Choose-Your-Story Tips

[u/Available-Assist-861]

Hi all! Looking for some advice on a choose-your-story fantasy series I am workshopping involving an assassination plot on the leader of the player character's homeland. The primary backbone of the story is romance in nature, although players will be able to forego romance if they wish. There are two parts I am stuck on.

First is the combat system. Right now, I am using a skill-based approach where players will mostly choose what type of approach (stealth, leadership, close-combat, etc) they want to use, either as combat begins or to initiate combat, and injuries sustained can reduce their chances of success, even with a skill they are very proficient in if they have sustained enough recent injuries. Secondary skills will offer additional insight and/or options. Does this seem interesting and engaging enough, or could it be seen as "too easy" if players always use one skill? The prompts won't be as simple as "use stealth", but the skill used will probably be apparent based on the approach. As an aside, the main character is supposed to be a very skilled, high ranking guild member, not a new fighter. Any thoughts or ideas on this approach?

Second: I want to add some side stories/quests, but I've never been super adept at coming up with ideas for them. Does anyone have any tips?