> Sedge I
>
> The best scenario with a classless system with levels is awarding the
> character with greater abilities when they level. Since it is classless
> these abilities will not follow any specific template as a classed system
> would. The problem I've run into is that the license forbids me from
> describing what happens when a character advances in level.
>
> Does this mean that my system can't be d20 and must only be OGL? It seems
> that way to me. The stipulation in the license is pretty vague IMO.
>
> 3.1.2. No Publication distributed under the terms of this License may
> contain information explaining the effects on characters of earning
> experience or advancing in "level" as that term is defined in the
> D20 System
> Reference Document v0.0.
This means you cannot describe the EFFECTS of earning experience (being
eligible to gain a new level) or the ACT of advancing in level (gaining new
skill points, increasing hit points, etc). The key is the phrase "as that
term is defined in the D20 System Reference Document v0.0". We need to see
the SRD to see whether this paragraph is vague or specific. Ryan has said
that it is Ok to say 'a 4th level Pirate has gains a +2 bonus to Swimming"
and to say that Pirates use a d8 for hit points. What you can't say is that
when you gain a Pirate level you roll a d8 and add your Con modifier, then
add the total to your current hit points.
> Does that mean that we can't re-publish the rules that are
> present in WotC
> d20 products or that we can't even present alternatives?
You can't republish or offer alternatives to character generation or level
advancement, nor offer an alternative 'level-less' system that offers
rewards for gaining experience and still use the d20 logo.
> If it's
> the latter
> then I'm lost as to how to present any system that deviates from
> levels and
> classes as they seem to be hardwired into the license.
An generic class that has all class skills and all feats available is
certainly possible based on the rumors and statements made by Ryan on the
various OGL lists. We won't know for sure how that is to be accomplished
until we get the PHB to SRD conversion document, but it will be in there.
-Brad
