Deliantra-Client/pod/skill_help.pod

=head1 Skills

=head1 Description

Instead of gaining experience for basically just killing monsters (and
disarming traps) you can also gain a variety of experience through the
use of skills. 

=head1 Skill Overview

   Skill           Experience   Associated Stats
                                Stat 1 Stat 2 Stat 3
   Achemy          Mental       Int    Dex    Wis
   Bargaining      NONE         n/a    n/a    n/a
   Bowyer          Mental       Int    Dex    Wis
   Clawing         Physique     Str    Dex    n/a
   Disarm Traps    Agility      Dex    Int    Str
   Find Traps      Mental       Int    Dex    n/a
   Flame Touch     Physique     Str    Dex    Int
   Hiding          Agility      Dex    Int    n/a
   Inscription     Mental       Int    Dex    n/a
   Jeweler         Mental       Int    Wis    Dex
   Jumping         Physique     Str    Dex    n/a
   Karate          Physique     Str    Dex    n/a
   Literacy        Mental       Int    Wis    n/a
   Lockpicking     Agility      Dex    Int    n/a
   Meditation      NONE         Int    Wis    Pow
   Melee Weapons   Physique     Str    Dex    n/a
   Missile Weapons Physique     Str    Dex    n/a
   Mountaineer     NONE         n/a    n/a    n/a
   Oratory         Personality  Cha    Int    n/a
   Praying         Wisdom       Wis    Pow    n/a
   Punching        Physique     Str    Dex    n/a
   Sense Curse     Wisdom       Pow    Wis    n/a
   Sense Magic     Magic        Pow    Int    n/a
   Set Traps       Mental       Int    Dex    Str
   Singing         Personality  Cha    Int    n/a
   Smithery        Mental       Int    Str    Dex
   Stealing        Agility      Dex    Int    n/a
   Thaumaturgy     Mental       Int    Wis    n/a
   Throwing        Physique     Str    Dex    n/a
   Use Magic Item  NONE         Pow    Int    n/a
   Wizardry        Magic        Pow    Int    n/a
   Woodsman        Mental       Int    Dex    Wis

=head1 X<skill_description>Detailed Skill Description

Below is a more detailed description of each skills and how they are used.

=head2 alchemy

You can identify potions, containers, and different kinds of ore and mineral,
mix potions and create other stuff (such as gold, weapons, deadly monsters
killing him/her etc.) from other ingredients using a cauldron.

To identify alchemy stuff you have to stand over it or have it in your inventory and
issue the command C<use_skill alchemy>. The alchemy items will be identified. Some might
not get identified if your alchemy level is too low.

A higher alchemy level will also help you to estimate the value of items better.

To create something new, for example some dust or potion, you have to get a B<cauldron>.
You find these in shops, guilds and some appartments. Some alchemy shops also let you use
their cauldron for a fee. All you need now is to know what items creates which other item.
You learn the ingredients this by finding receipes. It is B<very important> that you B<identify>
all ingredients for a receipe before using them!

For a start you could try to make B<water of the wise>:
Get 7 water bottles (filled), identify them, put them in a cauldron, do C<use_skill alchemy>.
If everything worked there should be B<water of the wise> in the cauldron now.
Congratulations, your first alchemy was done!

Be careful when doing alchemy and trying complicated receipes, they might fail and
will backfire heavily at you.

I<Never, ever, do alchemy in your home or in public places!> You can
easily create powerful monsters that will kill you, kill you again when
you wake up in your savebed, kill you again... etc.

=head2 bargaining

This skill helps you to bargain in shops when buying and selling. The higher
your bargaining level is the better prices you will get. Besides having a high
bargaining skill it helps a lot to have a high B<Cha>risma stat.

When you are in a shop, you can C<use_skill bargaining> to see whether that
shop will buy the items you want to sell at a higher price than others and
whether the shopkeeper likes you. Elf shopkeepers will like elf players.

=head2 bowyer

You can identify missile weapons and missiles such as arrows, bolts and bows.
One can also create special bows and arrows from other ingredients using the
bowyer skill like the L<skill_help/*/alchemy> skill and a B<workbench>
(you just have to find out a receip)

=head2 clawing

You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's B<Str>
and level. With time, one can have different claws such as fire claws or
electric claws. An elemental residue from the dragon guild is required.

=head2 levitation

You can levitate (fly low) at will. Using the skill first makes you
levitate, and at the second time returns you to the earth.

=head2 summoning

You can cast spells related to the B<summoning> school of wizardry, which
mostly summon monsters, bullet walls and similar things.  This skill
may be acquired either through the use of an appropriate B<talisman> or
learned via a B<skill scroll>.

=head2 pyromancy

You can cast spells related to the B<pyromancy> (fire) school of
wizardry.  This skill may be acquired either through the use of an
appropriate B<talisman> or learned via a B<skill scroll>.

=head2 evocation

You can cast spells related to the B<evocation> (mostly cold magic)
school of wizardry.  This skill may be acquired either through the use of
an appropriate B<talisman> or learned via a B<skill scroll>.

=head2 sorcery

You can cast spells related to the B<sorcery> (identify, town portal and
other meta-spells) school of wizardry.  This skill may be acquired either
through the use of an appropriate B<talisman> or learned via a B<skill
scroll>.

=head2 flame touch

You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's
B<Str> and level. This is the default hand-to-hand fighting skill for the
fireborn character class.

=head2 hiding

You enjoy limited form of invisibility. If you attack or move too much
you become visible. Right now it is possible to hidden while next to
hostile monsters. Not a reasonable feature!

=head2 jeweler

You can identify amulets, rings and talismans. One can also improve magic
rings or enchant non-magic rings to give them stat bonuses using the alchemy
skill and a B<jeweler's workbench>.

=head2 jumping

You can "skip" over one, two or three spaces in the selected direction.
Distance depends on weight carried, B<Str> and B<Dex> of the user. This skill
may also be used as an attack.

=head2 karate

You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's B<Str>
and level. This attack is the fastest and (at higher levels) most deadly
of the hand-to-hand attacks available.

=head2 climbing

Having this skill allows you to move faster through hilly areas than players
without this skill.

=head2 literacy

You can identify books and scrolls that you hold. Since scrolls are
currently always identified, this is not the greatest of skills.

=head2 lockpicking

You may "pick locks" (open doors). You need to have readied some
B<lockpicks> to use this skill.

=head2 meditation

Player can regain mana/hp at an accelerated rate. Player must first strip
off encumbering armour however. This skill is only available to the "monk"
character class.

=head2 one handed weapons

You can use one-handed hand-held weapons (e.g. B<shortsword>, B<dagger>, 
B<mace>, etc). Wield and ready the weapon by applying it and use the fire and
direction keys.

=head2 two handed weapons

You can use two-handed hand-held weapons (e.g. B<longsword>, B<club>, etc).
Wield and ready the weapon by applying it and use the fire and direction keys.

=head2 missile weapons

The user is capabale of making attacks with ranged weapons (eg bow, crossbow).
Fire arrows by applying a bow and using teh fire and direction keys. To fire
specific arrows to kill a monster that is weak against a certain arrow, mark
this arrow and fire.

=head2 mountaineer

While the skill is readied, the possessor will move faster through "hilly"
terrain (hills, mountains, etc.)

=head2 oratory

You may "recruit" followers. Recruitees must be of lower level, and
unaggressive to start. Use of this skill may anger the audience. Also,
"special" monsters are immune to recruitment. Success depends on user's
B<Cha> and level.

=head2 praying

You are allowed to cast "cleric" spells. In addition, this skill may be
used to accelerate the accumulation of grace. This skill may be either
learned (e.g. using a B<skill scroll>) or acquired through the use of a
B<holy symbol>.

=head2 punching

You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's B<Str>
and level. This is the most feeble of the hand-to-hand attacks.

=head2 find traps

You can search (more effectively) for traps. This is not a "passive"
skill, it must be applied in order to gain the advantage in discovering
traps, or actively used when in vicinity of a trap. To use it, fire into
any direction.

=head2 disarm

You can disarm previously discovered traps (for example, with the B<find traps> skill).

=head2 sense curse

You can detect whether items that you hold are B<cursed> by firing in any
direction while this skill is readied.

=head2 sense magic

You can detect whether items that you hold are B<magic> by firing in any
direction while this skill is readied.

=head2 singing

You may pacify hostile monsters with this skill. Certain kinds of
monsters are immune. Success depends on user level and B<Cha>.

=head2 smithery

You can identify arms and armour that you hold, and, with the help of a
B<forge>, can even create weapons using the alchemy skill.

=head2 stealing

You can take items from the inventory of NPCs, monsters and maybe other
players.

=head2 thaumathurgy

You can identify rods, wands and horns that you are holding, and, with
the help of a B<thaumaturgists workbench> and the alchemy skill, create
those things.

=head2 throwing

You can throw items at monsters. To do this, fire at a monster with this skill
readied. You can chose what to throw by marking an item, if you do not chose an
item, an item from your inventory is randomly picked and thrown unless the item
is locked.

ERROR: Randomly?

=head2 use magic item

You can use magic items like rods/wands/horns. The level of experience
influences how powerful the spells are you can evoke from the
rod/wand/horn.

=head2 woodsman

While the skill is readied, the possessor will move faster through
"wooded" terrain (B<forest>, B<grasslands>, B<brush>, B<jungle>, etc.)

=head2 inscription

You can inscribe scrolls with a text. This is useful to create messages,
especially via the Imperial Post Office (IPO).
You can also rewrite spell scrolls with a previously known spell. B<Sp>,
time and an old scroll are needed. Backfire effects are possible. Only
available as a 'writing pen'.

How to rewrite a mail scroll/books etc.:

   mark <name of scroll> # or use the menu
   use_skill inscription <your message goes here>

How to rewrite a spell scroll:

   mark <name of scroll> # or use the menu
   cast <spell>          # prepare the spell you want to write
   use_skill inscription # write the spell on the scroll

The scroll on which you want to write has to be much lower than your inscription
level, otherwise you may accidentally read the scroll and cast the spell inside it.
If you succeed, the scroll will be a scroll of the spell you chose and your level of
inscription as its level. Hence, you don't need to be that level in the spell skill
to write higher level spellscrolls.

Caution: Magic spell writing can be risky to one's health. There can be
some negative effects if one fails to write a spell scroll. The most
benign is that one becomes confused for a short time. Other effects are
more severe and can even be dangerous.

=head2 spark touch

You can do a "bare-handed attack" and shock the opponent with this skill
readied. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a unique skill
that can only be used by sparklings.

=head2 shiver

You can do a "bare-handed attack" and send waves of frost to the opponent with
this skill readied. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a
unique skill that can only be used by iceborns.

=head2 acid splash

You can do a "bare-handed attack" and splash the opponent with acid using this
skill. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a unique skill
that can only be used by acidborns.

=head2 poison nail

TODO: Add goblins and think about the name goblin.

You can do a "bare-handed attack" and inject poison into the opponent with
this skill readied. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a
unique skill that can only be used by goblins.

=head1 About experience and skills

=head2 Associated and miscellaneous skills

In Crossfire two types of skills exist; The first kind, "associated"
skills, are those skills which are associated with a category of
experience. The other kind of skill, "miscellaneous" skills, are not
related to any experience category.

The main difference between these two kinds of skills is in the result
of their use. When associated skills are used successfully experience
is accrued in the experience category associated with that skill. In
contrast, the use of miscellaneous skills never gains the player any
experience regardless of the success in using it.

Both miscellaneous and associated skills can fail. This means that
the attempt to use the skill was unsuccessful. Both miscellaneous
and associated skills can have certain primary stats associated with
them. These associated stats can help to determine if the use of a skill
is successful and to what degree it is successful.

All gained experience is modified by the associated stats for that skill
(table skill statistics) and then the appropriate experience category
automatically updated as needed.

=head2 Restrictions on skills use and gaining experience

Neither a character's stats nor the character class restricts the player
from gaining experience in any of the experience categories. Also, there
are no inherent restrictions on character skill use-any player may use any
acquired skill.

   Average of Experienced
   Associated Gain
   Stats      Multiplier
   1          0.01
   2          0.1
   3          0.3
   4          0.5
   5          0.6
   6          0.7
   7          0.8
   8          0.85
   9          0.9
   10         0.95
   11         0.96
   12         0.97
   13         0.98
   14         0.99
   15         1.0
   16         1.01
   17         1.02
   18         1.03
   19         1.04
   20         1.05
   21         1.07
   22         1.09
   23         1.12
   24         1.15
   25         1.2
   26         1.3
   27         1.4
   28         1.5
   29         1.7
   30         2.0

=head2 Algorithm for Experience Gain under the skills system

Here we take the view that a player must "overcome an opponent" in
order to gain experience. Examples include foes killed in combat,
finding/disarming a trap, stealing from some being, identifying an object,
etc.

Gained experience is based primarily on the difference in levels between
"opponents," experience point value of a "vanquished foe," the values of
the associated stats of the skill being used and two factors that are set
internally. (Note: If you want to know more about this, check out the
skills_developers.doc.)

Below the algorithm for experience gain is given where player "pl" has
"vanquished" opponent "op" using skill "sk:"

   EXP GAIN = (EXP(op) + EXP(sk)) * lvl_mult * stat_mult

where C<EXP(sk)> is a constant award based on the skill used, C<EXP(op)> is the
base experience award for "op" which depends on what op is (see below),
stat_mult is taken from table experience modification, and lvl_mult is:

For C<< level(pl)> < level(op) >>:

   lvl_mult = FACTOR(sk) * (level(op) - level(pl))

For C<< level(pl) = level(op) >>:

   lvl_mult = FACTOR(sk)

For C<< level(pl) > level(op) >>:

   lvl_mult = (level(op)/level(pl));

where C<level(op)> is the level of "op," level (pl) is the level of the
player, and C<FACTOR(sk)> is an internal factor based on the skill used by
"pl."

There are three different cases for how EXP (op) can be computed:

=over 4

=item op is a living creature: EXP(op) is just the base experience award
given in the spoiler.

=item op is a trap: EXP(op) = 1/(fraction of the time which the trap is
visible). Thus, traps which are highly visible get lower values.

=item op is not a trap but is non-living: EXP(op) = internal experience
award of the item. Also, the lvl_mult is multiplied by any magic
enchantment on the item.

=back

=head1 How skills are used

=over 4

=item B<< skills >> This command lists all the player's current known
skills, their level of use and the associated experience category of each
skill.

=item B<< ready_skill I<skill> >> This command changes the player's current
readied skill to <skill>.

=item B<< use_skill I<skill> I<string> >> This command changes the player's
current readied skill and then executes it in the facing direction of the
player. Similar in action to the invoke command.

=back

Three player commands are related to skills use: B<ready_skill>,
B<use_skill>, and B<skills>. Generally, a player will use a skill by first
readying the right one, with the ready_skill command and then making a
ranged "attack" to activate the skill; using most skills is just like
firing a wand or a bow. In a few cases however, a skill is be used just
by having it readied. For example, the mountaineer skill allows favorable
movement though hilly terrain while it is readied.

To change to a new skill, a player can use either the B<use_skill> or
B<ready_skill> commands, but note that the use of several common items can
automatically change the player's current skill too. Examples of this
include readying a bow (which will cause the code to make the player's
current skill missile_weapons) or readying a melee weapon (current skill
auto-matically becomes melee weapons). Also, some player actions can cause
a change in the current skill. Running into a monster while you have a
readied weapon in your inventory causes the code to automatically make our
current skill melee weapons. As another example of this-casting a spell
will cause the code to switch the current skill to wizardry or praying (as
appropriate to the spell type).

It is not possible to use more than one skill at a time.

=head2 Acquiring skills

Skills may be gained in two ways. In the first, new skills may
learned. This is done by reading a B<skill scroll> and the process is very
similar to learning a spell. Just as in attempts to learn incantations,
success in learning skills is dependent on a random test based on the
learner's INT. Using your INT stat, look in the learn% column in table
primary stat effects to find your % chance of learning a skill. Once you
hit 100%, you will always be successfull in learning new skills.

The acquisition of a skill tool will also allow the player to use a new
skill. An example of a skill tool is "lockpicks" lockpicks (which allow
the player to pick door locks). The player merely applies the skill tool
in order to gain use of the new skill. If the tool is unapplied, the
player loses the use of the skill associated with the tool.

After a new skill is gained (either learned or if player has an applied
skill tool) it will appear on the player's skill roster (use the 'skills
command to view its status). If the new skill is an associated skill,
then it will automatically be gained at the player's current level in the
appropriate experience category.

For example, Stilco the Wraith, who is 5th level in agility, buys a set of
lockpicks and applies them. He may now use the skill lockpicking at 5th
level of ability since that is an agility associated skill.

=head1 Authors

Parts of this document were originally compiled, edited, and written by
Brian Thomas, Klaus Elsbernd, and John W. Klar. Additional information
compiled by Maciej Kalisiak, Gorlin, Anton Oussik and Gene Alexander.

Adapted for use by I<cfplus>, enhanced and corrected by Pippijn van
Steenhoven and Marc A. Lehmann.

Revision:	1.2
Committed:	Sun Aug 13 11:29:20 2006 UTC (17 years, 10 months ago) by elmex
Branch:	MAIN
Changes since 1.1:	+2 -1 lines
Log Message:	added a tooltip and changed the bowyer skill help
#	Content
1	=head1 Skills
2
3	=head1 Description
4
5	Instead of gaining experience for basically just killing monsters (and
6	disarming traps) you can also gain a variety of experience through the
7	use of skills.
8
9	=head1 Skill Overview
10
11	Skill Experience Associated Stats
12	Stat 1 Stat 2 Stat 3
13	Achemy Mental Int Dex Wis
14	Bargaining NONE n/a n/a n/a
15	Bowyer Mental Int Dex Wis
16	Clawing Physique Str Dex n/a
17	Disarm Traps Agility Dex Int Str
18	Find Traps Mental Int Dex n/a
19	Flame Touch Physique Str Dex Int
20	Hiding Agility Dex Int n/a
21	Inscription Mental Int Dex n/a
22	Jeweler Mental Int Wis Dex
23	Jumping Physique Str Dex n/a
24	Karate Physique Str Dex n/a
25	Literacy Mental Int Wis n/a
26	Lockpicking Agility Dex Int n/a
27	Meditation NONE Int Wis Pow
28	Melee Weapons Physique Str Dex n/a
29	Missile Weapons Physique Str Dex n/a
30	Mountaineer NONE n/a n/a n/a
31	Oratory Personality Cha Int n/a
32	Praying Wisdom Wis Pow n/a
33	Punching Physique Str Dex n/a
34	Sense Curse Wisdom Pow Wis n/a
35	Sense Magic Magic Pow Int n/a
36	Set Traps Mental Int Dex Str
37	Singing Personality Cha Int n/a
38	Smithery Mental Int Str Dex
39	Stealing Agility Dex Int n/a
40	Thaumaturgy Mental Int Wis n/a
41	Throwing Physique Str Dex n/a
42	Use Magic Item NONE Pow Int n/a
43	Wizardry Magic Pow Int n/a
44	Woodsman Mental Int Dex Wis
45
46	=head1 X<skill_description>Detailed Skill Description
47
48	Below is a more detailed description of each skills and how they are used.
49
50	=head2 alchemy
51
52	You can identify potions, containers, and different kinds of ore and mineral,
53	mix potions and create other stuff (such as gold, weapons, deadly monsters
54	killing him/her etc.) from other ingredients using a cauldron.
55
56	To identify alchemy stuff you have to stand over it or have it in your inventory and
57	issue the command C<use_skill alchemy>. The alchemy items will be identified. Some might
58	not get identified if your alchemy level is too low.
59
60	A higher alchemy level will also help you to estimate the value of items better.
61
62	To create something new, for example some dust or potion, you have to get a B<cauldron>.
63	You find these in shops, guilds and some appartments. Some alchemy shops also let you use
64	their cauldron for a fee. All you need now is to know what items creates which other item.
65	You learn the ingredients this by finding receipes. It is B<very important> that you B<identify>
66	all ingredients for a receipe before using them!
67
68	For a start you could try to make B<water of the wise>:
69	Get 7 water bottles (filled), identify them, put them in a cauldron, do C<use_skill alchemy>.
70	If everything worked there should be B<water of the wise> in the cauldron now.
71	Congratulations, your first alchemy was done!
72
73	Be careful when doing alchemy and trying complicated receipes, they might fail and
74	will backfire heavily at you.
75
76	I<Never, ever, do alchemy in your home or in public places!> You can
77	easily create powerful monsters that will kill you, kill you again when
78	you wake up in your savebed, kill you again... etc.
79
80	=head2 bargaining
81
82	This skill helps you to bargain in shops when buying and selling. The higher
83	your bargaining level is the better prices you will get. Besides having a high
84	bargaining skill it helps a lot to have a high B<Cha>risma stat.
85
86	When you are in a shop, you can C<use_skill bargaining> to see whether that
87	shop will buy the items you want to sell at a higher price than others and
88	whether the shopkeeper likes you. Elf shopkeepers will like elf players.
89
90	=head2 bowyer
91
92	You can identify missile weapons and missiles such as arrows, bolts and bows.
93	One can also create special bows and arrows from other ingredients using the
94	bowyer skill like the L<skill_help/*/alchemy> skill and a B<workbench>
95	(you just have to find out a receip)
96
97	=head2 clawing
98
99	You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's B<Str>
100	and level. With time, one can have different claws such as fire claws or
101	electric claws. An elemental residue from the dragon guild is required.
102
103	=head2 levitation
104
105	You can levitate (fly low) at will. Using the skill first makes you
106	levitate, and at the second time returns you to the earth.
107
108	=head2 summoning
109
110	You can cast spells related to the B<summoning> school of wizardry, which
111	mostly summon monsters, bullet walls and similar things. This skill
112	may be acquired either through the use of an appropriate B<talisman> or
113	learned via a B<skill scroll>.
114
115	=head2 pyromancy
116
117	You can cast spells related to the B<pyromancy> (fire) school of
118	wizardry. This skill may be acquired either through the use of an
119	appropriate B<talisman> or learned via a B<skill scroll>.
120
121	=head2 evocation
122
123	You can cast spells related to the B<evocation> (mostly cold magic)
124	school of wizardry. This skill may be acquired either through the use of
125	an appropriate B<talisman> or learned via a B<skill scroll>.
126
127	=head2 sorcery
128
129	You can cast spells related to the B<sorcery> (identify, town portal and
130	other meta-spells) school of wizardry. This skill may be acquired either
131	through the use of an appropriate B<talisman> or learned via a B<skill
132	scroll>.
133
134	=head2 flame touch
135
136	You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's
137	B<Str> and level. This is the default hand-to-hand fighting skill for the
138	fireborn character class.
139
140	=head2 hiding
141
142	You enjoy limited form of invisibility. If you attack or move too much
143	you become visible. Right now it is possible to hidden while next to
144	hostile monsters. Not a reasonable feature!
145
146	=head2 jeweler
147
148	You can identify amulets, rings and talismans. One can also improve magic
149	rings or enchant non-magic rings to give them stat bonuses using the alchemy
150	skill and a B<jeweler's workbench>.
151
152	=head2 jumping
153
154	You can "skip" over one, two or three spaces in the selected direction.
155	Distance depends on weight carried, B<Str> and B<Dex> of the user. This skill
156	may also be used as an attack.
157
158	=head2 karate
159
160	You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's B<Str>
161	and level. This attack is the fastest and (at higher levels) most deadly
162	of the hand-to-hand attacks available.
163
164	=head2 climbing
165
166	Having this skill allows you to move faster through hilly areas than players
167	without this skill.
168
169	=head2 literacy
170
171	You can identify books and scrolls that you hold. Since scrolls are
172	currently always identified, this is not the greatest of skills.
173
174	=head2 lockpicking
175
176	You may "pick locks" (open doors). You need to have readied some
177	B<lockpicks> to use this skill.
178
179	=head2 meditation
180
181	Player can regain mana/hp at an accelerated rate. Player must first strip
182	off encumbering armour however. This skill is only available to the "monk"
183	character class.
184
185	=head2 one handed weapons
186
187	You can use one-handed hand-held weapons (e.g. B<shortsword>, B<dagger>,
188	B<mace>, etc). Wield and ready the weapon by applying it and use the fire and
189	direction keys.
190
191	=head2 two handed weapons
192
193	You can use two-handed hand-held weapons (e.g. B<longsword>, B<club>, etc).
194	Wield and ready the weapon by applying it and use the fire and direction keys.
195
196	=head2 missile weapons
197
198	The user is capabale of making attacks with ranged weapons (eg bow, crossbow).
199	Fire arrows by applying a bow and using teh fire and direction keys. To fire
200	specific arrows to kill a monster that is weak against a certain arrow, mark
201	this arrow and fire.
202
203	=head2 mountaineer
204
205	While the skill is readied, the possessor will move faster through "hilly"
206	terrain (hills, mountains, etc.)
207
208	=head2 oratory
209
210	You may "recruit" followers. Recruitees must be of lower level, and
211	unaggressive to start. Use of this skill may anger the audience. Also,
212	"special" monsters are immune to recruitment. Success depends on user's
213	B<Cha> and level.
214
215	=head2 praying
216
217	You are allowed to cast "cleric" spells. In addition, this skill may be
218	used to accelerate the accumulation of grace. This skill may be either
219	learned (e.g. using a B<skill scroll>) or acquired through the use of a
220	B<holy symbol>.
221
222	=head2 punching
223
224	You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's B<Str>
225	and level. This is the most feeble of the hand-to-hand attacks.
226
227	=head2 find traps
228
229	You can search (more effectively) for traps. This is not a "passive"
230	skill, it must be applied in order to gain the advantage in discovering
231	traps, or actively used when in vicinity of a trap. To use it, fire into
232	any direction.
233
234	=head2 disarm
235
236	You can disarm previously discovered traps (for example, with the B<find traps> skill).
237
238	=head2 sense curse
239
240	You can detect whether items that you hold are B<cursed> by firing in any
241	direction while this skill is readied.
242
243	=head2 sense magic
244
245	You can detect whether items that you hold are B<magic> by firing in any
246	direction while this skill is readied.
247
248	=head2 singing
249
250	You may pacify hostile monsters with this skill. Certain kinds of
251	monsters are immune. Success depends on user level and B<Cha>.
252
253	=head2 smithery
254
255	You can identify arms and armour that you hold, and, with the help of a
256	B<forge>, can even create weapons using the alchemy skill.
257
258	=head2 stealing
259
260	You can take items from the inventory of NPCs, monsters and maybe other
261	players.
262
263	=head2 thaumathurgy
264
265	You can identify rods, wands and horns that you are holding, and, with
266	the help of a B<thaumaturgists workbench> and the alchemy skill, create
267	those things.
268
269	=head2 throwing
270
271	You can throw items at monsters. To do this, fire at a monster with this skill
272	readied. You can chose what to throw by marking an item, if you do not chose an
273	item, an item from your inventory is randomly picked and thrown unless the item
274	is locked.
275
276	ERROR: Randomly?
277
278	=head2 use magic item
279
280	You can use magic items like rods/wands/horns. The level of experience
281	influences how powerful the spells are you can evoke from the
282	rod/wand/horn.
283
284	=head2 woodsman
285
286	While the skill is readied, the possessor will move faster through
287	"wooded" terrain (B<forest>, B<grasslands>, B<brush>, B<jungle>, etc.)
288
289	=head2 inscription
290
291	You can inscribe scrolls with a text. This is useful to create messages,
292	especially via the Imperial Post Office (IPO).
293	You can also rewrite spell scrolls with a previously known spell. B<Sp>,
294	time and an old scroll are needed. Backfire effects are possible. Only
295	available as a 'writing pen'.
296
297	How to rewrite a mail scroll/books etc.:
298
299	mark <name of scroll> # or use the menu
300	use_skill inscription <your message goes here>
301
302	How to rewrite a spell scroll:
303
304	mark <name of scroll> # or use the menu
305	cast <spell> # prepare the spell you want to write
306	use_skill inscription # write the spell on the scroll
307
308	The scroll on which you want to write has to be much lower than your inscription
309	level, otherwise you may accidentally read the scroll and cast the spell inside it.
310	If you succeed, the scroll will be a scroll of the spell you chose and your level of
311	inscription as its level. Hence, you don't need to be that level in the spell skill
312	to write higher level spellscrolls.
313
314	Caution: Magic spell writing can be risky to one's health. There can be
315	some negative effects if one fails to write a spell scroll. The most
316	benign is that one becomes confused for a short time. Other effects are
317	more severe and can even be dangerous.
318
319	=head2 spark touch
320
321	You can do a "bare-handed attack" and shock the opponent with this skill
322	readied. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a unique skill
323	that can only be used by sparklings.
324
325	=head2 shiver
326
327	You can do a "bare-handed attack" and send waves of frost to the opponent with
328	this skill readied. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a
329	unique skill that can only be used by iceborns.
330
331	=head2 acid splash
332
333	You can do a "bare-handed attack" and splash the opponent with acid using this
334	skill. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a unique skill
335	that can only be used by acidborns.
336
337	=head2 poison nail
338
339	TODO: Add goblins and think about the name goblin.
340
341	You can do a "bare-handed attack" and inject poison into the opponent with
342	this skill readied. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a
343	unique skill that can only be used by goblins.
344
345	=head1 About experience and skills
346
347	=head2 Associated and miscellaneous skills
348
349	In Crossfire two types of skills exist; The first kind, "associated"
350	skills, are those skills which are associated with a category of
351	experience. The other kind of skill, "miscellaneous" skills, are not
352	related to any experience category.
353
354	The main difference between these two kinds of skills is in the result
355	of their use. When associated skills are used successfully experience
356	is accrued in the experience category associated with that skill. In
357	contrast, the use of miscellaneous skills never gains the player any
358	experience regardless of the success in using it.
359
360	Both miscellaneous and associated skills can fail. This means that
361	the attempt to use the skill was unsuccessful. Both miscellaneous
362	and associated skills can have certain primary stats associated with
363	them. These associated stats can help to determine if the use of a skill
364	is successful and to what degree it is successful.
365
366	All gained experience is modified by the associated stats for that skill
367	(table skill statistics) and then the appropriate experience category
368	automatically updated as needed.
369
370	=head2 Restrictions on skills use and gaining experience
371
372	Neither a character's stats nor the character class restricts the player
373	from gaining experience in any of the experience categories. Also, there
374	are no inherent restrictions on character skill use-any player may use any
375	acquired skill.
376
377	Average of Experienced
378	Associated Gain
379	Stats Multiplier
380	1 0.01
381	2 0.1
382	3 0.3
383	4 0.5
384	5 0.6
385	6 0.7
386	7 0.8
387	8 0.85
388	9 0.9
389	10 0.95
390	11 0.96
391	12 0.97
392	13 0.98
393	14 0.99
394	15 1.0
395	16 1.01
396	17 1.02
397	18 1.03
398	19 1.04
399	20 1.05
400	21 1.07
401	22 1.09
402	23 1.12
403	24 1.15
404	25 1.2
405	26 1.3
406	27 1.4
407	28 1.5
408	29 1.7
409	30 2.0
410
411	=head2 Algorithm for Experience Gain under the skills system
412
413	Here we take the view that a player must "overcome an opponent" in
414	order to gain experience. Examples include foes killed in combat,
415	finding/disarming a trap, stealing from some being, identifying an object,
416	etc.
417
418	Gained experience is based primarily on the difference in levels between
419	"opponents," experience point value of a "vanquished foe," the values of
420	the associated stats of the skill being used and two factors that are set
421	internally. (Note: If you want to know more about this, check out the
422	skills_developers.doc.)
423
424	Below the algorithm for experience gain is given where player "pl" has
425	"vanquished" opponent "op" using skill "sk:"
426
427	EXP GAIN = (EXP(op) + EXP(sk)) * lvl_mult * stat_mult
428
429	where C<EXP(sk)> is a constant award based on the skill used, C<EXP(op)> is the
430	base experience award for "op" which depends on what op is (see below),
431	stat_mult is taken from table experience modification, and lvl_mult is:
432
433	For C<< level(pl)> < level(op) >>:
434
435	lvl_mult = FACTOR(sk) * (level(op) - level(pl))
436
437	For C<< level(pl) = level(op) >>:
438
439	lvl_mult = FACTOR(sk)
440
441	For C<< level(pl) > level(op) >>:
442
443	lvl_mult = (level(op)/level(pl));
444
445	where C<level(op)> is the level of "op," level (pl) is the level of the
446	player, and C<FACTOR(sk)> is an internal factor based on the skill used by
447	"pl."
448
449	There are three different cases for how EXP (op) can be computed:
450
451	=over 4
452
453	=item op is a living creature: EXP(op) is just the base experience award
454	given in the spoiler.
455
456	=item op is a trap: EXP(op) = 1/(fraction of the time which the trap is
457	visible). Thus, traps which are highly visible get lower values.
458
459	=item op is not a trap but is non-living: EXP(op) = internal experience
460	award of the item. Also, the lvl_mult is multiplied by any magic
461	enchantment on the item.
462
463	=back
464
465	=head1 How skills are used
466
467	=over 4
468
469	=item B<< skills >> This command lists all the player's current known
470	skills, their level of use and the associated experience category of each
471	skill.
472
473	=item B<< ready_skill I<skill> >> This command changes the player's current
474	readied skill to <skill>.
475
476	=item B<< use_skill I<skill> I<string> >> This command changes the player's
477	current readied skill and then executes it in the facing direction of the
478	player. Similar in action to the invoke command.
479
480	=back
481
482	Three player commands are related to skills use: B<ready_skill>,
483	B<use_skill>, and B<skills>. Generally, a player will use a skill by first
484	readying the right one, with the ready_skill command and then making a
485	ranged "attack" to activate the skill; using most skills is just like
486	firing a wand or a bow. In a few cases however, a skill is be used just
487	by having it readied. For example, the mountaineer skill allows favorable
488	movement though hilly terrain while it is readied.
489
490	To change to a new skill, a player can use either the B<use_skill> or
491	B<ready_skill> commands, but note that the use of several common items can
492	automatically change the player's current skill too. Examples of this
493	include readying a bow (which will cause the code to make the player's
494	current skill missile_weapons) or readying a melee weapon (current skill
495	auto-matically becomes melee weapons). Also, some player actions can cause
496	a change in the current skill. Running into a monster while you have a
497	readied weapon in your inventory causes the code to automatically make our
498	current skill melee weapons. As another example of this-casting a spell
499	will cause the code to switch the current skill to wizardry or praying (as
500	appropriate to the spell type).
501
502	It is not possible to use more than one skill at a time.
503
504	=head2 Acquiring skills
505
506	Skills may be gained in two ways. In the first, new skills may
507	learned. This is done by reading a B<skill scroll> and the process is very
508	similar to learning a spell. Just as in attempts to learn incantations,
509	success in learning skills is dependent on a random test based on the
510	learner's INT. Using your INT stat, look in the learn% column in table
511	primary stat effects to find your % chance of learning a skill. Once you
512	hit 100%, you will always be successfull in learning new skills.
513
514	The acquisition of a skill tool will also allow the player to use a new
515	skill. An example of a skill tool is "lockpicks" lockpicks (which allow
516	the player to pick door locks). The player merely applies the skill tool
517	in order to gain use of the new skill. If the tool is unapplied, the
518	player loses the use of the skill associated with the tool.
519
520	After a new skill is gained (either learned or if player has an applied
521	skill tool) it will appear on the player's skill roster (use the 'skills
522	command to view its status). If the new skill is an associated skill,
523	then it will automatically be gained at the player's current level in the
524	appropriate experience category.
525
526	For example, Stilco the Wraith, who is 5th level in agility, buys a set of
527	lockpicks and applies them. He may now use the skill lockpicking at 5th
528	level of ability since that is an agility associated skill.
529
530	=head1 Authors
531
532	Parts of this document were originally compiled, edited, and written by
533	Brian Thomas, Klaus Elsbernd, and John W. Klar. Additional information
534	compiled by Maciej Kalisiak, Gorlin, Anton Oussik and Gene Alexander.
535
536	Adapted for use by I<cfplus>, enhanced and corrected by Pippijn van
537	Steenhoven and Marc A. Lehmann.
538