Open ended P&P systems?

[Alleya]

So I've played D&D 4e in the past as a DM and a PC. I've read 3.5 and pathfinder rules. I've read blogs about homebrew systems based on mixtures of pretty much every edition.

It's all crap.

Okay, they're not. But they're not what I'm looking for. I'm not too concerned with setting here, it's mainly the rules and mechanics that get to me. I feel like these systems are too restrictive and have, paradoxically, too much thought put into them. Especially over time. D&D started out pretty simple, but the complexity has grown so much over the years. It's gotten to the point with 4e where the entire campaign is basically built around the rules, and in 3.5 it looks more open ended but only by virtue of the fact that there are so very MANY rules, which I can only see leading to nightmares trying to officiate. They feel much, much more like very slow videogames than RPGs.

So the point: I'm looking for suggestions on P&P systems that use some dice but not too many that have well defined systems with simple and elegant rules that do not shoehorn players into a role but instead let them flesh it out on their own. I want my players to have to think about how to solve problems rather than dungeon crawling, reading down their List Of Powers, and heading to the tavern once the dungeon boss is dead. Maybe that's a problem with the way campaigns are written, maybe it's a problem with my players, I dunno, but I do want something different.

Bonus points if it can easily be played over skype/webcams/etc.

Help?

[Riposte]

I kind of wish you asked this question a year or three ago lol.

I am slightly confused by what you want. Well-defined and simple/elegant are pretty contrary to each other in systems. I am just going to assume you mean more simplistic systems since you also say open-ended. Also role-less systems can be fitted into either or and that is a whole other issue which takes a lot consideration. I haven't really played any of these systems firsthand.

Castle and Crusaders is based on earlier DnD editions. No skills or feats, but easy to add house rules(take what you like from 3e, etc).
http://www.trolllord.com/cnc/index.html
http://www.angelfire.com/rpg2/dnd3e/cnc.htm
http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/11/11008.phtml

The Unisystem is probably the most positively received "open" system there is. I am not sure if "Unisystem" handbook exists, but it is used in plenty of eden studio products(e.g. Buffy the Vampire Slayer adaptation).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unisystem
http://www.edenstudios.net/
http://www.flamesrising.com/dungeons...ombies-review/

Savage Worlds is a system I plan to get into at some point. It is probably the most critically acclaimed setting/system I've heard of, and fits the "rules lite" classification.
http://www.peginc.com/games.html#SavageWorlds
http://www.peginc.com/Downloads/SWEX/TD06.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savage_Worlds

I did once use a rather simple D20 system back in my teens. I can't even find it any more(though I did heavily edited it anyway). Had three classes, 10 or so skills, traits(based on class) instead of feats or races, and ability score mods could be used for any skill and attack given the right context(making characters act consistently to their style for a strategic advantage). Was great for introducing some people to RPGs. The point here being that the naked d20 system isn't very convoluted, once you move away from DnD.

Also note it is perfectly possible to have a dungeon crawler-less campaign in 3e/pathfinder(not so much 4e). In any case you might want to look up "City" setting campaigns for inspiration. (Campaigns that focus more on scenes than locations. With more room for diplomacy and subterfuge over long battles given the lack of concentrated enemy forces.)

EDIT: In theory systems with less focus on combat is best for online play. However I can't help you there because I've always struggled to get a good game going online.

EDIT: Damn having memories of how fun it was to make up systems. I should get back into it, even if I haven't played in awhile.

[Dareus]

Ever try the Whitewolf series of games? They are much more focused on the RP and storytelling aspect of the P&P game, but it's simple enough to make them as combat heavy as you wish. The system is fairly forward and simple at the core, and much of how the characters develop and grow is totally dependent on player choices. Besides that, they are a ton of fun and have an excellent setting.

[Alleya]

Thanks for the awesome suggestions. Gonna look into these.

[Darus Grey]

Big big 2nded on savage worlds, it's basically exactly what you're looking for, it's also cheap as fuck, only one rulebook that's $10.