Is that the story ? I really don't know after reading through this thread. It's very cloak and dagger stuff, proper mysterious.
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Is that the story ? I really don't know after reading through this thread. It's very cloak and dagger stuff, proper mysterious.
The part I played was that I was commissioned to make the rule set for someone not involved with 13th Age. I made it, and they contacted the makers of 13th Age, which said we weren't allowed to sell it. We also couldn't make any of the library modules public. I released it with the permission of the person that commissioned me.
In reality you could make one and distribute it outside of the Fantasy Grounds website as long as you don't use any of the 13th Age copyrighted materials, things like logos, terminology specific to 13th Age, etc...etc... however it would be in a legal gray area and the way US courts work, if they decided to sue you, they would probably win.
The best bet is to contact them and ask if its ok to make and distribute one freely. They might go for that, especially if you label it as 'unofficial'.
You cannot copyright the name of a game.
Thus you can use the name 13th Age in a ruleset.
You cannot copyright the idea behind the game.
You cannot copyright the mechanics of a game.
Thus you can create a 13th Age ruleset even if the publishers are opposed to it.
You can copyright the logo.
You can copyright the text of your rulebooks - where this text is original (eg no one can copyright a goblin or a skeleton or a fireball or a long sword or a cleric or a rogue).
You can copyright the names and histories of (original) people and places and god etc.
So you cannot produce library reference modules for public distribution. You cannot use an official logo in your publicly distributed works.
Copyright law does provide for both making backups and for format shifting.
So you can make modules for your own use.
There is argument that you could make a module that contains only mechanics and non "product identity" that is available for distribution. See below. I think this has potential risk to you ranging from a C&D order to being sued. particularly if the publisher is opposed to you doing this in the first place.
I am not a lawyer.
So you should make up your own mind or consult an actual lawyer for better clarity.
While you can do all those things, they can also send you a Cease and Desist order from their lawyers, file an injunction to prevent you from distributing and then tie you up in court until you run out of money and then convince the jury that you are infringing on their property. Basically they would win, regardless of whether it was correct and lawful.Quote:
Originally Posted by damned
In general you don't want to ever go up against a company, especially if they have deep pockets.
If you stick to 1 and 2 and dont do 4 the law is quite specific.Quote:
Originally Posted by lokiare1
They cant take you to court because they dont have a case.
It wont get accepted by the courts.
Notice how the Wizards never took Smiteworks to court for the 4e or 5e rulesets?
Monte Cook Games doesnt want to license Numenera but you can still have a ruleset.
However you are doing 5 which is perfectly acceptable :)
BTW Im not attempting to thumb my nose at the publishers. Pelgrane publish some great games and I fully respect peoples/companies copyrights. Im just pointing out that you do have some rights that US law provides.
Yes, unfortunately in the US legal system none of that matters. Companies do this kind of thing all the time. Here are some links that show what I'm talking about:Quote:
Originally Posted by damned
https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-...-out-a-lawsuit
https://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=31638
Its actually pretty sad and shows how bad our legal system needs an overhaul.
you would of thought you would be ok running the rule set of the the free SRD version of the game
The SRD allows you to actually reproduce a certain amount of content and is a legally binding agreement - binding on them also.
There isnt a lot of content in the 13th Age SRD.
In reality large chunks of 13th Age are the Wizards SRD/OGL content.
https://www.13thagesrd.com/legal
Anyways the team in question have formed their own considered opinions and have decided not to release which is a valid stance.
indeed its there work so they can do what they want with it. Good job we have CORErpg and the fabulous Morecore extension looks like its possible to run 13th age with. I will find out tonight when I try to run a 13th Age game tonight at FG Con