Add In-Game Skill

Workflow for adding new player skills to the game.

Overview

In-game skills are abilities players can level up through use. They affect gameplay mechanics like combat, crafting, and survival.

Steps

1. Skill Definition

Skills are defined within character classes and referenced by the skill system.

Class skill bonuses (in data/classes/[class].json):

"skill_bonuses": {
  "swords": 2,
  "axes": 1,
  "light_armor": 1
}

2. Skill Categories

Weapon Skills

• •swords - One-handed swords
• •axes - Axes and hatchets
• •maces - Bludgeoning weapons
• •spears - Polearms
• •bows - Ranged bows
• •crossbows - Crossbows
• •daggers - Knives and daggers

Armor Skills

• •light_armor - Cloth, leather
• •medium_armor - Chainmail, scale
• •heavy_armor - Plate
• •shields - Shield use

Magic Skills

• •evocation - Damage spells
• •conjuration - Summoning
• •abjuration - Protection
• •transmutation - Transformation

Craft Skills

• •smithing - Metal crafting
• •leatherworking - Leather crafting
• •alchemy - Potion making
• •enchanting - Magic item creation

Survival Skills

• •foraging - Finding food
• •hunting - Tracking animals
• •fishing - Catching fish
• •mining - Ore extraction

3. Skill Effects

Skills provide bonuses based on level:

• •Weapon skills: +accuracy, +damage
• •Armor skills: Reduced penalties
• •Magic skills: Spell effectiveness, reduced costs
• •Craft skills: Success chance, quality
• •Survival skills: Yield bonuses, success rates

4. Skill Leveling

Skills level through use:

# Example: gain sword XP when attacking with sword
SkillManager.add_skill_xp(player, "swords", 10)

XP requirements increase per level.

5. Adding a New Skill

To add a new skill:

1. •Add skill reference in relevant class files
2. •Add skill check in relevant game systems
3. •Add XP gain triggers in appropriate actions

Example - Adding "climbing" skill:

In class file:

"skill_bonuses": {
  "climbing": 1
}

In movement system:

func _attempt_climb(player: Player) -> bool:
    var skill_level = SkillManager.get_skill_level(player, "climbing")
    var success_chance = 50 + (skill_level * 5)
    if randf() * 100 < success_chance:
        SkillManager.add_skill_xp(player, "climbing", 5)
        return true
    return false

Verification

1. •Check skill appears in character sheet
2. •Verify class bonuses apply
3. •Test skill XP gain on actions
4. •Verify skill level affects mechanics

Key Files

• •data/classes/*.json - Class skill bonuses
• •autoload/skill_manager.gd - Skill system
• •ui/character_sheet.gd - Skill display (Skills tab)
• •entities/player.gd - Player skill data