Intimidate question

[Question]

My understanding of the rule seems to be that the person MAKING the intimidate attempt does NOT apply his level as a modifier. Instead he just uses his cha bonus + whatever ranks he has and the usual mods(racial bonus, if any, etc).

The one getting intimidated makes a modified level check, which is a completely different thing, correct? He adds his level or HD(whichever is higher) to the check, followed by wis and whatever saves against fear he has.

 

[Ilium]

That sounds right. The character making the Intimidate check has his level come into it as the cap on how many ranks he can have. So if you don't max the skill out you'll rarely be able to intimidate people of your own level (which makes sense).

The PCs in my campaign tried to intimidate one of the first NPCs they met. Unfortunately I had her all statted up because she would be important later. She was a 10th-level commoner and was completely unimpressed.