Legal Question

Dreamer128 · 10-17-2003, 09:19 AM

I'm recreating a number of classic D&D items, such as the Holy Avenger and the Equalizer for a module. I managed to locate the old descriptions of these items on Planet BG. They won't drag you direcly to court for doing a thing like this, will they? Just think of the number of 'Drizz't do Urdens' you find in certain modules.

Larry_OHF · 10-17-2003, 11:45 AM

I am not 100% sure, but I would say that the only problem would be if you were to try to make money off of the module that held their ideas. You're not marketing it, and it is being built on software that allows you to copy ideas too easily for them to have made a law against you doing it. If they did not want you to, then there would be something in the manual stating that you could not build off of another's ideas...but that rule does not exist. It would be impossible to enforce.

SpiritWarrior · 10-17-2003, 11:46 AM

Course not, You'll be fine [img]smile.gif[/img] . Once you have the toolset you have the license to make any item/module you like using the D&D system. It's the same with PNP.

Characters, plotlines and items created by Bioware (from BG, IWD or NWN's) are technically not allowed to be used regardless of whether you are using them for personal use or not. But everyone does, including me and a ton of people I know myself! Again, You'll be fine.

[ 10-17-2003, 12:22 PM: Message edited by: SpiritWarrior ]

Timber Loftis · 10-17-2003, 01:18 PM

Considering the continued success of BG series, I think Bioware doesn't mind its community of fans doing these things.

Isn't D&D, and all D20 stuff, now open license?

SpiritWarrior · 10-17-2003, 01:25 PM

D&D is covered by the open gaming license. You can use the D&D system as you see fit, all It's core components are designed to inspire creativity. Bioware's stuff however, isn't. I mean characters, plots, names etc. Such as making a BG3 module with the "Return of Sarevok". They created those characters and stories and so bought the rights to it too.

[ 10-17-2003, 01:27 PM: Message edited by: SpiritWarrior ]

Dreamer128 · 10-18-2003, 04:58 AM

Thanks guys. I can sleep a little easier, knowing that their won't be a Swat team lifting me from my bed.

10-17-2003, 11:45 AM	#2
Larry_OHF Ironworks Moderator Join Date: March 1, 2001 Location: Midlands, South Carolina Age: 48 Posts: 14,759	I am not 100% sure, but I would say that the only problem would be if you were to try to make money off of the module that held their ideas. You're not marketing it, and it is being built on software that allows you to copy ideas too easily for them to have made a law against you doing it. If they did not want you to, then there would be something in the manual stating that you could not build off of another's ideas...but that rule does not exist. It would be impossible to enforce. __________________

10-17-2003, 11:46 AM	#3
SpiritWarrior Jack Burton Join Date: May 31, 2002 Location: Ireland Posts: 5,854	Course not, You'll be fine [img]smile.gif[/img] . Once you have the toolset you have the license to make any item/module you like using the D&D system. It's the same with PNP. Characters, plotlines and items created by Bioware (from BG, IWD or NWN's) are technically not allowed to be used regardless of whether you are using them for personal use or not. But everyone does, including me and a ton of people I know myself! Again, You'll be fine. [ 10-17-2003, 12:22 PM: Message edited by: SpiritWarrior ] __________________ Still I feel like a child when I look at the moon, maybe I grew up a little too soon...

10-17-2003, 01:18 PM	#4
Timber Loftis 40th Level Warrior Join Date: July 11, 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 11,916	Considering the continued success of BG series, I think Bioware doesn't mind its community of fans doing these things. Isn't D&D, and all D20 stuff, now open license? __________________

10-17-2003, 01:25 PM	#5
SpiritWarrior Jack Burton Join Date: May 31, 2002 Location: Ireland Posts: 5,854	D&D is covered by the open gaming license. You can use the D&D system as you see fit, all It's core components are designed to inspire creativity. Bioware's stuff however, isn't. I mean characters, plots, names etc. Such as making a BG3 module with the "Return of Sarevok". They created those characters and stories and so bought the rights to it too. [ 10-17-2003, 01:27 PM: Message edited by: SpiritWarrior ] __________________ Still I feel like a child when I look at the moon, maybe I grew up a little too soon...

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10-17-2003, 09:19 AM	#1
Dreamer128 Dracolisk Join Date: March 21, 2001 Location: Europe Age: 39 Posts: 6,136	I'm recreating a number of classic D&D items, such as the Holy Avenger and the Equalizer for a module. I managed to locate the old descriptions of these items on Planet BG. They won't drag you direcly to court for doing a thing like this, will they? Just think of the number of 'Drizz't do Urdens' you find in certain modules.

10-18-2003, 04:58 AM	#6
Dreamer128 Dracolisk Join Date: March 21, 2001 Location: Europe Age: 39 Posts: 6,136	Thanks guys. I can sleep a little easier, knowing that their won't be a Swat team lifting me from my bed.

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