To diplomacy or to bluff

[LordLP]

I always like to get some conversation skill - usually max it out. Well currently I'm at an impass and figured I would seek some opinions.

I can max out Diplomacy, Bluff, or hell even appraise or sense motive if I wanted to. Trying to debate what would be the most useful use of my skill points. Diplomacy and Bluff fit my PC - so does appraise now, but I don't need money.

What do you guys think - would you max out bluff, diplomacy or half and half?

[Valefort]

I'd go for half and half.

[ragnarok1983]

Really depends entirely on your character bud. All RP reasoning (unless you are a feinter).

Is he an honest merchant? Appraise, or Appraise/Dip
Sly merchant? Appraise/Bluff
Politician? Diplomacy or Dip/Bluff <-- real-life politicians max both, or max bluff and have some diplomacy. Ha!
Negotiator? Some mix of Sense Motive, Diplomacy... some bluff.

Etc. It's just how you see your character.

I only have one convo-maxxer. My Halfling paladin will max diplomacy and at least half-max sense motive and spot. He is a negotiator of sorts.

My character Paws tells completely unbelievable tall tales... all the time. He has exactly one point in Bluff. He is a lovable little bugger and has a natural 16 (I think) in Charisma... for a melee build.

Again, it's how you see your character/character-skillset.