| Chapter 2: Proficiencies |
|---|
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| Proficiencies |
| Shaman Nonweapon Proficiencies |
| Modified Proficiencies |
| New Proficiencies |
Although the AD&D Player's Handbook establishes proficiencies as an optional part of the game, it is strongly encouraged that these rules are used in play. Proficiencies add greatly to the variety of the AD&D game, and much of the material in this book assume their use.
As a general rule, shaman characters may only acquire the proficiencies listed on Table 4. However, all of these can be considered the "shaman group," even if they are broken down according to their original sources in the Player's Handbook. Essentially, shamans are barred from taking many of the highly technical proficiencies, as they devote so much of their time to spirits that they are not able to dedicate themselves to the needed training. Further, the skill slot costs of several proficiencies have been modified to reflect the unique nature of the shaman classes.
It should be noted that the list also contains several new proficiencies, some of which have also appeared in The Complete Thief's Handbook or The Complete Barbarian's Handbook.
At creation, shamans receive three weapon proficiencies and the nonweapon proficiencies, with appropriate bonus proficiencies as mentioned under the class descriptions.
| Weapon Proficiencies |
Non-Weapon Proficiencies | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial | #Levels | Penalty | Initial | #Levels |
| 3 | 3 | -3 | 3 | 4 |
Multiclassed and dual-classed shamans, or already-existing shamans who are modified using using the suggestions offered on page 7, are exceptions to the general rule. In the case of these characters, they follow the rules for proficiencies put forth in the Player's Handbook or the appropriate Complete Handbook.
Shaman Nonweapon Proficiencies[]
The skill slot costs mentioned on this table takes precedence over those given in the Player's Handbook. The adjustments reflects the unique nature of the shamans.
Table 4: Compiled Proficiencies[]
| General | # of Slots | Ability | Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alertness | 1 | Wis | +1 |
| Animal Handling | 1 | Int | -1 |
| Artistic Ability | 1 | Wis | 0 |
| Blacksmithing | 1 | Str | 0 |
| Boating | 2 | Wis | +1 |
| Brewing | 1 | Int | 0 |
| Dancing | 1 | Dex | 0 |
| Etiquette | 1 | Cha | 0 |
| Fire-building | 1 | Wis | -1 |
| Foraging | 1 | Int | -2 |
| Geography | 1 or 2 | Int | -1 |
| Leather-working | 1 | Wis | -3 |
| Medium | 2 | Wis | 0 |
| Pottery | 1 | Dex | -2 |
| Singing | 1 | Cha | 0 |
| Swimming | 2 | Str | 0 |
| Weaving | 1 | Int | -1 |
| Priest | # of Slots | Ability | Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Geography | 1 or 2 | -2 | |
| Ancient History | 1 | -1 | |
| Dream Interpretation | 2 | -1 | |
| Healing | 2 | -3 | |
| Herbalism | 2 | -2 | |
| Languages, Ancient | 2 | 0 | |
| Local History | 2 | 0 | |
| Musical Instrument | 1 | -1 | |
| Omen Interpretation | 1 | -2 | |
| Read/Write | 2 | +1 | |
| Religion | 1 | 0 | |
| Spirit Lore | 1 | +2 | |
| Shamanic Ritual | 1 | +1 | |
| Trance | 2 | -3 |
| Rogue | # of Slots | Ability | Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Begging | 1 | Cha | Variable |
| Observation | 1 | Int | 0 |
| Warrior | # of Slots | Ability | Modifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Lore | 1 | Int | 0 |
| Survival | 2 | Int | 0 |
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