Request for D20 Mecha generator

[Salcor]

D20 Mecha has been out a few months now, and I was wondering if anyone out there has been working on a Mech generator program for it yet?



Salcor

 

[jezter6]

Ironically I thought about writing something up the other day, but never got around to it.

Then again, the whole 'human readable' file stuff and XML is just above my skill level. Put it into a database and use Visual Basic and it would be done, but I don't wanna tread on the d20 license with either WotC or GOO.

 

[whisper_jeff]

Put it into a database and use Visual Basic and it would be done, but I don't wanna tread on the d20 license with either WotC or GOO.

Um, why not? Use the SRD that we provided on our website and you're good to go. We provided the SRD to ensure that other developers knew what they could legally use from us without getting into trouble.

Or do you have some other concern that I'm not thinking of?

 

[Blacksad]

WotC doesn't have the right to make some software based on their works, that is the right of Atari. They can only make chargen with limited function.

They can't provide those right to another publisher, so any material derived on the SRD is limited by those agreements.

The only exception is the Action! system, because it is fully owned by Gold Rush Games.

Hence the abandon of some feature on mastertools, and the lack of support from Green Ronin for a fan-made M&M chargen (too dangerous). You can put yourself in trouble for supporting such a project.

 

[Ranger REG]

WotC doesn't have the right to make some software based on their works, that is the right of Atari. They can only make chargen with limited function.

By "limited function," exactly what do you mean?

If you mean the planned online tool features to run a MUD using Master Tools you may be right, but I'm of the opinion that those should be of a lesser priority. I am more interested in application software for me to organized my notes for my tabletop game session than I am for online game session.

They can't provide those right to another publisher, so any material derived on the SRD is limited by those agreements.

They just did when they switched from Fluid to Code Monkey Publishing. Upon examination of Fluid's programming they find it is too limiting, and while they continue to correct all the bugs and adds new features, they already know that the next version of e-Tools will have to be a complete rewrite.

At least their freeware PCGen surpasses e-Tools.

Hence the abandon of some feature on mastertools, and the lack of support from Green Ronin for a fan-made M&M chargen (too dangerous). You can put yourself in trouble for supporting such a project.

What exactly did Green Ronin says about an MnM chargen? Is it the use of certain Product Identity (i.e., power points)?

 

[jezter6]

Well, this would be a question I would have...

If WOTC's software creation needs human readable files, and cannot include chargen to include the d20 logo...

I assume that I can use the GOO Mecha SRD (since it's not Wizard's IP...and Jeff kinda gave me permission) because it's not really 'char' chen, but mecha gen, which doesn't include using things like XP and ...umm...other things. I guess they do (some of them?) have stat modifiers, but that shouldn't be anything against the WotC STL...

I may tool around with this over the weekend and see what I can come up with...I'm just really bad at figuring out what things need to go in to the OGL and who to put in it and where...

I really need an OGL lawyer, lol...

 

[Ranger REG]

Go easy on yourself. Stay away from the d20 Trademark License.

But if you have to, the tricky part is to avoid making an "interactive game," as defined in the d20 Trademark Guide.

 

[jezter6]

I just want to make sure there's no way I could get into trouble for making a free resource like this.

I am sure I need to reference both WotC and GOO in the OGL somewhere in it. A game is defined as what? If you just choose to build and export a mecha, it's not a game. If you battle mecha...well that's probably a game. I call it a 'tactical mecha rules simulator' , but i'm sure legal would have me on that one.

 

[Ranger REG]

Read the TRADEMARK GUIDE. Or let your lawyer read it for you. Once you read and understand what Wizards define in the license (a legally binding agreement) and you accept THEIR terms, then follow it to the hilt.

www.wizards.com/d20

Otherwise, forget the Trademark License.

 

[jezter6]

Well, Like I said...I guess I need a lawyer...

All this to create a free mecha gen tool...

Guess I should stick to just reading about it...maybe TRS_Chris will include something in a future version of Campaign Suite..