Skill Basics

Skills are learned abilities acquired through a combination of training (the skill) and natural talent (an ability score). Each skill has a rank, used as a bonus to the die roll when using the skill. To use a skill roll: The higher the roll, the better the result. You’re usually looking for a total that equals or exceeds a particular Difficulty Class (DC) or another character’s check total.

• Skill Rank: Your rank in a skill is based on the number of points you have invested in skills. If you have ranks in a skill you’re considered trained in that skill. You can use some skills even if you don’t have any ranks in them, known as using a skill untrained.

• Ability Modifier: Each skill has a key ability, the ability modifier applied to the skill’s checks. Each skill’s key ability is noted in its description and on the Skills table (see page 41).

• Miscellaneous Modifiers: Miscellaneous modifiers to skill checks include situational modifiers for favorable or unfavorable conditions, bonuses from feats or powers, or penalties for not having proper tools, among others.

ACQUIRING SKILLS

Characters gain skill ranks by spending character points: 4 skill ranks per character point. Skill ranks do not all need to be assigned to the same skill. Characters can perform some tasks without any training, using only raw talent (as defined by their ability scores), but skilled characters are better at such things. Characters with the right skills and feats (see Chapter 4) can even hold their own against super-powered opponents.