Int increase and skill points

[DizzyKungFu]

Sorry if this was already covered in a past thread, but I'm afraid I don't know the answer:

When a character reaches a level that allows an ability score increase (let's say 8th), and they put that point into Intelligence, and that point changes the mod for Int (let's say from Int 15 and a +2 mod to Int 16 and a +3 mod), does that character get skill points retroactively? An 8th level character would then get 8 extra skill points, on top of whatever they normally gain for leveling-up? Does anybody know how this works?

 

[HellHound]

No, they don't gain skill points retroactively.

Actually, this is one of the hardest things to remember when writing up high-level NPCs for books... makes it worth using software to do the stat-blocks. Except most of the softwares for the job are still buggy at some level.

 

[Corwin]

No, they don't gain skill points retroactively.

This is correct (by the book).

WARNING! House rule alert! WARNING!

We rules that permanent Int increases do indeed provide retroactive skill points. But only permanent increases (basically inherrent and level-based only). Even 24 hour or more temp bonuses (like from spells or items) do not provide even temporary skill points or languages, however.

 

[Staffan]

Like others have said, the increase is not retroactive. I just thought I'd chime in and say that the increase won't help at that particular level either - you haven't had the increased Int score for most of your previous level, which is what counts. In addition, you calculate skill points before you increase your stat.

 

[HellHound]

Like others have said, the increase is not retroactive. I just thought I'd chime in and say that the increase won't help at that particular level either - you haven't had the increased Int score for most of your previous level, which is what counts. In addition, you calculate skill points before you increase your stat.

Hmm... I was unaware of this. I always played it that you increased your stats before spending your skill points. I didn't know there was a specific order in which it is done in the PHB.

(Off to get the PHB to look it up)

 

[DizzyKungFu]

Forgive my ignorance, but can someone please quote me the rule that states Int is not retroactive for skill points?

 

[Spatzimaus]

It's specifically stated in the PHB (sorry, don't have my copy handy) under the "Advance a Level" part. It's actually stated in a few different places, but I'm sure someone will find a page number.

It's really a dumb rule IMHO. Why are skill points from INT not retroactive, but hit points from CON are? Yes, it's more of a logistical headache for a multiclasser, since you really should figure out what class spends which points, but it's not necessary.
I'm sure you could find ways to abuse this, but there's a diminishing-returns aspect.

 

[Tom Cashel]

Advance a level: Page 145, PHb.

(I'm at work, but I've got that page memorized!)

 

[Anubis]

Hey, I didn't know that! (About the ability score increase coming AFTER skill points, that is.)

That said, here are the full rules.

The new one I learned here is obviously that you don't gain the skill points for a new Intelligence until the level AFTER the stat increase.

Intelligence increases are NOT retroactive.

If you have something that temporarily increases Intelligence, including magic items, spells, and spells with the Presistant Spell metamagic feat or any other metamagic feat, if you have the higher Intelligence for a MAJORITY of that level (51% or more), then you gain the skill points for the higher Intelligence.

Languages are never retroactive, nor do you gain languages for a higher Intelligence score. You ONLY get bonus languages at character creation.

Anyway, I think that covers everything.

 

[kreynolds]

Forgive my ignorance, but can someone please quote me the rule that states Int is not retroactive for skill points?

Likewise, wearing a headband of intellect for a short time doesn’t grant him or her extra skill points. Only a change in Intelligence that was constant (or very nearly constant) over the previous level affects how many skill points were acquired during that level.

Like Tom said, PH, page 145, last paragraph of 4. Skill Points.