I decided to go with D20/Pathfinder system with simplified combat resolution, but using at least part of the skill system for my hack.
Essentially, hit dice become hits. So a level 1 adventurer starts with 1 hit. It's deadly combat at 1st level, but soon you level up and have a second hit if your character survives.
Damage dice become damage. 1d4 is 1 damage, as is 1d6. 1d10 is still 1 damage if wielded without feats or bonuses. Magical weapons can do more damage with elemental effects, blessings and whatever is attached to the weapon, mechanically speaking.
Pacing becomes important (if running with a GM/Overlord) when dealing with 1st level characters. Also, tactics are paradoxically more important with less survivability. This idea turned into a dungeon crawler instead of a hex crawl, although the campaign map will still have hexes to explore.
I will buy hex graph paper to make all the maps, a unified format.
It's going to be either
1. Multiple characters per player, a party essentially. You would compete with other players parties to gain prestige and "win" the game. This is a more traditional board game approach where you count achievements and points based on party competence.
OR
2. One character per player, same party. A co-op game against the baddies, like most dungeon crawlers work essentially.
Play will continue through multiple sessions, with character experience being the currency that is most important, given that the game revolves around character advancement and campaigning.
