SRD question

[Ampolitor]

OK, I want to write up a D20 Zombie type game and it will be the standard D20 game with some additional rules. Now can I print stuff from the SRD into the book? I know it basically has to be set up so the customer would have to buy the D&D core books, or is it the D20 modern book. This stuff is soo confusing when it comes to D20 modern or apocalypse. I'd apreciate any help with this.
I was told that character creation has to be left to the D20 books. Is that right?

 

[Ampolitor]

ok

Ok I got it figured out, but has anyone heard if D20 apocalypse will ever be put into the SRD? Theres some stuff in there taht I'd love to use and tinker with.

 

[dmccoy1693]

While its only a guess, I'd say that its pretty safe to say that if d20 Apoc isn't in the SRD by now, its not going to be.

 

[Sigurd]

I wouldn't bet on it being included in the SRD. You'd probably have better odds of putting together whatever it is you want and asking WOTC for permission to publish. I still wouldn't hold my breath.

Remember, Its not necessarily even any sort of negative thing from WOTC. They would likely have to spend time\money to accommodate your work and as it wouldn't benefit them financially you'd be out of luck.

I understand setting up the various licenses and the licensed material choices is an involved process for WOTC.


Sigurd

 

[Ampolitor]

hmm

well I guess I can just use the modern SRD and add my own rules that we have used. I know I can't include the character creation process, and xp and leveling up but as far as I understand everything else is good to use. So basically one could reprint the entire modern D20 with the exception of character creation and leveling up. Of course that would be pretty stupid to do. I guess once it is done I could just say compatible with the modern D20 rulebook, or requires the use of the modern D20 rulebook.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

You can include the character creation process if you go OGL, instead of the D20 route.

 

[Ravencloak]

I guess once it is done I could just say compatible with the modern D20 rulebook, or requires the use of the modern D20 rulebook.

Proceed with caution here. You really need to understand the ins and outs of the d20 license and the Open Game license. I'm not a lawyer, I don't pretend to be one, but this is how I understand the two documents.

If you publish under the d20 license (and we don't know how much longer that's actually going to exist) you are required to display the d20 logo on your product and allowed to use very specific wording (see the d20 license for specifics) stating that your product is compatible with d20 Modern. However, there are additional restrictions as to what you can and cannot do in a d20 product.

If you simply publish as OGL, like Frukathka is suggesting, you cannot say anything about your product being compatible with d20 Modern. That's sort of the whole point of the d20 license, it restricts what you can do but allows you to identify your product as compatible with d20 (both using the logo and specific verbage). Publishing under OGL opens up all kinds of opportunities, but really limits how you can advertise and sell your product to customers.

 

[dmccoy1693]

If you simply publish as OGL, like Frukathka is suggesting, you cannot say anything about your product being compatible with d20 Modern. That's sort of the whole point of the d20 license, it restricts what you can do but allows you to identify your product as compatible with d20 (both using the logo and specific verbage). Publishing under OGL opens up all kinds of opportunities, but really limits how you can advertise and sell your product to customers.

The single biggest upshot of using the OGL and not using the d20 licence (besides not knowing how long the licence will be around anymore) is that you can publish a complete game. D20 Modern isn't exactly a popular book and if people are interested in your setting, they'll have to go out and buy the book (as well as any other books that it might require). It'll take a bit more work on your part (like having basic chargen system in your book that is different enough from the d20 modern book that you are not liable).

Going this route, you don't have to worry about having verbage on the cover about claiming compatability and you can advertise it as a stand alone product.

 

[Ampolitor]

holy confusing batman!

but can you use the SRD for the OGL? I converted my game to D20 a long time ago, so if I used the SRD then I would have to use my own character creation process, and XP process correct? but everything else is covered under the OGL?

 

[jezter6]

but can you use the SRD for the OGL? I converted my game to D20 a long time ago, so if I used the SRD then I would have to use my own character creation process, and XP process correct? but everything else is covered under the OGL?

I'm not trying to put you down, but stop before you do something bad. Take your product to an established company and try to get them to put it out for you. They have the experience needed to do what you are trying to do, and which you admittedly have little knoweldge of.

The d20 STL and OGL have been out for some time now, and thousands of products have made it out under those licenses. 4e is announced, and most people are stopping or slowing production of d20 material until they get word on 4e.

You're very late in coming to an already saturated market, with a product that is looking to be less than sellable (not quality, just based on the timing of your proposal). Adding to that your inexperience with the licenses, and you're going down a very tough road. I understand that the information provided in this thread isn't enough to just go on, but everyone has made distinctly good points, and you are still questioning what is available via either license.

You're not ready for this in any way, shape, or form. Relax, and work on your setting, and forget the mechanics for a while, and shop the setting around to people that would be willing to do the legal work for you.

d20 Modern sales are slow to begin with compared to the rest of the market, and with 4e coming and hints that Modern will be revisited possibly in 2009, you're in a bind. Not to mention there are already plenty of zombie materials out there for d20 Modern. If your setting or rules are truly unique and worthy of sale, then a publisher will jump on your product. If not, keep working on it until you get it out, or give up on the idea. It's great to want to be in the biz, but starting your own company with no help other than message board posts is downright dangerous. Unproven companies also tend to have passive sales records, so you shouldn't expect anything but a loss with this product. Even some of the more experienced houses are kinda folding things up and putting them under the umbrella of more established big names.

Good luck, but honestly - think long and hard if this is really for you. It might just be neat to keep it to yourself, or post up some stuff on the boards for others to see, and not worth the time and hassle to get through the whole production gambit.