Skills

Pick the skills needed for the char-
acter to be competent at the role the
template describes. Avoid excessive
numbers of skills, but include all nec-
essary skills, a few skills that are com-
plementary but not vital, and perhaps
one or two skills that serve mostly to
provide background color.
When
assigning
skill
levels,
assume that skill 12 suffices for “safe”
jobs (e.g., accountant or librarian)
and that skill 14 is plenty for “risky”
jobs (e.g., assassin or surgeon) –
including most “adventuring profes-
sions.” Save skill 16+ for those who
truly stand out in their field; don’t
water down the value of high skill by
making it commonplace.
Of course, these guidelines assume
relatively realistic characters. Many
larger-than-life heroes have dozens of
skills at high levels. It is up to the GM
whether he wishes to encourage this
pattern of skill buying in his campaign.