First Char. I have a few questions.

[Landon Copley]

My first few questions are about skills and ranks. I am new to the pen and paper RPG style of play. Thank you in advance.

I may be missing it in the rule book but I can't seem to find any specific rules on how many ranks we can put into each class skill at level 1. I just want to be certain.

IF SO, is it wise to spread them out and have ranks on many class skills or put 2-3 ranks in each?

My last question has to do with the modifier. The rule book gives +3 to ranks in class skills correct? Is that considered a miscellaneous modifier or does that stack under the ranks column on the character sheet?

[Mergy]

You can have one rank in any skill per level your character has. At level one, you may only have one rank in any skill.

If you want to be super good at a specific skill, put a rank in every level. If you only want it for the +3 bonus from having a trained class skill, don't worry about putting more points in.

The +3 for having ranks in a class skill stacks with everything else.

[Landon Copley]

Mergy wrote:

You can have one rank in any skill per level your character has. At level one, you may only have one rank in any skill.

If you want to be super good at a specific skill, put a rank in every level. If you only want it for the +3 bonus from having a trained class skill, don't worry about putting more points in.

The +3 for having ranks in a class skill stacks with everything else.

Also, I've noticed that a few of the skills are *trained only. Do I still get the Ability Modifiers for non-trained class skills?

[Mergy]

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by that.

Trained only means that if you have no ranks in a skill, you are unable to use it (or are only able to use parts of it; read the specific skill to find out what you're able to use). A character with no ranks in Disable Device is unable to figure out lockpicking, while a character with no ranks in Intimidate can still try to scare someone, relying purely on charisma.

[Landon Copley]

That answered my question.

Thank you!

[Mergy]

No problem, happy to help.

What kind of character were you going to make?

[Landon Copley]

I am actually making an Elf Ranger.

[Mergy]

Well have fun. If you need any help with the character build, feel free to post it. There are a ton of people on the boards who would be happy to pick it apart. ;)

[blackbloodtroll]

Be sure to post the build in the Advice boards.

[Alexandrina]

Im pretty new too, only playing for a few months. I am glad you got your questions answered!