Simplified Skill Lists

[I'm A Banana]

I have heard it tossed around in a lot of places that skills being reduced in quantity would be a good thing -- one skill point should do more than it does now, some skills are under-used, some skills are nearly essential...I tend to kind of agree. So here's the idea: without changing the basic nature of skills in D&D, e.g.: keeping points, ranks, and ability-score based divisions...

How would you simplify the skill list?

For me:

(1)
Spot + Listen = Perception. This covers Spot and Listen and also general senses, including touch, taste, scent, and "psychic senses." It's how well you notice your surroundings.

(2)
Hide + Move Silently + Slieght of Hand = Sneak. This covers those skills, and is also generally useful for getting around someplace unnoticed, including places you can't technically "hide" (such as in a crowd). It's how well you can decieve the senses, so Sleight of Hand can be done with it, as well.

(3)
Open Lock + Disable Device = Tinkering. This is an Int-based skill that lets you generally work with simple machines. Though crafting them is out of your league, you know how to make them non-functional anymore. Give synergy bonus with Craft (trapmaking)

(4)
Use Rope -> Survival. Because what boyscout doesn't know how to tie knots? Survival also expands to include "urban survival." I personally make each terrain a different skill, but this is about simplification, so....

(5)
Forgery + Decipher Script = Scribe. In addition to those skills, Scribe is generally the check used when doing calligraphy, writing a treatise, or doing any other sort of exacting paperwork.

(6)
Appraise -> Craft. Because what expert in thier craft doesn't know the value of what they produce?

 

[Tarrasque Wrangler]

Balance + Climb + Jump + Tumble = Acrobatics

 

[Ao the Overkitty]

Use Rope -> Survival. Because what boyscout doesn't know how to tie knots?

*raises hand*

 

[EricNoah]

1) I would keep Hide and MS separate; or if not I would make size influence both equally.

2) I would make Knowledge: Arcana (or Knowlege: Magic) default and do away with Spellcraft (or vice versa -- how many times have I seen "DC 20 Spellcraft or Knowledge: Arcana"?).

3) I would make Use Rope a STR or DEX check for binding characters etc., with equipment modifiers.

4) I would do something with Gather Info to allow it to deal with both interviewing/eavesdropping style info gathering and reading/research style info gathering.

 

[Afrodyte]

True20 has several changes to the skill list that I like, since it simplifies things in a way that is pretty intuitive. Some of the things I mention here are part of those changes, although I've thought of them before.

Climb + Jump + Swim = Athletics (Str)
Balance + Tumble = Acrobatics (Dex)
Hide + Move Silently = Sneak (Dex)
Listen + Search + Spot = Notice (Wis)
Bluff + Diplomacy = Persuade (Cha)
Open Lock is folded into Disable Device.
Concentration is replaced by a Will or Fortitude save.
Decipher Script is replaced by a language-based Intelligence check. In other words, if you can recognize some of the text (ie, know the language), if you are clever enough you can piece together the meaning despite the text not being in good condition.
Spellcraft is folded into Knowledge (arcana) or vice versa.
Use Rope becomes an attribute check or a check based in the appropriate Craft or Profession.

 

[TheAuldGrump]

(2)
Hide + Move Silently + Slieght of Hand = Sneak. This covers those skills, and is also generally useful for getting around someplace unnoticed, including places you can't technically "hide" (such as in a crowd). It's how well you can decieve the senses, so Sleight of Hand can be done with it, as well.

(3)
Open Lock + Disable Device = Tinkering. This is an Int-based skill that lets you generally work with simple machines. Though crafting them is out of your league, you know how to make them non-functional anymore. Give synergy bonus with Craft (trapmaking)

I would move Sleight of Hand from (3) to (2) or keep it it's own skill (more likely) and call H+MS Stealth. One involves whole body motion (sneak or stealth) while the other (tinkering) involves nimble fingers.

The Auld Grump

 

[Particle_Man]

Knowledge (psionics) --> Knowledge (arcane)
Psicraft --> Spellcraft

 

[Tarrasque Wrangler]

I think, logically, you could fold Intimidate into Bluff. What's an intimidation other than the threat of violence? Sounds like a bluff to me, even if it just so happens to be one that most PC's could back up with the real thing if need be. Now, I wouldn't do that in a normal game, as Bluff already has all sorts of neat-o applications. But if our aim is to make super-skills, that's an easy one for me to dump.

I'd also subsume Handle Animal into some sort of Knowledge: Animal Training skill. I always thought having it under Charisma was kind of abstract anyway, as it seems to me that animal training and animal husbandry have a lot more to do with understanding animal psychology than your own personal magnetism. Besides, I've known plenty of absolutely hateful SOB's (low CHA, if I've ever seen it) who were great with animals.

 

[Dark Psion]

I would make some skills part of other skills, but unlocked by a feat.

For example, Spot & Listen could be part of Search, but accessed by a Perception feat: +2 to Search and can now make Spot & Listen checks.

My reason for this is because working in a hardware store and watching people walk right over paint spills, never see the price signs and not hear a word I say while answering their questions had led me to understand that Spot & Listen are rarely used options.

 

[Tarrasque Wrangler]

I would make some skills part of other skills, but unlocked by a feat.

For example, Spot & Listen could be part of Search, but accessed by a Perception feat: +2 to Search and can now make Spot & Listen checks.

My reason for this is because working in a hardware store and watching people walk right over paint spills, never see the price signs and not hear a word I say while answering their questions had led me to understand that Spot & Listen are rarely used options.

They may not get maxed out ranks in real life , but I'd say you've got it backwards. Spot and Listen are just applications of senses you're born with. Searching is actually a very involved skill that requires the use of several senses working in tandem. I'd say that Spot and Listen should unlock Search. But that's just me.