If I want to use the d20 mechanics only... (confusion)

Is_907 · 23rd July 2008, 10:28 PM

I am trying very hard to figure out how to go about my current pet project, a steampunk/fantasy RPG, without getting into legal trouble.
I'm not well versed in GSL/OGL/etc and every time I try to read the licenses and any associated documentation I get a headache... So, I bring my question here!

I want to base this game on the d20 core mechanic and that's all I want of WotC's work. The game needs the d20, skills, the same basic ability stats, and attack/defense mechanics. What I consider content (skills, feats, spells, fluff, equipment, classes, races) are all going to be my own creation.

Now, since I want to use the 4e mechanics I think I'd need to publish this under the GSL... but I'm afraid that if I do that I won't be able to have my own definitions of things like "artificer," and "rogue," both of which are essential to my design.

Basically I want to create a standalone game (not like much of the stuff under the OGL that has to say "Requires use of the D&D PHB") that doesn't say "Dungeons and Dragons" anywhere on or in the book but I do want to use the mechanics. What are my options? Can I just use the mechanics and not acknowledge that WotC has rights to them?

EDIT: (Could True20 play into my schemes? I'm only vaguely familiar with the system but how friendly are they to major modifications to crunch and mechanics?)

Brown Jenkin · 24th July 2008, 12:58 AM

It seems like the best bet is to use the OGL or follow Copright/Trademark law. The GSL was designed to prevent the creation of stand alone systems or any compatible product that is not 1000% compatible with thier idea of 4E D&D. The OGL and 3.5 mechanics are quite flexible and could likely meet your needs based on your post, but we would likely need more info on which parts of the d20 system you need that are exclusive too 4E. The Copyright/Trademark law option is also a possibility if you are willing to hirer a lawyer to explain how to go about it successfully. The 4E mechanics cannot be copyrighted and can be used as long as you don't reuse thier description of the mechanics (This sounds like what Goodman and others are doing but they have or are lawyers). If you go Copyright/Trademark law it could be successful but I repeat hire a cpyright law lawyer to make sure you understand what you are doing by going this way.

Is_907 · 24th July 2008, 01:57 AM

Well, personally I'd love to have the entire mechanical system from 4E, but with room to expand it in my own direction. My hope has been that by gutting not only fluff but also feats, skills, classes, and races, I can, perhaps, avoid any problems with WotC.

Now, as for OGL... I guess I could just "upgrade" the 3.5 mechanics to what I want. That's actually not a bad idea at all, just a bit more work.

The other option seems viable as well. My hope has been to develop this to the point where it's near-publishable (my local group gets to playtest extensively first, of course) then contact some 3PPs who have experience in this area to see if they would like to publish it (i'm not in this for money; I just want my name on the cover and a bit of lunch money).

I'm doing more research into True20 because what I want to do may work as an off-shoot from that instead of strict d20. I like some of their improvements and, if I understand the licensing correctly, it's still an OGL deal.

amethal · 24th July 2008, 03:29 PM

The True20 rules are completely open content, apart from the name and the logo. And you can licence the name and logo for free from Green Ronin if you want to.

What do you mean by the d20 core mechanic? If you are talking about something as straightforward as roll 1d20, add your bonuses and compare it to a target number (either a static difficulty or a target's defence score) then go ahead and use it with impunity.

Nobody has got copyright, trademarks or anything else over basic game mechanics.

Is_907 · 24th July 2008, 03:34 PM

Okay, so what I'm thinking is True20 is amazing...

My only concern is that I did start out wanting a standalone game and GreenRonin requires the use of their core book in addition to anything I write... understandably.

I guess I should email them to see about special arrangements. Other than that I'm sold on True20 after reading half of the book (=