Does anyone NOT use this house rule?

[Lord Wyrm]

I give retroactive skill points for permanent Int changes and take them away if the Int drops. My players find it fair, and it applies to everyone equally (NPCs). It makes math easier during the five session review (I check everyone's characters for correct math and to see toward future adventure ideas).

 

[smootrk]

Retroactive skill points are fine with me.

A few extra skill points is no big deal, but I (DM) allocate the additional skill points, generally among the skills the skills the character already knows (or skills that a character of a certain class are more likely to take... Nobility for Paladins, Physical skills for fighter types, Knowledges for Wizards, etc.)

Not really a big problem. Mostly affects Wizards (who tend to raise INT) who to me seem studious and most likely to gain ranks in some Knowledge areas.

 

[Borlon]

I've never played it that way, but I could see how you could.... I'd only allow the skill points to be applied to skills that the character already has ranks in. It is possible for something to "click" long after you formally took lessons in something.

 

[CronoDekar]

Can't say I've played this way. Seems to me that not making retroactive changes would actually make things simpler, unless you're making a char from scratch.

 

[CRGreathouse]

I follow the rules here, not allowing retroactive skill points.

 

[Sledge]

While I can see the benefits of both ways (especially when making npcs for my epic game) I do not retroactively increase skill points.

 

[Nifft]

Retroactive skill points YES, but only for Int gained by level. All "bonus" Int is not tracked.

-- N

 

[jaker2003]

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.

uh . . . owl's wisdom provides a +4 enhancement bonus to Wisdom, which does not provide a bonus to Knowledge checks. You're lookiing for fox's cunning, which provides a +4 enhancement bonus to Intelligence. That translates to a +2 bonus on Intelligence-based skills and checks, such as the Knowledge skill. These are not free ranks, and the bonus provided are half of what you thought.

 

[Crothian]

I retroactively allow skill point gain, skills point are always needed and it gives characters a good reason to increase intellegence

 

[Gronin]

don't use it, never even gave it any consideration.

As far as it simplifying things..... I'm not sure how it can make what is a pretty simple procedure any more simple.

About the only reason i would ever consider it is the one put forward by Crothian

I retroactively allow skill point gain, skills point are always needed and it gives characters a good reason to increase intellegence

as I like to run a campaign that puts an emphasis on skills in general.