Cover Identity (Talent)

Ability Type: Ex

Prerequisites: Rogue 6

Benefit: A rogue may define a cover identity for themselves, and then select one Perform, Profession, or Piloting skill. The rogue gains temporary ranks in that skill equal to half their Rogue class level, and they may use their Dexterity modifier for the skill, instead of the ability modifier it normally uses, if they wish. These bonuses persist until the rogue dismisses the cover identity, or elects to take up a new cover identity.

The rogue's skill basis still applies to the skill, and they may add actual ranks to the skill if they want, though ranks (including temporary ranks) can never exceed their total character level (in such a case, the appropriate number of temporary ranks are ignored when calculating the total skill bonus).

The rogue must spend a full day to create a new cover identity, during which they may spend no more than 1 hour doing anything else besides perfecting the new identity. When they change cover identities, they may also choose a different skill to compliment it.

GM's should require the rogue to come up with a good cover identity to justify the chosen skill, rather than allow this talent to be a pure "get a free skill" talent.