Advanced Race Guide: Focused Study

[Nawyria]

The Advanced Race Guide presents a number of alternative racial traits for the Human race, among which is the following:

ARG wrote:

Focused Study: All humans are skillful, but some, rather than being generalists, tend to specialize in a handful of skills. At 1st, 8th, and 16th level, such humans gain Skill Focus in a skill of their choice as a bonus feat. This racial trait replaces the bonus feat trait.

Basically this asks the player "Intend to take the Skill Focus feat at first level? Here, have three skill focuses instead", which seems rather odd to me; one bonus feat basically becomes three bonus feats. Sure I'll take it if offered, but it seems to me this can blow out of proportion very easily.

The wording of the trait "[i]rather than being generalists, tend to specialize in a handful of skills[/u]" leads me to think that this trait should replace the skilled trait instead of the bonus feat trait. This would mean trading in 20 skill points for three skill focuses (which total a +18 bonus), which allows a character to really specialize in a handful of skills rather than take up an extra skill or two.

The bonuses granted by the three feats would put the character ahead of the curve (in the sense that the total skill bonus they receive is larger than the number of additional skill points skilled would normally grant) at level 1, 2, 10, 11, 16 and 17 since the benefits kick in immediately in the form of a +3 or +6 bonus on a skill. However, at levels 4-9, 13-15 and 19-20 a character with this trait lags behind characters without this trait and they strike even at level 3, 12 and 18.

Can anyone confirm that this alternative trait is really intended to replace the bonus feat trait? Or are my suspicions correct?

[ciretose]

You may be correct, however keep in mind it is more than a simple +18 skill points. It is 18 skill points above the maximum normally allowed by level in those skills without the feat.

[Nawyria]

Sure they are, as a bonus on top of a particular skill a character can reach a total skill bonus that is +3 or +6 higher (depending on whether the character has reached level 10 or not). However, say at 4th level, that's 4 knowledge skills my Wizard can't put one point into to get a quick +7/+8/+9 bonus; you give up some flexibility and breath for specialization.

Similarly, the extra bonus from Skill Focus doesn't allow a character to qualify for feats and prestige classes.

[carn]

Maybe RAI is as RAW and its meant as a discount because skill focus is not that awesome feat in itself?

[Captain Sir Hexen Ineptus]

carn wrote:

Maybe RAI is as RAW and its meant as a discount because skill focus is not that awesome feat in itself?

I would agree, just like exotic weapon proficiencies.

[Nawyria]

Captain Sir Hexen Ineptus wrote:

carn wrote:

Maybe RAI is as RAW and its meant as a discount because skill focus is not that awesome feat in itself?

I would agree, just like exotic weapon proficiencies.

I suppose that depends on what kind of campaign you're playing. In the kind of cloak- and dagger intrigue games that I've been playing of late, an extra Skill Focus put towards Bluff/Sense Motive/Stealth or a Knowledge skill can really turn the tide on some issues.

But even in combat, rogues can benefit extremely from a bonus to Acrobatics, Bluff or Stealth for positioning and sneak-attacking; and having an extra +3/+6 Sense motive does defend against feints like a charm.

While these bonuses aren't exceptional compared to what, say, Power Attack offers; I feel that getting 3 for the price of 1 may be a tad too much.

[carn]

Nawyria wrote:

Captain Sir Hexen Ineptus wrote:

carn wrote:

Maybe RAI is as RAW and its meant as a discount because skill focus is not that awesome feat in itself?

I would agree, just like exotic weapon proficiencies.

I suppose that depends on what kind of campaign you're playing. In the kind of cloak- and dagger intrigue games that I've been playing of late, an extra Skill Focus put towards Bluff/Sense Motive/Stealth or a Knowledge skill can really turn the tide on some issues.

But even in combat, rogues can benefit extremely from a bonus to Acrobatics, Bluff or Stealth for positioning and sneak-attacking; and having an extra +3/+6 Sense motive does defend against feints like a charm.

While these bonuses aren't exceptional compared to what, say, Power Attack offers; I feel that getting 3 for the price of 1 may be a tad too much.

But compared to the other human option - give up extra skill point and feat to gain two choosable +2 instead of just one - it looks not overpowered.