I may not be switching to D&D 3.5 (Crossposted)

[Luke]

Luke,
Isn't it possible to write a conversion program to import E-Tools data (and PcGen data)? That way a lot of people will be able to use official splatbooks 'legally'...

There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Its completely legal to write a program that will import and convert one programs data format into another programs data format.

If ETools and PCGen *happen* to have non-OGL information in them, that isn't the problem of RPM.

Any legal responsibility lies with whoever is making the original copyright material available for download, it whatever format that happens to be.

There's a definite double-standard in place here. Wizards do periodic checks on major independant software developers to make sure that they still comply with the licenses. On the other hand, they allow websites offering copyright ETools information to contune in a very public and unabated fashion.
I wouldn't necessarily say that this is a deliberate attempt to disadvantage independant RPG developers. I'd say this is more related to the public outcry that would ensue around the whole Etools mess - should they try to stop the practice.

Regards,

 

[Cergorach]

which is completely possible as long as you stick by the OGL...once you deviate from such things start going bad...

Erm... Why?

The data of the PcGen files is text, and easily transformed from one tool to the other through the use of a parser. Such a parser could be used for OGL data, but also for IP data.

If i own the books then i can use, scan, copy, photograph those books for my own use legaly. Thus owning the data is not illegal (for me) as long as i did the conversion myself.

 

[elandys]

Is anyone doing a Traveller or StarWars add on for RPM?

For that matter, does RPM support 'Stamina' and 'Lifeblood' - non-standard damage (ie, not directly applied to hitpoints)?

 

[Luke]

Is anyone doing a Traveller or StarWars add on for RPM?

For that matter, does RPM support 'Stamina' and 'Lifeblood' - non-standard damage (ie, not directly applied to hitpoints)?

RPM certainly can support add-ons like this, and is fully capable of working with modified rules.

I've had a couple of recent enquiries about D20Traveller, and have pointed out issues with copyright, and with the need to find out how much (if any) open game content (OGC) is available from the books.
Its legal stuff. Fantasy Flight games handle this sort of stuff *really well* in DragonStar. Kudos guys!


In general, game rules and mechanics are not subject to copyright, but things like names (of feats, special classes, monster races etc) typically are.


On the note of "Is anyone doing...", I've had recent contact from a couple of RPM fans who have just set up a yahoo group for sharing of community files.
This is an unofficial group over which I have no control (which I'm very happy about, since I'm really into the concept of a self-determined community group that isn't controlled by me ).

I have pleaded with the group founder to ensure that anything made available from copyright books will insist on a password from the book - and it looks like that will happen. It sort of means that you need the books in the first place, and can then make the stuff work for you in the computer.
I can't stress enough that the commercial rights and interests of Wizards and especially smaller 3rd party publishers must be protected.
I would only be an individual voice on the unofficial site, but I would also ask that any RPM module of a copyright book only contain sufficient info from the book to get game mechanics to work in the computer - as well as have the password. This would mean that you could build your characters and encounters, but not be able to do away with the book completely (as you practically can with the PHB, MM and DMG).

I'm checking it out, and if I feel happy that the right thing will be done, I'll publicize the unofficial site on my web-site soon.

Regards,