1.9.2 Limits on skill scores

All skills are governed by one or more characteristics. These characteristics are the most important ones for that skill (usually the ones most often used in conjunction with the skill for dice rolls). For example, Combat skill is governed by Strength and Co-ordination.

A character's maximum possible score in a skill (regardless of the number of cps allocated to that skill) is equal to 6 plus his/her CS in the governing characteristic. For example, Cogan's IQ is -2, so his maximum possible skill score in Regional Knowledge (which is governed by IQ) is 4.

If the skill has two or more governing characteristics, the following rules apply for determining the skill limit:

• If all the character's CS in the governing characteristics are positive, the character's skill limit is 6 plus the lowest of these CS (i.e. the one closest to zero). For example, Cogan's ST is +4 and his CO is +1/2; his maximum possible skill score in Combat skill is 6 plus the lower of his ST and CO, i.e. 6 1/2 - his ability is limited by his relatively normal Co-ordination;
• If all the character's CS in the governing characteristics are negative, the character's skill limit is 6 plus the least negative of these CS (i.e. the one closest to zero). For example, another character, Rimglim, has a ST of -1/2 and a CO of -1 1/2; his maximum possible skill score in Combat skill is 6 plus the least negative of his ST and CO, i.e. 5 1/2 - his relatively normal Strength tends to compensate for his poor Co-ordination;
• If some of the character's CS in the governing characteristics are positive and some are negative, they cancel out, and the character's skill limit is simply 6. For example, Cogan's IQ is -2 and his WP is +2 1/2; his maximum possible skill score in Reasoning (which is governed by IQ and WP) is 6 - his tenacity in finding an answer compensates for his lack of imagination;
• If any of the character's CS in the governing characteristics are zero, the character's skill limit is simply 6.

Since skill scores may be increased in half points, half points on skill limits do make a difference - for example, a limit value of 6 means a maximum skill score of 6 whereas a limit value of 6 1/2 means a maximum skill score of 6 1/2.

A character with a talent for a particular skill receives a +2 bonus to his/her skill limit in that skill. A character with a limitation in a particular skill receives a -2 penalty to his/her skill limit in that skill.

Governing characteristics for each skill are shown under the skill description in section 2 Using skills, and also on the summary skill list.