Hi, as an Avid roleplayer I have played many roleplaying systems and all specialize in one area of expertise, or get so convoluted that the system is no longer "Playable". What I'm doing is proposing a new roleplaying system that for the benefit of us all will provide a suitable alternative to the d20 madness and all other roleplaying game systems. There is some "Universal" systems out there but many points following they "miss" completely.

Here is some solid points I must insist on since I am initiating this project. from this point I will call it project "Role-Play Daemon" or "RPD" for short.

1. This game will be Multi-Genre(i.e. Fantasy, Sci-fi, Time Travel, etcetera), and Multi-Paradigm(Realistic, Cartoon, Anime, Dramatic, etcetera) with SIMPLE to learn rules whose essence can be summed up in 1 or 2 pages.

2. This system must have 2 different "Modes" first mode is an advanced mode, that using a component based system you can create virtually any balanced "Powers","Abilities", or "Functions" of things. This of course can take some time as it is meant to customize abilities to suit a Genre or Paradigm. the second "mode" is basically the final result mode, this is where abilites are summed up in simple form to quickly pick and play. That way, this truely is a Multi-Genre, Multi-Paradigm system that will apease roleplayers, rule lawyers, tinkerers, and maybe even Wargamers and Card Game players if the rules are simple enough to port over.

3.These rules shall be copyrighted by those that contribute to the cause with appropriate royalties and rights according to percentage contributed. HOWEVER, this is only in the case that a deal can be stricken up for public exposure. I want and EXPECT the final result to be 100% free and downloadable. otherwise, whats the point in creating yet again, ANOTHER roleplaying system. the linux of roleplaying you might say.

4. Todays roleplaying market is not looking for exact results for roleplaying purposes, it's looking for a quick and simple system to create a "FLOWING" story for the fun and benefit of all. This system should be made with that intention in mind. So originality in how something is handled is welcome, as long as it does not encumber the system with useless rules.

5. The character creation system must STRESS "character" development at the beginning of the character creation as opposed to the end. I have some ideas to create "unique" characters with limitless possibilities.

6. The main book will be printable with less then 150 pages(or 300 half pages) the contain the bulk of the system. they must also include a 1 or 2 page summary of the basics of the system and an initial Genre and Paradigm included for quick play and testing(my vote is for Dramatic[Anime-like] Fantasy).

with the previous points in mind I hope we can make a useful system for everyones enjoyment for years to come.

I bring plenty of goodies to this project, as I am rather good with Acrobat writer, Photoshop, Gimp, 15 years roleplaying experience, HTML, and even have access to a server to host this project.

Looking for other talent that would like to contribute for the good of the roleplaying community.

Sincerely,
Temporary Self-Appointed Project Manager
Quentin Schilling
quentinschilling@hotmail.com

Quentin,

Interesting idea. I am also developing my own system with the aim being to mix old school d&d with heroquest.. obviously I am using WorldWorksGames products to build the "settings".

There are some similarities in that I am also looking to develop a "simple to play" system, there are far too many products with far too many rules, mechanics & expansions books.. it's never as much fun as it was 20 years ago when everything was a bit simpler and more fun. To be honest.. I think people take the whole RPG "thing" too seriously these days, to me it was all about having fun for a few hours. (rant over)

However, I think I'm heading in a bit of different direction in that I am staying in the Fantasy genre at present (and make no excuse for aiming to make a Fantasy Heartbreaker.. for all you Forge readers!) and I am gearing this towards a board type game with RPG elements (such as a campaign setting, character development)... in fact I have already begun some early playtesting. The reason for this is that I don't have hours and hours to devote (as much as I would like to) - so the boardgame type RPG is the ideal solution for me.. something which can be set up and played in a few hours and then packed away.

I am happy to pitch in with some ideas/comments on the messageboards although I will continue to work on my own "project".

However, I wish you every success with your venture!

Regards

Avon

Well I would gladly lend a hand in your endevour. Though, I tend to disagree with what you are looking for and what you think the rpg market is like.
I, personally, buy all types of RPGS and tend to like detail over vagueness any day of the week and I do not believe the RPG market needs another multi genre RPG. I mean, we have GURPS, D20, FUDGE, EABA and I am sure there are others I have missed.
I believe that we should stick to one Genre and try to make it the best we can. I think GURPS is a perfect example of what can happen with a multi-genre set of core rules, both good and bad. As an example In a good way there is LOTS of source material. In a bad way it kinda reminds of Linux and dependencies. To get this book you should have Book B, C, D, and G. That's annoying. That's Linux... hehe...
Now I realize it may seem like I am attacking your ideas and I am not. I am just stating my opinions about the overall plan and hopefully can get some feedback and make this a better game all around.

For your info I have been playing RPG's since 1978. Starting with the original version of D&D. I remember the first time I GM'ed I sent a troll against the only player, who was first level. Luckily he had played before and quickly corrected me. hehe.., but I digress.....

I am computer literate and work in a computer field.
I too, have thought up a game system, that I have long lost the notes on. As for my ideas. I think we should look at many other games and come up with what we think are the good features of them and incorporate those and then also what is bad and try to avoid those pitfalls. That's just common sense. Ok I'll quit rambling now... and let any others pipe in.

With the exception of the "free" part (and even then it has some free quick-play rules) what you're describing sounds an awful like the new Savage Worlds () game system.   I'm a big SW advocate, as it really gets back to a simple multi-genre system that you can play in both RPG and minis play.  Thought I'd mention it as to avoid "re-inventing the wheel".  ;)

I like the idea of your open-source RPG, however, and would be willing to help out there where I can.  An excellent idea.

Cheers!

I'm doing a homebrew myself. But it's more of a mix of rules that I like and functional from other rules (that's why I like to collect those free RPG systems) They've got good fresh ideas.

The core of my system is Microtactix's Simply Roleplaying! (free). I'm interating the more interactive combat system from warhammer. Simply Roleplaying is excellent because it's free, simple to use but not illogical. What it doesnt have is setting support. That's why I'm interating d20 functionality. D20 has lotsa goodies!

You have a interesting but tall order here...

>2. This system must have 2 different "Modes" first mode is

>4. Todays roleplaying market is not looking for exact results >for roleplaying purposes, it's looking for a quick and simple

Simply Roleplaying will pass this

>5. The character creation system must STRESS "character" >development at the beginning of the character creation as

Sounds like the "career" type rule found in Warhammer RPG.

Looking for other talent that would like to contribute for the good of the roleplaying community.

I'll pitch in if I can. It sounds like a tall order. Check out Simply Roleplaying. This is the base of my homebrew. Ellegant system...