They must either be learned from a scroll, a rare book, or through research. The character is in a city which teaches the skill. Many cities offer instruction in skills. The player has a book which teaches the skill. The payment is used to acquire various materials needed for the study and eventual practice of the skill.
Some advanced skills require Noble Points to begin study.
Each player begins the game with a number of NPs, and receives an additional one each year on the anniversary of their entry into the game. Noble Points may be spent to acquire new nobles, or to learn advanced skills. Most skills do not require Noble Points to learn. NPs are required for some heroic combat skills and for advanced magical spells. Each fast study point may be applied to a skill being studied in lieu of actually spending a day studying.