Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Prince_of_Parkness 09-10-07, 10:49 AM	Im currently writing a fantasy novel. The concept is based on D&D. I doubt i will ever get it published, but assuming i do, whats the situation copyright laws on this?
Kamin_Majere 09-10-07, 10:59 AM	Get someone in the legal profession (a lawyer preferably) No ones going to be able to answer that with out knowing all the specifics of what your creating and what your basing it off of. There are alot of variables in this sort of thing.
Prince_of_Parkness 09-10-07, 11:43 AM	Get someone in the legal profession (a lawyer preferably) No ones going to be able to answer that with out knowing all the specifics of what your creating and what your basing it off of. There are alot of variables in this sort of thing. Sorry bout that your right, I need to be much more specific. The main characters have abilities refelcting mostly core classes, though one has some abilites of the desciple of asmadeus class. The enemies are demons and devils, and their outlook was inspired by their psycology described in the fiendish codex one and two respectivly. Other ideas, like a devil negotiating faustin pacts and the pact primival are also present. Most individual devils and demons are made up, but thier general charactersistics reflect that presented in the subtype tannar'ri or baatezu (immunity to a spesific energy). Some of the more powerful creatures and rulers have also been copied from D&D monsters. Thats all i can think of for now.
Gort32 09-10-07, 12:06 PM	There are a lot of issues to cover, but here is a couple of quick instant no-nos: - Any campaign setting-specific people, places, or things - Any of the non-SRD monsters - Anything that is directly based on any WOTC product (writing a novel based on a published adventure, for example) In order to do any of these things you are going to need permission from the copyright holder.
Prince_of_Parkness 09-10-07, 12:10 PM	There are a lot of issues to cover, but here is a couple of quick instant no-nos: - Any campaign setting-specific people, places, or things - Any of the non-SRD monsters - Anything that is directly based on any WOTC product (writing a novel based on a published adventure, for example) In order to do any of these things you are going to need permission from the copyright holder. thanks...i was afraid that would be the case. oh well...
Zherog 09-10-07, 12:54 PM	Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV Everything gort said is correct, to the best of my knowledge. Kamin's advice (speak to an actual lawyer) would be my recommendation as well. Now, that said... If your intention is to just write a story, without intent to seek a publisher, then go for it. Write. Write a lot. Edit it and revise it and make it something you're proud of. As long as you're writing the story only for yourself, you should be fine. Another option is "fan fiction." WotC allows a fair bit of leeway when you post to the Once Upon A Time forum. If you opt for that route, remember that the Terms of Use you agreed to when you signed up for your account gives WotC the permission to use anything you post on these forums, and they can do so without compensating you or giving you credit.