Skills in Ultra-Bastard are open-ended. This whole sub-system is optional.
- There is not a pre-defined skill list.
- Skills range between +1 and +10.
- When you make an ability check and have a relevant skill you can add that skill value to your roll.
- The more specific a skill, the easier associated checks.
- If you have more than one skill that could apply, use the one with the better bonus (bonuses do not stack).
- Some actions cannot be attempted unless you have a relevant skill.
- If an action would be routine for someone with a skill, the DM can judge it to be automatically successful.
- When a player asks for information about a topic, the DM might ask if they have a relevant skill and tailor the response accordingly.
- Starting skills are determined by your class.
- New skills can be learned and existing skills can be improved during character advancement.
- The DM will need to make a lot of ad-hoc rulings. This is fine.
The DM should offer players guidance on whether skills are likely to be useful in the campaign. I.e. if the game will focus primarily on dungeon exploration, woodsmanship might not be helpful.
