Classless Skills & Powers
An AD&D Variant

Ernest Mueller
ernestm@mindspring.com
February 16, 199

Classless Skills & Powers
An AD&D variant
Introduction



This is a classless character generation method for use with the AD&D Player's and DM's Option rules.  It covers the Skills & Powers, 
Combat & Tactics, Spells & Magic, and High-Level Campaigns rulebooks.  It is a supplement for, not a replacement of, those rules.  Many 
details of individual skills, including descriptions and relevant tables, are not reproduced here.



Principles

This system was designed according to the following 
principles:

1) Maximize compatibility with both Skills & Powers and 
the AD&D 2nd edition core rules.
2) Promote in-game character growth.
3) Maintain game balance, internal to this system and vs. 
AD&D 2nd edition core rules.
4) Generate characters of the standard AD&D 2nd edition 
types with the system as well as custom ones.

Assumptions

This system is based on the following assumptions:

1) Ability skill costs are proportional to both the ability's 
usefulness and how difficult it should be to learn.    
2) Classes as they exist in standard AD&D 2nd edition core 
rules are fairly well balanced with respect to each other.

Rationale

This system was created to address the following 
shortcomings of the character creation system in Skills & 
Powers and the other Player's and DM's Option rules:

1) Unequal point allocation across classes and races for skill 
customization.
2) Rule incompatibility among the various Player's and 
DM's Option rulebooks.
3) In-game skill advancement is very slow. Though many 
skills improve with level (like spells, THAC0, and thief 
skills), characters grow in other areas very slowly (1 
NWP and 1 WP every 3 to 4 levels). First-level 
characters have 90% of the skills they are ever going to 
have.
4) First-level characters have become too powerful.  The 
conception of a first-level fighter used to be a 16-year-old 
novice right out of their first battle.  It quickly grew to 
the point that a L1 warrior could have multiple weapon 
specializations and other powerful abilities.

General Approach:

All skills formerly known as "class abilities", “race abilities,” 
“nonweapon proficiencies” and “weapon proficiencies," which 
currently all operate under different rules, are all skills or 
abilities which a character would learn during their lives.  This 
system makes the acquisition of those skills uniform.

All the race, class, and weapon/nonweapon proficiencies are 
combined into one set of skills organized into skill trees.  
Characters buy all these abilities out of their single pool of 
character points.

There are no longer character classes in this system.  Players 
are free to define their characters as they wish, according to 
their desired skills and personality.  Multi-classing and dual-
classing rules are conveniently removed thereby. Levels are 
retained, but are more loosely tied to individual skills than in 
standard AD&D.  Most kits are no longer necessary, as all 
their component parts can be purchased individually.  There is 
room in this system for very specific kits - ones that are not 
just a different collection of standard abilities (like the 
swashbuckler), but instead include specific abilities with their 
own rules and drawbacks (like the Limbant ranger).  Races 
exist as usual but are a little more flexible.

This system also attempts to reconcile the many and varied 
skills presented in the various Player’s Option and DM’s 
Option books.  It tries to maintain a high level of compatibility 
with those books except where the approaches of those 
sourcebooks clearly differ.

Starting characters may find themselves a little weaker at first 
level using this scheme, but they will grow in skill at a much 
faster rate.  As characters increase in level, they get more 
character points, which can be used to buy more abilities or to 
improve current ones.  

If, as a character develops, they wish to spend more effort 
learning skills traditionally termed “nonweapon proficiencies” 
rather than ones traditionally termed “class abilities,” or vice 
versa, that is a valid decision this system supports.


Credits and Legal Notice



Credits

I’d like to give credit to all those people who contributed to this work.  Many people from my gaming group and the rec.games.frp.dnd 
newsgroup had many helpful ideas on this system’s genesis.  I’d especially like to thank the following people:

System Design - 		David Callander
			Mike Miller
			Travis Pearce

Playtesting -		Jason Cox
			Hal Phillips
			Tim Dowden
			Kevin King
			Mike Wallace

Feedback - 		Lance Dooly
			Don McKinney
			Pete Blake
			Mark Hall

Legal Notice

This document is Copyright 1999, Ernest Mueller.  It is based on a number of works copyrighted by TSR, Inc., and is not meant to 
challenge any of those copyrights.   It is meant as a free supplement to the works already published by TSR, Inc.

Ability Score Generation



Roll up ability scores as usual using any of the methods in the 
Skills & Powers handbook (pp.12-21).  Use subability scores, 
or not, as you desire.  Since there are no classes, any character 
may have exceptional strength.  Only roll percentile for 
strength if the primary strength score is 18.  Split subability 
scores can not exceed 18 unless the primary score is itself 18 or 
better.

Optionally, you can provide for character ability growth if 
using methods V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X.  You have the player 
hold back some ability score points that are then applied as the 
character goes up in level later in play.  The exact mechanic 
differs by generation method, but the DM should target about 9 
“growth points” such that the character reaches his or her full 
potential around name level.

Method V (4d6 drop lowest): Roll the first 3d6 and note that 
score.  Then roll the additional d6.  If the 4d6 drop lowest score 
is higher, that number is the character’s eventual potential in 
that score, but he starts at the 3d6 number.  Each time the 
character levels, the DM allows the player to have one “growth 
point” to add to any of the character’s ability scores that is 
below its maximum.  If the character has more than 9 points 
allocated to growth, allow them to add growth points to their 
3d6 scores during character generation until they only have 9 
growth points left.

Method VI (All scores start at 8 and 7d6 points are divided 
between them): Hold back one d6 of the 7d6 (before rolling) as 
“growth points” to be allotted at one per level, assigned to any 
score the player desires (up to racial maximums).

Method VII (75 points, divide as you want): Hold back 4-9 
(1d6+3) points out of the 75 as “growth points,” assigned one 
per level to any score as above.

Method VIII (24d6, assign as desired): Hold back 2 of the d6 
(before rolling) as “growth points,” assigned one per level to 
any score as above.

Method IX (2d6 on the chart for number of points): Hold back 
4-9 points, just as in Method VII.  Assign one point by level as 
above.

Method X (75 points): Hold back 4-9 points, just as in Method 
VII.  Assign one point by level as above.

Note that in Method V the scores that can grow during play are 
predetermined, but are not in methods VI-X.  If you want all 
these methods to generate predetermined maximum scores, you 
can have the player pre-assign his growth points to get a set of 
maximum values just as in Method V.

These optional “growth methods” allow characters to begin as 
young, slightly above average people, and grow into their full 
power as they advance.  This avoids making starting characters 
into ultra-powerful 16 year olds, while allowing players to 
customize the character according to their unique experiences 
and needs as the campaign progresses.



Character Points, Skills, and Skill Trees Introduction



Character Points

A character begins life with 200 character points (CPs).  
These points are used to purchase all the character’s skills, 
whether they stem from race, class, weapon/nonweapon 
proficiency, or any other source.  As characters rise in level 
they are awarded more character points to spend on additional 
skills as desired.  Characters receive 20 character points for 
each experience level advanced.  All new skills gained and 
advances in current skills are paid for using CPs.  CPs also 
have all the secondary uses detailed in the Skills & Powers 
rulebook (pp.6-7).

Optionally, for those very fond of random generation, you can 
start out characters with 170+3d20 CP, and as they advance in 
level they should be awarded a base of 16 CP, plus 1-6 CP 
based either on random roll or DM assignation for character 
role-playing.




Skills

This is the technical term for all the specific abilities at a 
character’s disposal.  In this system, very few skills are 
obtained for free.  Every aspect of a character’s abilities are 
explicitly bought using CP.  Theoretically, all skills are 
available to all characters, though the CP cost may be 
prohibitive.  Many skills from Skills & Powers are retained 
intact, with the same point costs, in this system.  Some have 
been changed to balance the system, those changes are noted as 
they appear.  


Skill Trees

Skills are arranged into skill trees.  A skill tree is a collection of 
related skills.  Most trees have an initial cost to “buy into” the 
tree, and thereafter a character may purchase skills from the 
tree.  Some skills have costs other than CP, such as prerequisite 
skills or special conditions.  Skill trees reflect the benefit of 
related skills - if you have learned a lot about combat, for 
example, it is easier to learn more about combat than to learn 
about flower arrangement.  


Racial Abilities




Racial abilities are skills that can be purchased only at 
character generation time.  These reflect skills that are either 
inborn or taught from a very early age.  Each major PC race has 
its own racial skill tree.  

S&P Traits and Disadvantages all fall into the Racial Abilities 
category as well, though any race may choose Traits and 
Disadvantages.

To buy racial skills, you first choose a racial skill tree.  
Thereafter you may purchase as many racial abilities from that 
skill tree as you wish.

Mixed races, like half-elves, must choose both skill trees 
(human and elf, in this case), and they are only allowed to buy 
skills from the racial trees costing 5 CPs or less, unless the 
same ability appears in both races’ skill tree and cost 10 CPs or 
less.  Under any circumstance, such mixed-race characters do 
not have access to racial skills costing more than 10 CP.  DMs 
are free to allow any combinations they wish using these rules 
that are appropriate to their campaign - half gnome/half 
dwarves, for example, would use both those racial trees and 
buy skills at the listed cost.  The DM may be required to devise 
the base description for that new race combination, however.  
The DM may also create new racial skills that the hybrid race 
only may buy.

Players should target spending no more than 45 points (and 
usually less) for racial abilities, traits, and disadvantages here - 
you can spend more, but you will be unable to buy much in the 
way of other abilities later.

The character's ability scores must qualify for a race according 
to Table 14, S&P p.22 in order to buy into that race tree.

Other racial abilities derived from the Complete Handbook 
series or other sources may be added to these lists.  Note that 
demihumans by default have limited level advancement as 
described in the core AD&D rules, but also can advance further 
if they have a high Prime Requisite (Table 17, S&P p.23).  
Demihumans may also spend character points to further buy 
out of that restriction, giving the ability to ascend to higher 
levels (but at an XP penalty).  Determining which class to use 
on the level advancement table (Table 16, S&P p.23) will be 
covered in the “Reconciling Classes” chapter.


Race Bundles

A player can buy a bundled set of abilities for the “generic” 
demihuman of a specific type as described in S&P.  This 
forgoes any customization of the character’s abilities. 

DM Note: You are free to require that players take racial 
bundles rather than a la carte skills if you do not allow this 
much variety in demihuman races in your campaign world.



Latent Racial Abilities
A player may purchase some racial abilities as latent abilities.  
These abilities initially cost half the CP cost (rounded up), and 
then later in the character’s life the player may pay the full cost 
to have the ability “awaken.”  For example, a half-elf character 
purchases latent 60’ infravision for 5 CP, and later in play pays 
10 CP for the latent ability to become active.  Which abilities 
may be purchased latently are at the DM’s discretion.


Racial Skill Trees

Elves

For free, elves get their ability score adjustments (Table 15, 
S&P p.23), long life, pointy ears, and other generic racial 
distinctives as described in the various rulebooks for their elf 
subtype (dark elves are black, aquatic elves breathe water, etc.). 

Table 1: Elven Abilities

Skill
Cost 
(CP)

Ability

Source
Bow bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.29
Cold resistance
5
N/A
S&P p.29
Dagger bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.29
Infravision (30’)
5
N/A
New
Heat resistance
5
N/A
S&P p.29
Javelin Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.29
Less Sleep
5
N/A
S&P p.29
Secret Doors
5
N/A
S&P p.29
Spear Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.30
Sword Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.30
Trident Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.30
Aim bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.29
Balance bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.29
Companion
10
N/A
S&P p.29
Confer water breathing
10
N/A
S&P p.29
Infravision (60’)
10
N/A
S&P p.29
Magic Identification
10
N/A
S&P p.29
Reason Bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.29
Resistance
10
N/A
S&P p.29
Speak With Plants
10
N/A
S&P p.30
Stealth
10
N/A
S&P p.30
Unlimited Advancement 
at 25% XP Penalty
10
N/A
New
Spell Abilities
15
N/A
S&P p.30
Infravision (120’)
15
N/A
S&P p.29
Unlimited Advancement 
at 10% XP Penalty
15
N/A
New



Elf Bundle Costs:
Aquatic Elves: 	40 CP (S&P p.27)
Dark Elves: 	45 CP (S&P p.28)
Gray Elves: 	45 CP (S&P p.28)
High Elves: 	40 CP (S&P p.28)
Sylvan Elves: 	40 CP (S&P p.29)

New Elven Abilities:
Infravision (30’):
Infravision like a normal elf, but only with a 30` range.

Unlimited Advancement at 25% XP Penalty: 
The character can advance to unlimited level, but suffers a 25% 
penalty to all experience gained. 

Infravision (120’):
Infravision like a normal elf, but extending out to a 120’ range.

Unlimited Advancement at 10% XP Penalty: 
The character can advance to unlimited level, but suffers a 10% 
penalty to all experience gained.


Dwarves

Dwarves obtain, for free, racial ability adjustments as per Table 
15 in S&P, grumpiness, beards, and the 20% chance of magical 
item malfunction common to all dwarves.

Table 2: Dwarven Abilities

Skill
Cost 
(CP)

Ability

Source
Axe Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.25
Brewing
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Close to the Earth
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Crossbow Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Determine Stability
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Determine Age
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Detect Poison
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Evaluate Gems
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Expert Haggler
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Illusion Resistant
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Infravision (30’)
5
N/A
New
Mace Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Pick Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Shortsword Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Warhammer Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.26
Better Balance
10
N/A
S&P p.25
Health Bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.26
Dense Skin
10
N/A
S&P p.26
Hit Point Bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.26
Improved Stamina
10
N/A
S&P p.26
Infravision (60’)
10
N/A
S&P p.26
Meld Into Stone
10
N/A
S&P p.26
Melee Combat
10
N/A
S&P p.26
Mining Detection 
Abilities
10
N/A
S&P p.26
More Muscles
10
N/A
S&P p.26
Saving Throw Bonuses
10
N/A
S&P p.26
Stealth
10
N/A
S&P p.26
Stone Tell
10
N/A
S&P p.26
Unlimited Advancement 
at 25% XP Penalty
10
N/A
New
Infravision (120’)
15
N/A
New
Unlimited Advancement 
at 10% XP Penalty
15
N/A
New



Dwarf Bundle Costs:
Deep Dwarves: 		45 CP (S&P p.24)
Gray Dwarves: 		45 CP (S&P p.25)
Hill Dwarves: 		40 CP (S&P p.25)
Mountain Dwarves: 	40 CP (S&P p.25)

New Dwarven Abilities:
See the New Elven Abilities section for descriptions of the 
Infravision and Unlimited Advancement skills.


Gnomes

Gnomes automatically get long lives, big noses, bizarre senses 
of humor, racial ability adjustments, and the 20% chance of 
magical item malfunction they all share.

Table 3: Gnomish Abilities

Skill
Cost 
(CP)

Ability

Source
Dagger Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.31
Dart Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.31
Defensive Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.31
Engineering Bonus 
5
N/A
S&P p.31
Infravision (30’)
5
N/A
New
Potion Identification
5
N/A
S&P p.32
Saving Throw Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.31
Shortsword Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.31
Sling Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.32
Animal Friendship
10
N/A
S&P p.31
Melee Combat Bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.31
Forest Movement
10
N/A
S&P p.31
Freeze
10
N/A
S&P p.31
Hide
10
N/A
S&P p.31
Infravision (60’)
10
N/A
S&P p.31
Mining Detection 
Abilities
10
N/A
S&P p.31
Reason Bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.32
Stealth
10
N/A
S&P p.32
Unlimited Advancement 
at 25% XP Penalty
10
N/A
New
Infravision (120’)
15
N/A
New
Unlimited Advancement 
at 10% XP Penalty
15
N/A
New


Gnome Bundle Costs:
Deep Gnomes: 		45 CP (S&P p.30)
Forest Gnomes: 		45 CP (S&P p.30)
Rock Gnomes: 		40 CP (S&P p.31)

New Gnomish Abilities:
See the New Elven Abilities section for descriptions of the 
Infravision and Unlimited Advancement skills.




Halflings

Halflings, by default, are short and slightly more long-lived 
than humans.  They get their racial ability score modifications.

Table 4: Halfling Abilities 

Skill
Cost 
(CP)

Ability

Source
Attack Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.33
Detect Evil
5
N/A
S&P p.33
Detect Secret Doors
5
N/A
S&P p.33
Infravision (30’)
5
N/A
New
Mining Detection 
Abilities
5
N/A
S&P p.33
Reaction Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.33
Taunt
5
N/A
S&P p.34
Aim Bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.33
Balance Bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.33
Hide
10
N/A
S&P p.33
Health Bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.33
Infravision (60’)
10
N/A
New
Saving Throw Bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.33
Stealth
10
N/A
S&P p.34
Unlimited Advancement 
at 25% XP Penalty
10
N/A
New
Unlimited Advancement 
at 10% XP Penalty

15
N/A
New


Halfling Bundle Costs:
Hairfoot Halflings: 		30 CP (S&P p.32)
Stout Halflings: 		35 CP (S&P p.32)
Tallfellow Halflings: 	35 CP (S&P p.32)

New Halfling Abilities:
See the New Elven Abilities section for descriptions of the 
Infravision and Unlimited Advancement skills.


Humans

Humans all have unlimited advancement in level.  They are 
also sexier than demihumans (in the author's opinion).

Table 5: Human Abilities 

Skill
Cost 
(CP)

Ability

Source
Attack Bonus
5
N/A
S&P p.36
Experience Bonus (5%)
5
N/A
S&P p.36
Balance bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.36
Experience bonus (10%)
10
N/A
S&P p.36
Health bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.36
Hit point bonus
10
N/A
S&P p.36
Infravision 30’
10
N/A
New
Secret doors
10
N/A
S&P p.36
Tough hide
10
N/A
S&P p.36
Second Sight
15
N/A
New


Human Bundle Costs:
Normal Human: 		0 CP

DMs are free to create other human bundles for specific people 
groups in their campaign world (e.g. the Rhennee in 
Greyhawk).


New Human Abilities:
See Elven description for the Infravision 30’ skill.

Experience Bonus (10%) - like Experience Bonus (5%), but 
10%.

Second Sight - Some humans are attuned to the faerie realm 
from birth, and are able to see faeries when they are invisible or 
shapechanged into other forms.  If a human with this ability is 
in a position to see such a faerie, they receive a WIS check to 
realize that there are faeries around (if invisible) or know that 
someone or something is a shapechanged faerie.  It does not 
allow the human to see the faerie clearly or determine the type 
of faerie.

Other 15 point human advantages may be added.  Feel free to 
draw liberally from myth and legend to create a diverse set of 
human abilities.


Other Races
Other races may be added as desired.  Unless the DM wants to 
go to the trouble of splitting all the race’s powers up, only 
bundles are available for purchase.  Such bundles should 
generally be equivalent in cost to other demihuman races.  
Generally no new demihuman or humanoid race should have a 
bundle cost of less than 25 CP.


Traits and Disadvantages

All races may purchase traits or get bonus CP for taking 
disadvantages.  These purchases can only be made at character 
generation time.

More traits and disadvantages can be added - no disadvantage 
should be worth more than 15 CP, and traits should be 
balanced in power level (e.g. no +5 to hit with your favorite 
weapon).

Traits

Traits are abilities that are either inborn or learned from birth.  
They are advantages that a character might find useful on many 
occasions throughout their life.  Traits cost CPs just as race 
abilities do.

Table 6: Traits

Trait
Cost 
(CP)

Ability

Source
Allure	
4
N/A
S&P p.104
Alertness	
6
N/A
S&P p.104
Ambidexterity
4
N/A
S&P p.106
Animal Empathy
4
N/A
S&P p.106
Artistic Ability
4
N/A
S&P p.106
Climate Sense
4
N/A
S&P p.106
Double-jointed
4
N/A
S&P p.106
Empathy
4
N/A
S&P p.106
Fast Healer
6
N/A
S&P p.106
Fine Balance
10
N/A
C&T p.79
Glibness 
4
N/A
S&P p.106
Impersonation
5
N/A
S&P p.106
Inherent 
Immunity/Poison
6
N/A
S&P p.106
Inherent 
Immunity/Disease
5
N/A
S&P p.107
Inherent Immunity/Cold
4
N/A
S&P p.107
Inherent Immunity/Heat
5
N/A
S&P p.107
Internal Compass
5
N/A
S&P p.107
Iron Will
10
N/A
C&T p.79
Keen Eyesight
5
N/A
S&P p.107
Keen Hearing
5
N/A
S&P p.107
Keen Smell
6
N/A
S&P p.107
Keen Taste
4
N/A
S&P p.107
Keen Touch
4
N/A
S&P p.107
Light Sleeper
5
N/A
S&P p.107
Lucky
6
N/A
S&P p.108
Music/Singing
5
N/A
S&P p.108
Music/Instrument
4
N/A
S&P p.108
Obscure Knowledge
4
N/A
S&P p.108
Precise Memory
4
N/A
S&P p.108
Quickness
10
N/A
C&T p.80
Steady Hand
5
N/A
C&T p.80
Trouble Sense
10
N/A
C&T p.80

Combat & Tactics Trait Notes: In C&T these traits require 
checks vs. the relevant ability like old-style proficiencies before 
the trait effect takes place.  I have removed this check and 
simply made sure the character point cost justifies the trait's 
power. 



Disadvantages

Disadvantages are penalties that a character suffers from.  They 
are permanent hindrances a character must live with, and they 
gain the character extra character points to spend during 
character creation. 

Table 7: Disadvantages

Disadvantage
CP Bonus 
(Moderate)
CP Bonus 
(Severe)

Source
Allergies
3
8
S&P p.109
Bad Tempered
6

S&P p.109
Bruise Easily
8

S&P p.109
Clumsy 	
4
8
S&P p.109
Colorblind
3

S&P p.109
Compulsive Honesty
8

S&P p.109
Cowardice
8
15
S&P p.109
Deep Sleeper
7

S&P p.110
Fanaticism
8

S&P p.110
Greed 
7

S&P p.110
Irritating Personality
6

S&P p.110
Lazy
7

S&P p.110
Powerful Enemy
10

S&P p.110
Phobia: Crowds
4
10
S&P p.110
Phobia: Darkness
5
11
S&P p.110
Phobia: Enclosed Spaces
5
11
S&P p.111
Phobia: Heights
5
10
S&P p.111
Phobia: Magic
8
14
S&P p.111
Phobia: Monster 
(specific)
4
9
S&P p.111
Phobia: Snakes	
5
10
S&P p.111
Phobia: Undead	
8
14
S&P p.111
Phobia: Water
6
12
S&P p.111
Tongue-tied
6

S&P p.111
Unlucky	
8

S&P p.111
New Disadvantages:



Addiction
8
15
Below

Disadvantage Notes: I have retained all the traits and 
disadvantages straight from the various Player's Option books.  
Unfortunately, many of the disadvantages (cowardice, greed, 
fanaticism, etc) might be more properly placed in the realm of 
character role-playing and disadvantages should be more like 
reversed traits (Vulnerable to poison: -1 to saves vs. poison 
gets you some bonus CPs, for example).  I leave this to DM 
discretion.

New Disadvantages:

Addiction:
The character is addicted to some substance, most likely a drug 
of some sort.  If the character does not partake frequently (at 
least 2 times a day) he or she is ill and suffers -4 to all rolls for 
the duration.  If the character goes without the substance for an 
entire week, he or she must make a system shock roll or lose 
1d4 points permanently off a DM-chosen ability score.  For 8 
CPs, the substance is common and relatively inexpensive (the 
cost of a day's lodging).  For 15 CPs, the substance is rare, 
possible exotic or magical, and expensive.



Character Skills




In this section, the player purchases all of the character’s other 
abilities.  The skill trees in this section are broken up into major 
categories reflecting common groupings of skills.  

At this point, characters receive bonus CP equal to three 
times their Bonus Proficiencies for Intelligence in CP.  

CP Costs:

Characters must select, and pay the initial CP cost for, a 
primary skill tree.  All skills in this tree are thereafter purchased 
at the listed CP cost.  All skills bought from other (secondary) 
skill trees are doubled in cost.  The initial cost must be paid for 
all skill trees the character uses, including the primary tree (this 
initial cost is not doubled for secondary trees).

A character may buy more than one primary skill tree.  The 
second primary skill tree has a doubled initial cost.  The third 
costs triple, and so on.  The Required and General skill trees 
are exceptions to this rule - they have no initial costs and skills 
purchased from them are always at the listed cost.
Prime Requisites:

Many skills are labeled with prime requisites.  If a character has 
a 16 or better in that ability score, the skill costs 1 CP less than 
the listed amount (after any cost doubling for skills from 
secondary trees).  This does not affect skill tree initial costs.  If 
there are multiple prime requisites (e.g. STR/STA and 
WIS/WIL) for a skill, the 1 CP reduction in cost only applies 
once per skill, even if the character has 16 or better in all listed 
requisite ability scores.  "N/A" means that no prime requisite 
applies to that skill.

Some skills are labeled “Intermediate” or “Advanced,” and 
denoted by one (*) or two (**) asterisks following the skill 
name.  Intermediate skills may only be purchased during 
character generation if they lie in one of the character’s primary 
skill trees.  Advanced skills may not be bought at character 
generation time, only later in the character’s adventuring 
career.




Skill Trees

Listed under each skill tree are the class abilities or proficiencies from the Player's and DM's Option series which fall within the tree.  
Each skill tree is labeled with its initial cost.  The skills are grouped into skill trees according to logical relations between the skills.  
Some skills are listed in multiple trees because they logically belong in two different categories.  The skill tree descriptions indicate 
knowledge or abilities that should be available to a character for having paid the tree's initial cost.

Improving Skills:

In these optional skill trees, many skills have an Initial Value, which is the chance on d20 of succeeding with the skill.  This initial value 
is modified by ability scores as per Table 44, S&P p.89.  Spending additional character points can increase this skill rating.  One CP can 
raise the rating of any skill that has a current rating below 10 by one point.  Two CPs can raise the rating of any skill that has a current 
rating from 10 to 14 by one, and three CPs can raise the rating of any skill that has a current rating of 15 to 19 by one.  Skills can even be 
improved above 20, for a cost of four CPs per point of improvement.  A natural 20 always fails on a skill check, but a skill higher than 20 
can be used to offset penalties in difficult circumstances.  These improvement costs are not doubled for skills in secondary skill trees.  So, 
for example, a character who wants to have a rating of 21 in Cooking (a fantastic chef!) must raise the skill from its initial value of 7, 
costing a total of 3+10+15+4 = 32 CPs.  This level of skill would be truly world-class!

Time to Learn Skills:

It takes time to learn skills, even for characters with character points to burn.  Learning or improving a skill takes one week per CP the 
skill or skill improvement costs.  This can be time spent “on the job” as long as the skill is being used or learned at the same time.  So if 
our chef from the example above wanted to learn to be a master chef while out adventuring, as long as he cooked every day, it would take 
32 weeks to reach his world-class level.  If the character was not able to cook continuously, and was forced to eat iron rations often by 
the hardships of the adventuring life, the DM is justified in doubling the amount of time required to learn the skill.  Similarly, if the 
character is cooking full time while being instructed by a master chef, the DM may be justified in up to halving the time commitment.

Default Skill Use:

A character can attempt to use skills he or she does not have, as long as those skills lie in a skill tree the character has bought.  The 
character can only use these skills for simple tasks, with results well below what a proficient character could achieve.  For example, a 
default Armorer roll could enable a character to perform a temporary emergency repair of their armor, but would not allow them to create 
a new suit of armor.  If the skill is in one of the character's secondary skill trees, the character can roll against the skill's Initial Rating at a 
penalty of -4.  If it is in a primary skill tree, the penalty drops to -2.  A default roll may only be attempted on skills with listed initial 
values and no prerequisites (unless the character meets the prerequisite).

Required Skill Tree - No initial cost

All characters must purchase one and only one item from each category in the Required Skill Tree.  Items from the Required Skill Tree 
may not be purchased or upgraded later in a character's life.

Table 8: Required Skills
Category
10 CP
20 CP
30 CP
40 CP
50 CP
Experience Table
Wizard
Warrior
Priest
Rogue

THAC0 Table
Wizard (1/3)
Rogue (1/2)
Priest (2/3)
Warrior (1/1)

Hit Dice
Wizard (d4)
Rogue (d6)
Priest (d8)
Warrior (d10)
Superman (d12)







20 CP
25 CP
30 CP
35 CP
40 CP
Saving Throws
Rogue
Priest
Warrior
Wizard
Best of all



Characters may buy better saving throws at two CPs per point 
of improvement for a save versus a single specific type of 
attack - for example, vs. Paralyzation or vs. Charm spells, or 
five CPs for a point of improvement for an overall save 
category (e.g. Paralyzation, Poison, and Death Magic).  
Characters can buy additional hit points at the rate of one per 
every five CP.

Here are example costs for “standard” AD&D class 
combinations from the Required Skill Tree:

     Standard Warrior cost: 	130 CP
     Standard Wizard cost:	  65 CP
     Standard Priest cost:	115 CP
     Standard Rogue cost: 	100 CP




Melee Combat Skill Tree - Initial cost 10

Buying into the melee combat group gives a character basic knowledge of fighting with melee weapons.  Characters do not have to buy 
this tree in order to be able to fight at all - but their combat options will be much more limited.  

The melee weapon nonproficiency penalty for characters buying into this tree is -2 (it is -4 for all others), and allows a character to 
receive the fighter hit point bonus for high CON.

Table 9 - Melee Combat Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Melee Weapon proficiency
10
-
STR/MUS
This cost, like all these costs, is per weapon.
S&P p.114
Tight group proficiency
20
-
N/A

S&P p.113
Broad group proficiency
30
-
N/A

S&P p.113
Shield proficiency
10
-
N/A

S&P p.115
Armor proficiency
5
-
STR/MUS

S&P p.115
Weapon of Choice*
5
-
STR/MUS
Prerequisite: Proficiency
S&P p.118
Weapon Expertise*
10
-
STR/MUS
Prerequisite: Proficiency
S&P p.118
Weapon Specialization**
10
-
STR/MUS
Prerequisites: Weapon of Choice, Expertise
C&T p.74
Weapon Mastery**
25
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Specialization and see below
C&T p.75
Weapon High Mastery**
30
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Mastery, Level 5+
C&T p.75
Weapon Grand Mastery **
35
-
N/A
Prerequisite: High Mastery, Level 9+
C&T p.76
Multiple Attacks**
30 
-
N/A
See below
New
Special Move Bonus
5
-
N/A
See below
New
Style Specialization*
10
-
N/A

S&P p.116-7
Heroic Fray
6
-
N/A

C&T p.55
Blind-fighting
15
-
WIS/INT, DEX/BAL

S&P p.96
Ambush
10

INT/REA

C&T p.78
Camouflage
10

INT/KNO

C&T p.79
Dirty Fighting
10

INT/KNO

C&T p.79
Adaptation
10
9
INT/REA
Prerequisite: Level 10+
HLC p.145
All-Around Attack
10
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Level 10+
HLC p.145
Bravery
10
4
WIS/WIL
Prerequisite: Level 10+
HLC p.145
Captivate
10
4
CHA/APP
Prerequisite: Level 15+, Bravery
HLC p.145
Death Blow
20
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Level 15+
HLC p.145
Frighten/Challenge
10
4
CHA/LDR
Prerequisite: Level 10+, Bravery
HLC p.145
Hardiness
20
4
CON/FIT
Prerequisite: Level 15+, Bravery
HLC p.145
Inner Focus
10
4
WIS/WIL
Prerequisite: Level 10+
HLC p.145
Signature Item
20
10
WIS/INT
Prerequisite: Level 10+
HLC p.145
Signature Mount
10
9
WIS/INT
Prerequisite: Level 10+
HLC p.145
Sense Danger
20
6
WIS/INT
Prerequisite: Level 15+
HLC p.145

Weapon Mastery Note: The different levels of weapon mastery are described in Combat & Tactics pp.75-76.  The character must solicit 
a master in the weapon to receive training from, and such training is time-consuming and expensive.

Multiple Attacks Note: See Table 18, S&P p.47.  Characters begin with 1 attack/round, but may purchase their way up the multiple 
attacks table for 30 CPs per rank.  For example, 30 CPs gets you 3 attacks every 2 rounds, another 30 gets 2 attacks per round, and so 
on.  Specialists use the Specialist Attacks Per Round table (C&T p.75) at the same rank when attacking with their specialist weapons.
 
Special Move Bonus: This gets a character a +1 'to hit' with one of the special attack options listed on pages 42-49 in Combat & Tactics 
(Block, Disarm, Sap, etc).


Unarmed Combat Skill Tree - Initial cost 5

Buying into the Unarmed Combat tree allows a character to be proficient in all forms of brawling combat (pummeling, wrestling, and 
overbearing).  Other characters are only familiar with these styles, per C&T pp.82-94.  Buying into this tree also allows a character to 
benefit from the fighter hit point bonus for high CON.

Table 10 - Unarmed Combat Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Pummeling Expertise
10
-
STR/MUS

C&T p.85
Pummeling Specialization*
15
-
STR/MUS

C&T p.85
Pummeling Mastery**
20
-
STR/MUS
Prerequisite: Pummeling Specialization
C&T p.85
Pummeling High Mastery**
25
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Pummeling Mastery, Level 5+
C&T p.85
Pummeling Grand Mastery**
30
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Pummeling High Mastery, Level 9+
C&T p.85
Wrestling Expertise
10
-
STR/MUS

C&T p.89
Wrestling Specialization*
15
-
STR/MUS

C&T p.89
Wrestling Mastery**
20
-
STR/MUS
Prerequisite: Wrestling Specialization
C&T p.90
Wrestling High Mastery**
25
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Wrestling Mastery, Level 5+
C&T p.90
Pummeling Grand Mastery**
30
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Wrestling High Mastery, Level 9+
C&T p.90
Martial Arts Proficiency
15
-
N/A
See below
C&T p.95
Martial Arts Specialization*
25
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Martial Arts Proficiency
C&T p.96
Martial Arts Mastery**
25
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Martial Arts Specialization
C&T p.96
Martial Arts High Mastery**
30
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Martial Arts Mastery, Level 5+
C&T p.96
Martial Arts Grand Mastery**
35
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Martial Arts High Mastery, Level 9+
C&T p.96
Flying Kick
10
5
STR/MUS
Prerequisite: Martial Arts Proficiency
C&T p.98
Backward Kick
10
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Martial Arts Proficiency
C&T p.98
Spring
10
7
DEX/BAL
Prerequisite: Martial Arts Proficiency
C&T p.98
Crushing Blow
10
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Martial Arts Proficiency
C&T p.98
Instant Stand
10
9
DEX/BAL
Prerequisite: Martial Arts Proficiency
C&T p.98
Missile Deflection
10
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Martial Arts Proficiency
C&T p.98
Martial Arts Weapon Proficiency
10
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Martial Arts Proficiency
New
Pummeling Weapon Proficiency
10
-
N/A

New
Wrestling Weapon Proficiency
10
-
N/A

New
Multiple Attacks**
30
-
N/A
See below
New

Unarmed Combat Mastery Note: The various levels of unarmed combat proficiency and mastery are described in Combat & Tactics 
pp.82-99.

Martial Arts Note: Martial arts must be learned from a skilled martial arts instructor, a rarity in most lands.  Such training is long and 
rigorous.  See Combat & Tactics pp.95-98 for more on martial arts.

Weapon Proficiency Note: Martial arts weapons are those designated as being usable as martial arts weapons in Skills & Powers p.114.  
Pummeling weapons are any weapons used to enhance pummeling combat, like cesti.  Wrestling weapons are weapons specifically 
designed to cause damage while wrestling, such as spiked armor (there aren't many of these).

Multiple Attacks Note: See Table 18, S&P p.47.  Characters begin with 1 attack/round, but may purchase their way up the multiple 
attacks table for 30 CPs per rank.  For example, 30 CPs gets you 3 attacks every 2 rounds, another 30 gets 2 attacks per round, and so 
on.  Specialists use the Specialist Attacks Per Round table (C&T p.75) at the same rank when using combat forms they are specialized 
in.

Missile Combat Skill Tree - Initial cost 15

Buying into the Missile Combat tree gives a character familiarity with a wide variety of missile weapons.  Such characters have a 
nonproficiency penalty of -2 with all missile weapons (other characters have -4).

Table 11 - Missile Combat Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Missile Weapon Proficiency
10
-
DEX/AIM

S&P p.114
Tight Group Proficiency
20
-
N/A

S&P p.114
Broad Group Proficiency
30
-
N/A

S&P p.114
Missile Weapon Specialization*
25
-
DEX/AIM
Prerequisite: Proficiency
C&T p.75
Missile Weapon Mastery**
25
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Specialization
C&T p.75
Missile Weapon High Mastery**
30
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Mastery, Level 5+
C&T p.75
Missile Weapon Grand Mastery**
35
-
N/A
Prerequisite: High Mastery, Level 9+
C&T p.76
Missile Style Specialization*
10
-
N/A
Missile, Thrown, or Horse Archer style
S&P p.117
Trick Shot Specialization*
10
-
DEX/AIM
+1 to hit on called shots
New
Multiple Attacks**
30
-
N/A
See below
New

Weapon Mastery Note: The different levels of weapon mastery are described in Combat & Tactics pp.75-76.  The character must solicit 
a master in the weapon to receive training from, and such training is time-consuming and expensive.

Multiple Attacks Note: See Table 18, S&P p.47.  Characters begin with the usual rate of fire of their missile weapon, but may purchase 
their way up the Specialist Attacks Per Round table (C&T p.75) for 30 CP per rank.


Stealth Skill Tree - Initial cost 12

Purchasing this skill tree gives a character some knowledge of stealth and intrusion - being sneaky, conning folks, paying close attention 
and noticing that which others miss, and other general skullduggery.  All characters have certain base chances to perform some stealth 
skills in a limited fashion, particularly climbing walls and hearing noises.  Normal characters 'climb walls' chance, however, is usable 
only in natural surroundings or on very rough walls.  Purchasing the Stealth skill tree does not raise the chance of success with those 
skills but does make them usable in all circumstances.

Table 12 - Stealth Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Pick Pockets
10
See below
DEX/AIM
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Open Locks
10
See below
DEX/AIM
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Find/Remove Traps
10
See below
DEX/AIM
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Move Silently
10
See below
DEX/BAL
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Hide in Shadows
10
See below
DEX/BAL
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Detect Noise
5
See below
DEX/AIM
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Climb Walls
5
See below
DEX/BAL
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Read Languages
10
See below
INT/KNO
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Detect Magic
10
See below
INT/KNO
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Detect Illusion
10
See below
INT/REA
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Bribe
5
See below
CHA/APP
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Tunneling
10
See below
DEX/AIM
As Thief Skill
S&P p.53
Escape Bonds
10
See below
DEX/AIM
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Thieves' Cant
5
-
INT/KNO
As Thief Skill
S&P p.52
Weapon Proficiency (Thief)
10
-
N/A
See Below
New
Backstab
10
-
N/A
As Thief Skill, See below
S&P p.52
Disguise
4
5
WIS/INT, CHA/LDR

S&P p.98
Forgery
3
5
DEX/AIM, WIS/WIL

S&P p.98
Gaming
2
5
WIS/INT, INT/KNO

S&P p.99
Reading Lips
3
7
INT/KNO, WIS/INT

S&P p.102
Ventriloquism
4
5
INT/KNO, CHA/LDR

S&P p.104
Adaptation
20
10
INT/REA
Prerequisite: Level 11+
HLC p.171
Classify Traps
20
4
INT/KNO
Prerequisite: Level 11+
HLC p.171
Evasion
10
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Level 16+
HLC p.173
Fall/Jump
10
11
DEX/BAL
Prerequisite: Level 11+
HLC p.173
Featherfoot
10
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Level 11+
HLC p.173
Improvised Attack
20
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Level 16+
HLC p.174
Inner Focus
10
5
WIS/WIL
Prerequisite: Level 11+
HLC p.175
Nondetection
20
4
WIS/WIL
Prerequisite: Level 16+
HLC p.176
Sense Danger
20
6
INT/REA
Prerequisite: Level 16+
HLC p.176
Shadow Flight
10
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Level 21+, Shadow Travel
HLC p.177
Shadow Travel
10
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Level 16+
HLC p.177

Thief Skill Notes: All thief skills begin at their usual base chance (Table 27, S&P p.53) including race and DEX adjustments (Tables 28 
and 29, S&P p.53).  Additional points may be bought to add to them at the rate of 5 percentile points per 2 CP.  50 points (20 CP) 
maximum may be spent at the beginning by any character, 75 points maximum (30 CP) if this is the character’s primary skill tree. 

Weapon Proficiency Notes: This is proficiency in any small, stealthy weapon that can be concealed or is useful from surprise - for 
example, weapons of size S with a speed factor of Fast(4) or less.

Backstab Notes: Backstab damage begins at x2.  Characters can buy higher backstab damage multipliers per Table 24, S&P p.52 for 30 
CP per rank.


Wizardry Skill Tree - Initial cost 20

This skill tree gives a character knowledge of the ways of magical theory.  The character can scribe spells into spell books, and memorize 
spells as his casting level allows.   This tree allows a wizard to cast spells according to the traditional spell-slot method of casting as 
described in the core AD&D 2nd edition rulebooks.  New methods of gaining spells or spell-like abilities should be given their own skill 
trees unless they are clearly based on one of the existing spheres.  Magicians who use ley lines to tap into magical energy for spells, for 
example, would require an entirely separate skill tree for that area of magic.

Wizard Spells:
Wizard spells may not be cast in any armor, unless the character specifically purchases the ability to do so.  Wizard spells must be 
learned and scribed into a spellbook to be memorized by the character according to the standard AD&D rules.  Wizards must specifically 
buy access to any school of magic they wish to cast.

Table 13 - Wizard Spell School Access Costs
Spell Ability
Cost (CP)
Notes
Source
Cantrips
5+
See Below
New
Universal School Access
5

New
Lesser School Access (Spells levels 1-4)
15
Prerequisite: Universal School Access
New
Greater School Access (Spells levels 5-9)
5
Prerequisite: Lesser School Access
New

Cantrip Notes: The character can cast one cantrip per spell rank per day.

Universal School Access Notes: The character can learn and cast spells from the Universal School of Magic (SP&M p.14).
Lesser School Access Notes: The character can learn and cast spells of levels 1-4 from the selected school.  This can be one of the 
traditional schools of philosophy (e.g. Alteration) or one of the schools of effect or thaumaturgy (e.g. Shadow, Song) - see Spells & 
Magic p.14 for explanations of these schools.

Greater School Access Notes: The character can learn and cast spells of levels 5-9 from the selected school, as above.


Spell Rank:
 In this system, characters do NOT automatically get more spells as they increase in level.  Each rank on the wizard spell progression 
table (Table 37, S&P p.60) costs 5 CP.  Caster level is equal to the character's rank on the spell table, NOT the character's actual level.  
Characters' spell rank can not exceed their level by more than 2.

If you are using a spell point system (Channeling, Warlock/Witchcraft, Preserving/Defiling, Alienism) from Spells & Magic, then instead 
of the fixed spells per level on Table 14 below, use the corresponding rows in Table 17, SP&M p.78, ignoring the parenthesized values.  
Optionally you can set up these various spellcasting methods as their own separate skill trees.


Table 14 - Wizard Spell Rank
Spells Per Level:
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Cost (CP)
Prerequisite
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
5

2*
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
Rank 1
3**
2
1
-
-
-
-
-
5
Rank 2
4
3
2
-
-
-
-
-
5
Rank 3, Level 2+
5
3
3
1
-
-
-
-
5
Rank 4, Level 3+
etc…











Wizard Powers and Skills:
Wizards have access to a number of different mystical powers, and routinely develop certain skills as part of their training and practice.  
Many of these enhance spellcasting ability in one or more schools.  "Specialist" mages are simply wizards who have purchased such 
skills concentrating on a single school.

Table 14 - Wizard Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Weapon Proficiency (Wizard)
10
-
STR/MUS
See below
New
Use of wizard magic items
10
-
INT/REA
See below
New
Signature Spell
7/10/13
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.57
Armored Mage
10/20/30
-
N/A

SP&M p.24
Automatic Spell Acquisition
2/5
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.24
Bonus Spells
10/15
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.24
Casting Time Reduction
2/5
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.24
Detect Magic
10
-
WIS/INT

SP&M p.24
Dispel
10/15
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.25
Enhanced Casting Level
10
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.25
Extended Spell Duration
10/15
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.25
Immunity
10+
-
WIS/WIL

SP&M p.25
Learning Bonus
5/7+
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.25
No Components
10/20
-
N/A

SP&M p.25
Persistent Spell Effect
15+5/lvl
-
N/A

SP&M p.25
Range Increase
5/7+
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.25
Read Magic
5
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.25
Research Bonus
5/10
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.25
School Knowledge
5/8
-
INT/REA

SP&M p.25
Arcanology
4
5
INT/KNO

SP&M p.52
Concentration
5
6
WIS/WIL

SP&M p.53
Prestidigitation
3
7
DEX/AIM

SP&M p.54
Reading/Writing
2
8
INT/KNO

S&P p.102
Research
3
6
INT/REA

SP&M p.54
Spellcraft
3
7
INT/REA

S&P p.103
Tactics of Magic
3
6
INT/REA

SP&M p.57
Thaumaturgy
3
5
INT/REA

SP&M p.57
Mental Focus
10
4
WIS/WIL
Prerequisite: Level 12+
HLC p.157
Signature Item
20
10
WIS/INT
Prerequisite: Level 12+
HLC p.157
Spell Sculpting
10
8
INT/KNO
Prerequisite: Level 12+
HLC p.158

Weapon Proficiency Note: This allows the character a proficiency in the Dagger, Staff, Dart, Knife, or Sling.

Use of Magic Items Note: This allows the character to use any magic items only usable by wizards - staves, wands, etc.   All characters 
with the Wizardry skill tree can use wizard scrolls.


Wizard Limitations:
Wizards may suffer certain limitations in their casting abilities.  These restrictions are worth bonus CP. 

Table 15 - Wizard Limitations
Limitation
Bonus (CP)
Notes
Source
Awkward Casting Method
5

SP&M p.26
Taboo
2

SP&M p.26
Difficult Memorization
5

SP&M p.26
Environmental Condition
5+

SP&M p.26
Hazardous Spells
10

SP&M p.26
Learning Penalty
5/8

SP&M p.26
Reduced Spell Knowledge
7

SP&M p.26
Reduced Spell Progression
5

SP&M p.26
Supernatural Constraint
5+

SP&M p.26
Talisman
8

SP&M p.27


Holy Orders Skill Tree - Initial cost 10

If a character buys into this tree, it assumes he or she has a special relationship with one or more deities or powers.  The character is 
familiar with his religion and deity, and has more faith and devotion than the average worshipper.  Characters purchasing Holy Orders 
receive bonus spells for high WIS/INT - but only if able to cast those spells, as below.  To obtain Holy Orders for a particular deity, the 
character must meet any alignment, race, sex, or other restrictions of the faith in question.   This tree assumes the traditional granting of 
priest spells by a patron deity - different methods of gaining spells or spell-like abilities should be given their own skill trees.  Casters 
who get their magical abilities as gifts from spirits, for example, merit a separate tree - see the "Shamanism" skill tree, based on the 
Shaman class from Spells & Magic, below.

The holy orders skill tree is a somewhat special case.  Almost any skill could conceivably be a divinely granted power.  Usually, 
characters will not be free to purchase any power from this tree at will, but instead purchase special bundles of powers and hindrances 
specific to their deity and their specific order following that deity.  Deities only grant specific powers relevant to their portfolio, and often 
require specific actions or restrictions of their followers.

Besides the deity's spell selection, DMs are encouraged to come up with a bundle of selected powers and vows that best suit the deity in 
question.  Use Faiths & Avatars and Powers & Pantheons as guides for specialty priesthoods or other holy orders (such as paladins).  To 
show the holy orders tree in action, we will use two examples.  The first is the Holy Healing Priesthood of Tungsten, God of Health and 
Fitness.  The second is the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Holy Hospital of Tungsten.  Both orders follow the same deity, but the first 
is a noncombatant priesthood specializing in healing and the second is an order of paladins prizing physical fitness above all.


Cleric Spells:  
All clerical spells may be cast in any armor.  Characters are free to purchase or not purchase any of the spell spheres their deity grants.  
Greater sphere access (levels 4-7) always carries the prerequisite of lesser sphere access (levels 1-3) in the same sphere, hence the 
reversed CP costs from the table on S&P p.57.

Table 16 - Holy Order Spell Sphere Access Costs
Sphere
Minor
Major
Sphere
Minor
Major
All
5
3
Healing
10
5
Animal
10
5
Law
8
5
Astral
5
3
Necromantic
10
5
Chaos
8
5
Numbers
10
5
Charm
10
5
Plant
10
5
Combat
10
5
Protection
10
5
Creation
10
5
Summoning
10
5
Divination
10
5
Sun
5
3
Elemental
20
8
Thought
10
5
   Air
5
2
Time
10
5
   Earth
8
3
Travelers
5
3
   Fire
8
3
War
5
3
   Water
5
2
Wards
10
5
Guardian
5
3
Weather
10
5


Spell Rank:
 In this system, characters do NOT automatically get more spells as they increase in level.  Each rank on the priest spell progression table 
(Table 34, S&P p.56) costs 5 CP.  Caster level is equal to the character's rank on the spell table, NOT the character's actual level.  
Characters' spell rank can not exceed their level by more than 2.

If you are using a spell point system (Channeling, Ritual Prayer, Conditional Magic, Druidical Magic) from Spells & Magic, then instead 
of the fixed spells per level on Table 17 below, use the corresponding rows in Table 26, SP&M p.92.  Optionally you can set up these 
alternate spellcasting methods as their own separate skill trees.

Table 17 - Holy Order Spell Rank
Spells Per Level:
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Cost (CP)
Prerequisite
1
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
5

2*
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
Rank 1
3**
2
1
-
-
-
-
-
5
Rank 2
4
3
2
-
-
-
-
-
5
Rank 3, Level 2+
5
3
3
1
-
-
-
-
5
Rank 4, Level 3+
etc…











Holy Order Granted Powers:
This list contains some sample powers that a deity might grant directly to his or her followers.  Some priesthood somewhere might grant 
almost any conceivable skill or power.  It is up to the DM to decide the CP cost of any specific powers a deity may grant.   As a general 
rule, powers duplicating at most a first-level spell usable a limited number of times in a given time period should be lesser granted 
powers.  Powers granting first-level spells continually or second-level spells usable a limited number of times in a given time period 
should be greater granted powers, and powers granting heftier magics should be major granted powers (or beyond).  Many of the granted 
powers from Faiths & Avatars will come with such high costs.  Spell-like granted powers can also use the formula for CP costs given on 
p.39 of Spells & Magic.  Note that unlike Skills & Powers, you cannot reduce CP costs by deferring powers to a higher level - you can 
just wait to buy them until then.  


Table 18 - Lesser Granted Powers
Power
Cost (CP)
Source
Casting Time Reduction
5
SP&M p.38
Cold Resistance
5
SP&M p.38
Expert Healer
5
SP&M p.39
Electrical/Lightning Resistance
5
SP&M p.39
Fire/Heat Resistance
5
SP&M p.39
Pass Without Trace
5
SP&M p.39
Purify Water
5
SP&M p.39
Resist Energy Drain
5
SP&M p.39

Table 19 - Greater Granted Powers
Power
Cost (CP)
Source
Animal Empathy
10
SP&M p.38
Detect Evil
10
SP&M p.39
Detect Undead
10
SP&M p.39
Immunity to Charm
10
SP&M p.39
Immunity to Disease
10
SP&M p.39
Lay On Hands
10
SP&M p.39
Spell Duration Increase (one sphere)
10
SP&M p.39
Turn Undead
10
SP&M p.40

Table 20 - Major Granted Powers
Power
Cost (CP)
Source
Immunity to Magic (per school)
15
SP&M p.39
Know Alignment
15
SP&M p.39
Shapechange
20
SP&M p.39
Spell Duration Increase (all spheres)
20
SP&M p.39


Table 21 - Holy Order Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Weapon Proficiency (Cleric)
10
-
STR/MUS
See below
New
Healing
4
5
WIS/INT, CHA/LDR

S&P p.90
Religion
2
6
WIS/INT

S&P p.90
Alms
3
8
CHA/APP

SP&M p.59
Ceremony
2
7
WIS/INT

SP&M p.59
Use of clerical magic items
10
-
WIS/INT

New
Use of holy weapons
10
-
WIS/INT
See below
New
Divine Strength
10
4
WIS/WIL
Prerequisite: Level 10+, Eminence
HLC p.145
Divine Voice
10
4
CHA/LDR
Prerequisite: Level 15+, Eminence
HLC p.145
Divine Will
10
4
WIS/WIL
Prerequisite: Level 10+
HLC p.145
Detect Deception
10
6
WIS/INT
Prerequisite: Level 15+, Eminence
HLC p.145
Eminence
10
6
CHA/LDR
Prerequisite: Level 10+
HLC p.145
Invincibility
20
4
WIS/WIL
Prerequisite: Level 21+, Eminence
HLC p.145
Loan
10
4
WIS/INT
Prerequisite: Level 15+
HLC p.145
Smite
20
-
N/A
Prerequisite: Level 15+, Eminence
HLC p.145
Spell Talisman
10
4
INT/KNO
Prerequisite: Level 12+
HLC p.167
Special Enemy
10
-
N/A
As Ranger Skill
S&P p.51
Faith-Related Proficiency
Variable
Variable
Variable
See Below
New

Weapon Proficiency Notes: This is proficiency in one of the deity's signature weapons only - the trident for followers of Trithereon, for 
example, or the hammer for the followers of Thor.  Many deities have no signature weapon.

Holy Weapons Notes: This is the ability to use a paladin's holy sword or similar device to its fullest extent.

Faith-Related Proficiency Notes: Some faiths make intensive use of certain everyday skills.  Certain faiths may allow characters to 
purchase skills from other skill trees at the usual skill cost without paying the initial cost for the other skill tree.  For example, priests of 
a god of scribes might be able to purchase the bookbinding proficiency for its usual skill cost without having to pay the cost for its skill 
tree.


Vows/Restrictions:
Holy orders may have various restrictions or vows required of their members to participate in their religion.  These restrictions are worth 
bonus CP.  Vows should be chosen by the DM, like powers, and placed into holy order "bundles."

Table 22 - Holy Order Limitations
Restriction
Bonus (CP)
Notes
Source
Armor Restriction
5+

SP&M p.40
Awkward Casting Method
5

SP&M p.40
Taboo
2
See below
SP&M p.40
Ceremony/Observance
5
See below
SP&M p.40
Difficult Spell Acquisition
5

SP&M p.40
Hazardous Spells
10

SP&M p.41
Limited Spell Selection
5

SP&M p.41
Slower Casting Times
5

SP&M p.41
Talisman/Symbol
8

SP&M p.41
Vow/Requirement
5
See below
New

Taboo Notes: Taboos are minor codes of behavior or conduct that the character must follow, like saying a long prayer every time the 
character crosses a bridge or being required to eat facing west.

Ceremony Notes: Ceremonies are rituals that must be performed daily, or else loss of spells or other problems may result.  Examples are 
a nightly atonement, or daily sacrifice, or other event.

Vow Notes: A vow is a serious behavioral limitation required of the devout follower.  Vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience are all 
examples.  A priest could be compelled to never deliberately harm anyone, or to give help and healing to anyone in need.


Holy Order Example 1:
The Holy Healers of Tungsten, God of Health and Fitness.  

This order of followers of Tungsten values healing and health 
above all else.  Their followers may not be evil or chaotic in 
alignment.  Tungsten grants lesser access to the spheres of 
Guardian, Summoning, Combat, and Creation.  He grants 
greater access to the All, Healing, Necromantic, and Protection 
spheres.  Healers of Tungsten are allowed to take the Healing 
and Herbalism faith-related proficiencies at their listed cost, 
and in fact are required to as part of their training.

The order also has the following granted powers available later 
in life, obtained by paying the CP cost at a later date:

? Analysis (identify a disease or poison) for 10 CP
? Detect Undead for 10 CP
? Heal spell once per day for 20 CP

Holy Healers tend to spend lots of character points on the 
Tungsten spell spheres as well.

The order's bundle of powers and restrictions is as follows:

Power			
CP Cost
Immunity to Poison
10
Immunity to Disease
10
Lay On Hands
10
Use of clerical magic items
10
Turn Undead
10
Expert Healer
5
Healing
4
Herbalism
3
Taboo: Cannot Eat Red Meat
-2
Taboo: Cannot Drink Alcohol
-2
Taboo: Must shave face and head   
-2
Vow: Nonviolence
-5
Vow: Must heal any in need
-5
Restriction: Cannot wear armor
-15
Total Bundle Cost
28


Holy Order Example 2: 
The Brotherhood of the Knights of the Hospital of Tungsten.

These warrior-knights of Tungsten are required to take the 
Endurance proficiency, as they value physical fitness above all.  
They have access to all the spell spheres Tungsten can grant, 
but will have less character points to spend on them after 
getting more fighter-oriented abilities as well.  Their 
spellcasting is not per se inferior or delayed to higher levels 
than the priests' - it is all a matter of where and when they 
choose to spend their character points.
The Knights have the option of gaining the "Immunity to 
Poison" and "Turn Undead" powers their Healer brethren have 
for 10 CPs apiece at a later date.  They can also later take a vow 
of complete obedience to their order for 5 bonus CPs.

The order's members also usually purchase lots of skills from 
the Melee Combat tree.  They usually buy fewer spells, or at 
least defer purchasing them until later in life.

The order's bundles of powers and restrictions is as follows:

Power			
CP Cost
Detect Evil
10
Immunity to Disease
10
Use of holy weapons
10
Lay On Hands
10
Expert Healer
5
Ceremony: Long Morning Exercise
-5
Taboo: Must shave face and head   
-2
Vow: Must heal any in need
-5
Vow: Poverty 
-5
Total Bundle Cost
28




Shamanism Skill Tree - Initial cost 10

A shaman is a character that gains magical powers by communing with the spirits, as described in Spells & Magic pp.34-38.  The shaman 
purchases spell ranks on Table 5, SP&M p.36 just as Wizards and those in Holy Orders purchase spell ranks.

Table 23 - Shaman Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Spirit Powers
10
-
WIS/INT
Per Class of Spirit
SP&M p.40

Spirits Per Level:
Rank
Minor Spirit
Major Spirit
Great Spirit
Cost (CP)
Prerequisite
1
1
-
-
5

2*
1
-
-
5
Rank 1
3**
2
-
-
5
Rank 2
4
2
-
-
5
Rank 3, Level 2+
5
2
1
-
5
Rank 4, Level 3+
etc…







Athletics Skill Tree - Initial cost 5

Athletic skills are useful in all sorts of physical endeavors - running, jumping, throwing, and other such exertions.  A character paying the 
initial cost for this tree knows about the common sports of their culture and is familiar with their rules and practice.

Table 24 - Athletics Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Endurance
2
3
N/A

S&P p.98
Jumping
2
8
STR/MUS, DEX/BAL

S&P p.100
Running
2
5
STR/STA, CON/FIT

S&P p.102
Swimming 
2
9
STR/STA

S&P p.103
Throwing
2
8
DEX/AIM, STR/MUS

S&P p.103
Tightrope Walking
3
5
DEX/BAL

S&P p.104
Tumbling
3
7
DEX/BAL, STR/MUS

S&P p.104


Warcraft Skill Tree - Initial cost 10

Warcraft is the skill of conducting large-scale battle.  A character skilled in warcraft is familiar with basic battle tactics of their day and 
age.  They also are familiar with the needs of a large army (supply chain, discipline, etc.).

Table 25 - Warcraft Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Artillerist
5
6
CHA/LDR

C&T p.177
Building
5
6
N/A
As Warrior Ability
S&P p.47
Charioteering
4
5
DEX/BAL, WIS/WIL

S&P p.96
Cryptography
3
6
INT/REA, WIS/INT

S&P p.97
Engineering
4
5
INT/REA, WIS/INT

S&P p.47
Leadership (Organization)
5
5
CHA/LDR
As Warrior Ability
S&P p.47
Leadership (Morale)
4
5
CHA/LDR

C&T p.80
Supervisor
5
6
INT/REA, WIS/INT
As Warrior Ability
S&P p.48
War Machines
5
6
INT/REA, WIS/INT
As Warrior Ability
S&P p.48


Wilderness Craft Skill Tree - Initial Cost 7

Wilderness craft encompasses all the skills useful for life in the great outdoors.  Some wilderness craft skills are similar to Stealth tree 
skills (Climbing, Hide in Natural Surroundings, etc.), but are only usable in natural surroundings of a type familiar to the character.  
These skills' chances of success are handled like the similar Stealth Tree skills rather than the somewhat bizarre algorithms in the skill 
descriptions in Skills & Powers pp.50-51 (especially Table 22).

Table 26 - Wilderness Craft Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Animal Empathy
10
-
WIS/INT
As Ranger Skill
S&P p.50
Animal Lore
3
7
INT/KNO, WIS/INT

S&P p.95
Climbing
10
See below
DEX/BAL
As Ranger Skill
S&P p.50
Find/Remove Wilderness Traps
10
See below
DEX/AIM
As Ranger Skill
S&P p.50
Fire-building
2
8
WIS/INT, INT/REA

S&P p.98
Fishing
3
6
WIS/INT, INT/KNO

S&P p.98
Herbalism
3
6
INT/KNO, WIS/INT

S&P p.99
Hide in Natural Surroundings
5
See below
N/A
As Ranger Skill
S&P p.50
Hunting
2
7
WIS/INT

S&P p.100
Mountaineering
4
7
STR/STA, WIS/WIL

S&P p.101
Move Silently
5
See below
N/A
As Ranger Skill
S&P p.50
Orienteering
3
7
INT/KNO, WIS/INT

S&P p.101
Pass Without Trace
10
-
N/A
As Ranger Skill
S&P p.51
Set Snares
4
8
DEX/AIM, WIS/INT

S&P p.102
Sneak Attack
10
-
N/A
As Ranger Skill
S&P p.50
Speak With Animals
10
-
N/A
As Ranger Skill
S&P p.51
Survival
3
6
INT/KNO, WIS/WIL
Per terrain type
S&P p.103
Tracking
5
7
WIS/INT

S&P p.104
Weather Knowledge
2
7
WIS/INT

S&P p.104

Ranger Skill Notes: All thief-like ranger skills (Climbing, Find/Remove Traps, Move Silently, Hide in Natural Surroundings, Sneak 
Attack) begin at the base chance for the corresponding thief skill (Table 27, S&P p.53) including race and DEX adjustments (Tables 28 
and 29, S&P p.53).  Additional points may be bought to add to them at the rate of 5 percentile points per 2 CP.  50 points (20 CP) 
maximum may be spent at the beginning by any character, 75 points maximum (30 CP) if this is the character’s primary skill tree. 


Arts & Entertainment Skill Tree - Initial cost 5

Skills in the arts and entertainment are used to entertain people, from a brief diversion such as a song to creating a lasting work of art 
such as a painting.  Some of the more advanced skills have an almost supernatural effect on the entertainer's audience and have nearly 
magical effects of various sorts.  Characters investing in this skill tree have a basic knowledge of the various art forms and their general 
practice.


Table 27 - Arts & Entertainment Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Alter Moods
5
-
CHA/LDR
As the Bard skill
S&P p.54
Charm Resistance
5
-
CHA/LDR
As the Bard skill
S&P p.55
Counter Effects
10
-
CHA/LDR
As the Bard skill
S&P p.55
Dancing
2
6
DEX/BAL, CHA/APP

S&P p.97
Etiquette
2
8
CHA/APP, WIS/INT

S&P p.98
Juggling
3
7
DEX/AIM

S&P p.100
Musical Instrument
2
7
CHA/LDR

S&P p.101
Painting
2
7
DEX/AIM, WIS/INT

S&P p.101
Rally Friends
5
-
CHA/LDR
As the Bard skill
S&P p.55
Reading/Writing
2
8
INT/KNO

S&P p.102
Sculpting
2
5
DEX/AIM, WIS/INT

S&P p.102
Singing
2
5
CHA/LDR

S&P p.103
Sound Resistance
5
-
CHA/LDR
As the Bard skill
S&P p.55


Social Skill Tree - Initial cost 5

These social skills are useful when dealing with people, on an individual basis or in a large organization - a government, law enforcement 
organization, major church, large guild, or the like.  They enable a character to get along with people and facilitate their management.  
Characters with social skills are familiar with their society's rules and institutions.

Table 28 - Social Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Administration
3
9
INT/REA

SP&M p.59
Bureaucracy
5
8
INT/KNO

SP&M p.60
Diplomacy
3
6
CHA/APP

SP&M p.60
Etiquette
2
8
CHA/APP, WIS/INT

S&P p.98
Heraldry
2
8
INT/KNO

S&P p.99
Investigation
4
6
INT/REA

SP&M p.60
Law
3
7
INT/REA

SP&M p.61
Oratory
3
7
CHA/APP

SP&M p.61
Persuasion
3
5
CHA/APP

SP&M p.61
Reading/Writing
2
8
INT/KNO

S&P p.102


Sagecraft Skill Tree - Initial cost 10

These skills are the in-depth knowledge belonging to sages and other of great knowledge.  Buying the Sagecraft skill tree assumes that a 
character has had some sort of exposure to higher learning.  All these skills must be learned by knowledgeable instruction, substantial 
book study, or decades of research.  Sages understand the basics of research and higher reasoning.


Table 29 - Sagecraft Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Alchemy
5
6
INT/REA

SP&M p.51
Anatomy
4
5
INT/KNO

SP&M p.52
Ancient History
3
6
WIS/INT, INT/KNO

S&P p.95
Ancient Languages
4
5
INT/KNO
Per Language
S&P p.95
Arcanology
4
5
INT/KNO

SP&M p.52
Astronomy
2
7
INT/KNO

S&P p.96
Cryptography
3
6
INT/REA, WIS/INT

S&P p.97
History
10
special

As Bard Skill
S&P p.55
Local History
2
8
INT/KNO, CHA/APP

S&P p.101
Reading/Writing
2
8
INT/KNO

S&P p.102
Sage Knowledge
4
5
INT/KNO

SP&M p.54



Occult Studies Skill Tree - Initial cost 7

Many religions teach these skills, and they can also be found amongst diviners, occultists, and witches across the land.  They consist of 
various forms of divination and lore about the supernatural.  Students of the occult are familiar with common superstitions, supernatural 
creatures, and divination techniques.

Table 30 - Occult Studies Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Astrology
3
5
WIS/INT, INT/KNO

S&P p.95
Dowsing
3
5
WIS/INT

SP&M p.52
Herbalism
3
6
INT/KNO, WIS/INT

S&P p.99
Hypnotism
4
6
CHA/LDR

SP&M p.53
Omen Reading
3
5
WIS/INT

SP&M p.52
Undead Lore
3
6
INT/KNO

SP&M p.61


Sailing Skill Tree - Initial cost 4

This skill tree encompasses all the skills that are required for operating a boat, from a small canoe to a large sailing ship.  Sailors are 
familiar with the general layout and purpose of all ships that they have seen before.

Table 31 - Sailing Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Boat Piloting 
2
6
STR/MUS, INT/REA

S&P p.96
Deep Diving
2
5
DEX/BAL, CON/HEA

S&P p.98
Navigation
3
6
INT/KNO, WIS/INT

S&P p.101
Rope Use
2
8
DEX/AIM, WIS/INT

S&P p.102
Seamanship
3
8
WIS/INT, DEX/BAL

S&P p.102
Swimming
2
9
STR/STA

S&P p.103
Weather Knowledge
2
7
WIS/INT

S&P p.104


Tradesman Skill Tree - Initial cost 3

Tradesmen are the foundation of society.  Farmers, carpenters, and other semi-skilled workers gain their skills from this tree.  A character 
with tradesman skills is familiar with working with their hands and doing good, hard, honest work. 

Table 32 - Tradesman Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Agriculture
3
7
INT/KNO

S&P p.94
Animal Handling
3
7
WIS/WIL

S&P p.95
Brewing
3
8
INT/KNO

S&P p.96
Carpentry
3
7
STR/STA, INT/KNO

S&P p.96
Cobbling
3
7
DEX/AIM, INT/KNO

S&P p.97
Cooking
3
7
INT/REA

S&P p.97
Endurance
2
3
N/A

S&P p.98
Leather Working
3
7
INT/KNO, DEX/AIM

S&P p.101
Pottery
3
7
DEX/AIM

S&P p.102
Stonemasonry
4
5
STR/STA, WIS/INT

S&P p.103
Tailoring
3
7
DEX/AIM, INT/REA

S&P p.103
Weaving
3
6
INT/REA, DEX/AIM

S&P p.104


Craftsman Skill Tree - Initial cost 5

Craftsmen are highly skilled workers of various sorts.  These are individuals you come to when you need an item of value created or 
repaired.  Craftsmen are all acquainted with the various crafts and know generally what is involved with their use.


Table 33 - Craftsman Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Appraising
2
8
INT/REA, WIS/INT

S&P p.95
Animal Training
4
5
WIS/WIL, CHA/LDR

S&P p.95
Armorer
5
5
INT/KNO, STR/MUS

S&P p.95
Blacksmithing
4
6
STR/MUS, INT/KNO

S&P p.96
Bookbinding 
3
8
INT/KNO

SP&M p.52
Bowyer/Fletcher
5
6
INT/KNO, DEX/AIM

S&P p.96
Gem Cutting
3
6
DEX/AIM

S&P p.99
Glassblowing
2
7
DEX/AIM

SP&M p.53
Mining
5
5
WIS/INT, STR/STA

S&P p.101
Papermaking
2
8
INT/KNO

SP&M p.54
Scribe
2
7
DEX/AIM

SP&M p.57
Weaponsmithing
5
5
INT/KNO, DEX/AIM

S&P p.104


General Skill Tree - Initial cost 0

General skills are either so common as to merit no special grouping (like horseback riding), or are so specialized as to not fit in any other 
skill trees (like mental resistance).

Table 34 - General Skills

Skill
Cost
(CP)
Initial
Value

Ability

Notes

Source
Mental Resistance
6
5
WIS/WIL

SP&M p.53
Modern Languages
2
9
INT/KNO

S&P p.101
Observation
6
7
INT/REA

SP&M p.61
Riding, Airborne
8
5
WIS/WIL, DEX/BAL

S&P p.102
Riding, Land
2
8
WIS/WIL, DEX/BAL

S&P p.102



Other optional skill trees (like a Psionics skill tree) may be added at any time, as it becomes appropriate in the campaign.

Note that rules for followers are not detailed in this system.  If a character grows in power and through gameplay recruits some troops or 
minons, then he or she can have followers.  They are not a skill to be purchased with character points.

 Standard Character Generation Example



This method can be used to create characters mimicking the “standard” classes from the AD&D 2nd edition PHB.  Of course, you are 
encouraged to create custom characters, but here you can see how to make basic characters using this system.


1. Generic Warrior
After rolling the warrior's ability scores, we choose race - in 
this case we’ll assume a human with no special abilities.  In 
these examples we won't take into account any Prime Requisite 
cost reductions or bonus CP for INT.  Then, we buy the 
Required Tree skills for a warrior.  Buying into the Melee 
Combat primary tree and getting four weapon proficiencies is 
standard for a fighter.  Then, some "nonweapon proficiencies" - 
the warrior buys the Athletics skill tree as a second primary 
tree, and then purchases Endurance, Running, Throwing, and 
Swimming. The fighter spends his last points on the Riding 
skill from the General skill tree.

Skill		
CP Cost
Warrior THAC0
40
Warrior Saving Throws
30
Warrior XP Table
20
Warrior Hit Dice
40
Melee Combat Tree Initial Cost
10
Weapon Proficiencies (4)
40
Athletics Tree Initial Cost
10
Endurance
2
Swimming
2
Running
2
Throwing
2
Riding (Land-based)
2
Total Cost
200

2.  Generic Wizard
Again, we roll up scores and assume a standard human.  We 
purchase the Wizard entries from the Required Tree and pay 
the initial cost for the Wizardry tree.  We get a weapon 
proficiency with the staff, and then can only afford spell school 
access to the universal school and 5 others. We purchase the 
first rank of spellcasting power, and then the Sagecraft 
secondary tree and two sage proficiencies (Astronomy and 
Reading/Writing, which cost double since they're from a 
secondary tree) which leaves us two points we use to improve 
our Astronomy rating. 

Skill		
CP Cost
Wizard THAC0
10
Wizard Saving Throws
35
Wizard XP Table
10
Wizard Hit Dice
10
Wizardry Tree Initial Cost
20
Weapon Proficiency (Wizard)
10
Universal School Access
5
Lesser School Access (5)
75
Spellcasting Rank 1
5
Sagecraft Tree Initial Cost   
10
Astronomy +2
6
Reading/Writing 
4
Total Cost
200



3.  Generic Rogue
We roll scores, choose a human, and buy the Required Tree 
abilities for the standard rogue.  We buy the base level of all 7 
normal thief skills and pay the Stealth primary tree initial cost.  
Then we buy 50 percentile points to spread around on those 
skills.  We spend our last points on Disguise and Gaming from 
the Stealth tree, and how to speak Orcish.  Our rogue is 
proficient in no weapons, and does not know how to backstab.

Skill		
CP Cost
Rogue THAC0
20
Rogue Saving Throws
20
Rogue XP Table
40
Rogue Hit Dice
20
Stealth Tree Initial Cost
12
7 Thief Skills
60
50 Discretionary Thief Skill Points
20
Disguise
4
Gaming
2
Modern Language
2
Total Cost
200

4.  Generic Cleric
We roll up another human, and purchase the usual Priest 
Required Tree items and the Holy Orders primary tree (10 CP).  
The deity we choose allows our character 8 spheres for lesser 
access, we choose 5 of them.  This deity allows the use of blunt 
weapons - we choose the mace.  After buying the first spell 
rank, we decide our character's secular calling is to be a painter, 
and so buy the Arts & Entertainment secondary tree and 
Painting skill. We keep a single point back for use later in the 
game.

Skill		
CP Cost
Priest THAC0
30
Priest Saving Throws
25
Priest XP Table
30
Priest Hit Dice
30
Holy Orders Initial Cost
10
Spell Spheres (5)
50
Spellcasting Rank 1
5
Weapon Proficiency (Cleric)
10
Arts & Entertainment Initial Cost
5
Painting
4
1 leftover point
1
Total Cost
200


As you can see, 200 character points don't go a long way in this 
system.  These characters are starting with a little less in the 
way of abilities than they would under core AD&D 2nd Edition 
rules, with some skimping on weapon and nonweapon 
proficiencies.  




Standard Character Advancement


To stay on the “generic” track, as the characters progress they 
each spend 5 CP per level on spell rank advancement, thief 
skill improvement, or investing in multiple attacks.  The other 
15 CP is used to grow their skill sets.

At fifth level, each character has grown a lot, having earned 
another 80 CP to spend on improvement - the fighter is 
specialized in his weapon, has a style specialization, and a 
couple more weapon and nonweapon proficiencies.  The wizard 
has a specialty school, can use scrolls and other magic items, 
and is at the 6th level of casting power.  The priest is at the 5th 
level of casting ability, but can now turn undead, has a lesser 
granted power, and another nonweapon proficiency.  The rogue 
has boosted his skills considerably, adding a weapon 
proficiency and Backstab, and has obtained other skills like 
Disguise and Escaping Bonds.  They’re not supermen yet, but 
are all specialized in what they do.

At tenth level, they’ve received another 100 CP and all have 
many other skills - the mage and cleric had to spend some of 
those points on getting greater sphere access, but still have 
plenty more to spend on other abilities.  The fighter’s goals of 
weapon mastery are expensive, but in reach, and the rogue is 
branching out into all sorts of exotic skills



Custom Character Generation Example



The last section was an exercise in generating characters similar 
to the standard AD&D classes.  The benefit of this system, of 
course, is that you can make a character that can do a wide 
variety of things that cross traditional “class” boundaries.

For example, let us take the example of a character that aspires 
to be a powerful warrior, born of sturdy barbarian stock.  Yet 
he makes his living more often by stealth and theft than not, 
much as Conan the Barbarian and Fafhrd, the erstwhile 
companion to the Grey Mouser in Fritz Leiber’s Lankhmar 
tales.

We will assume that we rolled up high Strength (18/76) and 
Dexterity (16) befitting such a character, such that STR and 
DEX based skills will cost 1 CP less because of the character’s 
high Prime Requisites.  He only has an 8 Intelligence, so will 
only get 3 extra CPs (three times his Bonus Proficiencies for 
Intelligence).  So we start with 203 CPs.

First, we decide that the character should be human (0 CP) and 
possess a savage alertness form his wild heritage (Alertness 
trait, 6 CP).  Then, we buy from the required skill tree - we 
want a super warrior, with warrior THAC0 (40 CP) and saves 
(30 CP), and d12 hit dice (50 CP).  We take a worse XP table 
(Wizard, 10 CP) to make up the points - 130 CP total from the 
required tree.

We have already spent 136 CP, and have 67 CP remaining to 
build our character.  Since we know we’ll be taking a lot of 
skills from both Melee Combat and Stealth, we pay 12 CP to 
get the Stealth tree as a primary, and 20 CP (twice the normal 
buy-in cost) to get Melee Combat as another primary tree.

That leaves us with 35 CP to buy skills.  Not much at this point 
- we get Move Silently (9 CP, 10 -1 for a high DEX), Climb 
Walls (4 CP), and proficiency in the broadsword (9 CP).  We 
don’t like how close we’re getting to our limit, so decide to go 
back and take a couple disadvantages - a mild Phobia: Crowds 
(4 CP) and a mild Phobia: Magic (8 CP) to reflect his outdoor, 
primitive upbringing.  So we now have 25 CP left to spend 
around.  

We spend 4 CP on Detect Noise and another 8 on 20 
discretionary thief skill points to spread around, leaving us 12 
CP.  Our character needs to be able to ride a horse (2 CP), and 
we buy into the Wilderness Craft tree for 5 CP.  We don’t 
really have enough points left to buy many specific skills from 
that tree, but we may want to later, and it fits his background.

Note that we could have taken Wilderness Craft as our other 
primary tree rather than Stealth, and then bought the 
Wilderness versions of the various thief skills.  However, we 
decide that he probably learned the thieving part of his skills in 
civilization (and we want him to be able to function well in 
cities while thieving, now and in the future) so we chose this 
combination of skills.

The remaining 5 CP can be saved for later - but we spend it on 
raising his Riding rating on the grounds that his people were 
fierce mounted warriors.  His initial Riding rating was 8, +3 for 
his 16 DEX = 11.  It costs us 4 points to raise the rating 2 
points (because it's between 10 and 15, see the "Improving 
Skills" section) - so we are almost out of CP after getting his 
Riding rating to 13.  At the end, the character has one CP left 
we save for use during play as an emergency reroll (cf. S&P 
p.7).

So, at first level we have a beefy warrior with only one weapon 
skill, and three thief skills.  Not bad, but not a world-shaking 
character (yet).

As time progresses, our character (we’ll name him Aethelred 
after the Saxon king) spends some time as a mounted 
guardsman and occasional thief in a port city.  He reaches 4th 
level in a couple years, and is becoming more battle-seasoned 
from his combat against humanoid and bandit incursions in the 
hills.

Over this time, he has gained 60 CP.  Although he has 
progressed a little more slowly than would otherwise be 
expected due to his XP progression table, those d12 Hit Dice 
have brought him through his experiences intact.  Aethelred has 
added 50 points to his thieving skills (20 CP) and has both 
expanded his skill in weapons from the broadsword to the tight 
group of medium swords (10 CP incremental cost) and has 
specialized in his trusty broadsword (22 CP total, weapon of 
choice + expertise + specialization).  Long weeks spent in those 
hills have also taught him the art of surviving in that climate 
(Survival, 6 CP).  His Initial Rating in Survival (6) is not good 
because of his low INT and WIS, so we spend the last two  
points to make it 8.

Over the next year, he tires of the constant fighting of guard 
duty and takes a job as a private bodyguard in the city - this 
also affords him an opportunity to hone his thieving abilities 
further.  He manages to minimize his trouble with crowds by 
working largely at night.  He reaches 7th level (another 60 
points), and spends 30 CP on the next rank of multiple attacks 
and 6 on another 15 thieving points.  He is now pretty good 
about sneaking around the city, and when he gets caught, his 
broadsword is a formidable ally, with his Strength and 
specialization (he’s getting 2 attacks a round at a THACO of 11 
and a +6 damage bonus).  He has also purchased Backstab for 
10 CP and Hide in Shadows for 9 CP - those guards never hear 
him coming, and double damage drops them like flies.  He also 
buys into the Craftsman tree for 5 CP, mainly so he can 
perform quick fixes on his weapons and armor when the need 
arises.

Well, this sort of behavior eventually gets Aethelred in trouble 
with the law, and he ends up fleeing town on a ship headed to 
sea.  He discovers he’s taken refuge with a group of pirates, 
and joins up for a life of freebooting and fun on the high seas.

In a couple years Aethelred is 10th level (another 60 CP) - a 
dreaded scourge of the seas, he has learned the arts of 
seamanship (Sailing tree for 4 CP, Seamanship for 5 CP, and 
Navigation for 5 CP). He has honed his fighting skills to a 
razor’s edge - another 30 CP gets him to the top rung of the 
multiple attack chart.  He buys Rope Use for 4 CP and 
develops a keen eye for the value of treasure (Appraisal, 3 CP).  
He also takes a new weapon proficiency (9 CP) in the belaying 
pin (they come in handy when boarding ships).

About this time he and his crew make the mistake of overtaking 
and trying to board a vessel carrying an archmage to a meeting 
in the East.  Paralyzed by his fear of the resulting magical 
display, Aethelred is left clutching a fragment of his ship, 
which was burned to the waterline by three or four well-placed 
15d6 fireballs.

He makes landfall and swears revenge on the archmage. Over 
the next couple years he quests to find out the identity, 
location, and powers of the wizard in question, and makes his 
way across the continent in a series of adventures.  He makes a 
living as a warlord, a caravan guard, a bandit - then meets up 
with a group of adventurers also questing against the wizard in 
question.

The group of adventurers defeats a dragon in its lair, hoping to 
use its hoard as both a lure for the mage (whom they’ve learned 
is greedy to a fault) and for its powerful magic to use against 
the mage.  Though Aethelred does not like magic much, he sees 
the reasonableness of this course of action - he leaves the 
funkier magic to his teammates, only taking a magical shield 
for himself.

As the party prepares to confront the archmage, Aethelred is 
12th level.  He takes shield proficiency (10 CP) and Weapon 
and Shield style specialization (10 CP), dropping his AC 
considerably.  He brings his skills of stealth to their fruition 
with 25 points worth of thief discretionary skills (10 CP), and 
takes the Ambush skill (10 CP) in expectation of their trap.

Should Aethelred survive this encounter, he will move on into 
the realms of legendary heroes - as he continues he can master 
his weapon, perfect his thief skills, and begin learning powerful 
skills from the High-Level Campaigns rulebook.  He may well 
determine that the reins of rulership are his destiny, beginning 
with the land he will liberate from the archmage’s dictatorship 
and thence wherever his warband will venture.

Aethelred is not as skilled in warcraft as he would be if he had 
concentrated solely on combat.  He’s not near the thief that a 
12th level dedicated thief would be either.  But he is very good 
at both, and as his situation in life changed he was able to 
quickly adapt and learn the skills that suited the needs of his 
harsh life.




Reconciling Classes



So, you’ve decided to use this system for you next Skills & 
Powers campaign.  Then you start thinking about all those 
spells and magic items and obscure rules that specify 
characters’ classes in their description somewhere.

Don’t lose heart - here are some conversion rules.

Levels are the same as levels ever were - so if a spell or item or 
ability affects a character, use their overall level to calculate its 
effects.  Some level-related abilities, like spell casting level, are 
handled explicitly by these rules.

If a character has a primary tree of Combat (Melee, Missile, or 
Unarmed), treat them as a warrior.  If their primary tree is 
Holiness, treat them as a priest.  Stealth is for rogues and 
Wizardry is for wizards (Psionics, for psionicists…).  For the 
purpose of maximum classes for demihumans, you may want to 
collapse relevant classes (Druid into Priest, Bard into Rogue) 
and take the more generous of the two limits.

If a character has another tree as their primary (e.g. Joe the 
Sailor) then count them as none, or make a DM fiat to 
whichever class the character most resembles. You should be 
asking yourself, however, do these class-specific effects make 
any sense?   What is the spell, effect, or rule trying to get at?  If 
the intent is, for example, that spellcasters are resistant to a 
specific spell, treat anyone with spellcasting ability as resistant.  
Use common sense, and be generous but fair in your 
interpretation.


Appendix A - Classless NPCs

NPC Generation



Character points can also be used to generate non-player 
characters easily.  Leveled NPCs can and should be built under 
this system just as PCs are, using a base of 200 CPs.  This 
number of character points, however, is a reflection of the fact 
that player characters (and leveled NPCs) are somehow special 
- quicker to learn, blessed by the gods, and "larger than life."   
Most everyday people do not have that wide a variety of 
abilities.

Here are some rules for generating "level 0" NPCs with a wide 
range of different skills.  First, it's easier to use the Monstrous 
Manual statistics for level 0 humans and demihumans than to 
go to the trouble of assigning them Required Tree skills.  If you 
wanted to go to that trouble, a standard L0 human has Rogue 
hit dice (20 CP), Warrior saves (30 CP), Rogue THAC0 (20 
CP), and the Priest XP table (30 CP), for a 100 CP base cost 
plus racial bundle.  Since races with higher racial bundle costs 
are usually much longer-lived than humans, it's convenient to 
simply give them the default racial bundles ignoring the 
additional cost, assuming that the demihumans are getting some 
CP bonuses for being around for centuries.  So now you start 
out with an unskilled L0 human or demihuman.

Due to the vagaries of intelligence, chance, and situation, some 
L0 people are more skilled than others are.  Here are the 
common levels of skill found in NPCs.  All NPCs also get 
bonus CP for Intelligence just as PCs do.  Note that most 
skilled NPCs will spend a number of these points on improving 
their skills' Initial Ratings - no one is going to make a good 
living as a farmer with the base Agriculture rating of 7, for 
example.

Laborer - 0 CP
A common, untrained laborer has no skills except what their 
Intelligence gets them - usually enough for a low level of 
Agriculture or Endurance (for all that heavy lifting).  Only a 
society's real drudge workers fit into this category.



Tradesman - 10 CP
A tradesman is the "standard" level 0 human.  They have a little 
training in their area of expertise, usually something out of the 
Tradesman skill tree (e.g. Agriculture, Stonemasonry).  
Specialized tradesmen would have another primary skill tree 
(e.g. Sailing for sailors, Wilderness Craft for hunters).  The vast 
bulk of the populace is made up of this level of NPC.

Craftsman - 20 CP
A craftsman is a little more trained than most NPCs.  They fill 
the role of providing specialty services to others, usually 
something out of the Craftsman skill tree (and something out of 
the Stealth tree for crooked ones).  Merchants, government 
officials, church administrators, and others who have received 
some amount of actual job training also fall into this category.

Professional - 30 CP
Professionals are those NPCs with a good amount of training 
required for their work.  Professional soldiers fit into this 
category (not levies or the average barely trained soldier), as do 
thieves' guild members, common priests, and other generally 
prominent local NPCs. 

Master - 40 CP
Masters are usually skilled enough that their name is known 
across a given municipality.  Masters of an art or craft, 
renowned soldiers (usually officers), entrepreneurs, ship's 
captains, local leaders, and others with a high degree of skill 
qualify as masters.

Sage - 50 CP   
A sage has a great deal of knowledge in their subjects of 
choice, as much as is usually found of normal people.  This 
category obviously includes the traditional sage, who has spent 
their life studying certain subjects, but also includes those with 
world-class knowledge in other areas - an Olympic athlete, a 
military general, or a head of state.  Higher levels of NPC skill 
are possible, but usually only in leveled NPCs.



NPC Advancement

Leveled NPCs advance as they gain experience, using the same rules that PCs do.  There is no set formula for this advancement - assume 
that NPCs who are as active as your PCs gain experience at approximately the same rate as the PCs.  More sedentary NPCs will gain at a 
lesser rate, and perhaps never progress past low- to mid- levels in their entire lives.

Even Level 0 NPCs, however, should be expected to advance somewhat in their skills over time.  This advancement is slow, but will 
provide a realistic level of improvement for level 0 NPCs that PCs interact with over long periods of time.

Level 0 NPCs should gain 1 CP every 1-2 years.  This is only an average - some will learn more quickly, especially younger NPCs, and 
should gain a couple CP a year.  Some will learn more slowly and improve little if at all ("I was here at this inn a decade ago, and your 
cooking still stinks!").  Training, local events, and even interaction with PCs can do much to accelerate this rate.  Remember that this 
kind of skill progression should not rival that which actual leveled PCs or NPCs experience.

Appendix B - Level 0 PCs



Some players and DMs enjoy beginning their characters even 
earlier in life, before they have gained the considerable battery 
of skills that form a first-level player character.  It can give 
players additional depth and reasoning behind their selected 
skill set, creating a more realistic and enjoyable character.  
Here is a set of optional rules for level 0 PCs using the classless 
character point system.

Zero-level PCs begin with 100 character points, plus the CP 
bonus for high Intelligence.  From this number they should 
purchase their Racial Abilities and Required tree abilities.  
They can start low in the Required tree (40 CP minimum), 
because they can improve those skills before they reach first 
level, after which they are fixed for life according to the rules 
for the Required skill tree.  Any leftover CP can be used to 
purchase other skills from early childhood, or saved for use 
during level 0 play.  Players should purchase all the skills they 
will want from the Racial Abilities section at this time, as they 
will not be able to revisit that section later.  At this point the 
character also gets their bonus CP for high Intelligence.

The PC then begins play with these skills.  The player should 
roll hit points according to the level of Hit Die they purchased 
with their 100 CP.  Play proceeds as normal - the DM simply 
takes care to scale the adventures such that a level 0 character 
can succeed.  The Level 0 PC needs a total of 1000 XP to reach 
first level.  For each 10 XP they gain, they earn a character 
point.  Thus, after gaining the entire 1000 XP and reaching first 
level, they will be a normal 200 CP character (they began the 
process with 100 CP, remember).

During this period, the character can purchase skills from skill 
trees as usual.  Additionally, they can upgrade their Required 
Tree skill purchases by simply paying the differential costs 
involved - for example, going from Rogue Hit Dice (20 CP) to 
Priest Hit Dice (30 CP) should cost 10 CP.  Reroll hit points if 
the character's Hit Dice improve (the character should never 
lose hit points, however).

Remember that skills take time to learn - about a week per 
character point of dedicated training, according to the rules.  
Depending on how much of the character's skill improvement is 
self-achieved and how much is due to expert instruction, the 
Level 0 phase of the PC's career should take at least 1-2 years, 
even longer if they are slow at gaining XP or goof off instead 
of training.

When the character reaches first level, they should get the usual 
20 CP award for gaining a level.  This means that PCs played 
up from level 0 will start with 20 CP above what ordinary first-
level characters would, fair recompense for the additional work 
done and experience gained.  In all  other ways, the characters 
grown from level 0 are identical to ordinary leveled characters 
in all respects, with the only exception being the increased 
sense of understanding and ownership the player has of their 
character after the experience



	1