Tips and tricks to learn a new system

this thread has been great. I've got some great tips.

Has anyone ever done a similar thread for creating your own custom system? I'm thinking about it, and there must be some common pit-falls and suprizes?

Creating your own system is tricky. You have to consider all the possibilities, and it is not for the faint of heart. I recall trying to create my own system back in the mid-80s, as a teenager (Star Wars, about a year before WEG released theirs). There are a lot of pitfalls. You have to envision every possible angle that the players will attempt (because believe me, they will). You also need to develop the mechanics. Will it be a simple 3d6 system? Or will you try something more daunting (like Savage Worlds) did? The combat system is particularly crucial and must be thoroughly stress-tested. Lots of stuff to consider.

All that said, I would be open to developing a system with someone else.

alright, maybe I'm already biting off more than I can chew.

I've given up on 5e and been re-reading all my 2e books. I'm happily moving backwards, but having trouble letting go of some of the good stuff from the later additions. Then I think, why not just make a custom system with all the bits you like. Sounds reasonable, but always turns into a completely new system from the ground up, then I get frustrated and quit. Then I want it again.... (repeat) One day, I'm just going to have to get it out of my system.

I was thinking simple and flexible with a 1000 point system. Using d10's.

I like d10's because they can be subbed with playing cards (J-Q-K removed)

For strength, a hamster might be a 1. All mobile humans would be 10-99 and a full grown elephant might be 1000. So basically life might be 0-1000 but humans (or any playable race) would be 0-99

Okay, all well and good. But let me ask you, what about a Brachiosaurus? Certainly, they have more physical strength than any elephant. Now it may seem like I'm splitting hairs here, but I guarantee you someone will ask about dinosaurs. ;)

From what you said, we're going with a fantasy system, so we'll also need to consider the magic system. And that's a whole other ball of wax. Do you want to go Vancian, like D&D, or more freeform? Also, while I'm thinking of it, is this a level-based mechanic or a skill-based mechanic? The latter is more realistic and more satisfying for players, IMHO.

holy cow
you've played this game before.....

you are 100% right about dinosaurs. I'm not sure how to readjust, move everything else down, or create a 1000-10000 category.

hamster to elephant is definitely different than hamster to Tiamat. Or hamster to Galactus.

maybe just adding zeros works. like adding hit dice.

OK
first: I think I should make another forum, I have a bad habit of changing the subject and hijacking other people's forums.

new forum

second: thank you so much for your input. I know everyone's time is valuable, and I honestly appreciate it