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Do humans still get an additional skill rank at first level? It's easy to assume that they do since they always have in 3.X, but the text doesn't specifically say so. It says only "Humans gain one additional skill rank whenever they gain a level".
If they are in fact meant to get it at first level, perhaps the text should read "Humans receive a bonus skill rank at 1st level and gain another bonus rank each time they gain a level"
One of the things I really liked about Alpha 1.0 and 1.1 was the notion that humans got a bonus skill that would be treated as a class skill regardless of the human's class. That really appealed to me, because it lets humans really demonstrate a lot more versatility and adaptability than the other races.
I realize with the move back to skill ranks (with humans get a bonus rank at 1st level and another bonus rank at every level after) makes it a bit more complicated to keep that. Still, I wish it was still included. So how about a compromise?
What if PRPG introduced a new concept: "Racial" Class Skills. I'm imagining it would work very much along the lines of D20 Modern's occupations and how they can establish 2-3 skills that will be deemed class skills regardless of whether or not they appear on a the skill list of the character's chosen class. So, with that in mind, I'd envision something like this:
Dwarves: Stonecunning (Dwarves treat any Profession skill related to stone as a class skill. In addition, they receive a +2 bonus on Perception skill checks to notice unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors. They receive a check to notice such features whenever they pass within 10 feet of them, regardless of whether or not they are actively looking. In addition, Climb is always considered a class skill for Dwarves.)
Elves: Keen Senses (Elves receive a +2 bonus on sight- and sound-based Perception checks. They can make a Perception check to spot a secret or concealed door if they pass within 10 feet, regardless of whether or not they are actively looking. In addition, Perception is always considered a class skill for Elves.)
Gnomes: Animal Affinity (Gnomes receive a +2 bonus on Handle Animal checks and this skill is always considered a class skill.)
Half-Elves: Keen Senses (Half-elves receive a +2 bonus on sight- and sound-based Perception checks. They can make a Perception check to spot a secret or concealed door if they pass within 10 feet, regardless of whether or not they are actively looking. In addition, Perception is always considered a class skill for Half-Elves.)
Half-Orcs: Orc Ferocity (Once per day, when a half-orc is brought below 0 hit points, but not killed, he can fight on for one more round as if disabled. At the end of his next turn, unless brought to above 0 hit points, he immediately falls unconscious and begins dying. In addition, Half-Orcs receive a +2 bonus on Intimidate checks and this skill is always considered a class skill)
Halflings: Sure Footed (Halflings receive a +2 bonus on Acrobatics and Climb checks, and these skills are always class skills)
Humans: Skilled (Humans gain one additional skill rank at 1st level. This bonus skill counts as a class skill, regardless of the human's class. Whenever they gain a new level, they gain one additional skill rank.)
Thoughts?
--Neil