The thread on new versus old RPGs in the "Pen & Paper Roleplaying Games (RPGs) Discussion" section got me thinking about rulebooks and how they are written. Naturally, my thoughts drifted to ADRP and what I would do if I was in charge of the franchise. I know that this is not at all a new topic, and the probability of ever seeing an actual ADRP 2E is approximately zero, but I'd be interested in hearing what others would do with a chance to redo the rules.
1. Combine materials from the Core rulebook with Shadow Knight.
I know that some folks love Merlin's books and others despise them, and so there isn't an easy way to make everyone happy, but if I was in charge I would keep any of Erick's rules all together with the idea that some campaigns might allow certain options while other campaigns might allow others. I would keep Erick's actual words as authentic as possible, only re-organized.
If I could add in Jason Durall's Rebma sourcebook, I would do it. All of those materials seem pretty canon to me, as far as the ADRP rules system goes.
2. Divide everything into smaller chunks.
What I would do is divide up the two-book mass of material into a Player's Guide and a GM's Guide. (Perhaps a third volume, the Scenario Book.) I figure that the two new volumes would each be roughly the same thickness as the current two books, but probably more useful.
The Player's Guide can have information about the auction, the cost and details about the powers, how to spend character points, and other information key to putting together a character. It would include the general terminology behind the Amber universe so that newcomers could get a feel for the setting.
The GM's Guide would include Elder options, all of the examples of how to run a game, and other campaign information. The Scenario Book could be included as part of the GM's Guide or its own thing. I'd have to count pages. Basically, all of the stuff that talks about throne wars and other potential scenarios would be included here.