max skill levels when you have multiple classes, PrCs, etc...

[Axegrrl]

How do you figure out the max. skill ranks a character can have in a class when said character is multi-classed with a prestige class or two?

Example: The character in question has two core classes with some overlapping skills, and a prestige class. The prestige class skills overlap somewhat with each of the core classes, but to differing degrees. (As it happens, with this combination, only Spellcraft and some of the knowledge skills are totally cross-class.)

Skill A is a class skill for all three classes. Max skill ranks in skill A is char. level +3. That's straightforward.

Skill B, however, is a class skill for one of the core classes and the PrC, but not the other core class.

Skill C is a class skill for both core classes, but not the PrC.

How do you figure the max skill ranks for Skill B and Skill C?

 

[RigaMortus]

Max skill level (Max Skill RANK is the correct term actually) is always Your Character Level + 3.

Some skills are cross class, and they will cost 2 skill points for 1 Rank. But again, Max Skill Rank is always Character Level + 3

 

[Axegrrl]

What of the column of "cross-class skill max ranks" in the level-dependent benefits table?
Or are you saying that once you get a skill labeled a class skill in *one* class, you no longer bother with the "cross-class skill max ranks" column for that skill?

 

[RigaMortus]

Yes, once it becomes a class skill for any class you might have, you can boost it up to Character Level + 3

I did forget that cross class skills max rank is 1/2

 

[Patryn of Elvenshae]

Do it like this:

Is Skill A a class skill for any class to which you belong?

If yes, then the maximum number of ranks is Character Level + 3.

If no, then the maximum number of ranks is (Character Level + 3) / 2.

In your example, the maximum number of ranks is the same for skills A, B, and C.

The only thing that changes when you multiclass is how expensive certain skills are to raise.

Thus, the maximum number of ranks in Hide is the same for a Rogue 2 and a Rogue 1 / Wizard 1 (2 + 3 = 5), but the Rog / Wiz will need to spend 2 skill points at 2nd level to attain that rank, for a total of 6 skill points expended. The Rogue 2 need only spend 5.

 

[Axegrrl]

> Is Skill A a class skill for any class to which you belong?
It is a class skill for *every* class the character has.

Just to confirm and eliminate any possible confusion, let me be more specific.

There are two unambiguous cases:
Skill A = Jump. Jump is a class skill for the Rogue, Ranger, and Dervish. Max ranks = char. level +3. Check.
Skill D = Spellcraft. Spellcraft is not a class skill for any of this character's classes. Max rank = ( char. level +3 ) / 2. Check.


There are two ambiguous cases:
Skill B = Perform. Perform is a class skill for the Rogue and Dervish. Max rank = ?
Skill C = Climb. Climb is a class skill for the Rogue and Ranger. Max rank = ?

It sounds like you are saying the max rank for both of those is also char. level +3 -- though it will cost additional skill points.


Generalizing to a rule from what you have presented, as soon as a skill becomes a class skill in one class, it is considered a "class skill" for purposes of determining max possible skill ranks.

Further, the *only* time a skill is considered a "cross-class skill" for purposes of determining max possible skill ranks is if *none* of the character's classes have that skill on the list of class skills.


If this is specifically explained somewhere in print, online, or wherever, the source info would be appreciated.

 

[thorian]

The simple way to state it is "If any of your classes or prestige classes have the skill as a class skill, then your max ranks are character level +3, otherwise your max ranks are (character level +3)/2."

As far as expenditure of skill points, "If your skill points are derived from a class which has the skill as a class skill, then you purchase ranks at a 1 for 1 ratio, else you purchase them at a ratio of 2 skill points per rank."

This is explained on page 62 of the PHB, under the "Skills at higher levels" header, and mentioned in a couple of other places like page 59 under multiclass characters.


Using your examples, since skills B and C are class skills for one or more of your classes, then the max rank is character level +3. Furthermore, for the ranger levels, the character could buy ranks in perform up to his max ranks, but they would cost 2 skill points per rank.

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

Basically, it really pays to multiclass when it comes to acquiring max ranks in skills. But the key is to remember that it is the class that levels up that determines how much said skill points will cost.