Chapter 3: Skill Checks—Rolling the Cosmic Dice
Ah, my fellow star-chasers! So you’ve mastered the art of character creation, and now you’re ready to strut your stuff across the galactic stage. But wait! Before you break out the confetti cannons, let’s talk about skills and feats. Because in the vast expanse of the cosmos, knowing how to juggle plasma grenades while tap-dancing on a comet is just as important as having a snazzy laser sword.
Skill Checks: When the Universe Throws a Curveball
Picture this: You’re deciphering ancient alien hieroglyphs on a crumbling asteroid. Your skill rank in Culture? Check. Your ability to dodge space bats while translating? Not so much. That’s where skill checks come in. Roll a d20, add your total skill bonus, and hope the cosmic dice gods smile upon you.
Here’s the cosmic recipe for a skill check:
- Skill Ranks: Each rank you’ve invested in a skill boosts your total skill bonus by 1.
- Trained Class Skill Bonus: If it’s a trained class skill, you get a sweet +3 bonus.
- Ability Score Modifier: Your cosmic mojo—Strength, Dexterity, Charisma—adds flavor.
- Other Modifiers: Maybe your space goblin ancestry or that funky feat you picked up affects the outcome.
Remember, the result of your skill check either launches you into stardom or leaves you floating in the void. The GM sets the difficulty class (DC), and sometimes success isn’t binary. You might nail that zero-gravity interpretive dance but still end up with space glitter in your hair.
Skill Ranks: Level Up Your Cosmic Résumé
As you level up, invest those skill ranks wisely. Want to be a Computers whiz? Pump up those ranks. But beware—the universe frowns upon overcommitting. Your skill ranks can’t exceed your character level. It’s like trying to fit a black hole into a lunchbox. Not recommended.
Feats: Cosmic Power-Ups and Shenanigans
Feats are the cosmic sprinkles on your character sundae. They enhance your abilities, add flavor, and occasionally let you break the rules like a mischievous space pixie. Want to wield two laser pistols while reciting Vogon poetry? There’s a feat for that. Feats are like cosmic cheat codes—use them wisely, young padawan.
Skill Synergy: When Skills Hold Hands
Sometimes skills team up like interstellar besties. Acrobatics and Athletics? They high-five while parkouring off asteroids. Bluff and Diplomacy? They sip cosmic martinis and spin tales of epic space battles. Skill synergy is like a cosmic potluck—everyone brings their best dish, and the universe feasts.
In Conclusion: Roll High, Shoot for the Stars
So, my cosmic compatriots, embrace your skills and feats. Whether you’re hacking starship toilets (yes, it’s a skill) or negotiating peace treaties with telepathic cephalopods, remember: The universe rewards audacity. And if all else fails, blame it on the space squirrels—they’re notorious for stealing dice.
Next time, we’ll dive into Starship Mechanics. Buckle up, because we’re about to soup up your cosmic jalopy. Until then, may your crits be cosmic, your feats be funky, and your laser sword always glow with panache.
Disclaimer: No actual starships were harmed in the making of this article. The author may or may not have been fueled by copious amounts of cosmic coffee.
1: Starfinder Core Rulebook 2: Character Creation outline