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.

 

[bedir than]

CC BY 4.0 Deed | Attribution 4.0 International | Creative Commons

creativecommons.org

 

[overgeeked]

How are yuan-ti protected anyway? Evil serpent people in human guise are almost the oldest trope in fantasy.

The name yuan-ti is unique to WotC, I believe.

 

[S'mon]

Choosing to release the game into the Creative Commons creates a whole new dynamic. It's going to take a while to feel things out but CC-BY is a much more permissive license than the OGL and some things that we have all been conditioned to believe are forbidden are actually fair game now.

It's great for OSR folks especially, I think, as they don't have to work around the 'Product Identity' restrictions any more, and can even have simple OD&D style 1 line stats for mind flayers in their dungeons.

WotC say "Please do not include any other attribution regarding Wizards other than that provided above. You may, however,
include a statement on your work that it is “compatible with fifth edition” or “5E compatible.”"

The funny thing is this does not appear to be a legal requirement, so it seems you could now put "Compatible with Dungeons & Dragons, published by Wizards of the Coast. Trade Mark used without permission" on your work that uses CC material. It would be a bit rude though. (And of course being legal doesn't necessarily prevent nasty C&D letters).

 

[Ondath]

It's great for OSR folks especially, I think, as they don't have to work around the 'Product Identity' restrictions any more, and can even have simple OD&D style 1 line stats for mind flayers in their dungeons.

WotC say "Please do not include any other attribution regarding Wizards other than that provided above. You may, however,
include a statement on your work that it is “compatible with fifth edition” or “5E compatible.”"

The funny thing is this does not appear to be a legal requirement, so it seems you could now put "Compatible with Dungeons & Dragons, published by Wizards of the Coast. Trade Mark used without permission" on your work. It would be a bit rude though.

Oh yeah, now that D&D's core mechanics are in CC, the future of OSR is in safe, safe hands! I'm hoping my faves (OSE, Chromatic Dungeons and Worlds Without Number) make re-releases under CC as well.

That said, I'm sad for the orphaned works in OGL that were not related to D&D, like the Basic d6 system (I think that's what it's called?). Those can't be brought over to Creative Commons or ORC under these conditions, which is why I'd still like WotC to release an non-deauthorisable OGL v1.0b. But I'm trying not to be spoilt and enjoy the relief after 22 days of speculation.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

How are yuan-ti protected anyway? Evil serpent people in human guise are almost the oldest trope in fantasy.

It's the name. There are serpentfolk all over the OSR already, just without that name attached.

 

[Sorcerers Apprentice]

Speaking of losing jobs, I wonder if there will be a shakeup among WotC executives over this?

 

[LordRuyn]

Speaking of losing jobs, I wonder if there will be a shakeup among WotC executives over this?

My hope is that Cao is out in a year. I know, I like to dream big.

 

[tetrasodium]

Speaking of losing jobs, I wonder if there will be a shakeup among WotC executives over this?

good question but the investors certainly made some noise along those lines.

 

[Sorcerers Apprentice]

My hope is that Cao is out in a year. I know, I like to dream big.

I honestly hope that Cao will look at the unfolding situation and realize that the community is an asset and not an obstacle to their wallets, and then focus on making awesome products that are worth paying for.

 

[Nightfly]

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

You had my interest, but now you have my attention.