Beholders, Mind Flayers, and Strahd von Zarovich Released Into Creative Commons (Kinda)

In the 5.1 SRD that just got released into the Creative Commons is a bunch of IP including Count Strahd von Zarovich, the Feywild, the Shadowfell, the City of Brass, Palace of Dispater, Street of Steel, Gate of Ashes, and the Sea of Fire. The beholder is also specifically referenced by name in the Deck of Illusions, and Mind Flayers and Slaad are also referenced--at least by name--repeatedly in the document.

Here's a link to the content released to CC.

WotC Backs Down: Original OGL To Be Left Untouched; Whole 5E Rules Released as Creative Commons

Hundreds of game publishers sigh in relief as, after extensive pressure exerted by the entire open gaming community, WotC has agreed to leave the original Open Gaming License untouched and put the whole of the 5E rules into Creative Commons. So, what's happened? The Open Gaming Licence v1.0a...

www.enworld.org

What does that mean? Under OGL v1.0a terms like this were generally designated as ‘Product Identity’ and were unavailable for use. The CC license has no such provision. This means that those using the OGL cannot (still) use terms designated as PI, but those using the CC can use the full content of the document released under it.

Only the names of these creatures and places are contained in the document--so you can't use Strahd's image or stat block or description, nor can you use those of the beholder, etc. But it does appear that you can refer to these items.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

So I can commercially publish my Mickey/Strahd gay erotica finally?

Why you doing Sherlock dirty by leaving him out?

And the Beholder can watch. Really really watch.

 

[Steampunkette]

Also: Pseudodragon.

 

[Jer]

One the one hand it's amazing that they didn't catch that and create a 5.2 SRD. They've been so protective before.

On the other hand - I have to say that they've been really, really overly precious with some of these things over the years and they really don't need to be. How much is gained by protecting "Feywild" or "beholder" or "shadowfell" from other folks using them? And most of the others are really generic - I it would be tough to say you own names like "Sea of Fire" or "City of Brass" anyway.

But yeah, someone is at least getting yelled at. Though honestly I hope they're fine. If losing exclusive access to the name "Strahd von Zarovich" is the worst thing that comes of this debacle, they should count themselves lucky.

 

[S'mon]

Just the names. But given the specific uniqueness -of- those names, it may grant further license...

But IANAL.

It just means you can use the names. You can't take a substantial part of the copyright work for your Strahd gay romance novel.

 

[Steampunkette]

It just means you can use the names. You can't take a substantial part of the copyright work for your Strahd gay romance novel.

Fantastic addition to the thread! I will cherish it, forever, S'mon! <3

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

One the one hand it's amazing that they didn't catch that and create a 5.2 SRD.

It seems likely that it's "accidental," not accidental.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

It just means you can use the names. You can't take a substantial part of the copyright work for your Strahd gay romance novel.

Leave my slash fiction alone!

 

[Alzrius]

Also: Pseudodragon.

That was in the 3.5 SRD.

 

[Steampunkette]

That was in the 3.5 SRD.

True. My mistake.

Just HAPPY.

 

[Remathilis]

"The Life domain focuses on the vibrant positive
energy—one of the fundamental forces of the
universe—that sustains all life. The gods of life
promote vitality and health through healing the sick and wounded, caring for those in need, and driving away the forces of death and undeath. Almost any non-evil deity can claim influence over this domain, particularly agricultural deities (such as Chauntea, Arawai, and Demeter), sun gods (such as Lathander, Pelor, and Re-Horakhty), gods of healing or endurance (such as Ilmater, Mishakal, Apollo, and Diancecht), and gods of home and community (such as Hestia, Hathor, and Boldrei)."

Have fun with your newly CC'd deities!