Skill rank

Thirty-six skills are listed on the front of your character sheet. You can make a roll for any of these skills whether you have ranks in them or not.

There are also three types of advanced skills, all located on the back of your sheet: weapon styles, magic elements, and spirit motions. Weapon styles are used in the Attack Roll explained in Chapter 10: Combat. You can wield any weapon in combat even without ranks in the corresponding weapon style. Magic elements are included in the Casting Roll explained in Chapter 13: Magic. You must have ranks in an element to cast magic spells using it. Spirit motions are added to the Focus Roll explained in Chapter 16: Spirit. You must have ranks in a motion to perform spirit arts using it.

You can gain new skill ranks in exchange for Expoints. You can buy 1 rank for 2 Expoints. You cannot normally exceed 10 ranks in any skill. If you gain the Legendary Skill trump (see Chapter 7: Trumps), you may exceed 10 ranks in one skill of your choice.

Skills represent knowledge or practical experience your character earns. She didn't just wake up the day after slaying a dragon with inexplicable knowledge of opening locks. Like all upgrades to your character, the GM should have final approval on what your character learns and how she learns it. Without an available book, scroll, mentor, or loads of trial and error, your character has a slim chance of learning a skill.