I do not use a formal skill system. Instead, I rely upon the character's class and your very brief backgrounds to establish what they know and what they can do...in a mundane sense.Which brings me to a question - how are you planning to handle 'skills' or 'capabilities'? For example, I would like it if Ellith would be capable (for a level 1 character) in wilderness and animal related skills - is he? How does it work?
Thus, Ellith the Elf will be able to do stereotypically Elf-y things. He grew up in Alfheim, a quasimagical forest; therefore, he can hunt, knows basic animal lore, has a rudimentary understanding of weapons and spells, etc.
By contrast, Lia is an herbalist of Shalamar. She will know about medicinal plants, growing patterns, and health care.
When necessary, I will make an appropriate Ability Check to adjudicate level of success, amount of knowledge, etc.
