Really, I don't see any need for the class/cross-class skill distinction.
Yes, it means fighters who choose to study the arcane will know just as much about it as wizards, or, as more mechanically crunchy example, they can be just as good at disabling devices as rogues (though without the trap abilities), but it allows for much more personalized characters. The limitation in number of skills alone is distinction enough between the classes.
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Really, I don't see any need for the class/cross-class skill distinction.
Yes, it means fighters who choose to study the arcane will know just as much about it as wizards, or, as more mechanically crunchy example, they can be just as good at disabling devices as rogues (though without the trap abilities), but it allows for much more personalized characters. The limitation in number of skills alone is distinction enough between the classes.
On the one hand, I like this idea because it can produce situations where the fighter may, indeed, be more inclined to know about arcane matters than the sorcerer (elsewhere on the boards, this was expressed as the following: Fighter: "Hmm, he looks like he's casting a sleep spell." Sorcerer: "Say what!?" *counterspell*), but on the flip side it may also result in situations where *everyone* has certain skills just to ensure the best possible odds.
If nothing else, it could merit testing to see if it changes the flavor and style enough to homogenize the characters.
Or each class could choose a class skill(s): a customization/free class skill.
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Well, one thing is for sure the skill system in the SRD is an improvement over what used to be, but still sucks lol
Honestly, when I played a fighter, I just really didn't bother writing down skill ranks. What was the point? He has so few and the ones he has suck.
No matter what is decided about skills, I will support it as long as we get better skill choices, more customization, and ranks worth using. Cross-class skill ranks were not worth the time to even write down.
I find the class skills fine a mechanic of adding one or 2 skills to your list at first level would be welcome and add some diversity to the classes
Nope, gotta disagree. As much as I think the system could be more flexible, D&D is a class based game, and a certain relationship between your class and what you know how to do well makes sense and supports the class role.
Or each class could choose a class skill(s): a customization/free class skill.
That's a very straightforward and appealing solution, similar to the one games like Call of Cthulhu and Cyberpunk have done for years.
Based on my experience with the HERO System, I would guess that in a setup like this, everybody would take Perception and Stealth ... plus whatever else seemed handy.
Not that it's a bad thing necessarily -- just that you run the danger of finding yourself with a lot of cookie-cutter characters.
If I were driving the boat, I'd say that each class conferred automatic training in two or three skills (Wizards automatically have Spellcraft as a trained skill; Rogues automatically have Theft as a trained skill), plus 2-3 "open" skills you can choose as well (will Skill Monkeys getting 4-5 open skills, perhaps).
-The Gneech
I'd love to see them do this - even if all characters end up with Perception and maybe Stealth..so what? That should be the characters right... and I betcha it wouldn't be everyone.
I am in favor of eliminating class skills. Although, this does steal some of the Rogue’s thunder as his stchick is access to all those skills.
I'd like to see class skills done away with, with one caveat.
New players -- PF rpg is all about finding new players now -- really could use a list of "suggested" skills by class. This helps guide their choices because at this point, they don't have game experience to fall back on to know what good skill choices might be for a particular character.