Question about being "Claimed by Darkon"

[FiranDarcalus]

Also I believe Knowledge (planes) has been replaced by Knowledge (Ravenloft) as mentioned used mainly by some darklords and scholars such as members of the FoS.

I believe you're correct, or rather it is still knowledge (planes) but only relative to Ravenloft, so effectively the same thing as what you said. Either way, definitely obscure knowledge, but not unobtainable, especially if your party wanders into the mid to high teens for levels.

I also believe it was a cross class skill for all classes....sort of a way to make sure people saw how rare of a skill it was. Back in the day when I played 3.5, I don't think I ever allowed any of my PC's to have the skill unless they came up with a VERY good reason for it.

I'm not sure you would need this skill though to know about being claimed. I think it would more be useful in understanding how being claimed works. Again, the Gazetteer says that most Darkonians know about being claimed, but it's a taboo topic, or maybe they just buy into Azalin's propaganda about finding oneself in Darkon. I would think having knowledge (ravenloft) skill might allow a player to understand the "why" of it.

You know, if ol' Azalin ever needed to increase his population for some reason, it would be hilarious if he let out a "self help" book about finding yourself again in Darkon. Eat, Pray, Love Darkon style!!

[Teravala]

My group and I are using 5th ed rules, so it would likely either be an Arcana or History check in 5th ed.

I really miss the old knowledge skills of 3rd ed.

my condolences. Not trying to edition hate, but IMO 5th edition is where Ravenloft goes to die.

Condolences accepted. I'm not super keen on 5th Ed either, but couldn't convince my group to go Pathfinder 2E.

Which is a shame as I hear nothing but good things about pathfinder 2e.

[alhoon]

Is Pathfinder 2e a "let's try to steal most of what 5e is, and then make it more complex", like Pathfinder and 3e?

About Knowledge(Arcana) in 5e... you are absolutely free to make new knowledge skills. A knowledge (Ravenloft) that covers local, geography and parts of planes is a useful skill.