> Jaimi McEntire
>
> Just exactly which parts of the system are the D20 system?
> Is it the entire players handbook/dm guide? What in these
> books fall under the OGL? If none, is there a document that
> explains the D20 system that is under the OGL?
The d20 System is a generic mechanic used by 3e D&D and by the upcoming Star
Wars RPG. It might be considered the 'grandchild' of the Alternity system
by some. You can use the d20 System two ways.
The first is through the Open Gaming License and the d20 System Reference
Document (d20 SRD). This document is a skeletal framework for a generic d20
game based on the 3e D&D Player's Handbook. It is NOT a complete game, but
it is close. In addition to the generic framework, the d20 SRD contains
nearly all of the basic rules for a fantasy game, also taken from the 3e D&D
PHB. This means Races, Classes, Skills, Feats, and Spells from the PHB will
be there, although their descriptions will be abbreviated and the examples
will be removed. It may contain some Monsters, Prestige Classes, Magic
Items, and magical-effect templates - that remains unclear at this time. It
will NOT contain rules for level advancement or gaining experience.
Since the d20 SRD is being released as an OGL document, you can take it and
use it to your heart's content, so long as you also use the OGL. Write a
module, publish a class, whip up a new PC race, write your own rules for
level advancement, or create a whole new world with it, but remember to give
credit where credit is due. There is even a way to combine your material
with OGL material and keep your material to yourself (i.e. not shared
through the OGL).
The second way is to combine the d20 SRD with the d20 System Trademark
License. This is an agreement between you and WotC that lets you slap a
nice red d20 Logo on your book or e-document that tells everyone that you
are using the d20 System. It is purely a marketing tool, so if you don't
care about marketing, you don't need this license. As part of the terms of
the license, you agree not to do certain things, like fiddle with the
existing game terms or publish rules about gaining levels.
That's all there is to it. Of course, if you intend to make money with the
OGL or the d20 STL, you had better talk to a lawyer before you invest too
much of you own money in it.
There is also an unofficial FAQ about the OGL and d20 STL, I don't have the
URL but if you ask Faustus von Goethe [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] I know he
can direct you to it.
Hope this helps, and welcome to the list!
-Brad
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For more information, please link to www.opengamingfoundation.org
