Naming Names

[andrew_kenrick]

Not entirely sure if this is the best place to post this, but does anyone know what the common procedure is in d20 publishing for referencing other (non core) books? I don't actually want to use the open material in question in my next book, but want to flag it up as a possible option in a section.

Can I say something like, "other useful classes can be found in OGL Ancients" or something similar?

How about Unearthed Arcana? Is the same applicable? I want to suggest that several of the options are suitable for use in the game, but can I just say "the urban ranger found in UA is suitable" or is this an infringement of TM?

Andrew

 

[Cergorach]

You can't, you can't reference other products by name. Unless of course you have the publishers permission, good luck!

 

[Ranger REG]

As Cergorach stated, you need the permission from the publisher/author of the product you wish to reference (that is, mention it outside of the Section 15 Copyright Notice of the OGL).

While it save ink and pages for more relevant material, from a consumer's perspective, referencing from other multiple products besides the core rulebooks is unappealing and it would feel like I'm forced to acquire other products just to utilize your product fully.

 

[trancejeremy]

Yeah, it's prohibited, because they didn't want companies using it as a dodge around the d20 STL. (That is, saying you need the D&D PHB in big bold letters on the cover, but without using the d20 STL. Generic medicines generally do this, and so did pre-d20 3rd party D&D products)

I think Mongoose has some sort of OGL book policy. They did for the Cybersomething book, something like the d20 STL, which will let you refer to the book somehow. So maybe they have one for Ancients?

 

[DaveStebbins]

So the upshot is, contact the publisher(s) in question and ask. Many will say yes, others will want to know exactly how you plan to reference their copyrights, and some may say no. Asking (and abiding by their wishes) is the right thing to do.

 

[andrew_kenrick]

Thanks guys - I thought as much, to be honest! Looks like I'll just have to include some of the rules - specifically from UA - in the book itself.

Cheers!