In your exploring of the site, or perhaps creating a new character, you may have run across something or other about 'skills.' You also may have asked yourself how they are implemented or even what they are.

There are three different categories of skills: Combat, Non-Combat, and Psionic. Each is gaged by a percentage (0% to 100%) on how proficient the character is in it. A character begins at creation with ten skills total, not separately for each skill category. Some races receive natural skills, which they receive automatically. They do not count against this limit.

Now, the use of these skills? to gauge your character's proficiency and provide a reference for roleplay situations.

If, for example, in RP, your character is fighting another character: the two (or more) players would compare each others' character skills accordingly. Generally, the more experienced player in that skill area, in this case combat, would win-- or at least gain an upper-hand. Moderators and myself will also resolve such things, if need be or requested. :]

Skills are not all that dictates such conflicts and otherwise, though, as your character is far more than a set of skill ratings.

So can skills improve over time?

They can, and at a much faster rate if your character is often using them in roleplay. Moderators and myself will skim RPs, and when we believe the character would have improved in the area, you'll be sent a PM before the skill's percentage is increased.