ECLs/Level Adjustments Question

[Frilf]

Another question for the publishing gurus on the boards here:

Is it ok to use the terms "ECL" or "Level Adjustment" in d20 works from a publishing point of view? I think the answer for ECL is definitely no, but the level adjustment term seem ambiguous.

If neither can be used, how would one go about designating this mechanic in an OGL-compatible way?

Any help on this one would be appreciated.

 

[thundershot]

Probably not, but it's all going to be moot in a few months since LA and ECL are gonna be implemented into the new DMG and MM.


Chris

 

[Napftor]

FFG uses the term "level equivalent" in their Dragonstar Starfarer's Handbook. So at least that would be OK.

 

[Leopold]

ECL is used in the Tome of Horrors and that's fully OGC...

 

[Aitch Eye]

ECL info was also said to be "considered Open Game Content" in the Scorpionfolk entry in MMII.

 

[jmucchiello]

ECL info was also said to be "considered Open Game Content" in the Scorpionfolk entry in MMII.

But how do you attribute it? The OGL section 15 of MMII is incomplete.

I would say (based on MMII) that "ECL" is safe. Just don't try to explain it.

 

[Frilf]

ECL info was also said to be "considered Open Game Content" in the Scorpionfolk entry in MMII.

Do you have a source for who said this, Aitch? That would be most helpful.

I would say (based on MMII) that "ECL" is safe. Just don't try to explain it.

I will dig out my MMII and take another look. Thanks for the heads-up, Joe.

Other opinions and takes are very welcome, too...

 

[Aitch Eye]

I meant the book itself said it, sorry I wasn't clearer.

In the left and right margins of pages 220 and 221 (respectively)it says "The game text presented on pages 220 and 221 is considered Open Game Content."

The last paragraph of page 221 says "A scorpionfolk PC's effective character level (ECL) is equal to its class level +16. Thus, a 1st-level scorpionfolk ranger has an ECL of 17 and is the equivalent of a 17th-level character." Which would seem to be explicit enough to establish the actual mechanic as well as the terminoloy as OGC.

 

[Frilf]

Any other opinions on this?