HYPERBOREA / Imported skill system?

**Posted by Spellbinder** 5/07/2019 6:48 am

The only thing I find myself missing in the game is a skill system. I really like having skills. I think i could replace the D6 adjudication system with a good skill system.

Have any of you experimented with importing a good skill list/system and if so, what game did you pull it from and how did it work out for you?

Things I Worked On · **Posted by Ynas Midgard** 5/07/2019 6:54 am

If I were to introduce a skill system, I would model it on EPT (see also Swords of Abandon or Humanspace Empires) with a 4-in-6 base chance of success (assuming a task would necessitate a roll, that is).

**Posted by Spellbinder** 5/07/2019 6:56 am

Ynas Midgard wrote:
If I were to introduce a skill system, I would model it on EPT (see also Swords of Abandon or Humanspace Empires) with a 4-in-6 base chance of success (assuming a task would necessitate a roll, that is).

What is EPT? For some reason the acronym is not apparent to me.

**Posted by ThornPlutonius** 5/07/2019 11:43 am

Empire of the Petal Throne?

(I wish folks (everywhere, online and offline) would follow standard practice and define acronyms when they are first used.)

**Posted by rhialto** 5/07/2019 7:49 pm

Spellbinder wrote:
Have any of you experimented with importing a good skill list/system and if so, what game did you pull it from and how did it work out for you?

I did, and quickly discarded the idea: I prefer the d6 non-standard task resolution for AS&SH (though I do also play/run skill-based systems like Classic Traveller and Basic Role Playing). I do occasionally look at the Proficiencies in the Adventurer Conqueror King System, but they're a mix of skills and talents. I think the non-standard task resolution is sufficiently flexible to handle the mix of race + background + class = some chance to do some mundane thing.

**Posted by mabon5127** 5/08/2019 9:19 am

rhialto wrote:
Spellbinder wrote:
Have any of you experimented with importing a good skill list/system and if so, what game did you pull it from and how did it work out for you?
I did, and quickly discarded the idea: I prefer the d6 non-standard task resolution for AS&SH (though I do also play/run skill-based systems like Classic Traveller and Basic Role Playing). I do occasionally look at the Proficiencies in the Adventurer Conqueror King System, but they're a mix of skills and talents. I think the non-standard task resolution is sufficiently flexible to handle the mix of race + background + class = some chance to do some mundane thing.

I played Champions for 20+ years and was quite fond of using a skill system. It was a paradigm shift to go to the d6 task resolution. If it furthers the adventure they get the information or success. If I need them not to get the information or success, to further the adventure then no roll. If I want to be surprised then a d6. This would include the area of skill rolls for thieves. I only ask for a roll when it adds to the adventure.

**Posted by rhialto** 5/09/2019 7:48 am

mabon5127 wrote:
I played Champions for 20+ years and was quite fond of using a skill system. It was a paradigm shift to go to the d6 task resolution. If it furthers the adventure they get the information or success. If I need them not to get the information or success, to further the adventure then no roll. If I want to be surprised then a d6. This would include the area of skill rolls for thieves. I only ask for a roll when it adds to the adventure.

Agree: the defining aspects of characters in AS&SH are not, e.g., "can I catch some fish off the pier?" (which is best handled with the d6 roll, IMO), but their heroic abilities, as determined by attributes and class. Other games have the skill-based RPing covered.

**Posted by achiriaco** 5/13/2019 7:29 pm

No need for a skill system. I keep it simple. If I need something that calls for something outta the norm I just use a d20 or 3d6 under a related ability score. If I want to add difficulty I add d6s. 4d6, 5d6 etc.
If you added a skill system to this game it (for me) just would complicate the simplicity.
Why do I need a fire building skill when I can just say: roll 3d6 under your wisdom, dex or int? And if it is windy..... Hey do it in 4d6?