This idea just came to my mind, I don't know if it has been posted before so..

I thought it would be cool to implement this mechanic to make skills more fun and useful. Skill/Skill Perk Synergy, here's an example:

- A Master of Blade gains a Mastery Forward Power Attack, which does 2.5 times more damage with a 5% chance to paralyze.
- A Master of Sneak can return to stealth if he is found by getting out of line of sight of NPCs.
-- A Master of BOTH Blade and Sneak has a 100% to paralyze his opponent as long as the player is undetected.

Blade perks focus on blade combat abilities and damage. Sneak perks focus on sneaking/stealing stuff. Blade x Sneak perks should focus on stealth attacks and such.

Here's another:

- A Journeyman of Restoration can cast Journeyman, Apprentice and Novice level Restoration spells.
- A Journeyman of Alchemy recognizes three of four potential alchemical properties of an ingredient.
-- A Journeyman of BOTH Restoration and Alchemy benefits more from potions and ingredients.

These are just examples, they could be overpowered/underpowered/boring but you get the idea.

So what do you guys think? Discuss.

P.S. Rohugh, it's not a general topic is it?

Well, skills do need some overhaul, and do so perks. But I do not think that this linear perk system is all that good. By linear I mean that at level X you automaticly receive a perk Y. I think you should hava a choice and choose your perks from several options. And please. NEVER EVER again magic perks like at journeyman level you can cast journeyman level spells. This totally ruined Oblivion's magic system and rendered the skill progression in magic skills totally useless between the 25, 50, 75 and 100 milestones.

Obviously not the bear, but it should go in http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1073698topic.