SRD/Pathfinder Rules subset?

[Artificer]

I am trying to choose a very small group of SRD/PATHFINDER rules. The whole idea is to choose a subset of the rules that could be used as a “simple to learn RPG”. Instead of creating a new system for casual gaming I just want to create a list of “allowed” rules. That way the core rulebook will still be used but only as a reference book. Any recommendations about the rules that should be included? If this conversation becomes popular and I get enough feedback I will try to compile the recommendations in a document for anybody to use.

After choosing the rules we could move to choosing a subset of races,classes, spells,etc.
I understand that the final system will be too simple for some people taste but I still think it could be used for casual players.

Also if this idea is a mistake please tell me why!

Guidelines:

1.All rules should be taken from Pathfinder or a DND SRD.

2.New rules should be avoided

3.The system should still be compatible with DND and Pathfinder. That way if a group of players wants to add rules they will be able to.

4.The whole system should be small so any new player could use it without dedicating a big amount of time learning the rules.

5.You don’t have to suggest a whole system just one or two rules you think that should be included. Or you can comment in favor or against rules suggested by others.

[ShadowcatX]

I'm not sure if you're aware but Pathfinder has a beginner's box.

[Artificer]

Originally Posted by ShadowcatX

I'm not sure if you're aware but Pathfinder has a beginner's box.

I know but the beginner's box is intended as introduction for player level 1-4. What I am trying is to create a simple system that could be used at all levels.

[chaosaccountant]

This can work really well, at low levels. But then, at low levels it's been done. At high levels, not having a whole pile of options can be a major problem; the fighter, for example, needs to be able to keep picking feats relevant to their combat style. That's hard enough in a normal game, and down-right impossible in a stripped down version.
Similarly, the wizard need enough spell options to have more versatility than the sorcerer, and there aren't that many high-level spells in the first place.
Finally, spending high-level gold on a stripped-down item list is going to result in everyone having one of two or three gear load-outs; you're necessarily going to have to drop the 'interesting' or 'niche' items in favour of +to hit, +to damage, + to AC, + to stats; otherwise everyone gets way off the curve.
My suggestion would be to take the beginners box (I haven't read it, so I don't know what's included), and add material for levels 5-8. I doubt you'll be able to create a 'stripped down' list that's effective past that level, and I wouldn't suggest a beginner start beyond there anyway.
90% of the time, you don't actually need to learn all the rules, at least as a player; you learn how your class works, how your feats (and feats you might want) work, what the spells on your spells know/spell book do, and what your combat options are. That's already a fairly short list, especially for a simple class.

[RonarsCorruption]

Well then, perhaps the problem is the high levels themselves, then. What if your stripped-down game only focused on things available to players up to level... 6? Or, 5, as that's a better number, but the level 6 abilities, like a second attack per round and level 3 spells. You could remove 90% of the feats and spells right off the bat as they become irrelevant.