[caspin00]

Anyone know of or have heard about anyone making a codebase based on the d20 system? The system is open license so that shouldn't be a problem. I'm a decent coder and would try it myself, but don't think I'm nearly to the level of writing an entire codebase.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by (caspin00 @ April 26 2004,21:26) Anyone know of or have heard about anyone making a codebase based on the d20 system? The system is open license so that shouldn't be a problem. I'm a decent coder and would try it myself, but don't think I'm nearly to the level of writing an entire codebase.

Unfortunately the d20 gaming licence DOES preclude this, so there would be a problem with a d20 codebase.

From the Wizards of the Coast d20 FAQ:

Originally Posted by Q: Does the definition of an "Interactive Game" preclude me from creating an online RPG, MUD, MUSH, MOO, etc.? A: Yes. Please do not contact us requesting exceptions be made for your game or to inquire about getting a license to make a game. Wizards has an exclusive licensee for all electronic games based on our products and cannot enter into games licenses with any additional parties.

There are further, more intensive restrictions on programs relating to the d20 system. The full information may be found here:

d20 System Trademark FAQ

--QS

[caspin00]

####... guess I've got my foot in my mouth now. Anyways thanks for the info .

[Teelf]

Note that this license doesn't preclude you from using the d20 mechanics.  You just can't slap a 'd20 System' sticker on to it when you're done.

[caspin00]

That's what I was thinking about earlier today. I believe that some words and phrases are actually copywrited by wizards for use in the d20 system. Such as feats, and maybe like "to hit" don't want to eat my words again so I'm not sure on this. That being said I don't see how they can copywrite what are essentially math problems, so I might have to change the word feat to ability, or technique, and of course I wouldn't be able to slap on the d20 label. However barring all that I wouldn't see the problem... except that I'd never be able to code it .

[Quicksilver]

I'll let KaVir, or others who are better at explaining licence and copyright law, take over the discussion.


--QS

[Threshold]

If I recall from their own explanations of how their license works, even when you cannot put a "d20 System" sticker on it you can still say "Compatible with d20."

[Kastagaar]

Inventions, systems, methods and algorithms -- such as compression algorithms, innovative machines for removing foot-hair, or even new ways of implementing old machines -- may be patented.

Creative works -- such as books (including manuals and technical documents), computer programs, other art, and even the arrangement of collections of other creative works -- can be, and are by default, copyrighted.

Words and phrases -- such as "Coca Cola" or "The future's bright, the future's Orange" -- may be trademarked for a certain context only. It's important to note that trademarks are unique in that they must be aggressively maintained in order to retain their trademark status. This means that if a company suddenly goes after you for displaying their trademark, it's not because they're evil, it's because if they let you, then it's not their trademark any more.

The d20 system is not patented. "d20", with reference to the d20 gaming system, is trademarked. A manual or document explaining the d20 system is copyrighted.

Upside: Since it is not patented, you may use the d20 system.

Downside #1: Since it is trademarked, you may not advertise your system as a "d20" system.

Downside #2: Since they are copyrighted, you may not copy material from documents explaining the d20 system into your code. Instead, you must find your own words.

Ditto on what Kastagaar wrote.