Copyright / etiquette for converting "old" monsters? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Copyright / etiquette for converting "old" monsters? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Thurbane
12-03-05, 06:10 PM I have a question: there are some monsters I wanted to update from 1E and 2E for use with 3.5E. Obviously I can do so for my own use, but I can I share the updates with the general public?

The monsters in question originally appeared in various issues of Dragon magazine. If I give full credit to the original authors and list the source, am I allowed to do so, or am I breaking the TOS for this site?

Thanks - T
cwslyclgh
12-03-05, 08:20 PM if you give credit to the monsters original creator, and you are not making any money off of it, there should be no problem.
Thurbane
12-04-05, 11:47 PM Thanks for the reply. Do any of the admins have anything to add?
Wayward Son
12-05-05, 09:53 AM I'm not an admin, but I will add that, while you will likely be ok if you just give credit, you aren't technically in the clear legally. Legally, you have to obtain prior permission, in writing, from the copyright holder to simply revise one of their works and publish the revision. Posting to online forums has been ruled to be "publication" in some cases, so posting your revision here would expose you to a lawsuit (as well as WotC, which is why reprinting copyrighted materials on the boards is against the ToC).

Now, will you get sued? Chances are slim. It is up to the copyright holder to file the suit (there is no policing agency for copyright infringement), and chances are very low that they will go to the expense of filing when there is no marketshare being taken or profits lost from the action. They have the right to do so, however, and will usually just ask that you stop doing it before filing. Respect those wishes, and you'll be fine.

For example, I love the novels of Tiger and Del, by Jennifer Roberson. I've translated a few of the critters from the books (most notablly the sandtiger) for my home games. I won't, however, post those stats here, as Ms. Roberson states explicitly on her site that she does not, in any circumstances, give permission for fans to use her works for creating games, roleplay or otherwise, because she wants to retain control of her copyrighted material. It is her livelihood, after all, and I won't undermine her options.
Gazza555
12-05-05, 10:15 AM You may also want to check out the Creature Catalog (http://www.enworld.org/cc) as they've already converted quite a few 1e and 2e creatures. It may save you some time re-inventing the wheel. ;)

Regards
Gary

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Thurbane 12-03-05, 06:10 PM	I have a question: there are some monsters I wanted to update from 1E and 2E for use with 3.5E. Obviously I can do so for my own use, but I can I share the updates with the general public? The monsters in question originally appeared in various issues of Dragon magazine. If I give full credit to the original authors and list the source, am I allowed to do so, or am I breaking the TOS for this site? Thanks - T
cwslyclgh 12-03-05, 08:20 PM	if you give credit to the monsters original creator, and you are not making any money off of it, there should be no problem.
Thurbane 12-04-05, 11:47 PM	Thanks for the reply. Do any of the admins have anything to add?
Wayward Son 12-05-05, 09:53 AM	I'm not an admin, but I will add that, while you will likely be ok if you just give credit, you aren't technically in the clear legally. Legally, you have to obtain prior permission, in writing, from the copyright holder to simply revise one of their works and publish the revision. Posting to online forums has been ruled to be "publication" in some cases, so posting your revision here would expose you to a lawsuit (as well as WotC, which is why reprinting copyrighted materials on the boards is against the ToC). Now, will you get sued? Chances are slim. It is up to the copyright holder to file the suit (there is no policing agency for copyright infringement), and chances are very low that they will go to the expense of filing when there is no marketshare being taken or profits lost from the action. They have the right to do so, however, and will usually just ask that you stop doing it before filing. Respect those wishes, and you'll be fine. For example, I love the novels of Tiger and Del, by Jennifer Roberson. I've translated a few of the critters from the books (most notablly the sandtiger) for my home games. I won't, however, post those stats here, as Ms. Roberson states explicitly on her site that she does not, in any circumstances, give permission for fans to use her works for creating games, roleplay or otherwise, because she wants to retain control of her copyrighted material. It is her livelihood, after all, and I won't undermine her options.
Gazza555 12-05-05, 10:15 AM	You may also want to check out the Creature Catalog (http://www.enworld.org/cc) as they've already converted quite a few 1e and 2e creatures. It may save you some time re-inventing the wheel. ;) Regards Gary