resources/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 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
alchemy skill and a B<workbench>.

=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:	1.10
Committed:	Sun Aug 13 02:43:23 2006 UTC (17 years, 9 months ago) by root
Branch:	MAIN
CVS Tags:	HEAD
Changes since 1.9:	+0 -0 lines
State:	*FILE REMOVED*
Log Message:	* empty log message *
#	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 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	alchemy skill and a B<workbench>.
95
96	=head2 clawing
97
98	You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's B<Str>
99	and level. With time, one can have different claws such as fire claws or
100	electric claws. An elemental residue from the dragon guild is required.
101
102	=head2 levitation
103
104	You can levitate (fly low) at will. Using the skill first makes you
105	levitate, and at the second time returns you to the earth.
106
107	=head2 summoning
108
109	You can cast spells related to the B<summoning> school of wizardry, which
110	mostly summon monsters, bullet walls and similar things. This skill
111	may be acquired either through the use of an appropriate B<talisman> or
112	learned via a B<skill scroll>.
113
114	=head2 pyromancy
115
116	You can cast spells related to the B<pyromancy> (fire) school of
117	wizardry. This skill may be acquired either through the use of an
118	appropriate B<talisman> or learned via a B<skill scroll>.
119
120	=head2 evocation
121
122	You can cast spells related to the B<evocation> (mostly cold magic)
123	school of wizardry. This skill may be acquired either through the use of
124	an appropriate B<talisman> or learned via a B<skill scroll>.
125
126	=head2 sorcery
127
128	You can cast spells related to the B<sorcery> (identify, town portal and
129	other meta-spells) school of wizardry. This skill may be acquired either
130	through the use of an appropriate B<talisman> or learned via a B<skill
131	scroll>.
132
133	=head2 flame touch
134
135	You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's
136	B<Str> and level. This is the default hand-to-hand fighting skill for the
137	fireborn character class.
138
139	=head2 hiding
140
141	You enjoy limited form of invisibility. If you attack or move too much
142	you become visible. Right now it is possible to hidden while next to
143	hostile monsters. Not a reasonable feature!
144
145	=head2 jeweler
146
147	You can identify amulets, rings and talismans. One can also improve magic
148	rings or enchant non-magic rings to give them stat bonuses using the alchemy
149	skill and a B<jeweler's workbench>.
150
151	=head2 jumping
152
153	You can "skip" over one, two or three spaces in the selected direction.
154	Distance depends on weight carried, B<Str> and B<Dex> of the user. This skill
155	may also be used as an attack.
156
157	=head2 karate
158
159	You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's B<Str>
160	and level. This attack is the fastest and (at higher levels) most deadly
161	of the hand-to-hand attacks available.
162
163	=head2 climbing
164
165	Having this skill allows you to move faster through hilly areas than players
166	without this skill.
167
168	=head2 literacy
169
170	You can identify books and scrolls that you hold. Since scrolls are
171	currently always identified, this is not the greatest of skills.
172
173	=head2 lockpicking
174
175	You may "pick locks" (open doors). You need to have readied some
176	B<lockpicks> to use this skill.
177
178	=head2 meditation
179
180	Player can regain mana/hp at an accelerated rate. Player must first strip
181	off encumbering armour however. This skill is only available to the "monk"
182	character class.
183
184	=head2 one handed weapons
185
186	You can use one-handed hand-held weapons (e.g. B<shortsword>, B<dagger>,
187	B<mace>, etc). Wield and ready the weapon by applying it and use the fire and
188	direction keys.
189
190	=head2 two handed weapons
191
192	You can use two-handed hand-held weapons (e.g. B<longsword>, B<club>, etc).
193	Wield and ready the weapon by applying it and use the fire and direction keys.
194
195	=head2 missile weapons
196
197	The user is capabale of making attacks with ranged weapons (eg bow, crossbow).
198	Fire arrows by applying a bow and using teh fire and direction keys. To fire
199	specific arrows to kill a monster that is weak against a certain arrow, mark
200	this arrow and fire.
201
202	=head2 mountaineer
203
204	While the skill is readied, the possessor will move faster through "hilly"
205	terrain (hills, mountains, etc.)
206
207	=head2 oratory
208
209	You may "recruit" followers. Recruitees must be of lower level, and
210	unaggressive to start. Use of this skill may anger the audience. Also,
211	"special" monsters are immune to recruitment. Success depends on user's
212	B<Cha> and level.
213
214	=head2 praying
215
216	You are allowed to cast "cleric" spells. In addition, this skill may be
217	used to accelerate the accumulation of grace. This skill may be either
218	learned (e.g. using a B<skill scroll>) or acquired through the use of a
219	B<holy symbol>.
220
221	=head2 punching
222
223	You can make a "bare-handed attack". Damage is based on the user's B<Str>
224	and level. This is the most feeble of the hand-to-hand attacks.
225
226	=head2 find traps
227
228	You can search (more effectively) for traps. This is not a "passive"
229	skill, it must be applied in order to gain the advantage in discovering
230	traps, or actively used when in vicinity of a trap. To use it, fire into
231	any direction.
232
233	=head2 disarm
234
235	You can disarm previously discovered traps (for example, with the B<find traps> skill).
236
237	=head2 sense curse
238
239	You can detect whether items that you hold are B<cursed> by firing in any
240	direction while this skill is readied.
241
242	=head2 sense magic
243
244	You can detect whether items that you hold are B<magic> by firing in any
245	direction while this skill is readied.
246
247	=head2 singing
248
249	You may pacify hostile monsters with this skill. Certain kinds of
250	monsters are immune. Success depends on user level and B<Cha>.
251
252	=head2 smithery
253
254	You can identify arms and armour that you hold, and, with the help of a
255	B<forge>, can even create weapons using the alchemy skill.
256
257	=head2 stealing
258
259	You can take items from the inventory of NPCs, monsters and maybe other
260	players.
261
262	=head2 thaumathurgy
263
264	You can identify rods, wands and horns that you are holding, and, with
265	the help of a B<thaumaturgists workbench> and the alchemy skill, create
266	those things.
267
268	=head2 throwing
269
270	You can throw items at monsters. To do this, fire at a monster with this skill
271	readied. You can chose what to throw by marking an item, if you do not chose an
272	item, an item from your inventory is randomly picked and thrown unless the item
273	is locked.
274
275	ERROR: Randomly?
276
277	=head2 use magic item
278
279	You can use magic items like rods/wands/horns. The level of experience
280	influences how powerful the spells are you can evoke from the
281	rod/wand/horn.
282
283	=head2 woodsman
284
285	While the skill is readied, the possessor will move faster through
286	"wooded" terrain (B<forest>, B<grasslands>, B<brush>, B<jungle>, etc.)
287
288	=head2 inscription
289
290	You can inscribe scrolls with a text. This is useful to create messages,
291	especially via the Imperial Post Office (IPO).
292	You can also rewrite spell scrolls with a previously known spell. B<Sp>,
293	time and an old scroll are needed. Backfire effects are possible. Only
294	available as a 'writing pen'.
295
296	How to rewrite a mail scroll/books etc.:
297
298	mark <name of scroll> # or use the menu
299	use_skill inscription <your message goes here>
300
301	How to rewrite a spell scroll:
302
303	mark <name of scroll> # or use the menu
304	cast <spell> # prepare the spell you want to write
305	use_skill inscription # write the spell on the scroll
306
307	The scroll on which you want to write has to be much lower than your inscription
308	level, otherwise you may accidentally read the scroll and cast the spell inside it.
309	If you succeed, the scroll will be a scroll of the spell you chose and your level of
310	inscription as its level. Hence, you don't need to be that level in the spell skill
311	to write higher level spellscrolls.
312
313	Caution: Magic spell writing can be risky to one's health. There can be
314	some negative effects if one fails to write a spell scroll. The most
315	benign is that one becomes confused for a short time. Other effects are
316	more severe and can even be dangerous.
317
318	=head2 spark touch
319
320	You can do a "bare-handed attack" and shock the opponent with this skill
321	readied. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a unique skill
322	that can only be used by sparklings.
323
324	=head2 shiver
325
326	You can do a "bare-handed attack" and send waves of frost to the opponent with
327	this skill readied. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a
328	unique skill that can only be used by iceborns.
329
330	=head2 acid splash
331
332	You can do a "bare-handed attack" and splash the opponent with acid using this
333	skill. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a unique skill
334	that can only be used by acidborns.
335
336	=head2 poison nail
337
338	TODO: Add goblins and think about the name goblin.
339
340	You can do a "bare-handed attack" and inject poison into the opponent with
341	this skill readied. Attacking is done by running into the opponent. This is a
342	unique skill that can only be used by goblins.
343
344	=head1 About experience and skills
345
346	=head2 Associated and miscellaneous skills
347
348	In Crossfire two types of skills exist; The first kind, "associated"
349	skills, are those skills which are associated with a category of
350	experience. The other kind of skill, "miscellaneous" skills, are not
351	related to any experience category.
352
353	The main difference between these two kinds of skills is in the result
354	of their use. When associated skills are used successfully experience
355	is accrued in the experience category associated with that skill. In
356	contrast, the use of miscellaneous skills never gains the player any
357	experience regardless of the success in using it.
358
359	Both miscellaneous and associated skills can fail. This means that
360	the attempt to use the skill was unsuccessful. Both miscellaneous
361	and associated skills can have certain primary stats associated with
362	them. These associated stats can help to determine if the use of a skill
363	is successful and to what degree it is successful.
364
365	All gained experience is modified by the associated stats for that skill
366	(table skill statistics) and then the appropriate experience category
367	automatically updated as needed.
368
369	=head2 Restrictions on skills use and gaining experience
370
371	Neither a character's stats nor the character class restricts the player
372	from gaining experience in any of the experience categories. Also, there
373	are no inherent restrictions on character skill use-any player may use any
374	acquired skill.
375
376	Average of Experienced
377	Associated Gain
378	Stats Multiplier
379	1 0.01
380	2 0.1
381	3 0.3
382	4 0.5
383	5 0.6
384	6 0.7
385	7 0.8
386	8 0.85
387	9 0.9
388	10 0.95
389	11 0.96
390	12 0.97
391	13 0.98
392	14 0.99
393	15 1.0
394	16 1.01
395	17 1.02
396	18 1.03
397	19 1.04
398	20 1.05
399	21 1.07
400	22 1.09
401	23 1.12
402	24 1.15
403	25 1.2
404	26 1.3
405	27 1.4
406	28 1.5
407	29 1.7
408	30 2.0
409
410	=head2 Algorithm for Experience Gain under the skills system
411
412	Here we take the view that a player must "overcome an opponent" in
413	order to gain experience. Examples include foes killed in combat,
414	finding/disarming a trap, stealing from some being, identifying an object,
415	etc.
416
417	Gained experience is based primarily on the difference in levels between
418	"opponents," experience point value of a "vanquished foe," the values of
419	the associated stats of the skill being used and two factors that are set
420	internally. (Note: If you want to know more about this, check out the
421	skills_developers.doc.)
422
423	Below the algorithm for experience gain is given where player "pl" has
424	"vanquished" opponent "op" using skill "sk:"
425
426	EXP GAIN = (EXP(op) + EXP(sk)) * lvl_mult * stat_mult
427
428	where C<EXP(sk)> is a constant award based on the skill used, C<EXP(op)> is the
429	base experience award for "op" which depends on what op is (see below),
430	stat_mult is taken from table experience modification, and lvl_mult is:
431
432	For C<< level(pl)> < level(op) >>:
433
434	lvl_mult = FACTOR(sk) * (level(op) - level(pl))
435
436	For C<< level(pl) = level(op) >>:
437
438	lvl_mult = FACTOR(sk)
439
440	For C<< level(pl) > level(op) >>:
441
442	lvl_mult = (level(op)/level(pl));
443
444	where C<level(op)> is the level of "op," level (pl) is the level of the
445	player, and C<FACTOR(sk)> is an internal factor based on the skill used by
446	"pl."
447
448	There are three different cases for how EXP (op) can be computed:
449
450	=over 4
451
452	=item op is a living creature: EXP(op) is just the base experience award
453	given in the spoiler.
454
455	=item op is a trap: EXP(op) = 1/(fraction of the time which the trap is
456	visible). Thus, traps which are highly visible get lower values.
457
458	=item op is not a trap but is non-living: EXP(op) = internal experience
459	award of the item. Also, the lvl_mult is multiplied by any magic
460	enchantment on the item.
461
462	=back
463
464	=head1 How skills are used
465
466	=over 4
467
468	=item B<< skills >> This command lists all the player's current known
469	skills, their level of use and the associated experience category of each
470	skill.
471
472	=item B<< ready_skill I<skill> >> This command changes the player's current
473	readied skill to <skill>.
474
475	=item B<< use_skill I<skill> I<string> >> This command changes the player's
476	current readied skill and then executes it in the facing direction of the
477	player. Similar in action to the invoke command.
478
479	=back
480
481	Three player commands are related to skills use: B<ready_skill>,
482	B<use_skill>, and B<skills>. Generally, a player will use a skill by first
483	readying the right one, with the ready_skill command and then making a
484	ranged "attack" to activate the skill; using most skills is just like
485	firing a wand or a bow. In a few cases however, a skill is be used just
486	by having it readied. For example, the mountaineer skill allows favorable
487	movement though hilly terrain while it is readied.
488
489	To change to a new skill, a player can use either the B<use_skill> or
490	B<ready_skill> commands, but note that the use of several common items can
491	automatically change the player's current skill too. Examples of this
492	include readying a bow (which will cause the code to make the player's
493	current skill missile_weapons) or readying a melee weapon (current skill
494	auto-matically becomes melee weapons). Also, some player actions can cause
495	a change in the current skill. Running into a monster while you have a
496	readied weapon in your inventory causes the code to automatically make our
497	current skill melee weapons. As another example of this-casting a spell
498	will cause the code to switch the current skill to wizardry or praying (as
499	appropriate to the spell type).
500
501	It is not possible to use more than one skill at a time.
502
503	=head2 Acquiring skills
504
505	Skills may be gained in two ways. In the first, new skills may
506	learned. This is done by reading a B<skill scroll> and the process is very
507	similar to learning a spell. Just as in attempts to learn incantations,
508	success in learning skills is dependent on a random test based on the
509	learner's INT. Using your INT stat, look in the learn% column in table
510	primary stat effects to find your % chance of learning a skill. Once you
511	hit 100%, you will always be successfull in learning new skills.
512
513	The acquisition of a skill tool will also allow the player to use a new
514	skill. An example of a skill tool is "lockpicks" lockpicks (which allow
515	the player to pick door locks). The player merely applies the skill tool
516	in order to gain use of the new skill. If the tool is unapplied, the
517	player loses the use of the skill associated with the tool.
518
519	After a new skill is gained (either learned or if player has an applied
520	skill tool) it will appear on the player's skill roster (use the 'skills
521	command to view its status). If the new skill is an associated skill,
522	then it will automatically be gained at the player's current level in the
523	appropriate experience category.
524
525	For example, Stilco the Wraith, who is 5th level in agility, buys a set of
526	lockpicks and applies them. He may now use the skill lockpicking at 5th
527	level of ability since that is an agility associated skill.
528
529	=head1 Authors
530
531	Parts of this document were originally compiled, edited, and written by
532	Brian Thomas, Klaus Elsbernd, and John W. Klar. Additional information
533	compiled by Maciej Kalisiak, Gorlin, Anton Oussik and Gene Alexander.
534
535	Adapted for use by I<cfplus>, enhanced and corrected by Pippijn van
536	Steenhoven and Marc A. Lehmann.
537