Can an operative take 10 in starship combat with their specialized skills?


Rules Questions


7 people marked this as FAQ candidate.

Can an operative take 10 in starship combat with their specialized skills?

Argument Yes: The FAQ got rid of the idea that characters can't use their special abilities with skills in spaceship combat. (or clarified that you weren't supposed to be trick attacking with your starship or something). Duct taping a nuclear reactor in space and on the planet are the same thing.

Argument No. The FAQ only specifies bonuses and rerolls. The operatives take 10 ability isn't either one of those.


Let's get the easy stuff out of the way:

CRB Page 93 wrote:

Specialization Skill Mastery 7th Level

You become so confident in certain skills that you can use them reliably even under adverse conditions. When attempting a skill check with a skill in which you have the Skill Focus feat, you can take 10 even if stress or distractions would normally prevent you from doing so.

An operative can specialize as a hacker, giving them computers and engineering. And part of Specializing means they get the Skill Focus feat for those skills.

Under Actions in Starship combat:

CRB Page 322 wrote:
Class features and items affect crew actions only if specifically noted in the class feature or item.

Lastly we have the FAQ/Errata entry

FAQ wrote:

Under "Actions" on page 322 it is stated "Class features and items affect crew actions only if specifically noted in the class feature or action." Does this mean I can't benefit from the skill bonus of operative's edge, or an envoy's skill expertise?

No. When actions taken in starship combat call for a skill check, any class feature that grants bonuses to or allows rerolls with the relevant skill applies when using that skill as part of starship combat. This is an exception to the rule.

There's definitely a little wiggle in the rules as written, but I think the part about "grants bonuses or allows rerolls" excludes taking 10.


Let's hear it for Witchwarpers and Star Shamans (with an exterior window) using those class granted reroll abilities.

I wonder if the Divine Blessing (Desna) and Dream Prophet theme's level 12 ability for skill rerolls are also supposed to work in starship combat. Desnan Star Shamans who developed their powers at Liavara can do some work!

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