Statblock Formatting

[MatthewJHanson]

For what it's worth, Green Ronin's latest guidelines use a stat block format that is remarcably similar.

Also while you can definatly copyright a particular statblock, I think you would have to patent a format for making statblocks, which would take a bit more work.

Finnally I like the new block. I find it's easier on the eyes when I'm trying to find that important number.

 

[Nellisir]

Finnally I like the new block. I find it's easier on the eyes when I'm trying to find that important number.

Ditto. It's much clearer and faster to read. I rewrite stat blocks for my games rather than try and use the "big lump o' text" format.

 

[Vascant]

When I first heard of this new stat block format, I must admit.. I was rather disturbed. Like many I had learned to read the old stat block and everything I had coded was geared around the old stat block. All I could think, this was going to a mess. When I don't see the point of why something is changed, like when AD&D went to 2e, I skipped it and never played or DM'd it.

It took me one game session to realize the improvements of this new format. So if you eye ball this thing, all you are doing is assuming like I did when I first seen it. One of the groups I DM for is 15 players strong and is a hefty load to manage sometimes. It did make combat and getting a piece of data from the stats a little easier and faster, which in turn lead to a better flow in the gaming session.

As far as Copyrights go, you should ask your lawyer to know your rights, not WotC.

 

[Kerrick]

Why not ask WotC? We (The Brood) have gotten permission from them to use things in the past; Quick Shots: Bravo used material from Urban Arcana (it was intended to come out before that book hit the SRD), and we've got permission to use other material. Just drop a line to Andy Smith and say "Hey, we were wondering if we could use that new statblock format, because we really like it." Chances are, WotC will say "no problem." It's not I, so it shouldn't be a big deal. What's the worst they can say, no?

 

[jmucchiello]

I'm not a fan of the new stat block. Probably because I haven't gotten use to seeing it and knowing where to move my eyes to find what I'm looking for yet. Personally, I think all "stat blocks" should be in monster format but I expect monster format to shift over to the new stat block....

About the only reason you wouldn't be able to use the format is if WotC claimed it was some form of trade dress. I don't see why they would bother though as it is a trivial thing to try to hold onto. But once you vary the layout of the information you get around the trade dress issue. I also have never used the old stat block as is either since it wasn't in the SRD. (I move alignment next CR since it really is out of place next to ability scores along with a few other fiddlybits.)

Now, how about discussing the use of town descriptions from the DMG in OGC products?

 

[Mark CMG]

Now, how about discussing the use of town descriptions from the DMG in OGC products?

Same thing, IMO. Once it is being used in a non-WotC product that is prominent enough to not be missed by WotC and they aren't doing anything to stop it, they are, in essence, signaling their willingness to allow that aspect of "Trade Dress" to fall into common usage.

If you or I were doing it, one could easily dismiss it as being under the radar, but when Paiso openly uses such Trade Dress without any discalimer that they are using it only with permission of WotC (and that it remains the IP of WotC), then it obviously is a non-issue to WotC (and likely a standard format they'd like to see gain wider acceptance).

That's my perspective...