downloadable D&D Manuals?

[andrewas]

Originally posted by philip: i don't think it's legal, unless that site happens to be a russian or other eastern european sites where copyright laws are different. though i still think it's illegal in the rest of the world.

If the server is in a country where copyright laws mean it would be freely distributable, then it is legal for that site to offer it for download. But that dosen't make it legal for you to download it, unless the copyright laws are equally lax where you are.

[Chewbacca]

System reference documents: totally legit and most of what is needed to play:
Here is a link to 3.5 edition SRD:
http://www.wizards.com/D20/article.asp?x=srd35

The System Reference Document is a comprehensive toolbox consisting of rules, races, classes, feats, skills, various systems, spells, magic items, and monsters compatible with the d20 System version of Dungeons & Dragons and various other roleplaying games from Wizards of the Coast. You may consider this material Open Game Content under the Open Game License, and may use, modify, and distribute it.

[SpiritWarrior]

Yes it was Chewbacca who originally linked to this site a while back. This is what I was talking about. If you read the first part you will see that it is totally legal. Here is what seems like the complete rules needed to play (the bare system itself). The 'Legal Stuff" starts as follows :

LEGAL INFORMATION

Permission to copy, modify and distribute the files collectively known as the System Reference Document (“SRD”) is granted solely through the use of the Open Gaming License, Version 1.0a.

This material is being released using the Open Gaming License Version 1.0a and you should read and understand the terms of that license before using this material.

The text of the Open Gaming License itself is not Open Game Content. Instructions on using the License are provided within the License itself.

[Luvian]

There are official 2nd editions books available for free download on the WOTC website. I downloaded them before. I don't have the link anymore, but it should be easy to find.

[Timber Loftis]

The Open Gaming License that all D20 games adhere to mean you can reproduce the material. Quit the copyright griping, because it does not apply in this instance.

For 3.5 updates, see The Other Gaming Company's site.

[ 10-27-2003, 02:58 AM: Message edited by: Timber Loftis ]

[Maelakin]

The Open Gaming License applies to all D20 material. Because Wizards choose to use the D20 rules system the were also obliged to follow the Open License agreement for all their 3rd edition products.

If you see a D20 symbol on any product, then you are free to amend, reproduce, and redistribute the material contained within that product.

If you doubt something is being legally re-produced and it has anything to do with the D20 system, there should always be a copy of the license agreement at the end of the material.

[SpiritWarrior]

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: The Open Gaming License that all D20 games adhere to mean you can reproduce the material. Quit the copyright griping, because it does not apply in this instance. For 3.5 updates, see The Other Gaming Company's site.

I have always known the OGL covered this. The confusion arises on WOTC's copywright. Their core rulebooks are copywrighted so I'm not sure of you can download the manuals themselves BUT you can actually download the whole system online (d20) which gives you all you need to play. I have long used this site for resources on the web but since I have the books already have never bothered (A manual is easier to manage of course).

[philip]

So basically this is 3rd (or 3.5th didn't look at the changes) without pictures and a book? And it's free to download/use? To me that doesn't seem to be a very good idea for a commercial company (though I like it very much , i have a phb but for the few times i have to dm it certainly is better than buying mm and dmg )

[ 10-27-2003, 04:00 PM: Message edited by: philip ]

[SpiritWarrior]

Originally posted by philip: So basically this is 3rd (or 3.5th didn't look at the changes) without pictures and a book? And it's free to download/use? To me that doesn't seem to be a very good idea for a commercial company (though I like it very much )

From what I have seen, yes it is. Np pictures, no commentary...(no DM guide for example) but the basic system.

[Night Stalker]

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: The Open Gaming License that all D20 games adhere to mean you can reproduce the material. Quit the copyright griping, because it does not apply in this instance. For 3.5 updates, see The Other Gaming Company's site.

You know I can't stand copyright as it is applied today, and if the material he was searching for was covered by the OGL, you would be correct.

If he's refering to The Paladin's Handbook or any other TSR copyright, the answer is maybe. WotC has been releasing out of print stuff on the web, but not all.

Anyway, his best place to find D&D material is the WotC site. That way he avoids any ambiguities.