Training for Skills (3.5e Variant Rule)

== Training for Skills ==

Introduction
Skill points aren't given out enough in general, but sometimes the answer isn't always more skill points for all classes (though it helps). Sometimes a character simply works hard and is dedicated to mastering a skill, only to be hampered in their other skills for their efforts because they don't have the skill points to spare. This rule allows characters to train and obtain skill points through hard work, and encourages them to gain skills in obscure things such as craft, speak language, or profession.

Rule Mechanics
By spending experience and time you can master a skill on your own, through being taught and trying it out yourself. For every skill point you gain you spend 100 xp and 1 week in training up to 7 points per week (minimum 1 week). You can gain a number of skill points equal to half your class level for a particular skill, buying the skill as a class skill or cross-class skill as appropriate. For example, a level 11 party decides they need to learn Giant, as well as learn how to tumble for their upcoming adventure. They spend 200 xp on learning Giant (for 2 skill points) or 100xp for 1 skill point if Speak Language is a class skill. They also can learn up to 5 ranks in Tumble, costing 500 xp. Overall they have spent 700xp (or 600xp if Speak Language was a class skill), and the time taken is 1 week.

Skill ranks gained remain forever, just like leveling. With an easier source of skill points, players can actually invest in more obscure and niche skills and feel like they aren't consuming a non-renewable resource.