Humans, Skills, and Low Int

[Garnfellow]

Need to double check a fine point of the rules: Humans get +4 bonus skill points at 1st level, +1 bonus points per level thereafter.

When determining total skill points, do you add this bonus before or after applying an Intelligence modifier?

For example, take a 1st level human fighter with a 4 Int. Does he get

1. (2 + 1 - 3, minimum 1) x 4 = 4 skill points, or
2. (2 - 2, minimum of 1) x 4 + 4 skill points = 8 skill points.

 

[ElvishBard]

I believe the second way is correct, it's the way I always do it.

 

[Thanee]

I believe the minimum of 1 skill point per level only applies to the standard skill points. The human's extra skill points are a racial bonus, much like an elves keen senses, which has nothing to do with Intelligence.

So a human has a minimum of 2 skill points per level.

Bye
Thanee

 

[shilsen]

The second one. Check the PHB pg.62. In the process of working out skill pts, always work out the total obtained (which is where the "minimum per level" rule comes in) before adding extras from racial bonuses (being human, in this case), etc.