No stat blocks in modules per the GSL?

[catsclaw227]

You could, though, use a key at the beginning of the module that tells you what kind of item the reference is: monster/magic item/trap/whatever.

Monsters from MM
Powers from PHB
etc...

 

[tomBitonti]

(Text omitted.)

If your Orc Rager uses one of the Orc Berserker's powers directly, you can use the name of the power from the SRD, but you can't list the power description. You could, however, give him a differently named power that basically has the same effect, and you could list that.

(Text omitted.)

IMO:

I don't think that works. If you put in restricted power text and you try to hide it under an alternate name, you won't fool anyone, and you will probably be looked at worse than if you had made a mistake and accidentally included restricted power text, or if you truly misunderstood the restriction. Intent matters, and you would be intentionally breaking the license agreement.

If you did this on a scale that caught the attention of WoTC/Hasbro, and they cared, I imagine they would hammer you pretty hard for it.

 

[Merlin the Tuna]

Yeah, be content with the scraps WOTC/Hasbro is content to give you, third party publishers! Quit your bellyaching and just write "insert appropriate monster here" in your products!

Excerpts from a free Paizo module I have open in another window right now.

Grung Knifetongue CR 1/2
Hobgoblin War 1
hp 6; MM 153

Razorcrows (2) CR 1/3
hp 4; MM 273 (hawk)

Wolf (2) CR 1
hp 13; MM 283

Medium Monstrous Spider CR 1
hp 11; MM 288

And so on and so forth. What does the GSL take away from these entries? A page number. Admittedly my experience is a small sample size (which does include more than this particular module, for the record), but I don't see this as particularly oppressive. Space is always at a premium in these publications anyway, and adventures are supplemental material. Ergo we should actually use the core materials when applicable.

 

[Yair]

IMO:

I don't think that works. If you put in restricted power text and you try to hide it under an alternate name, you won't fool anyone, and you will probably be looked at worse than if you had made a mistake and accidentally included restricted power text, or if you truly misunderstood the restriction. Intent matters, and you would be intentionally breaking the license agreement.

If you did this on a scale that caught the attention of WoTC/Hasbro, and they cared, I imagine they would hammer you pretty hard for it.

I agree.
The thing about this license is that it's individually revocable at whim, without the fallback of the OGL. That means you better not try to squirm through some legal hole in it, lest you'll get banned. If you accept the GSL, try to work with WotC. Heck, the license practically makes you their snitch and sycophant anyways.

 

[Yair]

What does the GSL take away from these entries? A page number.

Plus the hp number. At other times, also minor alterations such as "Increase his AC by +4 due to mage armor if he had time to cast it". All significant loses IMHO, although I agree not being able to reprint monsters from the MM isn't really that bad. I just wish the publishers could reference and "redefine" them as needed.

 

[Deep Blue 9000]

You lost the CR too.

 

[Klaus]

Excerpts from a free Paizo module I have open in another window right now.

And so on and so forth. What does the GSL take away from these entries? A page number. Admittedly my experience is a small sample size (which does include more than this particular module, for the record), but I don't see this as particularly oppressive. Space is always at a premium in these publications anyway, and adventures are supplemental material. Ergo we should actually use the core materials when applicable.

The thing is that in 4e monsters have more unique and diverse powers that they use frequently and in synergy with one another.

I wonder: so you can't use an Orc Berserker. But could you advance it by a level, call it Orc Bloodrager and print that?

 

[vagabundo]

I'd hope most 3rd parties use the Kots format, and you get the monsters complete stats on the two page spread.

Obviously they would have to be custom built, but with the new rules I really dont see that as a problem. In fact, I would expect more custom stuff for 4e in modules.

I see the 4e MM as a collection of examples or monster types. Guidelines and quick stats for your own creations anyway.

 

[redcard]

The thing is that in 4e monsters have more unique and diverse powers that they use frequently and in synergy with one another.

I wonder: so you can't use an Orc Berserker. But could you advance it by a level, call it Orc Bloodrager and print that?

According to Wizards, it looks like you can. I'd change the powers up as well, just to make them fit more in there.. but I get the distinct impression that they intend for the 3pps to create MORE content.

Personally, I just write adventures to sell to friends , and occasionally further, and I fully intend to either leave enough space for the DM to "write in" / "copy" directly from the MM into the encounter pages, or I intend to fully restat the monsters I use.

 

[Thunderfoot]

The only difference in this and the 1EAD&D modules is now you 'have' to make changes, before there was a text block that said something along the lines of "if a DM feels that anything needs to be altered, do it. It is your module." Now it's more of a legal thing, you cannot re-print any monsters from the MM so make your own or make reference list (barring any applicable information.) Either way the DM or the designer are left with more work, but the upside is that modules can be played over again with higher re-play value, something sorely lacking (at least in the inference) in most 'recent' modules.

I can guarantee you that when companies start putting out modules we will see how they handle it and we'll all be happy. WotC might be looking to limit in the wild re-prints, considering their DDI concept, that makes sound business sense. Also, if 3p companies begin creating awesome content we won't be left with the glut of crappy products like we were at the start of 3.X. "Bob's Monster Book" and such - hyperbole solidly planted btw...