Doug Meerschaert wrote:
> Qualifier: Not "any reference whatsoever", but "any significant reference."
> In a nutshell (IMO): If you use a system's rules, you're derivitive of that
> system. (Of course, if you only take a few rules--like, ability scores from
> 3-18 for human average--you're probably not. But, this is a grey area...
> and it's best to er on the side of not getting sued. :) )
Systems cannot be copyrighted. You cannot be a derivative work of a system.
The reason RPGs occupy a gray area is because a given rule may be more than just
a system -- it may also be a copyrightable expression of an idea. For example,
the system of "choose a race" in D&D is not copyrightable. However, for "choose
a race" to be meaningful you have to describe the races. It is arguable that the
mechanical description of an "elf"(*) in the D&D game is copyrightable.
This has never been tested in court, however, so its an open question.
(*) Specifically:
+2 Dex, -2 Con
Speed is 30 ft.
Immunity to sleep spells
Low-light Vision
Proficient with either longsword or rapier; proficient with shortbow, longbow,
composite longbow, and composite shortbow
+2 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks
Automatic Languages: Common and Elven
Bonus Languages: Draconic, Gnoll, Gnome, Goblin, Orc, and Sylvan
Favored Class: Wizard
Justin Bacon
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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