Another idea would be that your skill points would be totally open (ie. you could train any skill to its highest level from the outset), but as the skills get better and better it takes longer and longer amounts of time to increase it, and attributes make it more easy (ie. less time) to train skills at higher levels. Leveling would only unlock percs and attributes.
Sounds good, but what about skills like Alchemy and Lockpick? What bonus do they get once you are able to make the biggest potion or pick the most complex of locks?
Alchemy: - 3% the potion will exlode in your face instead of the usual 5. - 1% The potion will turn into poison (clumsy manipulation) instead of the usual 3. - Potions have double effect. - Almost-instant effect potions. - Expert brewing allow the user to consecutively drink two potions of the same type (otherwise the user must wait six seconds as a mix of two different liquids inside one's digestive system might produce undesirable effects).
Pick Locks: - Silent Pick locks - Quick Pick Locks - Jam lock (useful to isolate someone/yourself in a room without worrying about the lock to be opened/picked). - Safe cracking
