Am I goint to run out of skill points?

[obsidian_razor]

Hey everyone!

I've been playing the game basically guideless, just using my own judgement and not checking walkthrough or suggestions, but after checking the forum for a couple of things, I've become afraid that my current use of skill points in my party might cripple me further down the game.

I'm on level 5, character level around 6, and my party looks something like this:

Front row:
- Minos fighter, focusing on axes and armor, but spent some points in athletics
- Human rogue, focusing on daggers and dodge, but some points in assasination
Back row:
- Insect mage, level 13 earth, some spellcraft, some protection, the rest in fire
- Human mage, spread out between ice, wind, spellcraft and protection

Since most comments about characters seem to talk about only 2 skills, I wonder that if you raise more that 2 skills you'll never reach max in them
Have I crippled myself by focusing on more than 2 skills? I'm specially worried about my mages...

[Poomermon]

Basically you will reach party level 13 without grinding by the end of the game. That means you have roughly 50 skill points to spend on total per character. You can find up to 3 skill-tomes which give one character +5 skill points each. Also if you chose skilled perk at the beginning (hint: it is the best perk) you will have extra 3 skill points.

For mages I'd say you want to have at least 24 points in elemental skill to unlock better bolt spell and 18 points in spellcraft to have a faster casting speed.

[\/4n!ll4 ][c3]

i dont recall ever coming across a spell scroll that required more than 19 skill in any given spell skill. you will gain damage bonuses to spells by continuing to put points into a line, so while you will have a large spell selection, you will not be doing optimal damage.

as far as everything else, really, just have an idea in mind about how you want your characters to be, and stick to that plan. study the skill lines, and make your best judgement about where to stop in them. your weapon lines, i really wouldnt put more than enough points to get to the second attack skill in them, as that will generally be more than enough, especially if you are choosing to tri-spec like you are.

the only suggestion i would make is stop dumping points into assassination. the skills from it are rather useless. just take the hit and keep focusing on dodge and daggers.

[BlueLegion]

Don't worry, you might not be able to max a skill but you will be able to finish the game anyway. Some fights might take a bit longer, though

for dagger assassins:

if front row, dodge > assassination
if back row, assassination > dodge

[obsidian_razor]

Ok!

I'll focus then more and just deal with my previous choices

50 skill points tops? That means that the only way to reach max in a skill is to dump every skill point ever in it, right?

So if you split in two skills that translates to 2 skills at 25, right? Is this optimal?

[Darklord]

Just go for the abilities you like the look of. Depending on if you find the skill books or not and if you gain an extra level or two you may be closer to 60 points a piece, does depend if you choose the skilled trait or went for humans etc.

Daniel.

[Poomermon]

50 skill points tops? That means that the only way to reach max in a skill is to dump every skill point ever in it, right?

Basically yes unless you use those skill-tomes for that character.

So if you split in two skills that translates to 2 skills at 25, right? Is this optimal?

Yes you can have 2 skills at 25 and no it is probably not optimal. The better skill bonuses are usually higher on the list and the most powerful builds try to maximise one skill (not mages though). Offence is more important than defence. You can usually dance around enemies and take little damage. And when you have to go fight fairly you are better of killing your enemy as fast as possible than rely on your defence and just stand there trading blows.

[BlueLegion]

50 skill points tops? That means that the only way to reach max in a skill is to dump every skill point ever in it, right?

So if you split in two skills that translates to 2 skills at 25, right? Is this optimal?

yes, 50 skill points is max. You will gain 52 skill points to spend after the beginning if you reach lvl 14 (which is a reasonable level if you do lots of things but don't grind), plus any skill tomes (5 each) plus the skill points you put on your character during creation (7 skill points on a human with Skilled trait, which is the best trait)


I would not say that 25 points in 2 skills is optimal, except for magic schools (because you unlocked the advanced bolt with 24 points)
Increasing weapon skills further will increase your combat effectiveness drastically, as it increases attack speed, accuracy and damage, as well as give you extra chances to do a special attack.
Just watch this ogre get torn apart (minor spoilers):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7csleQaHzM&t=17s

[obsidian_razor]

Ok.

My plan for now will be to focus on one of the two magic schools on the mages, leave protection as is (not to high, thankfully) and some spellcraft for enhanced casting speed + mana.

For the fighter I'll reach heavy armor prof and leave it there, dumping everything into axes.

With the rogue I'm torn, should I go dodge or daggers?

[Darklord]

Dodge makes you hard to hit, daggers make you hit harder. Both are good, that being said I went dodge and had a rogue who couldn't do much damage, in retrospect I would prefer the opposite.

Axes are decent,

SpoilerShow

Good swords are easier to find though.

Daniel.