Looking for a new system/play variant

[averagejoe]

I'm looking for either a decent DnD variant, or another RPG system with open content. I want to try out something in which everyone has a bit less longevity; that is, a system where people actually go down after being shot two or three times. It doesn't seem like DnD could be simply adapted to this, as there would be scaling difficulties if I didn't let people gain HP, and it would make fireball into "instant death 20 ft radius." I would prefer something that people have actually tired out, not just suggestions, but I'll take what I can get.

[Morty]

Have you ever tried Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay? In that system you can go down after one hit. Of course, it doesn't happen all the time, but it's quite possible.
It's not open content, though.

[Ikkitosen]

Yeah, WFRP is a lot less heroic than D&D - your chance of achieving any particular action is generally Not Great. Great game though - my first ever RPG back in the day!

[Creeps]

I suggest Savage Worlds. Blood simple and damned lethal, but the heroes are still heroic.

[Driderman]

True 20, or True D20 or whatever it's called.
Simple, effective and combat is actually dangerous and somewhat lethal. Also, you still use the D20 system so the rules should already be familiar

[the_tick_rules]

warcraft rpg.

[High-Chancellor]

I seem to recall Shadowrun being decent.

[ArmorArmadillo]

Spycraft is pretty good; it's espionage based, and a few guards with AK-47s can take out a group of PCs out quickly, especially with a critical hit.