I also would like it to explain skills, but it's not necessary.
I don't think it's legal anymore (4e).
How not?
This is for 4e.
Hi PK
But ya, I'd check the GSL, and google.
disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on television
Such builders have been found, but wizards gets them taken down as fast they can. as noted here for an example.
Of course, one would have to sign the GSL in order to be held to it's terms.
True, but signin the OGL/GSL/whatever it is called is what lets you use Wizards IP. without signing it, it would be copyright infringement reguardless.
5.5 Licensed Products. This License applies solely to Licensed Products as defined in
Section 3 and to the specified uses set forth in Section 4. For the avoidance of doubt, and by way of
example only, no Licensed Product will (a) include web sites, interactive products, miniatures, or character
creators; (b) describe a process for creating a character or applying the effects of experience to a character;
(c) use the terms “Core Rules” or “Core Rulebook” or variations thereof on its cover or title, in self-reference
or in advertising or marketing thereof; (d) refer to any artwork, imagery or other depiction contained in a
Core Rulebook; (e) reprint any material contained in a Core Rulebook except as explicitly provided in
Section 4; or (f) be incorporated into another product that is itself not a Licensed Product (such as, by way
of example only, a magazine or book compilation).
Also according to Mr Kenzer (of kenzerco fame), you cannot copyright a game systems rulebook (or something like that) & he should know as he is an Intellectual Properties lawyer (or something like one).
-M
True, but signin the OGL/GSL/whatever it is called is what lets you use Wizards IP. without signing it, it would be copyright infringement reguardless.
GSL, assuming we're talking 4e. (The OGL - the 3e license - doesn't need to be signed; you just include a copy of it in your product.)
Theoretically, there's a point somewhere within the rules where you can completely reproduce them and WotC can't do anything about it. See Matthew's comment below about Kenzer.
Where that point lies isn't well defined in IP laws, and would be for a judge to decide if the case ever went to court. However... given the expense of a case, if WotC sues somebody over this, they've already won.
Actually if it were free & built into say an excel page, i dont see how that would be illegal. Sure WotC would jump up and down, but WotC is turning into a bit of a slavering monster recently.
Also according to Mr Kenzer (of kenzerco fame), you cannot copyright a game systems rulebook (or something like that) & he should know as he is an Intellectual Properties lawyer (or something like one).
-M
Somebody would not need to make money in order to be in violation of WotC's intellectual property rights. And as a matter of fact, if any of WotC's trademarks are involved in the matter, they're obligated to pursue the matter or risk losing their trademark.
Mr. Kenzer is correct - rules cannot be copyrighted. However, a lot of other stuff - the fluff, the presentation, the exact wording used - can be. (and, actually, is since a copyright exists the moment the IP is created.)
In my experience, Mr. Kenzer is a very smart man. However, there's an old say: A man who represents himself at trial has a fool for a client. Of course, Mr. Kenzer did beat TSR once, so maybe that saying isn't very true. ;)
And suing a group of people for copyright infringement, people who purchase your products and have made the character builder out of their own blood and sweat, doesn't sound like good public relations material to me.
Then again, I'm not a lawyer either. Whether or not I play one on TV.... Ok, so I don't do that either. But I do occasionaly rp as a senile old elven psion if that counts.
Actually if it were free & built into say an excel page, i dont see how that would be illegal. Sure WotC would jump up and down, but WotC is turning into a bit of a slavering monster recently.
Also according to Mr Kenzer (of kenzerco fame), you cannot copyright a game systems rulebook (or something like that) & he should know as he is an Intellectual Properties lawyer (or something like one).
-M
WotC can do more then just jump up and down. They can take you to court and bankrupt you from lawyers fees even if your in the right. So you know unless you're an intellectual Properties lawyer willing to spend your time defending yourself you might want to take his advice with a grain of salt.
Also according to Mr Kenzer (of kenzerco fame), you cannot copyright a game systems rulebook (or something like that) & he should know as he is an Intellectual Properties lawyer (or something like one).
-M
This Kenzer sounds like a right ass and deserves a good punch in the jaw.
I'm so sorry that it upsets you that you can't just take the Wotc's devs hard time and work without asking and then pass it out for free on the internet. Its kind of like being angry that Windows or Apple won't just give out their OSs for free. Of course, a lot of people seem to be angry with this so I suppose there is no helping people.
Am I right? :P
What you can't do is sell it, or distribute it in a way that would infringe on WoTCs rights.
So as long as you keep it for personal use, or even just share it amongst friends you play with, you are fine. Personal use.
I would say, suck it up, get a subscription, and enjoy the full benefits of DDI.
Pencil/Paper: ~20 mins
Word: ~45 mins...except for wizards...they take a while...
Also according to Mr Kenzer (of kenzerco fame), you cannot copyright a game systems rulebook (or something like that) & he should know as he is an Intellectual Properties lawyer (or something like one).
The same arguement was used to the creators of Trivial Pursuit.....
I would say, suck it up, get a subscription, and enjoy the full benefits of DDI.
So.... suck it up, pay a monthly fee that I don't have the money for, and get the benifits of things that I'll never use?
Or, on the other hand, just go with the free thing that doens't have anymore information in it than is in the
srd.