1. Will the SRD be released before the core books are released? Is there even currently a plan on when it will be released? I ask because a lot of people prepping for 4E would probably like that info before the books come out so they can prepare their campaign settings and whatnot.
2. Is the basic ratio of open vs product identity that was in the 3.5 core books going to be retained? That is, will there be a larger amount of the info in those three books present in the SRD, or might we expect a smaller SRD that's more limited in what it releases on creatures and such.
3. This last one is key, and I think more people are interested in this than they may realize. With the announcement of releasing a new PH, MM and DMG every year, and the talk about 4E being all about staying up to date and such so that there is no need for a 4.5, will the SRD be a living document? Kind of like the constitution, might it change gradually all the time, adding in stuff from new books you might consider not product identity, and letting it grow and change? I ask this because Psionics were supposedly mentioned to come out in another PH, and if that's true, and they were in the SRD, that kind of hints that the SRD will be amended constantly and with pace. If that's to be, it could singly be the best thing you guys have done for the OGL movement besides releasing D20 in the first place, and I really hope you plan to do it.
That's all I have right now, and you can tell which question I want answered the most. If there's anything else someone wants to throw out there, let it be said!
Aside from the usual (character creation and advancement rules), what other content will they be holding back or designated PI (if any) in the 4e SRD?
As for what they'll hold back, I should hope it'll still just be product identity and flavor. It would suck if it was much more than that...
Will we ever get more material released for the 3.X SRD?
I'm going to guess that the answer to that is "no".
Relevence to this thread:
It is a royalty-free license for permissible usage of specific D&D 4th Edition content including terms, tables, and templates.
and
Q) Is WotC planning on providing an easily available, downloadable copy of the rules available both online and off without a fee?
A. No. Anyone wishing access to the rules will need to purchase the core rulebooks. The GSL SRD will have a list of the terms, tables, and templates available for use under the GSL and will be available for download at no charge with the GSL itself.
Emphasis mine.
It looks like the SRD will contain much less information; you'll probably get, "Bigby's Clenched Fist (PHB pg. xx)" but not the details of the spell. You'll probably get
That said, question number 3 is sort of a "yes" in that "Druid (PHB2 pg. xx)" should probably be added to the SRD when the PHB2 comes out. It would be easy enough to do.
In regards to question 2, we know nothing about whether or not there's a definition of "open content" or "product identity" in the GSL. I really think it's just going to be a license for the proper use of the trademark, and standardized presentation/citation of content, not a real open gaming license (which impacts the content and nature of the SRD).
Answer to question 1: We should know what's in the SRD for sure on June 6th or 7th when the GSL is supposed to be released, which coincides with the intended release date of the core books.
Let me ask you this do you think there will be enough info to create a usable character?
I'm pretty sure that no, there won't be. If you want full access to the rules, you'll have to either own the books or be a subscriber to DDi. There will be a preview period for the Rules Compendium and the Dungeon and Dragon magazines coinciding with the release of the PHB, MM, and DMG, but I'm not sure how long it will last and you will have to subscribe to DDi after the preview period is over if you want continued access.
Here is the link to the article if you guys want more information.
Let me ask you this do you think there will be enough info to create a usable character?
You might want to check out this thread; Andy & the Rouse spelled it out pretty clearly: the SRD will not be a substitute for the core books.
If the SRD is completely useless for game play, and references rules only, I imagine some helpful person will come along and write a complete SRD rules guide that looks much like the original. Since it's 3rd party and all, it should be allowed to happen, provided they followed the permitted materials guidelines.
I think it's extremely unlikely that this will be allowable under the GSL, the intent of which is to allow 3rd party publishers to create compatible supplements.
(The d20 STL didn't require a card, but it offered more protection to a publisher if they sent one in.)
As a publisher, I filled out a card and mail it in order to publish 3.x - so nothing is new here for us (It's always good to be safe).
I believe the GSL/STL, when it is becomes available, to be more restrictive. However, the more restrictions placed upon it, the more willing WotC will allow more use of their future content for 3rd party publishers.
SRD = System Release Document or Source Release Document? My guess is that really they meant the latter rather than the former. System implies mechanics while Source implies material. Not that I"d quibble over semantics (those damn Wizard spells and their components).
SRD (at least in 3e) stood for System Reference Document.
http://www.wizards.com/d20/files/SRD.pdf