For a check against a fixed Difficulty Class (DC), roll:
d20 + skill ranks + relevant ability modifier + applicable bonuses
The check succeeds if its total meets or exceeds the DC. For a contested check, both sides roll their check totals; the higher total wins, and the defender wins ties.
Characters may attempt checks without ranks unless the skill requires training.
When not rushed or threatened, you can forgo the d20 roll and treat the result as 10. Some features let you do so under pressure.
Maximum ranks in a skill equal character level, to a maximum of 20. Each class grants a base number of skill ranks per level plus the character’s Intelligence modifier, to a minimum of 1 rank per level. There is no first-level multiplier. A skill designated as a class skill grants a +3 Class Skill bonus to checks with that skill. This bonus is separate from skill ranks and follows the stacking rules in Attributes.
A skill page may list a Synergy bonus to a related skill. Once a character has at least 5 ranks in the source skill, they gain a +2 Synergy bonus to the named target skill check. The bonus is flat and does not increase with additional ranks. Synergy bonuses from different source skills stack.
The following skills are available to characters. Each entry lists its default ability and related skills.
| Skill | Key ability | Consolidated or related skills |
|---|---|---|
| Acrobatics | Dexterity | Balance, Tumble, Mobility; +1 Circumstance bonus to Dodge AC per 10 ranks; prerequisite for Leaping Pounce. |
| Appraise | Intelligence | - |
| Athletics | Strength | Climb, Jump, Swim, Use Rope. |
| Concentration | Constitution | Spellcasting and resisting interruptions. |
| Craft | Intelligence | - |
| Disable Device | Dexterity | - |
| Disguise | Charisma | - |
| Escape Artist | Dexterity | Alternative to MAB when escaping a grapple or Swallow Whole. See Grapple and Throw and Swallow Whole. |
| Fly | Dexterity | - |
| Handle Animal | Charisma | - |
| Heal | Wisdom | - |
| Investigation | Intelligence | Search, Gather Information, Forgery, Decipher Script. |
| Lore (Arcana) | Intelligence | Spellcraft; Knowledge (Arcana). |
| Lore (Dungeoneering) | Intelligence | Knowledge (Dungeoneering). |
| Lore (Geography) | Intelligence | Knowledge (Geography). |
| Lore (History) | Intelligence | Knowledge (History). |
| Lore (Nature) | Intelligence | Knowledge (Nature); improved by Nature Sense. |
| Lore (Nobility) | Intelligence | Knowledge (Nobility and royalty). |
| Lore (Planes) | Intelligence | Knowledge (The Planes). |
| Lore (Religion) | Intelligence | Knowledge (Religion). |
| Open Lock | Dexterity | - |
| Perception | Wisdom | Spot and Listen. |
| Perform | Charisma | - |
| Profession | Wisdom | - |
| Persuasion | Charisma (or Strength for intimidation with Intimidating Presence) | Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate. |
| Ride | Dexterity | Mounted stability, redirection, and feat prerequisites. |
| Sense Motive | Wisdom | - |
| Stealth | Dexterity | Hide, Move Silently, Sleight of Hand. |
| Survival | Wisdom | Active scent tracking; improved by Nature Sense. See Scent. |
| Use Magic Device | Charisma | - |
This catalog preserves documented prerequisites and uses while providing a starting skill list. Each class lists its class skills in its respective class entry.