Larian Studios Forums Divinity - Original Sin Divinity Original Sin - Help/Tips/Tricks Teller of Secrets - Level 4

I recommend 2 hard points in Bartering and 1 in Charisma, without Politician, on a main character. This is 4 ability points, which is fairly affordable and not much of a gimping.

Eventually, you'll have Egotistical and Considerate traits, that's bumped to 3/2. Add an amulet and boots with +1 Bartering each, 5/2. Add crafted Tooth rings and the Smelly Panties, and that's 5/5. So at the end of the day you'll have 5 ranks in each without needing to spend more points.

I do recommend, however, getting that 2 Bartering and 1 Charisma as soon as possible. Generally, having the 2 in Bartering straightaway, during character creation itself, is the right move, with the point in Charisma nabbed during the levelup from 1 to 2. You'll even want to assemble the tooth jewelry as quickly as you can, as it saves you gold from the moment you acquire it.