Fantasy
Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition
The fourth edition of D&D, with character powers, tactical encounters and skill challenges.
Directory entry · Rob Heinsoo, Andy Collins, James Wyatt
- Entry type
- Roleplaying game
- Rules family
- Generic
- Edition
- 4e · GSL 2009-02-27
- Rules licence
- LicenseRef-GSL 2009
01
What is it about?
This reference concerns fourth edition and its historical February 2009 Game System License. Archived original Wizards documents preserve the seven-page agreement, the 85-page SRD file and the FAQ. The SRD lists references and templates rather than teaching the complete game.
02
At the table
Use the fourth-edition rulebooks to build a party, choose class powers and run encounters and skill challenges. The linked SRD assumes those books; it is not a self-contained free rulebook.
For module creators
Publishing modules
Individual permission required
The historical GSL offered conditional commercial publication; current enrolment has not been confirmed.
Conditions
The 2009 agreement required submitting a Statement of Acceptance, followed by 14 days without rejection. It covered specified books, downloadable books and accessories, with prescribed legal notices, compatibility-logo placement and content standards. It excluded websites, interactive products and character creators; prohibited full SRD republication, definitions and unauthorised copying of book text or art; and allowed revision and termination. Confirm a currently applicable agreement before publishing. Fifth-edition CC/OGL grants do not license fourth edition.