RoSD rules questions…

[Ozreth]

Hi all,

Just starting out with this game and had some quick questions:

1. Companions start out with a +3 to any skill. Are all of their other skills assumed to be +0 (unless already noted otherwise?)

2. Under Magical Equipment it states that Any ranger that “is also a spell caster (but not a companion) may take one, and only one, of these at a time. After any mission he may trade the item for another, or replace the item if it as lost.”

Does this mean you pick one to start with? Or do you have to wait until after your first scenario? Also, what does “who is also a spell caster” mean? Do you become a spell caster as soon as you choose to take a spell with a build point? And until then are not a spell caster if you’ve only chosen heroic abilities?

3. Companions can carry magic items, but only if they find them, correct? The “but not a companion” designation above is a little confusing. But I assume it just means they don’t get the one free magic item to start with the way rangers do?

Thanks!