Skills are things anyone can learn to a lesser or greater extent if they study or train hard, especially if they train under a tutor or master. In game terms, skills are measured by ranks. Skill ranks run from 0 (unskilled) to 5 (world class). A player has 10 skill points to spend on their character’s skill ranks during character creation at first level.
A skill roll is d20 + Ability Modifier + Skill Rank. Skill ranks cannot be higher than your current player level plus one (to a max of 5). You receive one skill point per level after first level.
The skill names in the following chart cover a broad range of actions a character can do. This is, of course, an incomplete list, and it is between the player and GM to decide what skill an action would fall under.
| Skill Name | Ability | Actions |
| Acrobatics | DEX | Balance, Escape Artist, Juggle, Tumble |
| Athletics | STR | Climb, Jump, Swim |
| Awareness | WIS | Investigate, Listen, Search, Spot, Sense Motive, etc. |
| Endurance | CON | Run, Swim, Hold Breath, Row, Endure Pain/Torture, Endure Heat or Cold Better, etc. |
| Knowledge | INT | Appraise, Knowledge (history, legends, herbology, monster lore, etc.), Detect Poison, etc. |
| Persuasion | CHA | Bluff, Diplomacy, Gather Information, Intimidate, etc. |
| Spellcraft | Spellcaster Primary Ability* | Spell Sight, Focusing, Ravaging, etc. |
| Survival | WIS | Track, Forage, Hunt, Start Fire, Fletch, Skin, Set Snares, Fish, Identify Edible Foods & Herbs, Locate Potable Water, Detect Poison, etc. |
| Thievery | DEX | Sneak, Hide, Pick Locks, Find/Set/Disarm Traps, etc. |
*The Spellcaster Primary Ability Bonus is the ability bonus listed in Ability Bonus chart. The spellcaster chooses their Spellcaster Primary Ability (INT, WIS, or CHA) when they choose a spellcaster class.
Standard Skill Check
1d20 + Skill Points + Ability Modifier > DC15
Determine Derived Stats
- Armor Class (AC) = DEX modifier + Armor bonus
- Hit Points = Max + CON modifier at 1st level. Roll hit dice + CON modifier thereafter.
Savings Throws
Savings Throws are based on Skills. Acrobatics for reflex type saves (dodging a fireball), Survival for mind affecting saves (being under a Charm Creature Spell), and Endurance for fortitude type saves (saving vs disease).
Difficulty Class
Some checks are made against a Difficulty Class (DC). The DC is a number you must roll equal to or higher on a d20 in order to succeed on your skill check. The DC is set by the GM using the skill rules as a guideline,.
Difficulty Class (DC) Examples
| Easy | 0 | Climb a knotted rope (Athletics) |
| Average | 5 | Hear an approaching creature (Awareness) |
| Tough | 10 | Set up a snare trap (Thievery or Survival) |
| Challenging | 15 | Swim through stormy water (Endurance) |
| Formidable | 20 | Open an average lock (Thievery) |
| Heroic | 25 | Leap across a 30’ chasm (Athletics) |
| Nearly Impossible | 30 | Track creatures across hard ground after a rain. (Survival) |