An RPG-like skill system

Been working on an RPG-like skill system that may, or may not, end up being used for the player and NPCs in the game.  The specifics are difficult to explain, and when I've tried explaining them to people have gotten decidedly mixed results, so I'm going to pass on describing it for now.  It is a weird idea the implications of which I'm still trying to get a grip on.  It might not be satisfying to hear about things like this, but at least it is interesting work.