Intelligence Stat Increase and Skill Points

[Herremann the Wise]

Hi Everyone,

If a Character has an increase in intelligence at 4th level, increasing their bonus from say +2 to +3. Do they get the benefit of that in terms of an extra skill point at 4th level or does this improvement not kick in until 5th level?

On the same track, is their a difference in feats gained normally (1st, 3rd, 6th etc.) and Bonus feats when it comes to Prestige Classes? For example let's say a character is 6th level and gets the feat that qualifies them for a prestige class at that level. Can they then choose that prestige class at that level or must they wait until the next level?

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[Knight Otu]

No on both counts. The no is 100% certain on the first question:

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.

My no on the second is not as firm, but I am fairly certain. Advancing in level is done in a certain order, and, IIRC, choosing the class in which you advance is the first thing you do, before gaining feats and such.

 

[Goobermunch]

Read the order of operations under "Level Advancement" on page 58 of the PHB.

You gain ability scores before you gain hit points or skill points, therefore, you gain the extra skillpoints or hit points on the same level where you gain the ability score increase.

I'm not sure what you mean by Bonus Feats and feats gained normally. Technically, according to the RAW, you can't take a prestige class on the same level you get a prerequisite feat (see DMG p. 176).

Hope that answers your question!

--G

 

[Knight Otu]

Sorry, I misread your first question. You gain the increase to skill points from the level you gain the increase. But my no on the second question stands.

 

[Scion]

On the same level that a character gains the int score change I would allow the bonus to give extra skill points. Mainly because I look at it as a fluid change that has been happening over the course of the past several levels.

Also, the example on page 10 of the phb specifically states a character putting the bonus point into int and gaining the extra skill point right then. No retroactive bonus of course, just a new and current bonus.

Edit: see what looking up the example does? I should post from the hip more often

 

[robberbaron]

Yes.
No.