(spelling intentional) So I'm looking at what's currently available software wise for online gaming (just me and some Joes and some TCP/IP) there's WebRPG and GRIP leading the pack...and while those were good, it seems development was slowed to a drip on both. I feel they could be so much more. Neverwinter Nights IS Not the answer for me, and we'll speak no more of it 'till it arrives >:) So, being a software engineer by trade (real-time financial systems infrastructure ) I decided to "roll my own" and began to prototype MY "iD20 Campaign Manager and Online Gaming Utility thingy-bob" [not the real name] In a nutshell the program offers tools to manage campaigns and facilitates online gaming (much like GRIP) 2D graphics, ala Diablo (If I can Find an artist) but 2d-Iso none the less. Turn based Actions/combat. Chat/whisper facilities. NO character generation, But it can read and use npc/pc/monster/trap/city stat blocks from text. much like it is used in Dragon/Dungeon. Then the Rain came...someone informed me of the "Interactive game" clause. Meaning I can not use the D20 trademarks and d20 license. :( I started digging around reading and such... and I think I can still do this just using the D20SRD. Now...I will be taking all this to an attorney, got an appointment and my checkbook all set - (Dang!! they're expensive!) But I can't wait, it's quiet out here, and I wanna get something started, AND I'd like to hear some thoughts.. My belief is I can use the D20SRD, I had not planned on including Any monsters, characters, spells. but I do include ways to store and use that information, my focus being on a campaign level, you(the user) include/use what you need. No character generation or creation or experience logic(?) - yet It does track party experience points earned in a session, it does not apply them. You will Still need your rule books - my intent was only to automate and facilitate playing D&D online with Great 2d-Isometric graphics, direct pc-pc connections, turn-based, click&drag feel. Generic Game Engines (IMO) are mediocre and I didn't want any of that. I wanted to make the NeverWinter Nights Alternative. (Hey 2nd place Ain't bad Baby!! Ask Pepsi!!) I figured I was good on the software front, I can call it "The Satyr Engine". Now the product Identity and compatible issues stuff is another rub... do I say "for use with that great Open Source Fantasy game "??? or can you not in any spirit associate (or imply compatiblity) D20SRD material with D&D. Again, I'm consulting a lawyer, I just wanna know how Joe and jane gamer felt. And maybe I'll get a word from Ryan too!! Disclaimer: For the Hard cases - you know who ya are! I get paid an insane salary to design, reverse engineer, fix, debug and enhance software - this is the real deal, Ace, I've been writing code since Fiend & Folio.I've got a working client&server prototype running under Win95 and 98. Negative comments are welcomed as much as positive ones...just make it smart and constructive please! Much Obliged! kc_Stan ===== "For this is the Journey that men make:to find themselves. If they fail in this, It doesn't matter much what else they find." -James A. Michener __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail. http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ ------------- For more information, please link to www.opengamingfoundation.org
