4e System Reference Document

[Speusippus]

Used to be, in 3.5, that I could use the SRD (system reference document) to get a very good idea as to how basic D&D gameplay works. Indeed, if I wanted, I could legally run an entire campaign using just the 3.5e SRD, freely available online at the WotC website.

Is there any way to do this in 4e? I've seen the SRD for 4e, but it's nowhere near as clear or complete looking as what I remember from the 3.5e SRD. Is it possible to learn, in some detail, how the basics of gameplay work for D&D 4e? (I.e., what the classes and races are, what powers are available to them, and how combat works, and so on?) and perhaps even legally run a character or campaign this way? Without looking in the published handbooks, I mean.

[Siberys]

Unfortunately 4E is not open source like 3.5 is. We will likely never see a 4th edition SRD. At least, not a legal one.

[BountyHunter]

While I much enjoy actually having the books when it comes time to run a game, I found the SRD for 3.5 very helpful when I was simply wanting to research / prepare for a game etc.

Its really easy to just type what page I want and browse through it on the computer and everything. While there appears to be no SRD for 4E I did actually get my hands on a PDF of the three core books.

Granted I still actually have purchased the books, and use them whenever I've gathered in a dark basement somewhere with fellow geeks. But its nice to just pop open a PDF and go right to the page on Teiflings so I can double check something ...

[hunterofjello]

A 4e SRD might be released once all of the 4th edition books are out of print and 5e comes out.

Unless you feel like waiting, I'd look for another source.