Editing M&M Revised (v1.5) System Resource Document (section)

===SKILL BENCHMARKS===
As a general guideline, 1-4 ranks in a skill is a basic level of training, familiarity with the basics of the skill. A character with 5-8 ranks has a professional
level of training, sufficient for someone using the skill in their primary profession. Someone with 9-12 ranks is an expert; the character is recognized and
likely known as an expert in the skill, while 13-15 ranks represent virtual mastery of the skill. More than 15 ranks is such an amazing level of skill that
the character is recognized as being among the best-trained people in the world!
These guidelines apply to attack and defense bonus as well if you substitute skill level for “combat skill level.” So a hero with attack +7 has a
“professional” level of training, while someone with a +15 bonus is a true master of combat skills.


UNDER THE HOOD: CHOOSING SKILLS
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing skills for your
character.
TRAINING VS. TALENT
In game terms there’s no difference between a character who has
ranks in a skill because of extensive training and another whose skill
ranks represent a natural “knack” or aptitude for the skill. Both are
considered “trained” in the skill. For example, one character might have
a high Diplomacy skill based on the character’s extensive training in
negotiation, debate, and management. Another character’s Diplomacy
skill may stem more from personal attractiveness or a talent for getting
others to cooperate, while a third character may have a combination of
the two. Feel free to decide for yourself what mix of training and talent
your character’s skill ranks represent.
LIFE SKILLS
When allocating skill ranks for your character consider not just the
character’s role as a hero but also the various other skills the character may
have picked up in day-to-day life. For example, most adults have some sort
of Craft or Profession skill as their occupation with at least 3 to 5 ranks
(more if they’re especially good at their job). Some people pick up ranks in
Notice, although most get by using the skill untrained. Characters working
with technology may have the Computers or Craft skills even if they don’t
apply to their powers. A particularly well-educated person may have various
Knowledge skills. These additional skills help round out a character and
provide some background color and—who knows?—they may turn out to
be useful in an adventure at some point.
ADVENTURING SKILLS
Also give some thought to the skills your character needs to be effective
in game play. Some are obvious, especially if they’re part of your character
concept. A scientist is going to have Knowledge skills, and possibly
Computers or Craft. A pilot should have Pilot, while a doctor should have
Medicine and Profession (physician). Beyond the obvious and background
skills of your character consider “utility skills” like Concentration, Notice,
Search, Sense Motive, and Stealth, which many characters find useful. A
few ranks in such skills may be a smart investment.


MANIPULATION SKILLS
Some skills, called manipulation skills, require a degree of fine physical
manipulation. You need prehensile limbs and a Strength score or some
suitable substitute (such as Precise Telekinesis) to use manipulation skills
effectively. Characters lacking the ability to use manipulation skills can
still have ranks in them and use them to oversee the work of others (granting
an aid bonus, for example, see Aid, page 154).
SPECIALTY SKILLS
Some skills cover a wide range of knowledge or techniques. These skills
are actually groups of similar skills, called specialty skills. When putting
ranks into one of these skills, you must choose a specialty, a particular
aspect of the skill your character knows. For example, you might choose
the physical sciences specialty of Knowledge or the mechanical specialty
of Craft. Skill ranks in one specialty of a skill do not imply training in the
skill’s other specialties.