How do I get skills above 15?

Hey guys, another quick question...

How do I get my skills above 15? I ask because I keep seeing builds on PvX that feature skill levels that get to 16 through some combination of runes/whatnot, but I can only figure out how to get to 15 using a superior rune of <whatever> on top of my 12 skill point maximum.

Another related question is how does this work for heroes as well? I'm not sure I understand the headpieces that they all wear... They say "Item's attribute +1". I thought that meant the weapon that they wielded, so in this case I gave Olias a death magic staff instead of his default blood magic one in an effort to get his skill to calculate up to 16 instead of 15 (I stuck a superior death magic rune on him). And it didn't work. So what does that "Item's attribute +1" mean?

Thanks for the help guys. You answered my last question really fast, and I'm grateful . You all seem very helpful.

You need to use a helemet/headgear that gives +1 to an attribute. The best thing to do is to have your superior rune on the same piece as your head gear, so if you want to switch builds and use a different attribute, you can just change your helmet around.

For characters, but a head gear armor piece for that attribute. I'd advise to put the Superior rune on that piece of armor so swapping builds is easier.

For heroes, put the Superior rune on the head armor for them.

Some items, such as golden eggs, also boost your attributes for a certain time.

The +1 to (attribute) on head pieces stacks with any runes you place on your armor, and the runes themselves are non-stacking (they don't stack with other runes of the same attribute). So the equation should look something like 12 (Death magic attribute) +1 (death magic head piece) +3 (superior death magic rune) = 16 Death magic.

Edit: Also I don't think anyone mentioned this so far, but the +1 to item attribute on hero headgear depends on the attribute rune you place on the hero's headgear, not on the weapon they use.

Runes.

Buy them at a trader, ad to your armor by clicking "i" (default) and double clicking on the rune, then clicking on the specific armor you wish. Then a confirmation box will appear, and you may either cancel/submit your upgrade.

for the weapon mod

if it says +1 death magic (20%) that means if you have 12 death magic, you have a 20% chance of the spells you cast to use 13 death magic.

12+1+3

12chars

some staves also have 20% chance of boosting your attribute points =]

well for curses....
12+1(headgear)+3(rune)+2(Awaken the Blood)+1(weapon mod)+consumables.....
up to 22 i think. now time to use spiteful spirit....

The maximum attribute level you can reach is 21. 20 is the hard cap, and you can only reach 21 with a 20% +1 attribute weapon mod.

Another fancy way to get 16 in all your skills, is to use a Mesmer :P

12 Illusion +1 Illusion Head, +3 Sup Illusion Rune. Then Signet of Illusions ftw.

Then cast whatever you wanna cast and as long as you keep Signet of Illusions up, you will always have 16 on any spell you cast. Just a fun idea :P