Glossaries Open Content?

[0-hr]

Are the PHB and DMG glossaries Open Content? It seems like they should be, but I can't find that material in my SRD. :\

 

[dcollins]

No. It would need to be in the SRD.

 

[Diirk]

Did you check the Special Abilities & Conditions part of the SRD ?

 

[0-hr]

Did you check the Special Abilities & Conditions part of the SRD ?

Ya, that's the first place I looked. So there are a ton of pure-mechanics game terms (not to mention rules) that you can't use in OGL or d20 products? That just don't seem right.

 

[AGGEMAM]

Ya, that's the first place I looked. So there are a ton of pure-mechanics game terms (not to mention rules) that you can't use in OGL or d20 products? That just don't seem right.

Hmm .. doesn't all d20 products specifically note that you have to buy the D&D PHB to play the game anyways?

 

[dcollins]

Ya, that's the first place I looked. So there are a ton of pure-mechanics game terms (not to mention rules) that you can't use in OGL or d20 products? That just don't seem right.

Can you give a few examples of what you're looking for?

I will point out that the "d20 System Guide" has a big glossary-like list of official game terms (in conjunction with the d20 System License, you're not allowed to modify those terms), but that's not the same thing, as it's not OGC. (Here: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/20040121a )

 

[0-hr]

Can you give a few examples of what you're looking for?

I will point out that the "d20 System Guide" has a big glossary-like list of official game terms (in conjunction with the d20 System License, you're not allowed to modify those terms), but that's not the same thing, as it's not OGC. (Here: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/20040121a )

Ok, in the OGL game I am developing, I am using the "fatigued" state and the "exhausted" state. When someone is exhausted, they move at half speed.

Now the glossary (and only the glossary) defines the term "half speed" to include the inability to charge or take a 5ft step.

I cannot find anywhere in the SRD that the term "half speed" is defined.

There are a bunch of other examples, but this is the specific one that brought this potential problem to my attention. So apparently I can't say (in my OGL game) that exhausted people can't charge or take 5ft steps!

I really can't believe that this is the case, but it is beyond me to prove otherwise. And where legal issues and copyright are involved, I kind of need to be sure.

 

[0-hr]

double post

 

[Iku Rex]

So apparently I can't say (in my OGL game) that exhausted people can't charge or take 5ft steps!

Why not? It's not like it's a secret...

The mechanic isn't copyrighted.

http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl108.html

The idea for a game is not protected by copyright. The same is true of the name or title given to the game and of the method or methods for playing it.

Copyright protects only the particular manner of an author’s expression in literary, artistic, or musical form. Copyright protection does not extend to any idea, system, method, device, or trademark material involved in the development, merchandising, or playing of a game. Once a game has been made public, nothing in the copyright law prevents others from developing another game based on similar principles.

Some material prepared in connection with a game may be subject to copyright if it contains a sufficient amount of literary or pictorial expression. For example, the text matter describing the rules of the game, or the pictorial matter appearing on the gameboard or container, may be registrable.

I don't think he OGL adds any restrictions to this.

 

[Ranger REG]

Ok, in the OGL game I am developing, I am using the "fatigued" state and the "exhausted" state. When someone is exhausted, they move at half speed.

Now the glossary (and only the glossary) defines the term "half speed" to include the inability to charge or take a 5ft step.

I cannot find anywhere in the SRD that the term "half speed" is defined.

There are a bunch of other examples, but this is the specific one that brought this potential problem to my attention. So apparently I can't say (in my OGL game) that exhausted people can't charge or take 5ft steps!

I really can't believe that this is the case, but it is beyond me to prove otherwise. And where legal issues and copyright are involved, I kind of need to be sure.

Have you considered looking in the Modern System Reference Document?

Now see my Disclaimer below, but my opinion is that Wizards will not chide you for adding the phrase "and cannot run or charge" after the term "half speed" in the SRD's Exhausted entry. But just in case, utilize the MSRD and cite them.