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Author: Koveras

Jan 31st 2013 at 5:05:38 AM

!!By the manner of use
The following classification mainly concerns perks, since skill scores by definition have passive effects on actively triggered basic actions.

* '''Activated perks''' allow the character to perform a specific action at the player's command (launch an attack, cast a spell, pick a lock, etc.), either consuming a portion of their {{mana}} or stamina to do so, or inducing a {{Cooldown}} before it can be used again (or both).
* '''Sustained perks''', a.k.a. auras, likewise require manual activation by the player but remain in effect for a certain time (followed by a cooldown) or until they either have drained the character of mana/stamina or are deactivated. Their effects can vary from passive bonuses, through dealing continuous damage to surrounding enemies, to enabling the usage of otherwise restricted active perks (e.g. certain sword techniques only available from a certain combat stance).
* '''Passive perks''' provide constant bonuses after they are learned. Said bonuses are usually an order of magnitude larger than the ones provided by regular stat or skill score increases. For instance, if each Wisdom stat point gives the character  2% to hostile magic resistance, the [[MageKiller Magebane perk]] can give up to  50%.
* '''Story perks''' unlock hidden sidequests and conversation options, i.e. affecting the story instead of the gameplay. They are distinct from regular {{Event Flag}}s in that they can be acquired at any point in the game by spending skill points.

Obviously, perks are only usable when the characters are equipped with proper gear and are in the appropriate gameplay mode (exploration, [[CombatDiplomacyStealth combat, dialogue, stealth]]).

!!By prerequisite
To prevent the PlayerCharacter from getting too powerful too fast, most game systems put artificial limits on skill progression.

* Skill scores are often dynamically {{cap}}ped by either the overall CharacterLevel, or their governing primary attributes. For instance, the War Axe skill score cannot exceed the Strength stat score, which has to be improved before taking the next level in War Axe.
* Perks usually have to be "unlocked" for a character before she can learn them. Unlocking a perk often entails one or more of following:
** Reaching a certain CharacterLevel
** Learning the prerequisite perks in the [[TechTree Skill Tree]]
** Raising [[LevelLockedLoot a stat or a skill score to a certain value]]
** Having a certain standing on the KarmaMeter (or RelationshipValues for party members' skills)
** Clearing certain story events (in which case the new perk is often learned automatically)

Furthermore, some skills (usually perks) may be restricted to a certain CharacterClass or even a particular character (in case of {{Signature Move}}s).