From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Alan T.
Haley
Sent: Friday, February 02, 2001 12:43 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [ogf-d20-l] Basic d20 and publishing questions
<< 1. My understanding of the way this all works is that anyone can write
and
sell/distribute modules, boxed sets, and so on that use the d20 rules so
long as they don't use copyrighted characters or worlds. Is this correct?
>>
Please, please, PLEASE read the OGL and the draft STL! Then, when your head
is spinning (I'm rashly assuming you're not a lawyer), please save up and
get a lawyer to read the licenses and advise you if you're serious about
this.
I'm not trying to be a twink here. But if you plan to distribute to a large
audience, the ONLY things your are allowed to do with d20 are specified in
those licenses. And there's a very strong risk: everyone -- you, your
lawyer, the people here on this list, Wizards, Wizards' lawyers, AND the
judge -- will interpret those licenses differently. The problem is, only the
judge's opinion matters if you get in trouble. And only your own lawyer paid
for with your own funds should be trusted to advise you as to what a judge
is likely to opine. If he or she advises you poorly, he or she is obligated
to defend that advice in court. If we here advise you poorly, tough
patooties when you get to court.
Now, in the general since, your statement is wrong, because it's incomplete.
"[A]nyone can write and sell/distribute modules, boxed sets, and so on that
use the d20 rules" so long as you comply with ALL of the terms in those
licenses (and the STL has not yet been released). And those terms restrict
your use of third-party trademarks (such as characters or worlds) unless you
negotiate a separate license. But those are not the only restrictions.
<< 2. How much modification ("house rules") is allowed? Could such rules be
placed someplace in the module or book as suggested rules? >>
If you comply with the terms of the licenses, as much modification as you
want. One of the major limitations in the STL -- but by no means the only
one -- is that you cannot include rules for the process of creating
characters nor for the process of advancing in levels. You can describe the
EFFECTS -- such as a new class with new class benefits at various levels --
but not the PROCESS -- i.e., roll 3d6 and assign to stats, or accumulate a
certain amount of experience and gain a new class level.
<< 3. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting something published with
a
third party company (e.g. Troll Lord games)? I'm not a professional writer
but have a good imagination, a lot of gaming experience and a good command
of the English language. Should I query and ask if the companies want to
see material on speculation or is there a better way? >>
That is absolutely the second-best way. The first-best way is to do what you
said AND develop a thick skin. Expect lots of rejections, and just keep
trying anyway. The ones who succeed are the ones who don't give up.
<< Thanks in advance, >>
Hope this helps. PLEASE read the licenses!
Martin L. Shoemaker
Emerald Software, Inc. -- Software Design and UML Training
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.EmeraldSoftwareInc.com
http://www.UMLBootCamp.com
