converting old D&D Modules into 4th edition like Desert of Desolation.

[Blue Phoenix RPG]

I've started a project converting old D&D modules into 4th edition. I'm currently working on Isle of Dread and the Desert of Desolation trilogy. I haven't started on the Isle of Dread but I'm 33% of the way done on the DOD series (about 70 pages in.) If anyone else is doing this kind of stuff please let me know as I will need proofreaders, playtesters (DMs), etc to give me some feedback on what works and what doesn't I want to create stuff / modify stuff that will bring a bit of the original flavor of the game back but preserve the feel of the new combat rules which I love. I don't really want to start distributing the files until they're complete but on the flip side would like some comments back. Once I have done the first two dungeons which encompassed the first I3 module I'll release a beta of it.

For those interested in seeing what I have done so far or wish to particpate in the project, let me know and I will send you a pdf file.

Cover:

 

[Wik]

Ha ha. Enjoy your lawsuit.

 

[Blue Phoenix RPG]

Ha ha. Enjoy your lawsuit.

This won't be distributed for money, and its a "derrivite, fanish work" so there will be no lawsuit. geez. It will only be published in pdf form with maps done in print and digital projection formats. You can either help with the project, provide feedback, etc. or you can be an asshat, your choice.

 

[ExploderWizard]

This won't be distributed for money, and its a "derrivite, fanish work" so there will be no lawsuit. geez. It will only be published in pdf form with maps done in print and digital projection formats. You can either help with the project, provide feedback, etc. or you can be an asshat, your choice.

I don't think he was being an asshat. Infringements are not protected from legal action by virtue of simply being freely distributed. No one makes money from freely distributed shared files on torrent sites but that doesn't protect them from legal action.

Ye be warned.

 

[Wik]

I don't think he was being an asshat. Infringements are not protected from legal action by virtue of simply being freely distributed. No one makes money from freely distributed shared files on torrent sites but that doesn't protect them from legal action.

Ye be warned.

Exactly. Trust me, if I was gonna be an asshat, you'd notice.

Hell, in that image you've created, you've made a mockup using protected art images and brand logos. Doesn't matter if it's free or not.

So, yeah, ye be warned.

 

[catsclaw227]

This won't be distributed for money, and its a "derrivite, fanish work" so there will be no lawsuit. geez. It will only be published in pdf form with maps done in print and digital projection formats. You can either help with the project, provide feedback, etc. or you can be an asshat, your choice.

Admittedly, Wik could have given a more helpful response, but it would have boiled down to the same thing. (without the haha!)

Your use of protected trade dress and art without consent puts you in a jam immediately, and unless the content was opened up by the OGL (I'm confident it is not), you have lots of content inside the module that is protected as well. The 1e adventures have not come under public domain yet, and just offering it up for distribution could be in violation of trademark and/or copyright laws.

Now, you can probably rename it "The Blasted Desert", rename all NPCs, move around the plot hooks, tweak the maps (which you would likely need to do for 4e anyway), get some different art and you could pass it off as a fan adventure.

 

[Wik]

Yyup. People do conversions of 1e products all the time, and that's no problem. But once there's talk about distribution, free PDFs, and the covers using copyrighted images, you're pretty much ASKING for a Cease-And-Desist order.

But I still stand by my original comment. Brevity is the soul of wisdom, and all that jazz.

 

[Blue Phoenix RPG]

I suppose what I could do is simply just release 4th edition conversion notes like others have in the past wihout any graphics or copying of original text, that wouldn't violate any copyrights, etc....

 

[Wik]

I suppose what I could do is simply just release 4th edition conversion notes like others have in the past wihout any graphics or copying of original text, that wouldn't violate any copyrights, etc....

MUCH safer idea. And one I know a lot of people would appreciate. I know personally, that an Isle of Dread 4e would be a lot of fun.

Admittedly, it's a shame, since your graphic is great. But the second you start distributing it, you enter hot water.

 

[darjr]

A conversion and notes would be great. I've got the originals.