I find it very exciting to be able to give my mind on a RPG in its development stage. Thanks a lot for this great opportunity.
So, here are some comments made just as I read the changes.
1. Though I did not have time enough to test it, I feel that the new stat array is better balanced. The few test characters I have made before were, IMHO, weak with very low stat bonuses to begin.
2. As for the change to damage rules, I cannot understand the rationales behind it, can you give some help ? I found the previous stats for combat skills well designed because they made different kinds of characters (the quick, the agile, the strong) proficient with different types of weapons. Now more weapons rely on strength. I understand that it is needed to make for the disappearance of strength damage but somehow I find the previous version more to my taste.
3. Don't you think that making the scale damage +1 for each point over the TN will lessen the difference between weapons. I mean, with a 15 points above TN roll, the weapon base damage is not that important. Most of the damage comes from the roll, not the weapon. A dagger would yield 18 hits and a greatsword 22 and both weapons will give the same bleeding, penalties...
4. Next, granting 1 boon point for each 10 points above TN makes it very hard to access the 3 or 4 points combat boons. To get a killing blow against a mere 15 DEF requires a roll of 56 if I understand correctly ? Quite a feat even for a expert fighter. That is, if I understand it right !
5. I find the additional option to fate points a very good idea.
6. The clarification about spell vs DEF is useful. In the chapter about casting boon points, they are earned on a 5/1 ratio, making them easier to get than the new combat boon points. Is that the intention or should both of them be earned on the same basis ?
That's all for now. I hope some of those observations can be useful.
Fidoric