Core Rules: What They Are and Why They Matter
The Core Rules are the mechanical foundation used throughout Squire 5. They are based on the 2024 System Reference Document (SRD 5.2), released by Wizards of the Coast under the Creative Commons license.
The SRD contains the open rules of the 5th Edition system. Because it is released under Creative Commons, it can be used, adapted, and shared freely. Squire 5 builds on this material and organizes it into a practical reference for play.
What Are the Core Rules?
The Core Rules describe how the game works. They explain how to create characters, resolve actions, use spells, interact with equipment, and run encounters. These rules form the mechanical structure behind the stories players create at the table.
SRD 5.2 provides the official open version of these mechanics. Squire 5 presents the same rules in a structured format designed to be easier to browse, reference, and use during play.
What's Included in the Core Rules?
The Core Rules cover the essential parts of the system:
Gameplay Basics
How actions are resolved, how dice are used, and how turns function during play.
Character Creation
Species, classes, backgrounds, feats, and the rules used to build a character.
Spells
Rules for casting magic along with the spell list included in the SRD.
Monsters
Stat blocks and creature rules used for encounters.
Equipment
Weapons, armor, tools, and adventuring gear.
Together, these sections provide the rules needed to run and play a game using the SRD system.
How Squire 5 Uses the Core Rules
Squire 5 organizes the SRD material into a searchable reference and connects it to the platform's tools. Characters, spells, equipment, and other rules elements link directly to the systems used to manage campaigns and game content.
The goal is not to replace the SRD, but to present the same rules in a format that is easier to navigate and use while playing.
Ready to Explore?
The sections that follow present the Core Rules in a structured reference. If you are new to the system, start with the gameplay basics and character creation. From there you can explore spells, equipment, and monsters as needed.