NB: ArkhamDB now incorporates errata from the Arkham Horror FAQ in its card text, so the ArkhamDB text and the card image above differ, as the ArkhamDB text has been edited to contain this erratum (updated January 2022): Erratum: This location’s ability should read: "While investigating this location, your cannot be increased." - FAQ v1.2, Jan 2018.

Q: In the rules for St.2 of a skill test, it says "The investigator performing this test gets +1 to his or her skill value during this test for each appropriate skill icon that is committed to this test." Does this mean that I can use Perception to get a higher skill value on a basic investigate at the Historical Museum (or use another card that raises skill value, like High Roller, Fieldwork, or Ice Pick), since they are not specifically increasing my intellect? And if the answer is 'no, those would be increasing your intellect ', does that then mean committing Defensive Stance to the circle test on Moss-Covered Steps (which therefore would be increasing both my combat and my agility , which then increases the boost Defensive Stance gives, etc.) provides an infinite skill value for the test?" A: To answer your question(s):

• You could not commit Perception while investigating Historical Society, because Perception does modify your intellect during that skill test. A “+1 skill value” is an all-encompassing term suggesting that you’re getting +1 to the relevant skill that the test is checking. If you use Perception, you get a +1 skill value to your intellect.
• Defensive Stance is not infinite; it only accounts for your current printed stats, and any modifiers you already had in play when you committed Defensive Stance to the test (such as Delilah O'Rourke’s passive ability).