D&D 4E 4E Clone under OGL - How Hard Can It Be?

[ggroy]

Is the intention to reverse engineer existing "open gaming content" and/or write "clean slate" text, such that it imitates 4E?


IIRC, mathematical formulas can't be copyrighted or trademarked?

That is, if one can replicate the system as a finite number of mathematical formulas.

 

[Tallifer]

I will wait and see. If the Fifth Edition can support the construction of Fourth Edition classes and the running of Fourth Edition games, then its modularity will be sufficient for me. I am dubious however.

Another big reason for your project will be if the Wizards eventually discontinue on-line availability of the Fourth Edition tools.

Most of all, I think projects like fourthparty will be necessary, because there will be a dearth of adventures and campaign settings written specifically with the Fourth Edition in mind.

 

[4SRD]

Is the intention to reverse engineer existing "open gaming content" and/or write "clean slate" text, such that it imitates 4E?

First reverse engineer based on existing content. After all, you don't need a new explanation of what "Intelligence" is. Then, write own content to fill the blanks. For example, there is no equivalent to Fighter powers in the SRD. At the very least, you need to come up with new names.

 

[Droogie128]

Rob Heinsoo and Jonathan Tweet are already playtesting one. It is called 13th Age.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[Pour]

Rob Heinsoo and Jonathan Tweet are already playtesting one. It is called 13th Age.

While I'm keeping my eye on it, I don't think it's anything like a 4e clone, really. They underline having more indy story elements, harkening (like everyone these days, apparently) to the old school aesthetic, and coupled with an assumed setting involving Icons or Paragons or something. Not hating on it, but it's not like a 4eSRD.

 

[C4]

I'm aware of your project, of course.

You're doing a great job, but the material you are using is not 100% Open Gaming Content. This puts a number of limitations on it that I'd like to avoid. For example, you can't just post it anywhere on the Internet, and you can't publish a new RPG based on it.

But I think there are a few areas where we can work together, and I'm looking forward to that.

Right back atcha! Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve.

 

[AbdulAlhazred]

While I'm keeping my eye on it, I don't think it's anything like a 4e clone, really. They underline having more indy story elements, harkening (like everyone these days, apparently) to the old school aesthetic, and coupled with an assumed setting involving Icons or Paragons or something. Not hating on it, but it's not like a 4eSRD.

I can't say anything about 13th age... However it would be hard (IMHO) to classify it too much as being 'like' a specific edition of D&D.

 

[AbdulAlhazred]

As for the 'why clone 4e' I can see both sides of it. I think you'll also find that the legal aspects are cloudy enough that nothing based on 4e is ever going to be really 'in the clear'. So I would not consider that to be a part of the agenda, it is just not practical.