Two extra skill points per level (and character backgrounds)

[Psion]

Okay, normally I am conservative when it comes to drastic changes to the game

But I just can't help myself: I think that 2 sp/level as a base does not cut it.

Has anyone done this? What were the results?

I think the d20 skill system works well, and I also feel that some class skills aren't flexible enough. A second thing I am considering is incorporating character backgrounds (similar to the Second World Sourcebook, RoninArts character record, or Black Company setting) to add some additional class skills. The mechanic is similar to d20 modern starting professions, but a bit more self-consistant.

I play a fairly skill based game, and I feel that the emphasis on skills should mean that the extra skill points are pretty essential for those with few SP/level, but the emphasis on skills should mean that classes that already have strong skills aren't losing out in the bargain.

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

I think the d20 skill system works well, and I also feel that some class skills aren't flexible enough.

Agree and agree. I've played in games with just two bonus skills based upon background but without the bonus points to fully use them. (Which was still better than not at all.)

I see no issues with giving two bonus points either. Even a rogue, unless they have an intelligence 28 or so, can still find useful "everyday" skills to invest in and I think it helps make more realistic characters as often skills which are cross classed yet make perfect background sense are not picked up cause of the cost.

Note: Nor do I think it damages the human…

 

[Psion]

Well, as I think humans:3e :: elves:2e, that hadn't even entered my mind...

 

[Nifft]

IMC (currently 13th level) the PCs gain 2 "education skill points" each level (and 2x4 = 8 at 1st level). These ESPs can only be spent on Knowlege, Craft, Perform or Profession.

So far, no ill effects.

-- N

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Well, as I think humans:3e :: elves:2e, that hadn't even entered my mind...

You mean your elves are limited to a max level in some, if not most, classes?

 

[S'mon]

I'm tending to think maybe raising the 2sp/level classes to 4 sp/level might work better. I don't think Barbarians or Rogues or Rangers need more SPs.

 

[Aus_Snow]

IMC (currently 13th level) the PCs gain 2 "education skill points" each level (and 2x4 = 8 at 1st level). These ESPs can only be spent on Knowlege, Craft, Perform or Profession.

Not a bad idea, that. How's it work in practice, so far?


It's been my edict for a time that all characters gain 4 extra skill points at 1st level, and +1 every level thereafter.

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

I'm tending to think maybe raising the 2sp/level classes to 4 sp/level might work better. I don't think Barbarians or Rogues or Rangers need more SPs.

What's good for the goose is good for the gander. (IMHO)

I think the skill points are meant to help be a balance but they are such a turn off for me… I spend a lot of time playing rogues just so I can be skilled at things. (I rarely take disable trap also as I use it more for a swashbuckling type of character.)

But anyhow I do think they are there for balance, or maybe they are there to force teamwork, but to mess with the SP of some of the classes but not all of them… Well to me it seems like it has more potential to damage this balance than to help it.

 

[Shallown]

The campaign I ran and the one I play in now both give 2 extra skill points per level. It works well. About the only serious concern is sometimes it allows a person to cualify for a prestige class faster then they other wise would due to a low intelligence. The Gm and myself both run skill intensive campaigns tending to call for skill checks a lot.

It doesn't unbalance the game as far As I can tell.

Later

 

[Nifft]

Not a bad idea, that. How's it work in practice, so far?

Works well. I've got one guy with ranks in Profession(Scribe) who leaves (elaborately calligraphed) notes warning evildoers against doing evil... often on the site of his last Smite.

-- N