>> Or do you think that it's WoTC's intention (based on the 
>> quote above) to
>> limit anything even remotely similar to something like 
>> Master Tools?  


OK, found the message I was paraphrasing from Memory about WotC changing the
d20 STL/Guide:


>From Ryan, in response to somebody that was trying to make a character
generation utility.

----------------------------------------------------------------
From: Gandalf the Grey Mage [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]

> That's our goal with the program.... d20 compliance.

Nothing you can do will make a software character generator compliant
with the d20 System Trademark License.

The license is carefully drawn to exclude software that takes human
input (or the input of a human agent), uses rules to process that input,
and returns a result.  The license is carefully drawn to exclude any
product, software or not, that could replace the PHB or another WotC
authored source for character creation and advancement.  That's the
>point< of those restrictions.  This isn't a game, where you try to
"break" the license or figure out a clever way to twist the English
language to avoid the restrictions we have imposed.  The d20 System
Trademark License, unlike the OGL, does not provide a level playing
field.  If you find a loophole, we'll just change the license to remove
it.  Consider the restrictions in the d20 STL a big "STAY AWAY" sign,
and quit trying to sneak around the fence.

Your options are to either abandon the project, publish unlicensed and
hope to prevail in court, or remove the d20 trademark and just use the
OGL.

If you chose to just use the OGL you will have to find a way to comply
with the terms of that license, including providing all recipients the
freedom to copy, modify and distribute the OGC in your work.

Ryan
----------------------------------------------------------------


My suggestion (IANAL, and I am a stranger on the 'Net) would be to develop
your software to be released under >Just< the OGL -- your going to have
enough problems as it is.  But develop it there first, make sure that it
complies and that you don't risk contaminating the Web of Trust.

You have to do that anyway to put the d20 Logo on it.

Once your there, decide if you really want/need the d20 Logo.  If you do,
and you sincerely feel that your software doesn't violate the d20 STL --
then slap the d20 Logo on your website, and on a version of the product that
is only available electronically.  Then, if WotC finds fault, and sends you
the little "nasty gram" -- you'll have 30-60 days (can't remember which, see
the d20STL) to remove the Logo.

--
Mike



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