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Message: <blockquote data-quote="N0Man" data-source="post: 5025154" data-attributes="member: 64066">Maybe I'm in the wrong forum to suggest this, but I think the skill system is actually pretty much fine as is, however I think we should all broaden our horizons on how it's implemented.One of my personal criticisms about breaking old 3E skills under 4E skill umbrellas is that it really takes away from some of the flexibility that the 4E skill system offers.For example, many aspects of the old Survival can be covered by the environment skills of 4E (Dungeoneering, Streetwise, and Nature).The beauty of having more broad skills is that it increases the chances of at least someone in your party having what is needed, and also allows for the creative use of skills.  Sure, Stealth might be the obvious choice for sneaking around, but if your city slicker character asks if he can use his Steetwise skill in an urban setting in order to blend in to the setting, why not let him give it a try?  Try not to think of the skills as so set in stone.It looks like WotC is already taking to this idea to some degree with some of the PH3 previews showing special Utility Powers that lets you use skills in more creative ways.Now if it's a matter of specialization that you are after, I suggest asking your players for more Backgrounds.  Even if additional Backgrounds don't give more direct bonuses, it's completely reasonable to allow a player to get circumstance bonuses to certain skills or ability checks based on his background.Just like skills, those bonuses don't have to be set in stone for a specific skill.  Encourage your players to come up with interesting ways to apply their backgrounds.  For example, his background in state affairs and high society could give him an edge in Thievery when he's trying to forge a document from a noble bureaucrat.Maybe I'm in a minority, but I think the broadness of the skills allows a great amount of flexibility while at the same time not inadvertently punishing players for being too specific on a skill that a particular DM just doesn't hit that much.</blockquote>

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