Legality Question

[Merlion]

My understanding of the whole D20/OGL legal stuff is still a little fuzzy so I wondered if someone could answer this for me. Say I was making a new core class(which I am) and I wanted to submit it to Dragon(which I do). Could I include content from WOTC splatbooks like Tome and Blood etc? how about from non WOTC D20 and non WOTC OGL products?
And, same question but say I wanted to try to get it printed in something besides dragon and/or by a non WOTC company?

 

[Drawmack]

As Dragon magazine is no longer published by wizards the answer is no.

However if you wait until the release of 3.5 you might find some of that material in the SRD.

OTOH you could create similar stuff from the ground up with your own words and not infringe on copyright.

 

[Merlion]

So for Dragon I would have to stick strictly to PHB stuff?

 

[MEG Hal]

So for Dragon I would have to stick strictly to PHB stuff?

NO!!!!!
You must only go by what is in the system reference document (SRD). To writers of d20 stuff you can only use what is in that document-none others exist.

BUT
I believe Dragon is still considered "official" so you may be able to use non-SRD stuff for the magazine. Check with Dragon.

*edit cause I did not make sense

 

[Mark]

As with any publication, no matter how official, check their submission guidelines and then send further inquiries to them directly. Why take advice secondhand when the source is readily available?

 

[Merlion]

True.

Ok so correct me if I'm wrong but the SRD stuff is theoreticaly usable by anyone for anything?

 

[Drawmack]

yes if you obey the OGL, additionally if you use the d20 logo you have to obey the d20l

 

[storyguide3]

From the Paizo site

In the case of Dragon, the relevant parts of the submission guidelines are:

Concerning Wizards stuff:

"If your article uses rules elements from D&D products other than the Player's Handbook, DUNGEON MASTER's Guide, or Monster Manual, you should reproduce those elements in your article for readers' reference. You will not be paid for those words, and too much reprinting of such information will make an article unacceptable. It's too your advantage and the readers' to provide content that can be used with just the three Core Rulebooks."

Concerning other d20 material:

" d20 Resources and References:Do not use or reference material produced in d20 products by companies other than Wizards of the Coast, even if it is labeled as open game content. In certain rare circumstances, the editors might grant permission to reprint or reference certain D20 content, but for the most part DRAGON is devoted to giving readers new elements for their games."

As for anything else, I know not.

 

[Merlion]

Ahhh thank you Storyguide thats exactly what I needed to know as far as dragon

 

[MEG Hal]

As with any publication, no matter how official, check their submission guidelines and then send further inquiries to them directly. Why take advice secondhand when the source is readily available?

Exactly--as stated above, Check with Dragon! Paizo is on these boards or e-mail 'em.