I thought I would throw out some scenarios and see what Ryan and others thought about them, with regard to whether or not they're infringements. 1. Suppose the spell Magic Missile is never released in the SRD. Is it an infringement if someone's OGL product contains... a. A full spell description of a spell called Magic Missile, wherein the text is completely different from that in the PHB, but the spell works the same and the numeric values [range, targets, etc.] are the same? b. A full description of a spell called Magic Missile, wherein the text is completely different, the numeric values are somewhat different, but the spell works the same? c. Magic Missile in an NPC's spell list, with no explanation given? d. A new spell called Mana Arrow whose text description is completely different from Magic Missile's but which works the same as Magic Missile and has the same numeric values? e. A new spell called Mana Arrow whose text description is completely different from Magic Missile's and has somewhat different numeric values but which works the same as Magic Missile? 2. Same scenario as #1, but outside the OGL. 3. Suppose the whole magic system is not released right away (or ever) for the SRD. Is it an infringement if someone's OGL product contains... a. A totally new spell that uses the same parameter names [area of effect, duration, etc.] as the PHB and in the same order? b. A totally new spell that uses the same parameter names as the PHB but in a different order? c. A totally new spell that uses some of the same parameter names as the PHB? d. A text description of how spells are cast, how characters acquire spells, how spells are learned, and which characters can cast spells in this game? e. A list of spells that is 75% similar to the list of spells in the PHB, with those of prominent NPCs being excluded? f. A list of spells that is 25% similar to the list of spells in the PHB, with those of prominent NPCs being excluded? g. Magic Missile in an NPC's spell list, with no explanation given? 4. Same scenario as #3, but outside the OGL. 5. Same type of questions as 1-4, but regarding feats instead of spells. 6. Same type of questions as 1-4, but with character classes. 7. Same as 1-4, but with magical items. Neal __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices http://auctions.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________________ Ogf-l mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo/ogf-l
