Yo,
Since I've spent the past five months mooching off of this list and
trying to figure out how to do this with Dunandralis, I'll try to answer
your questions.
In a message dated 10/17/2000 5:33:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> I'm not sure if this is the correct forum for this question, but it seems
> the most relevant.
>
> What I would like to do is:
> 1. Create and sell a d20-based campaign world.
> 2. Create and sell adventure modules based on that campaign world.
You can do both of those things with or without the d20 stl, but if you want
to be able to indicate that your product is d20 compatible or requires the 3E
phb, then you have to use the d20 stl.
>
> I find the base d20 system adequate for an FRPG and would like to base my
> work on that system. Which essentially means that I'm writing works for use
> with D&D. And I want to be able to sell them.
You can do that if you follow the d20stl and say "Requires the use of the
Dungeons & Dragons(R) Player's Handbook, Third Edition, published by Wizards
of the Coast(R)."
>
> As I understand the license...I cannot actually say that my fantasy
> campaign world is intended for D&D (at least, not without a specific
license
> agreement from WotC that I'm unlikely to get).
Not true. You can use the d20stl as soon as WotC releases it to the public
and long as you don't break any of its rules.
Instead, all of my products
> would have to specify that they are simply "d20 Compatible".
See above.
Also, I would
> have to be careful to avoid certain D&D-specific monsters.
You have to be careful to avoid using anything unless it is original. : )
>
> Is this correct?
>
Gods if I know. ; )
> Are there other restrictions on player classes and magic items?
Some of the names of magic items cannot be used, and there are limits on
altering the d20srd content. For example, you can't develop a new way for
aPC to advance in level or generate stats.
>
> Since the d20 concept is based on selling more copies of the 3 core D&D
> books, is a violation of D&D trademarks to indicate that players would need
> to buy these 3 books within the products themselves?
I think you only have permission under the d20 stl to mention the PHB.
>
> Am I just being stunningly simplistic here and completely missing the
point?
> ;-)
No, this is complicated stuff. It is really important that you get a lawyer
before you attempt to publish or sell anything. They aren't that expensive
and even if they are they are cheaper than facing a future law suit and worth
their weight in gold for the piece of mind they give you. All you have to do
is flip through your phone book. Some offices even give you a free first
visit and with it an estimate of how much their services will cost. Avoid
the offices with tiffany lamps and oriental carpets as well as the offices
with trash bags on the front porch and pissed off secretaries.
(or you could just be extra cool and join Dunandralis, a soon to be nonprofit
world creation project)
Regards,
Maggie
