Scummer D&D

[ConManMick]

This has confused me a little: (from players' book)

"Getting Skills: A character gets a base allotment of 2, 4, 6, or 8
skill points for each new level, depending on the class to which that
level was added. If the character gaining his or her 1st character
level overall (that is, gaining his or her first level in any class), add
his or her Intelligence modifier to the base skill point allotment for
the class and multiply the total by four; then add an extra 4 points of
the character is human."

So, (6+1)x4? I must be misreading this, right? There's not even that many skills available to rangers.
Or is it 6 + (INT mod. x4)? Thus, in my case, 6+(1x4), for a total of 10 skills?

[Varsoon]

Those are skill points available to you. So you'd have 28 skill points you could spend. If I remember correctly, it costs extra skill points to put ranks into something that isn't a class skill. Also, at level 1, I believe you can take skills all the way up to rank 4.
You'll only get, in that amalgamation, 7 new skill points each time you level up.
The popular way people go about this is by maintaining a maximum number of high-level skills, so, pick 7 different skills you want to always have at max ranks?
There are also some 'skill synergies' where if you are a certain class and you have something like 5 ranks in a skill, you get a bonus. Some people try to put just enough ranks into certain skills to get their synergies.

[Varsoon]

I'm thinking of making a bard or a beguiler. Gonna have Varsoon help me if he's around this afternoon

I'd be down to help you make your character!

[quadz08]

Somebody more knowledgeable can correct me, but think it works as follows:

you get 28 skill points (6+INT)x4. For class skills, you get one rank per skill point you spend, which increases your modifier when you roll skill checks. For cross-class skills (things that don't naturally fit in with your class) you get 1 rank for every 2 skill points you spend.

does that make more sense?

P-EDIT: NAILED IT

[ConManMick]

Ah OK I misunderstood how buying the skills works. I was sitting here writing down skills when my brow furrowed as I realised something was amiss. NOW I HAVE TO CUT DOWN THE LIST, SIGH.
Are you guys putting much time into your fluff? Also on the character sheets, what does the check box marked CC next to skills stand for? Character Class or summat?

[ConManMick]

Also if we're going to be moving in a party should we select skills to complement one another?

[quadz08]

cross-class

most of my skills are mobility-based, I am basically planning on being batman

[Varsoon]

Given the way that the game encourages you to stay within your classes' skills, we'll likely have enough diversity solely by sticking to those.

Also, yes, I'm planning on having a character with a fleshed out personality and background and general 'fluff.'

[ConManMick]

Cool, cool. I'm gonna tool up for ranged combat and take the heal.skill, probably a few stealth related skills too. Would Concentration be good for shooting?

[SXTLHGaiden]

If memory serves, Concentration is used for casting spells while in melee range. It probably isn't very good for shooting things.

[SXTLHGaiden]

I want to mention that i play a cleric who maxes Concentration and yet i don't actually know exactly what it does.

[Varsoon]

Yeah, it's important to check each skill page and see what all a skill can be used for.
For instance, Religion lets you identify and know how to deal with all sorts of undead!

Concentration lets you focus on casting your spells when there are distractions, such as a twelve foot bugbear trying to eat your face.

[SXTLHGaiden]

yeah, i tend to play this fun Cleric who just blinks everywhere. it has 0 combat viability, but you get to turn all of your lvl 4 spells into dim door.

[ConManMick]

Yeah I thought it might be useful in combat, distracted by incoming projectiles or allies in the way etc. Concentrate for clearer shot. It was listed as a class skill so I was trying to think what it'd be good for

[Varsoon]

Pulling from a site, "Such actions include casting a spell, manifesting a power, concentrating on an active spell or power, directing a spell or power, using a spell-like or psi-like ability, or using a skill that would provoke an attack of opportunity. In general, if an action wouldn’t normally provoke an attack of opportunity, you need not make a Concentration check to avoid being distracted."

Firing projectiles while engaged in melee tends to be one of those problems for Rangers who use a bow, but there are tricks and feats that let them get around it.

This biggest reason to pick up concentration is so you can focus on casting a clutch spell. Rangers do get some spells, but not until at least level 4.

[ConManMick]

I think I only get spells at lvl 4, and they have to be equivalent to lvl 1 druid spells

[Varsoon]

Yeah, you're not a primary spellcaster.

It's worth a pickup, if situational. You might need to unlock a door to escape a swarm of bees or shoot a stray goblin in the face when he comes to bite your kneecaps off.

[ConManMick]

That's what point blank shot is for!
So religion. Gods have favoured weapons; does that aspect affect us?

[quadz08]

Yeah, I was confused about how Concentration would be beneficial for me as well - it's listed as a monk class skill, despite monks never being able to casts spells ever

[ConManMick]

I decided against taking it, maybe after a level up or two

[Varsoon]

Yup! Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot are a must-have for rangers using bows. I think you get Rapid Shot and Multishot for free if you decide to go bow-path, which is pretty much why Ranger tends to be a favorite pick for bow-users.

[eyestott]

Carson, how can I make a combat viable pacifist wizard?

[eyestott]

Sigh, ottocowreck

[ConManMick]

Considering going back to human so I can take stealth as well, I'd have a total move silently bonus of +8

[Varsoon]

The short answer?
Not easily.
Wizard gets an expansive library of spells and can take a lot of book-keeping to run efficiently, but you do, notably, get a ton of battlefield control and mind-control stuff. Early spells that come to mind are Grease, Charm Person, Hypnotism, Sleep, Color Spray, etc. If it's just that you don't want to hurt stuff but you're fine letting other things commit to the carnage, you could play a Sorcerer that specializes in Summon Monster.
I can't stress enough how strong Summon Monster is.
Color Spray and Sleep are also god-tier at lower levels. Grease is good forever.

@Conmanmick: Humans are great! The big reason (outside of flavor, which is honestly the best reason for anything) to pick another race is if their stat bonus and deficiency play well into your build.