What Skill is Math!?

[fusangite]

So, today, one of my players' PCs, for reasons of flavour/world dynamics decided to begin specializing in numerology/mathematics. Am I really obtuse or is there no skill in 3.5E that corresponds to mathematics and/or numerology? Should I create a new skill or should I re-name/re-define an existing skill?

 

[I'm A Banana]

Knowledge (mathematics)?

That's not a big leap to make, eh?

 

[Tonguez]

Knowledge Maths I'd assume

btw when you say Numerology do you include or the 'mystical' aspects of it or just the straight 'scientific' maths?

If the mystical stuff then perhaps Spellcraft might work

 

[fusangite]

Knowledge Maths I'd assume

I'm reluctant to create yet another Knowledge (*) skill but that's what I'll do. I am kind of amazed that it isn't contained in an existing skill. If a character has to do math, is it just a straight Int roll if they don't have this custom skill?

btw when you say Numerology do you include or the 'mystical' aspects of it or just the straight 'scientific' maths?

If the mystical stuff then perhaps Spellcraft might work

Oh yes; obviously, numerology includes the mystical. The fact that some of the mystical aspects might be covered by spellcraft just worries me more.

 

[hong]

I'm reluctant to create yet another Knowledge (*) skill but that's what I'll do. I am kind of amazed that it isn't contained in an existing skill. If a character has to do math, is it just a straight Int roll if they don't have this custom skill?

Was that a rhetorical question, or are you just glad to see me?

You don't typically have to do maths to kill monsters and take their stuff. If a skill doesn't have immediate application in the dungeoneering context, chances are it'll be abstracted out of existence: contrast Profession and Craft, vs Spot, Listen, Hide and Move Silently.

Similarly, unless the character is going to be in situations where he's going to have to make skill checks regularly, there's no point in making it into a skill. Just roll it into the character's background and assume he knows his stuff; or turn it into an Int check (with a suitably adjusted DC). D&D is not the game to play if you're a simulationist.

 

[Dark Jezter]

Like the others in this thread have recommended, I'd cover mathmatical expertise by creating a Knowledge (Mathematics) skill.

If you don't want to add a new Knowledge skill to your game, just make mathmatical knowledge an Intelligence check.

 

[darkbard]

or you could use knowledge [architecture and engineering] and assume that professional architects/engineers receive training in all facets of mathematical application, from building dams and bridges to charting a planet's course and reading the portents of mathematical relations. after all, there is historical precedence for a tie between building and the more "mystical" aspects of numbers, e.g. pyramids.

 

[Gez]

Spellcraft is for spellcasting only.

Other mystical things are for Knowledge (Arcana); and to a lesser extent, Religion, Nature, and Psionics.

 

[FungiMuncher]

I'd suggest that a mathematics check would simply be a Int check, but would benefit from synergy bonuses granted for 5+ ranks in Know (engineering) or Profession (trader) and similar stuff. For the mystical aspects, give the synergy bonus for high ranks in Know (arcana).

 

[Plane Sailing]

I'd go for Profession(accountant) or Profession(Philosopher) since those are groups that in our history had key interest in mathematics.