This document is intended to be a distillation of the base system mechanics for Schismata. Absent from this document is the lore or implied setting. The hope is that this will support extension of the system and enable the creation of derivative works, new implementations, etc., without burdening the individual game developers with unwanted flavor text that does not fit with their game ideas. That is, Schismata should be able to form the basis of any kind of game. Covered here are: the basic action resolution mechanics of Schismata, which are effort-based dice pools; the rules around expending, depleting, and replenishing action pools; the definition and characteristics of actions; rules for how these mechanics work for character creation and advancement; and additional support mechanics necessary to run a game, namely time and movement.

The core Action Resolution mechanic is to:

1. Commit at least one Action Die to perform the Action.
2. Add more dice to increase the effect or potency.
3. Add and remove dice based on Circumstances.