As the title says, which knowledge skill would occult topics and psychic magic fall under?
It should be it's own knowledge skill, but if it was intended to be, it's not listed as a class skill for any of the occult classes. Some have "Knowledge: All", but most don't.
The next obvious go-to would be the already vastly encompassing Knowledge: Arcana. But, it really shouldn't fall under the arcana umbrella, because, that would run contrary to the whole theme of Occult Adventures- hidden knowledge, esoteric secrets, the unknown...
If it is Arcana, pretty much every arcane caster would understand the occult topics, and secrets in OA. Psychic magic and the occult is meant to be a hidden and separate phenomenon than the 'conventional' arcane, and divine magic most are aware of.
So does anyone, especially the developers, have any thoughts on this?
It is arcana, due to occult, esoteric and arcana all having similar meanings.
Depending on the setting it might be a difficult role or an easy one.
Arcana is already bloated, but there's just not enough psychic stuff to merit it's own skill. (Maybe once Bestiary 5 comes out.)
You're right about the similar meanings to arcana and occult.
It's just that having so many characters knowledgeable in arcana, it makes the occult material far too common knowledge. That makes running an occult themed game loose a lot of mystique.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
It depends on what kind of "Occult" game you're running. If you want to make Occult a different knowledge skill, do so. If you want to align with what seems to be suggested by the character's class skills, just make the DC 10 or more higher than the same DC for similar arcane/divine classes.
Ex. "Do I know what sorcerers can do?" "DC 10 Knowledge Arcana". "Do I know what psychics can do?" "DC 20 Knowledge Arcana".
It depends on what kind of "Occult" game you're running. If you want to make Occult a different knowledge skill, do so. If you want to align with what seems to be suggested by the character's class skills, just make the DC 10 or more higher than the same DC for similar arcane/divine classes.
Ex. "Do I know what sorcerers can do?" "DC 10 Knowledge Arcana". "Do I know what psychics can do?" "DC 20 Knowledge Arcana".
That's a good way to handle it.
And I suppose, even if a character has knowledge of occult topics from having high levels in Knowledge: Arcana, it doesn't mean they know how to practice much of it- that would require levels in the occult classes or the right feats.
Well, geography should probably also be able to tell ya where ley lines are. And knowledge (History) can be good for identifying legendary spirits. Knowledge (Planes) should give some info on spiritualists (Since phantoms are outsiders), mindscapes and dreamscapes.
Well, geography should probably also be able to tell ya where ley lines are. And knowledge (History) can be good for identifying legendary spirits. Knowledge (Planes) should give some info on spiritualists (Since phantoms are outsiders), mindscapes and dreamscapes.
I hear ya.
There's so many separate topics in OA, that a single knowledge skill isn't the most relevant for them all. You gave good examples of some.I do really like the idea of them being higher DC checks, given the esoteric nature of the knowledge.