Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

Hey there!
I didn't know where to post this, so I hope I got it right. I have a question concerning skill synergies. Do they only count hard bonuses in order to trigger it, or can you trigger the synergy bonus through ability modifiers, feats and items?

They count base ranks in the skill, the points you invested.

Thx!