doc/playbook/chap5.tex


\chapter{Skills System}\index{skills}\index{experience}\label{chap:skills}

\section{Description}\index{skills, description}

Under the skills system the flow of play changes 
dramatically\footnote{The skills system is enabled as the default option 
as of version 
0.92.0}$^{, }$\footnote{The new skills/experience system is compatible 
with character files from at least version 0.91.1 onward.}. 
Instead of gaining experience for basically just killing monsters (and disarming
traps) players will now gain a variety of experience through the use
of skills. Some skills replicate old functions in the game (e.g. melee
weapons skill, missile weapon skill) while others add new functionality
(e.g. stealing, hiding, writing, etc).  A complete list of the available 
skills can be found in table \ref{tab:skill_stats}. Appendix \ref{app:skills} 
contains descriptions for many of the skills. 

\begin{table}
\begin{center}
\caption{Skills \label{tab:skill_stats}}\index{skills, list}\index{skills, associated}
\index{experience, categories}
\index{skills, miscellaneous} 
\small
\vskip 12pt
\begin{tabular}{|clccccc|} \hline 
 & Skill & Experience Category & \multicolumn{3}{c}{Associated Stats} & \\ 
 & & & (Stat 1) & (Stat 2) & (Stat 3) & \\ \hline\hline  
 & & & & & & \\
\input{skill_stat}
 & & & & & & \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\end{center}
\end{table}


\section{About experience and skills}\index{skills, 
gaining experience}\index{experience}

\subsection{Associated and miscellaneous skills}
\index{skills, associated}\index{skills, miscellaneous}

In \cf\ two types of skills exist; The first kind, ``associated''
skills, are those skills which are {\em associated with a category of 
experience}.  The other kind of skill, ``miscellaneous'' skills,
are {\em 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 {\em successfully} experience is 
accrued in the experience category {\em associated with that skill}. 
In contrast, the use of miscellaneous skills {\em never} gains
the player any experience regardless of the success in using it.

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

All gained experience is modified by the associated 
stats for that skill (table \ref{tab:skill_stats}) and then the 
appropriate experience category automatically updated as needed.

\subsection{Restrictions on skills use and gaining experience}
\index{skills, restrictions}

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 {\em acquired} skill. 

\subsection{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\footnote{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'' 
that has ``vanquished'' opponent ``op'' using skill ``sk'':
\begin{quote}
EXP GAIN = (EXP$_{op}$ + EXP$_{sk}$) * lvl\_mul
\end{quote}
where EXP$_{sk}$ is a constant award based on the skill used, 
EXP$_{op}$ is the base experience award for `op' which depends
on what op is (see below), 

\noindent{For} level$_{pl}$ $<$ level$_{op}$:: 
\begin{quote}
lvl\_mult = FACTOR$_{sk}$ * (level$_{op}$ - level$_{pl}$)
\end{quote}
\noindent{For} level$_{pl}$ $=$ level$_{op}$:: 
\begin{quote}
lvl\_mult = FACTOR$_{sk}$
\end{quote}
\noindent{For} level$_{pl}$ $>$ level$_{op}$:: 
\begin{quote}
lvl\_mult = (level$_{op}/$level$_{pl}$); 
\end{quote}
where level$_{op}$ is the level of `op', level$_{pl}$ is the level
of the player, and 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:
\begin{quote}
1) {\bf op is a living creature}: EXP$_{op}$ is just the base 
experience award given in the \spoiler . \\

2) {\bf op is a trap}: EXP$_{op} \propto$ 1/(the time for which the
trap is visible). Thus, traps which are highly {\em visible} get {\em lower}
values. \\

3) {\bf 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 {\tt magic} enchantment on the item.
\end{quote}

\section{How skills are used}\index{skills, how to use}
 
\begin{table}
\small
\caption{Skills commands}\label{tab:skill_cmd}
\vskip 12pt
\begin{center}
\begin{tabular}{|cllc|} \hline 
 & & & \\
 & {\tt skills} &       This command lists all the player's & \\ 
 &              & current known skills, their level & \\ 
 &              & of use and the associated experience & \\ 
 &              & category of each skill. & \\ 
 & & & \\ 
 & {\tt ready\_skill $<$skill$>$}       & This command changes the player's & \\ 
  &                             & current readied skill to {\tt $<$skill$>$}. &  \\ 
 & & & \\
 & {\tt use\_skill $<$skill$>$ $<$string$>$}  & This command changes the player's & \\ 
 &                              & current readied skill {\em and} then & \\ 
  &                             & executes it in the facing direction & \\ 
 &                              & of the player. Similar in action to & \\ 
 &                              & the {\tt invoke} command. & \\ 
 & & & \\ \hline 
\end{tabular}
\end{center}
\end{table}
 
Three player commands are related to skills use: {\tt ready\_skill}, 
{\tt use\_skill}, and {\tt skills} (see table \ref{tab:skill_cmd}). 
Generally, a player will use a skill by first readying the right one,
with the {\tt 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
{\em readied}. For example, the {\tt mountaineer} skill allows
favorable movement though hilly terrain while it is readied.
 
To change to a new skill, a player can use either the
{\tt use\_skill} or {\tt 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 {\tt missile\_weapons}) or readying
a melee weapon (current skill auto-matically becomes {\tt 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 {\tt melee weapons}.
As another example of this$-$casting a spell will cause the code to
switch the current skill to {\tt \spellcasting} or {\tt praying} (as appropriate
to the spell type).
 
It is not possible to use more than one skill at a time.
 
\section{Acquiring skills}\index{skills, learning}\index{skills, tools}

Skills may be gained in two ways. In the first, new skills may {\em learned}.
This is done by reading a ``skill scroll'' and the process is very similar
to learning a spell. Just as in attempts to learn \incantation s, 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 \ref{tab:pri_eff} 
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 {\em skill tool} will also allow the player to use
a new skill. An example of a skill tool is ``lockpicks''\inputimage{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 looses 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 {\tt 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 {\tt agility} associated skill.
Revision:	1.1.1.1 (vendor branch)
Committed:	Fri Feb 3 07:12:38 2006 UTC (18 years, 5 months ago) by root
Content type:	application/x-tex
Branch:	UPSTREAM
CVS Tags:	UPSTREAM_2006_03_15, LAST_C_VERSION, STABLE, UPSTREAM_2006_02_22, difficulty_fix_merge_060810_2300, UPSTREAM_2006_02_03
Branch point for:	difficulty_fix
Changes since 1.1:	+0 -0 lines
Log Message:	initial import
#	User	Rev	Content
1	root	1.1
2			\chapter{Skills System}\index{skills}\index{experience}\label{chap:skills}
3
4			\section{Description}\index{skills, description}
5
6			Under the skills system the flow of play changes
7			dramatically\footnote{The skills system is enabled as the default option
8			as of version
9			0.92.0}$^{, }$\footnote{The new skills/experience system is compatible
10			with character files from at least version 0.91.1 onward.}.
11			Instead of gaining experience for basically just killing monsters (and disarming
12			traps) players will now gain a variety of experience through the use
13			of skills. Some skills replicate old functions in the game (e.g. melee
14			weapons skill, missile weapon skill) while others add new functionality
15			(e.g. stealing, hiding, writing, etc). A complete list of the available
16			skills can be found in table \ref{tab:skill_stats}. Appendix \ref{app:skills}
17			contains descriptions for many of the skills.
18
19			\begin{table}
20			\begin{center}
21			\caption{Skills \label{tab:skill_stats}}\index{skills, list}\index{skills, associated}
22			\index{experience, categories}
23			\index{skills, miscellaneous}
24			\small
25			\vskip 12pt
26			\begin{tabular}{\|clccccc\|} \hline
27			& Skill & Experience Category & \multicolumn{3}{c}{Associated Stats} & \\
28			& & & (Stat 1) & (Stat 2) & (Stat 3) & \\ \hline\hline
29			& & & & & & \\
30			\input{skill_stat}
31			& & & & & & \\
32			\hline
33			\end{tabular}
34			\end{center}
35			\end{table}
36
37
38			\section{About experience and skills}\index{skills,
39			gaining experience}\index{experience}
40
41			\subsection{Associated and miscellaneous skills}
42			\index{skills, associated}\index{skills, miscellaneous}
43
44			In \cf\ two types of skills exist; The first kind, ``associated''
45			skills, are those skills which are {\em associated with a category of
46			experience}. The other kind of skill, ``miscellaneous'' skills,
47			are {\em not} related to any experience category.
48
49			The main difference between these two kinds of skills is in the
50			result of their use.
51			When associated skills are used {\em successfully} experience is
52			accrued in the experience category {\em associated with that skill}.
53			In contrast, the use of miscellaneous skills {\em never} gains
54			the player any experience regardless of the success in using it.
55
56			{\em Both} miscellaneous and associated skills can {\em fail}. This means
57			that the attempt to use the skill was unsuccessful. {\em Both}
58			miscellaneous and associated skills {\em can} have certain
59			primary stats {\em associated} with them. These associated stats can help
60			to determine if the use of a skill is successful and to what
61			{\em degree} it is successful.
62
63			All gained experience is modified by the associated
64			stats for that skill (table \ref{tab:skill_stats}) and then the
65			appropriate experience category automatically updated as needed.
66
67			\subsection{Restrictions on skills use and gaining experience}
68			\index{skills, restrictions}
69
70			Neither a character's stats nor the character class restricts the
71			player from gaining experience in any of the experience
72			categories. Also, there are no inherent
73			restrictions on character skill use$-$any player may
74			use any {\em acquired} skill.
75
76			\subsection{Algorithm for Experience Gain under the skills system}
77
78			Here we take the view that a player must 'overcome an opponent'
79			in order to gain experience. Examples include foes killed in combat,
80			finding/disarming a trap, stealing from some being, identifying
81			an object, etc.
82
83			Gained experience is based primarily on the difference in levels
84			between 'opponents', experience point value of a ``vanquished foe'',
85			the values of the associated stats of the skill being used and
86			two factors that are set internally\footnote{If you want to
87			know more about this, check out the skills\_developers.doc}.
88
89			Below the algorithm for experience gain is given where player ``pl''
90			that has ``vanquished'' opponent ``op'' using skill ``sk'':
91			\begin{quote}
92			EXP GAIN = (EXP$_{op}$ + EXP$_{sk}$) * lvl\_mul
93			\end{quote}
94			where EXP$_{sk}$ is a constant award based on the skill used,
95			EXP$_{op}$ is the base experience award for `op' which depends
96			on what op is (see below),
97
98			\noindent{For} level$_{pl}$ $<$ level$_{op}$::
99			\begin{quote}
100			lvl\_mult = FACTOR$_{sk}$ * (level$_{op}$ - level$_{pl}$)
101			\end{quote}
102			\noindent{For} level$_{pl}$ $=$ level$_{op}$::
103			\begin{quote}
104			lvl\_mult = FACTOR$_{sk}$
105			\end{quote}
106			\noindent{For} level$_{pl}$ $>$ level$_{op}$::
107			\begin{quote}
108			lvl\_mult = (level$_{op}/$level$_{pl}$);
109			\end{quote}
110			where level$_{op}$ is the level of `op', level$_{pl}$ is the level
111			of the player, and FACTOR$_{sk}$ is an internal factor based on
112			the skill used by pl.
113
114			There are three different cases for how EXP$_{op}$ can be computed:
115			\begin{quote}
116			1) {\bf op is a living creature}: EXP$_{op}$ is just the base
117			experience award given in the \spoiler . \\
118
119			2) {\bf op is a trap}: EXP$_{op} \propto$ 1/(the time for which the
120			trap is visible). Thus, traps which are highly {\em visible} get {\em lower}
121			values. \\
122
123			3) {\bf op is not a trap but is non-living}: EXP$_{op}$ = internal
124			experience award of the item. Also, the lvl\_mult is multiplied by
125			any {\tt magic} enchantment on the item.
126			\end{quote}
127
128			\section{How skills are used}\index{skills, how to use}
129
130			\begin{table}
131			\small
132			\caption{Skills commands}\label{tab:skill_cmd}
133			\vskip 12pt
134			\begin{center}
135			\begin{tabular}{\|cllc\|} \hline
136			& & & \\
137			& {\tt skills} & This command lists all the player's & \\
138			& & current known skills, their level & \\
139			& & of use and the associated experience & \\
140			& & category of each skill. & \\
141			& & & \\
142			& {\tt ready\_skill $<$skill$>$} & This command changes the player's & \\
143			& & current readied skill to {\tt $<$skill$>$}. & \\
144			& & & \\
145			& {\tt use\_skill $<$skill$>$ $<$string$>$} & This command changes the player's & \\
146			& & current readied skill {\em and} then & \\
147			& & executes it in the facing direction & \\
148			& & of the player. Similar in action to & \\
149			& & the {\tt invoke} command. & \\
150			& & & \\ \hline
151			\end{tabular}
152			\end{center}
153			\end{table}
154
155			Three player commands are related to skills use: {\tt ready\_skill},
156			{\tt use\_skill}, and {\tt skills} (see table \ref{tab:skill_cmd}).
157			Generally, a player will use a skill by first readying the right one,
158			with the {\tt ready\_skill} command and then making a ranged ``attack'' to
159			activate the skill; using most skills is just like firing a wand or a
160			bow. In a few cases however, a skill is be used just by having it
161			{\em readied}. For example, the {\tt mountaineer} skill allows
162			favorable movement though hilly terrain while it is readied.
163
164			To change to a new skill, a player can use either the
165			{\tt use\_skill} or {\tt ready\_skill} commands, but note that the use of
166			several common items can automatically change the player's current
167			skill too. Examples of this include readying a bow (which will cause the
168			code to make the player's current skill {\tt missile\_weapons}) or readying
169			a melee weapon (current skill auto-matically becomes {\tt melee weapons}).
170			Also, some player actions can cause a change in the current skill.
171			Running into a monster while you have a readied weapon in your inventory
172			causes the code to automatically make our current skill {\tt melee weapons}.
173			As another example of this$-$casting a spell will cause the code to
174			switch the current skill to {\tt \spellcasting} or {\tt praying} (as appropriate
175			to the spell type).
176
177			It is not possible to use more than one skill at a time.
178
179			\section{Acquiring skills}\index{skills, learning}\index{skills, tools}
180
181			Skills may be gained in two ways. In the first, new skills may {\em learned}.
182			This is done by reading a ``skill scroll'' and the process is very similar
183			to learning a spell. Just as in attempts to learn \incantation s, success in
184			learning skills is dependent on a random test based on the learner's INT.
185			Using your INT stat, look in the learn\% column in table \ref{tab:pri_eff}
186			to find your \% chance of learning a skill. Once you hit 100\% you will
187			always be successfull in learning new skills.
188
189			The acquisition of a {\em skill tool} will also allow the player to use
190			a new skill. An example of a skill tool is ``lockpicks''\inputimage{lockpicks}
191			(which allow the
192			player to pick door locks). The player merely applies the skill
193			tool in order to gain use of the new skill. If the tool is unapplied,
194			the player looses the use of the skill associated with the tool.
195
196			After a new skill is gained (either learned or if player has an applied
197			skill tool) it will appear on the player's skill roster (use the
198			'skills' command to view its status). If the new skill is an associated
199			skill, then it will automatically be gained at the player's current level
200			in the appropriate experience category. For example, Stilco the Wraith,
201			who is 5th level in {\tt agility}, buys a set of lockpicks and applies them.
202			He may now use the skill lockpicking at 5th level of ability since that
203			is an {\tt agility} associated skill.