Skills
As I move towards version 4 of the rules, I’m looking to add skills into the mix. Currently there are skills, but only on a class by class basis. I’m thinking a unified skill tree (like 5e), but something a bit more compelling. I really like the way skills work in the d6 systems. Basically, you get your skill bonus by default, but then you can expand your bonus into d6 rolls. So you’d get a +1, +2, then a d6 (trained) and then another +1, +2 then d6 for (mastery).
So a master of climbing would roll d20 + their dex + 2d6 for a max possible of 37 and min of 8.
At each level a character can spend 3 points to advance their skills.
EXAMPLE: Bob The Barbarian is a MASTER (cost of 6 xp points) with a Long Sword. He gains the ability to roll an additional 2d6 when attacking (does not apply to damage)
Skill List ideas
Strength
Melee Weapon Specialization (Knife, Mace, Long Sword, etc)
Bend bars / Lift Gates (Lifting?)
Dexterity
Range Weapon Specialization (Bow, Crossbow, Daggers, etc)
Dodge* (bonus to AC?)
Pickpocket
Stealth
Throwing*
Intelligence
History
Language
Medicine
Appraise
Wisdom
Pick Locks
Search
Tracking
Notice (adds to notice number with DM rolls)
Constitution
Stamina
Death Bonus
Hit Points
Charisma
Command
Diplomacy
Persuasion
Seduce
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This is a very good idea. I think it is important for skill advancement to still be class dependent. Perhaps if the class is not proficient, they can spend 2 points per advancement in a skill instead of just one.
For example: A barbarian levels up, gaining 3 skill points. He choices to place 2 points in stealth, gaining him a +1 to stealth, and the other he places in lifting also gaining a +1.
I’ve been noodling an idea to remove classes all together and moving to a more skill built character
I’d be very interested in seeing what that looks like. It could certainly make things complicated if not done right.
I do think it is possible though. One nice thing about the class system as it is, you basically just choose the class and start playing. It makes the pick up and go very easy. I just ran a session with a few of my middle school students after classes and they were able to pick the game up very quickly.
West end games had a system like this and they shipped with a bunch of presetup templates