diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..103fbfd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,139 @@
+# **Skill Engine - A Modular Skill Tree Framework for Forge Mods**
+
+**Skill Engine** is **not** a standalone progression mod.  
+It does **not** add gameplay, attributes, or abilities by itself.
+
+Instead, **Skill Engine is a framework** designed to let other mods create their own **highly customizable skill trees**, complete with:
+
+*   Node unlocking
+*   Attribute requirements
+*   Custom icons
+*   Skill point handling
+*   Server synchronization
+*   Requirements & tooltips
+*   Interaction with other progression systems (like Ascend)
+
+If you're looking for a mod that _adds_ skills, this is **not** it.  
+If you are a developer who wants to **add skill trees to your mod without reinventing everything**, Skill Engine is exactly what you need.
+
+***
+
+# **Features**
+
+### JSON-driven Skill Tree System
+
+Mods can register their own skill nodes simply by adding JSON files under:
+
+```
+data/<yourmodid>/skillnodes/*.json
+```
+
+### Automatic Node Rendering
+
+Nodes are positioned, displayed, zoomed, panned, and drawn automatically in the Skill Tree GUI.
+
+### Icons Support
+
+Use **your own textures** or **vanilla item textures** as node icons.
+
+### Requirements System
+
+Nodes can specify:
+
+*   Linked nodes
+*   Prerequisite attributes
+*   Skill costs
+*   Custom tags
+
+The UI automatically displays requirements in tooltips and overlays.
+
+### Unlock Logic & Sync
+
+Unlocking is fully handled server-side and synced to the client.
+
+### Full API Support
+
+Skill Engine includes a public API class that allows other mods to:
+
+*   Give skill points
+*   Unlock skill nodes
+*   Check unlock state
+*   Access player skill data
+*   Register or reference nodes
+
+***
+
+# **How to Use Skill Engine in Your Mod**
+
+Skill Engine is designed to be extremely easy to integrate.
+
+## **1\. Add Skill Engine as a Dependency**
+
+In your `mods.toml`:
+
+```toml
+[[dependencies.yourmodid]]
+    modId="skillengine"
+    type="required"
+    versionRange="[1.0.0,)"
+```
+
+In your Gradle build:
+
+```gradle
+implementation fg.deobf("net.fretux.skillengine:SkillEngine:<version>")
+```
+
+***
+
+# **2\. Create Your Skill Nodes (JSON)**
+
+Example:
+
+```json
+{
+  "title": "Basic Strength",
+  "description": "You feel your muscles tighten.",
+  "cost": 1,
+  "position": { "x": -150.0, "y": -50.0 },
+  "links": ["skillengine:welcome"],
+  "tags": ["yourmodid:strength_1"],
+  "icons": "minecraft:textures/item/iron_sword.png",
+  "prerequisites": {
+    "strength": 10,
+    "agility": 5
+  }
+}
+```
+
+Place this in:
+
+```
+data/yourmodid/skillnodes/basic_strength.json
+```
+
+Skill Engine will automatically detect it and add it to the tree.
+
+***
+
+# **3\. Use the API in Your Code**
+
+Skill Engine exposes a simple API:
+
+```java
+SkillEngineAPI.unlockNode(player, SkillEngineAPI.rl("yourmodid", "basic_strength"));
+SkillEngineAPI.addSkillPoints(player, 3);
+boolean unlocked = SkillEngineAPI.isUnlocked(player, SkillEngineAPI.id("welcome"));
+```
+
+You can interact with the system without touching internal classes.
+
+# **Users: What Does This Mod Do for Me?**
+
+Skill Engine **does nothing by itself**.  
+It does _not_ add a skill tree or abilities on its own.
+
+You only need this mod if:
+
+*   A mod you play **depends** on Skill Engine
+*   You want to install addons that create skill trees
diff --git a/README.txt b/README.txt
deleted file mode 100644
index 46add15..0000000
--- a/README.txt
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,46 +0,0 @@
-
-Source installation information for modders
--------------------------------------------
-This code follows the Minecraft Forge installation methodology. It will apply
-some small patches to the vanilla MCP source code, giving you and it access 
-to some of the data and functions you need to build a successful mod.
-
-Note also that the patches are built against "un-renamed" MCP source code (aka
-SRG Names) - this means that you will not be able to read them directly against
-normal code.
-
-Setup Process:
-==============================
-
-Step 1: Open your command-line and browse to the folder where you extracted the zip file.
-
-Step 2: You're left with a choice.
-If you prefer to use Eclipse:
-1. Run the following command: `./gradlew genEclipseRuns`
-2. Open Eclipse, Import > Existing Gradle Project > Select Folder 
-   or run `gradlew eclipse` to generate the project.
-
-If you prefer to use IntelliJ:
-1. Open IDEA, and import project.
-2. Select your build.gradle file and have it import.
-3. Run the following command: `./gradlew genIntellijRuns`
-4. Refresh the Gradle Project in IDEA if required.
-
-If at any point you are missing libraries in your IDE, or you've run into problems you can 
-run `gradlew --refresh-dependencies` to refresh the local cache. `gradlew clean` to reset everything 
-(this does not affect your code) and then start the process again.
-
-Mapping Names:
-=============================
-By default, the MDK is configured to use the official mapping names from Mojang for methods and fields 
-in the Minecraft codebase. These names are covered by a specific license. All modders should be aware of this
-license, if you do not agree with it you can change your mapping names to other crowdsourced names in your 
-build.gradle. For the latest license text, refer to the mapping file itself, or the reference copy here:
-https://github.com/MinecraftForge/MCPConfig/blob/master/Mojang.md
-
-Additional Resources: 
-=========================
-Community Documentation: https://docs.minecraftforge.net/en/1.20.1/gettingstarted/
-LexManos' Install Video: https://youtu.be/8VEdtQLuLO0
-Forge Forums: https://forums.minecraftforge.net/
-Forge Discord: https://discord.minecraftforge.net/