Wasting skill points on 'background' skills

[Wippit Guud]

I have a 6th level gnome illusionist in a PBEM campaign, who was raised by human farmers. And to show that fact, he has 4 ranks in Profession (farming).

Was it a mistake to waste four skills points in farming? (especially since wizards only get 2+int for skills)

 

[Tabarnak Smokeblower]

In a "roll-heavy" campaign, probably.

TS

 

[Dr. Zoom]

I have a 6th level gnome illusionist in a PBEM campaign, who was raised by human farmers. And to show that fact, he has 4 ranks in Profession (farming).

Was it a mistake to waste four skills points in farming? (especially since wizards only get 2+int for skills)

Only if you were a crappy farmer.

 

[Goddess FallenAngel]

I always "waste" points on background skills... and sometimes, even find a way to use them in the game.

 

[Mythtify]

I think it depends on what type of game your going to be playing. If your in a strictly kill the monsters, find the treasure type game, the yes, you wasted the points.

If the game is one where story elements are as important as game mechanics, then probaly not.

Another thing to keep in mind when designing a wizard is that it takes years of study to become a wizard, as opposed to sorcerers, who come upon magic without training.

Your character can still be knowledgeble about farming without spending the skill points.

From the PHB 3.5 pg62, character skills sidebar:
.....the skills on your character sheet don't actualy define everything your character can do. Your character may have a solid familiarity with many skills, without having the actual training that grants skill ranks.



An even better idea is to use the skill points you spent on farming on other skills that can be explained as having been learned while growing up on a farm. Take handle animals, knowledge (nature), ride, appraise, survival. All skills that are not on the wizard list, but are useable in just about every type of game.

 

[Crothian]

Depends on the game. Personally, I try to biuld encounters that allow PCs to use skills they have, but in a game that this skill can not be taken advantage of it might be a waste. But I'd do it anyone.

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

No I think you did the right thing, who knows maybe one day he want to retire to his own farm.

 

[Chronosome]

I think that's great, personally, though I do think it's traditionally an "NPC skill". If your DM's into rewarding your choice and making it matter in the game, then it's all good.

I'm a DM who would do just that.

 

[MatthewJHanon]

It might also be worth it top mention to your DM that you'd like chances to use your Farming skill. Sometimes DM's would want to encourage that sort of thing, but they are so busy doing other things, that it doesn't cross their mind.

 

[reapersaurus]

Yes, it was a waste.
Reason?:
because D&D by default wasn't meant to fully stat out the skills a reasonably fleshed out character would have (unless they have a high skill point class).

3E is based on the classes having the minimum amount of skill points per level. This leads to non-rogues needing to choose between an extremely small list, and having minimal points in anything that's not built into the class.

Either that, or each character should have at least one level of rogue (preferrably at 1st level) simply to have enough skill points and class skills to properly emulate what the character brings to the table outside of the class skills they happen to have.