Wrathamon
Adventurer
Yup. The way the Variant method is meant to work is that DMs should be calling for Ability Checks, not Skill Checks.
Isn't this how the game works, not a variant? I agree with you. DMs shouldnt be calling for Skill checks. There is no such thing. Do a search for Skill Check. Nothing comes up.
You call for an Ability Check depending on what the player is doing aka describing their action. The DM then says what skills might be useful. That is not a variant ...
Oh okay I see what you are referencing the Variant: Skill with Different Abilities section. This section talks about using proficiency in a skill with another ability score. Using the ever popular Strength for intimidation instead of charisma.