Brand New Player- Question about Skill Points [Archive] - Wizards Community

Brand New Player- Question about Skill Points [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
BriwaOutrider
06-22-07, 12:47 PM As the title says, I am a brand new player to D&D. A friend introduced it to me, but he isn't the most detailed player. Some of the things such as size, speed, location, an probably other things I haven't noticed yet, he and those he plays with don't pay attention to. For this reason, I am basically going through the Players Handbook to check everything he tells me, becuase I'm loving D&D, but want to go 100% by the rules.

Now my question, when you make a charector (SP?) what are you allowed to do for skill point allotment?

1- Are you only allowed to put points in those skills listed as class skills?

2-Do I get to put in any points upon creation or are they chosen for me in the starting package table or skills?

3-I know my cap is my level +3, so at creation, no skills can be over rank 4. Is that correct?

4- (These have nothing to do with skill points, but I don't want to make a whole new thread) What starter package do I use if they don't have one for my race listed in the Players Handbook? Only a halfling package is listed for rouges, but mine is a elf. Will I just use the halfling package, or what?

5-How do you deal with location during combat? I have done 3 campaigns over MSN chat with some people, but they don't seem to take location into account at all, which seems to be a major aspect of compat seeing as it affect if you can even attack.

6-Where is somewhere that I can get involved with other players? I don't see a clan or group forum. THis might not be what you do for D&D, but where can I hook up with other players to play over the web with IM or even TS & Vent.

Thanks alot, I understand I asked alot of questions, and half of them are off-topic, but this was the best forum I could tell because 3 of them are about skills.

Thanks again, in advance

Briwa
jaelis
06-22-07, 12:55 PM I'll address your skill questions because I know the answers right off:

- You can put ranks into any skill you like, but cross class skills count two points per rank.

- The starting packages are totally for convenience, you don't have to follow them at all. If there isn't one that matches what you want, you can modify one or just ignore them all together.

- You can't have more than 4 ranks in any class skill, and no more than 2 ranks in any cross-class skill.
Scion of Coldshard
06-22-07, 01:06 PM I will be a little redundant, but hey, it is the internet ;)

1- Are you only allowed to put points in those skills listed as class skills?

You can put points into class or cross-classed skills as you like. Whenever you put a point into a class skill you get the full rank, when you put a point into a cross-classed skill you get 0.5 ranks.

2-Do I get to put in any points upon creation or are they chosen for me in the starting package table or skills?

You can place them as you like. The starting packages are just there trying to be helpful.

Look through the skill list, see which are on your personal skill list, see what you want for the character you want to make, and then buy them up as appropriate for that concept.

Generally people only put points into cross-classed if they really, really need that skill for some reason.

3-I know my cap is my level +3, so at creation, no skills can be over rank 4. Is that correct?

Yes, but the cap is for class skills. For cross classed skills the maximum rank is (level+3)/2.

So, if you put 4 points into a class skill you get it at 4 ranks.
If you put 4 points into a cross classed skill you get it at 2 ranks.

For a first level character each of those are as high as you can get for ranks.

Note that the bonus you get to the skill from ability scores and feats like skill focus do NOT change your rank total, just the number that you apply to your skill check.

For some skills having a certain number of ranks gets you a bonus or two so the difference is important.

4- (These have nothing to do with skill points, but I don't want to make a whole new thread) What starter package do I use if they don't have one for my race listed in the Players Handbook? Only a halfling package is listed for rouges, but mine is a elf. Will I just use the halfling package, or what?

You dont need a starting package, you can just make your own guy up. It takes more time but it will help you get used to what your options are.

Find out how much starting wealth you have, check your weight limit (you likely want to stay in lightly encumbered), and buy your gear.

5-How do you deal with location during combat? I have done 3 campaigns over MSN chat with some people, but they don't seem to take location into account at all, which seems to be a major aspect of compat seeing as it affect if you can even attack.

Some people use maps and minis, some just do everything in their heads. It depends on the group dynamic which is used.

I like using a board for most combats, although it is tough to make it look right without spending a whole lot of money and/or time making up the map. Some people absolutely hate using any sort of a map and will fight to the death if anyone even suggests it ;)

6-Where is somewhere that I can get involved with other players? I don't see a clan or group forum. THis might not be what you do for D&D, but where can I hook up with other players to play over the web with IM or even TS & Vent.

Local gaming store? There are various boards with online games as well.
risner
06-22-07, 03:46 PM 1- Are you only allowed to put points in those skills listed as class skills?

2-Do I get to put in any points upon creation or are they chosen for me in the starting package table or skills?

3-I know my cap is my level +3, so at creation, no skills can be over rank 4. Is that correct?

4- What starter package do I use if they don't have one for my race listed in the Players Handbook? Only a halfling package is listed for rouges, but mine is a elf. Will I just use the halfling package, or what?

5-How do you deal with location during combat? I have done 3 campaigns over MSN chat with some people, but they don't seem to take location into account at all, which seems to be a major aspect of compat seeing as it affect if you can even attack.

6-Where is somewhere that I can get involved with other players? I don't see a clan or group forum. THis might not be what you do for D&D, but where can I hook up with other players to play over the web with IM or even TS & Vent.

1) No, but if you don't they cost double points and it depends on your current level if they cost 1:1 or 1:2 (meaning if your current class you are advancing doesn't have Jump as a class skill then regardless if you have another class with Jump as a class skill or not, it costs double to advance Jump with this class.)

2) Starting packages are a "take them or not" deal. If you take them, you have no choices to make. If you don't take them, you get to make all the choices.

3) Correct. The cap of Level+3 or (Level+3)/2 is set based on if the skill is a class skill for any of your classes. If any, then Level+3. If none, then (Level+3)/2 is the limit.

4) Your best bet (to be legal) is to not use a starting package and build it yourself.

5) Play by MSN won't be using spacial aids. In this environment (like in 1st edition and 2nd edition), you allow the DM to maintain spacial positions for the monsters and the players. The DM informs you when you have AoO taken upon you and in general runs the position related part of the game.

6) try meetup.com and your local comic book/gaming stores.
BriwaOutrider
06-22-07, 07:39 PM [QUOTE=risner;12822336]
2) Starting packages are a "take them or not" deal. If you take them, you have no choices to make. If you don't take them, you get to make all the choices.

4) Your best bet (to be legal) is to not use a starting package and build it yourself.
QUOTE]

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate all the advice. Sorry for the newb question, just after posting I checked the handbook again and found y answer.

Now, how do I make my own package? Will i get a certain amount of money and get to buy my own weapons, armor, items, etc., then pick my own skills and feats? Where do I find how much money I get, and how much stuff costs?

Thanks alot,
Briwa
jaelis
06-22-07, 08:50 PM Now, how do I make my own package? Will i get a certain amount of money and get to buy my own weapons, armor, items, etc., then pick my own skills and feats? Where do I find how much money I get, and how much stuff costs?

Check out the PHB, Chapter 7 (pg 111). I don't believe the starting gold amounts are in the free online rules, but the equipment costs are.
Nom
06-23-07, 09:55 AM Now, how do I make my own package?Strictly speaking, you don't. The "packages" are just pre-created suggestions / templates that allow you to skip a bunch of steps in character creation. Namely those for chapter 2 (race), chapter 4 (skills), chapter 5 (feats), and chapter 7 (equipment). If you don't want to use one, you just follow the creation process manually:

* generate scores (chapter 1)
* pick race (chapter 2)
* pick class (chapter 3)
* assign skills based on class (chapter 4)
* pick feat or feats (chapter 5)
* make it a person (chapter 6)
* equip your PC (chapter 7)

Note that in practice, most people pick their class first, then race, then generate their scores and assign them to fit their class and race choices.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
BriwaOutrider 06-22-07, 12:47 PM	As the title says, I am a brand new player to D&D. A friend introduced it to me, but he isn't the most detailed player. Some of the things such as size, speed, location, an probably other things I haven't noticed yet, he and those he plays with don't pay attention to. For this reason, I am basically going through the Players Handbook to check everything he tells me, becuase I'm loving D&D, but want to go 100% by the rules. Now my question, when you make a charector (SP?) what are you allowed to do for skill point allotment? 1- Are you only allowed to put points in those skills listed as class skills? 2-Do I get to put in any points upon creation or are they chosen for me in the starting package table or skills? 3-I know my cap is my level +3, so at creation, no skills can be over rank 4. Is that correct? 4- (These have nothing to do with skill points, but I don't want to make a whole new thread) What starter package do I use if they don't have one for my race listed in the Players Handbook? Only a halfling package is listed for rouges, but mine is a elf. Will I just use the halfling package, or what? 5-How do you deal with location during combat? I have done 3 campaigns over MSN chat with some people, but they don't seem to take location into account at all, which seems to be a major aspect of compat seeing as it affect if you can even attack. 6-Where is somewhere that I can get involved with other players? I don't see a clan or group forum. THis might not be what you do for D&D, but where can I hook up with other players to play over the web with IM or even TS & Vent. Thanks alot, I understand I asked alot of questions, and half of them are off-topic, but this was the best forum I could tell because 3 of them are about skills. Thanks again, in advance Briwa
jaelis 06-22-07, 12:55 PM	I'll address your skill questions because I know the answers right off: - You can put ranks into any skill you like, but cross class skills count two points per rank. - The starting packages are totally for convenience, you don't have to follow them at all. If there isn't one that matches what you want, you can modify one or just ignore them all together. - You can't have more than 4 ranks in any class skill, and no more than 2 ranks in any cross-class skill.
Scion of Coldshard 06-22-07, 01:06 PM	I will be a little redundant, but hey, it is the internet ;) 1- Are you only allowed to put points in those skills listed as class skills? You can put points into class or cross-classed skills as you like. Whenever you put a point into a class skill you get the full rank, when you put a point into a cross-classed skill you get 0.5 ranks. 2-Do I get to put in any points upon creation or are they chosen for me in the starting package table or skills? You can place them as you like. The starting packages are just there trying to be helpful. Look through the skill list, see which are on your personal skill list, see what you want for the character you want to make, and then buy them up as appropriate for that concept. Generally people only put points into cross-classed if they really, really need that skill for some reason. 3-I know my cap is my level +3, so at creation, no skills can be over rank 4. Is that correct? Yes, but the cap is for class skills. For cross classed skills the maximum rank is (level+3)/2. So, if you put 4 points into a class skill you get it at 4 ranks. If you put 4 points into a cross classed skill you get it at 2 ranks. For a first level character each of those are as high as you can get for ranks. Note that the bonus you get to the skill from ability scores and feats like skill focus do NOT change your rank total, just the number that you apply to your skill check. For some skills having a certain number of ranks gets you a bonus or two so the difference is important. 4- (These have nothing to do with skill points, but I don't want to make a whole new thread) What starter package do I use if they don't have one for my race listed in the Players Handbook? Only a halfling package is listed for rouges, but mine is a elf. Will I just use the halfling package, or what? You dont need a starting package, you can just make your own guy up. It takes more time but it will help you get used to what your options are. Find out how much starting wealth you have, check your weight limit (you likely want to stay in lightly encumbered), and buy your gear. 5-How do you deal with location during combat? I have done 3 campaigns over MSN chat with some people, but they don't seem to take location into account at all, which seems to be a major aspect of compat seeing as it affect if you can even attack. Some people use maps and minis, some just do everything in their heads. It depends on the group dynamic which is used. I like using a board for most combats, although it is tough to make it look right without spending a whole lot of money and/or time making up the map. Some people absolutely hate using any sort of a map and will fight to the death if anyone even suggests it ;) 6-Where is somewhere that I can get involved with other players? I don't see a clan or group forum. THis might not be what you do for D&D, but where can I hook up with other players to play over the web with IM or even TS & Vent. Local gaming store? There are various boards with online games as well.
risner 06-22-07, 03:46 PM	1- Are you only allowed to put points in those skills listed as class skills? 2-Do I get to put in any points upon creation or are they chosen for me in the starting package table or skills? 3-I know my cap is my level +3, so at creation, no skills can be over rank 4. Is that correct? 4- What starter package do I use if they don't have one for my race listed in the Players Handbook? Only a halfling package is listed for rouges, but mine is a elf. Will I just use the halfling package, or what? 5-How do you deal with location during combat? I have done 3 campaigns over MSN chat with some people, but they don't seem to take location into account at all, which seems to be a major aspect of compat seeing as it affect if you can even attack. 6-Where is somewhere that I can get involved with other players? I don't see a clan or group forum. THis might not be what you do for D&D, but where can I hook up with other players to play over the web with IM or even TS & Vent. 1) No, but if you don't they cost double points and it depends on your current level if they cost 1:1 or 1:2 (meaning if your current class you are advancing doesn't have Jump as a class skill then regardless if you have another class with Jump as a class skill or not, it costs double to advance Jump with this class.) 2) Starting packages are a "take them or not" deal. If you take them, you have no choices to make. If you don't take them, you get to make all the choices. 3) Correct. The cap of Level+3 or (Level+3)/2 is set based on if the skill is a class skill for any of your classes. If any, then Level+3. If none, then (Level+3)/2 is the limit. 4) Your best bet (to be legal) is to not use a starting package and build it yourself. 5) Play by MSN won't be using spacial aids. In this environment (like in 1st edition and 2nd edition), you allow the DM to maintain spacial positions for the monsters and the players. The DM informs you when you have AoO taken upon you and in general runs the position related part of the game. 6) try meetup.com and your local comic book/gaming stores.
BriwaOutrider 06-22-07, 07:39 PM	[QUOTE=risner;12822336] 2) Starting packages are a "take them or not" deal. If you take them, you have no choices to make. If you don't take them, you get to make all the choices. 4) Your best bet (to be legal) is to not use a starting package and build it yourself. QUOTE] Thanks for the reply, I appreciate all the advice. Sorry for the newb question, just after posting I checked the handbook again and found y answer. Now, how do I make my own package? Will i get a certain amount of money and get to buy my own weapons, armor, items, etc., then pick my own skills and feats? Where do I find how much money I get, and how much stuff costs? Thanks alot, Briwa
jaelis 06-22-07, 08:50 PM	Now, how do I make my own package? Will i get a certain amount of money and get to buy my own weapons, armor, items, etc., then pick my own skills and feats? Where do I find how much money I get, and how much stuff costs? Check out the PHB, Chapter 7 (pg 111). I don't believe the starting gold amounts are in the free online rules, but the equipment costs are.
Nom 06-23-07, 09:55 AM	Now, how do I make my own package?Strictly speaking, you don't. The "packages" are just pre-created suggestions / templates that allow you to skip a bunch of steps in character creation. Namely those for chapter 2 (race), chapter 4 (skills), chapter 5 (feats), and chapter 7 (equipment). If you don't want to use one, you just follow the creation process manually: * generate scores (chapter 1) * pick race (chapter 2) * pick class (chapter 3) * assign skills based on class (chapter 4) * pick feat or feats (chapter 5) * make it a person (chapter 6) * equip your PC (chapter 7) Note that in practice, most people pick their class first, then race, then generate their scores and assign them to fit their class and race choices.