Total//Effect is a game toolbox, SRD, set of personal preferences about game rules, whatever you want to call it to make medium-crunch games.

• Built around a very clear, robust rolling system that uses both the sum of three dice and the individual dice themselves to get different kinds of information.
• Provides subsystems (combat, as an example of a “traditional” one, but also things like character relationships, factions, and economies) that can easily be configured, combined and intermingled. Nothing is assumed to be required.
• Provides clear examples, not just dry rules: as part of the SRD, I outline the approach I take with it for 3 games with very different vibes, and include things like sample abilities or outlines of how I’m approaching it and why.
• Living document. As I make more games with it my intent is to go back and add features or redefine things as I figure out better ways to express concepts.

It’s not quite as “mad libs”-ish as a lot of SRDs: there are definitely rules you can copy and use, but it’s a lot more assembly-required. If you have the inclination to dive into it, however, I think you’ll find you have the tools to make a game that’s much more tailored to what you’re looking to convey.