I think they were originally called Synergies. You get 1 point very 2nd level (odd level) and had a number of traits you could invest in. They were all passive, whereas Skills are all active.
They'd boost health, damage, bonus vs demons, better effectiveness using 2 handed weapons, etc.
Bashiok owning Bluerevolution
Q u o t e: I hope you're an organ donor, because your brain will have to be studied until the end of time.