Okay so I want to develop an extremely flexible, lightweight roleplaying game format that can be used to basically provide structure for joint storytelling between players and GM.

I'm thinking 4-6 stats. Something like Talking, Logic, Magic, Athletics, Combat? Every player can allocate numbers 1-5 for their relative strength in the different stats. Then to do things they draw that number of cards from a deck and choose which one to play, and they have to beat either a target draw (drawn by the GM) or an opposed draw (by another player).

Talking is basically diplomacy/intimidation. Logic is int/wisdom/ability to figure things out. Magic is, well, magic, and up to the player to RP with the GM. Athletics is the ability to run, jump, climb, and carry. Combat is the ability to attack and defend.

Damage can be mental (to Logic or Magic skills) or physical (to Athletics or Combat). Death happens when any skill drops to 0. Healing or resting refresh skill points.

The point is to have something lightweight enough that people can tell stories together on a bus or in a car, or while drinking, or at a bar. You lose the art, and the dice, and all the accessories that come with pathfinder or D&D, but gain valuable flexibility for long running groups that mostly like hanging out, solving problems, and fighting monsters.

Also, yes, a lot of this combat is inspired by Betrayal at House on the Hill which is the best game I've ever played.