Does anyone NOT use this house rule?

Gnome

First Post
I was wondering if anyone doesn't have changes to Intelligence retroactively affect total skill points? The other way seems way too complicated to keep track of, and I can't imagine anyone perferring that.

Just wondering. :cool:
 

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I've also never used that rule. It's not tough, I think, to keep track of skills per level.
 

eh...What HR are you refering to? Per RAW changes to INT do not affect skill points in a retroactive fashion....

SRD said:
When an ability score changes, all attributes associated with that score change accordingly. A character does not retroactively get additional skill points for previous levels if she increases her intelligence.
 

I never have either. It seems to me like the only time it would be difficult to track Int changes affecting skill points would be during higher level character creation, and even then its not really a big issue.
 

IMC intelligence increases retroactivley affects skill points, I'm good at math so it's not hard for me to tell my players (those who are not so good at math) how many extra skill points you get. Likewise instead of giving a free language you gain +2 skill points (which could be spent on a laguage), IMC however you can also at character creation give up bonus languages for 2 free skill points.

It's actually quite simple: +1 int modifier allows you to buy 1 more skill at max ranks. There for if my int mod goes up by 1 at level 4 I get 7 more skill points (max skill ranks at level 4 is 7 plus you also get the 2 free 'language skill points' as said above.).

Another HR IMC is that you can't suddenly pump a bunch of skill points into a skill so generally over the course of a couple in game months you could spend the 7 skill point in the above example to raise your knowledge (history) from 0 to 7 ranks. This is just for purposes of semi-realism however.
 

Primitive Screwhead said:
eh...What HR are you refering to? Per RAW changes to INT do not affect skill points in a retroactive fashion....

The house rule where it does affect skill points in a retroactive fashion, of course! :)
 

Your original post was not clear...

I use the RAW, as beyond the headache of tracking skill point changes, the idea of a Mage changing skill points at will...

Here is what I mean:
Mage faced with a puzzle that would be easier if he knew something about religion, but currently has zero ranks in Kn:Religion. *Owl's Wisdom* --> Poof he now has 4 ranks in the skill and easily bypasses the puzzle.

Later, facing a simple trap -> Poof, he now has 2 ranks in Disable Device

Etc...


Never heard of someone running a game that allowed that. :)
After all, check out the recent Multi-class thread where folks are griping about 'suddenly' getting class abilities....

Which means, HR retroactive skill points requires HR training/limitations on skill point expenditures..
More bother than its worth IMO.
 

Unclear, yes. I think the distinction he was making was in regards to PERMANENT changes in intelligence. Either through leveling bonus to abiity score, wishes or what ever.

Yes, I have always done this.

Temporary, like spells or magic items? No.
 

I say no; first, because of RAW. Second, because coming from a plausibility mindset (i.e., does this make sense?) you weren't that smart at 1st level; you can learn more going forward, because you're that smart NOW, but that doesn't make you retroactively a better learner. You're now using better building blocks on the knowledge you already had.

OTOH, I wouldn't take skill points away from someone who lost INT. Does your rule do that as well?

LCpt. Thia Halmades
 

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