Skill20

Hello, everyone. As you know, I've been working on a System Reference Document for a new ruleset called Skill20. My goal with this was to make a system that would be compatible with traditional D20, Ability-based systems (especially DCC) and turn them into Skill-based instead. But after talking about what I have done and showing Alan Bahr the supposedly final version of this SRD, it's clear that I've failed. 

I really dislike writing SRDs. I never know if I'm adding too much, or too little, and if they're supposed to be actually playable, or just a collection of rules. I started writing one for Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, but it's always the same: am I leaving too much of the game in? Too little? What's the line? Is it only core mechanics, and no procedures? But what if it's the procedures what make a game interesting? Well, the same thing happened with Skill20. I start writing and then I want to add more stuff to it, but I stop myself because if I just keep adding detail I might as well just write a whole new game. So I end up with half-made systems and procedures.

The result is not ideal. I think I've rushed through the process, trying to get this out ASAP because I was excited to share it with everyone. But As Alan pointed out, it's kind of difficult to use, and an SRD must be clear and concise. I also blame the fact that this is essentially my first project since going full-time with RPGs, and apparently I'm not dealing well with the pressure. My apartment is still a fucking madhouse since my mother in law moved in and was diagnosed with psychosis, which it's making working in peace kind of difficult. But at the end of the day, those are just excuses, not actual reasons. I did realize while I was working on Skill20 that it was lacking, but the problem is, I don't know how to fix it. Because for me, in order to fix it I need to make a whole game. There are pieces here that are pretty cool, and those are the ones I've planned on using for my sci-fantasy game, so I didn't want to go too deep into them, just showcase what's possible with the system.

In any case, I've decided not to release Skill20, at least for the time being. I'm sharing it here with you guys so you can see the direction I was going with it, and maybe get something out of it. I'm sorry if this is disappointing, but I think that it's best if for now I focus on getting my current projects finished, like Demonic #2, the Ker Nethalas stretch goals, and all the other stuff I have half-baked.