, certain racial abilities will be converted to "racial occupations". In some cases I may have to give the races a slight boost because they may be weaker than a human with an occupation. Does anyone have suggestions on this for the other races?
Examples:
Elves:Standard
Physical Traits
+2 dex
-2 con
Low light vision: Ignore concealment due to darkness less than 100%.
Mental Traits
+2 saves vs enchantments
Immune: magical sleep
Rest in 4 hours
Social Traits
Elf (Occupation)
Elves are trained from birth in traditional elven ways, to be perceptive and to wield weapons effectively.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as to receive either a +2 racial bonus or to become permanent class skills. If you choose permanent class skills and the skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Listen, Search and Spot.
Feats: Proficiency(swords and bows).
Humans
Physical Traits: none.
Humans are human, they are the baseline and have no particular physical qualities.
Mental Traits
+1 bonus feat at first level
+4 skill points at first level, +1 skillpoint at each additional level.
Humans are versitile and flexible. Naturally good at whatever it is that they tend to focus on.
Social Traits
Occupation (Concept from d20 modern)
Occupations are found in d20 modern. They give a boost to one or more class skills, basic feats, wealth and reputation. IIRC each occupation is worth ~7 or 8 "points". each class skill is worth one point, each wealth bonus is worth one point, each reputation bonus is worth one point, a minor bonus feat is worth 3 to 4 points. A wide list of skills to select from is worth 1 point. Each occupation grants at least one class skill +1 to that skill if one of your classes has that skill as a class skill. Minor feats include things like weapon proficiencies, brawl, combat martial arts (improved unarmed attack).
The following list of occupations is taken directly from d20 modern. Some of the skill and feat options need to be modified for D&D.
Academic
Academics include librarians, archaeologists, scholars, professors, teachers, and other education professionals.
Prerequisite: Age 23+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill.
Computer Use, Craft (writing), Decipher Script, Gather Information, Knowledge (arcane lore, art, behavioral sciences, business, civics, current events, earth and life sciences, history, physical sciences, popular culture, tactics, technology, or theology and philosophy), Research, or add a new Read/Write Language or a new Speak Language.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +3.
Adventurer
Adventurers include professional daredevils, big-game hunters, relic hunters, explorers, extreme sports enthusiasts, field scientists, thrill-seekers, and others called to face danger for a variety of reasons.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Bluff, Climb, Demolitions, Disable Device, Drive, Escape Artist, Intimidate, Jump, Knowledge (arcane lore, streetwise, tactics, or technology), Move Silently, Pilot, Ride, Spot, Survival, Swim, Treat Injury.
Bonus Feat: Select one of the following: Archaic Weapons Proficiency, Brawl, or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Athlete
Athletes include amateur athletes of Olympic quality and professional athletes of all types, including gymnasts, weight trainers, wrestlers, boxers, martial artists, swimmers, skaters, and those who engage in any type of competitive sport.
Prerequisite: Strength 13 or Dexterity 13.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Balance, Climb, Drive, Jump, Ride, Swim, Tumble.
Bonus Feat: Select either Archaic Weapons Proficiency or Brawl.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Blue Collar
Blue collar occupations include factory work, food service jobs, construction, service industry jobs, taxi drivers, postal workers, and other jobs that are usually not considered to be desk jobs.
Prerequisite: Age 18+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Craft (electronic, mechanical, or structural), Climb, Drive, Handle Animal, Intimidate, Repair, Ride.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +2.
Celebrity
A celebrity is anyone who, for whatever reason, has been thrust into the spotlight of the public eye. Actors, entertainers of all types, newscasters, radio and television personalities, and more fall under this starting occupation.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose one of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Bluff, Craft (visual art or writing), Diplomacy, Disguise, Perform (act, dance, keyboards, percussion instruments, sing, stand-up, stringed instruments, or wind instruments).
Reputation Bonus Increase: +1.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +4.
Creative
The creative starting occupation covers artists of all types who fan their creative spark into a career. Illustrators, copywriters, cartoonists, graphic artists, novelists, magazine columnists, actors, sculptors, game designers, musicians, screenwriters, photographers, and web designers all fall under this occupation.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Bluff, Computer Use, Craft (visual art or writing), Disguise, Forgery, Knowledge (arcane lore or art), Perform (act, dance, keyboards, percussion instruments, sing, stand-up, stringed instruments, or wind instruments), Spot.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +2.
Criminal
This illicit starting occupation reveals a background from the wrong side of the law. This occupation includes con artists, burglars, thieves, crime family soldiers, gang members, bank robbers, and other types of career criminals.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Disable Device, Disguise, Forgery, Gamble, Hide, Knowledge (streetwise), Move Silent¬ly, Sleight of Hand.
Bonus Feat: Select either Brawl or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Dilettante
Dilettantes usually get their wealth from family holdings and trust funds. The typical dilettante has no job, few re¬sponsibilities, and at least one driving passion that ¬occupies his or her day. That passion might be a charity or philanthropic foundation, an ideal or cause worth fighting for, or a lust for living a fun and carefree existence.
Prerequisite: Age 18+.
Skills: Choose one of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Gamble, Intimidate, Knowledge (current events or popular culture), Ride, or add a new Speak Language.
Reputation Bonus Increase: +1.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +6.
Doctor
A doctor can be a physician (general ¬practitioner or specialist), a surgeon, or a psychiatrist.
Prerequisite: Age 25+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Craft (pharmaceutical), Computer Use, Knowledge (behavioral sciences, earth and life sciences, or technology), Search, Treat Injury.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +4.
Emergency Services
Rescue workers, firefighters, paramedics, hazardous material handlers, and emergency medical technicians fall under this category.
Prerequisite: Age 18+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Balance, Climb, Computer Use, Drive, Jump, Knowledge (behavioral sciences, earth and life sciences, or technology), Search, Treat Injury, Swim.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +2.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs have an obsession about being their own boss. They believe in themselves, have an abundance of confidence, and the ability to acquire the funds necessary to bankroll their newest moneymaking venture. These small to large business owners have a knack for putting together business plans, gathering resources, and getting a new venture off the ground. They rarely want to stick around after the launch, however, as they prefer to put their energies into the next big thing.
Prerequisite: Age 18+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Bluff, Diplomacy, Gamble, Knowledge (business, current events, or technology).
Reputation Bonus Increase: +1.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +4.
Investigative
There are a number of jobs that fit within this occupation, including investigative reporters, photojournalists, private investigators, police detectives, criminologists, criminal profilers, espionage agents, and others who use their skills to gather evidence and analyze clues.
Prerequisite: Age 23+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Computer Use, Craft (visual art or writing), Decipher Script, Forgery, Gather Information, Investigate, Knowledge (behavioral sciences, civics, earth and life sciences, or streetwise), Research, Search, Sense Motive.
Bonus Feat: Select either Brawl or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +2.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement personnel include uniformed police, state troopers, federal police, federal agents, SWAT team members, and military police.
Prerequisite: Age 20+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Diplomacy, Drive, Gather Information, Intimidate, Knowledge (civics, earth and life sciences, streetwise, or tactics), Listen.
Bonus Feat: Select one of the following: Combat Martial Arts, Armor Proficiency (light), or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Military
Military covers any of the branches of the armed forces, including army, navy, air force, and marines, as well as the various elite training units such as Seals, Rangers, and Special Forces.
Prerequisite: Age 18+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Climb, Demolitions, Drive, Hide, Knowledge (tactics), Move Silently, Navigate, Pilot, Survival, Swim.
Bonus Feat: Select one of the following: Brawl, Combat Martial Arts, Armor Proficiency (light), or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Religious
Ordained clergy of all persuasions, as well as theological scholars and experts on religious studies fall within the scope of this starting occupation.
Prerequisite: Age 23+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Decipher Script, Knowledge (arcane lore, art, behavioral sciences, history, streetwise, or theology and philosophy), Listen, Sense Motive.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +2.
Rural
Farm workers, hunters, and others who make a living in rural communities fall under this category.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Balance, Climb, Drive, Handle Animal, Repair, Ride, Survival, Swim.
Bonus Feat: Select either Brawl or Personal Firearms Proficiency.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Student
A student can be in high school, college, or graduate school. He or she could be in a seminary, a military school, or a private institution. A college-age student should also pick a major field of study.
Prerequisite: Age 15+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Computer Use, Knowledge (arcane lore, art, behavioral sciences, business, civics, current events, earth and life sciences, history, physical sciences, popular culture, technology, or theology and philosophy), Perform (act, dance, keyboards, percussion instruments, sing, stand-up, stringed instruments, or wind instruments), Research.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +1.
Technician
Scientists and engineers of all types fit within the scope of this starting occupation.
Prerequisite: Age 23+.
Skills: Choose three of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Computer Use, Craft (chemical, electronic, mechanical, or structural), Knowledge (business, earth and life sciences, physical sciences, or technology), Repair, Research.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +3.
White Collar
Office workers and desk jockeys, lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, bank personnel, financial advisors, tax preparers, clerks, sales personnel, real estate agents, and a variety of mid-level managers fall within the scope of this starting occupation.
Prerequisite: Age 23+.
Skills: Choose two of the following skills as permanent class skills. If a skill the character selects is already a class skill, he or she receives a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill. Computer Use, Diplomacy, Knowledge (art, business, civics, earth and life sciences, history, physical sciences, or technology), Research.
Wealth Bonus Increase: +3.
