Recall Knowledge is better than you think

There's been much digital ink spilled on how restrictive the rules for Recall Knowledge are, and how it means players often don't use it much.

But I think if we recall a core principle of Pathfinder design, we'll find that Recall Knowledge is both much better than expected and easier to run too!

\*\*Specific Overrides General\*\*

>A core principle of Pathfinder is that specific rules override general ones. If two rules conflict, the more specific one takes precedence. If there's still ambiguity, the GM determines which rule to use.

In the case of Recall Knowledge, there are rules both in the GM Core p54 and Player Core p231, but like always the actual correct of what Recall Knowledge does is defined by the action itself:

>You attempt a skill check to try to remember a bit of knowledge regarding a topic related to that skill. Suggest which skill you'd like to use and ask the GM one question. The GM determines the DC. You might need to collaborate with the GM to narrow down the question or skills, and you can decide not to Recall Knowledge before committing to the action if you don't like your options. **Critical Success** You recall the knowledge accurately. The GM answers your question truthfully and either tells you additional information or context, or answers one followup question. **Success** You recall the knowledge accurately. The GM answers your question truthfully. **Critical Failure** You recall incorrect information. The GM answers your question falsely (or decides to give you no information, as on a failure).

It's this simple: the player asks a question and suggests the skill they want to use. The GM sets the DC, then rolls a secret check and gives information based on the result.

That's it. Everything else is commentary or advice. The rule is what's in the action.

By the text of the action itself, players can ask any question they want - stat block information, lore, whatever.