((Sorry if this is the wrong forum, I expect that variant rules can also be discussed here))
I have been thinking of using the grouped skill variant rule for a future campaign, but I have not seen much comment about it. Has anyone tried it out and how does it work with the Paizo APs?
I have also thought about using the background skills rule, either giving everyone one free background specialty or giving 2 to the 2+ and 4+ skill point classes and 1 to those with 6+ and 8+.
It's something you gotta sell to your group.
On the one hand it evens out the skill gap quite a bit. Fighters and other 2+ Skillpoint classes really benefit from it.
On the other hand some groups like more control over their skill progression, and Grouped skills doesn't really give them that.
on a personal note While I do like the Grouped skills system I have a small problem with all the Knowledge skills being grouped under Scholar.
Would you rather have subgroups, perhaps? It does seem weird, but the system tends to group skills in very broad categories.
Has anyone here had a problem with the extra background skills, as in do they "clutter" the party with skills?
I've been running a campaign with the Background Skills alternate rule, and I quite like it. Characters can have skills that reflect, well, they're background without "wasting" skill ranks on non-combat skills like profession or craft.