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Do I need a license for a D&D B/X or 1e module publication?

Started by Vic99, April 28, 2023, 08:27:51 AM

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Vic99

April 28, 2023, 08:27:51 AM
I wrote and heavily play tested a B/X, 1e AD&D compatible module and am editing the layout to fit old school pencil sketch illustrations. I hope to be done in a week or two and then put it up on Drivethru and the like. I tried to write it with an eye toward system neutrality, but I use AC, morale, saving throws, and other terms that are clearly D&D related in some way.

Now that some of the licensing dust has settled, do I need to reference either the Creative Commons license or the OGL for an old school style game?  This is my first publication.

Does anyone have a link that specifically mentions older versions of D&D and licensing? I certainly can't find one.

Thanks.


cavalier973

#1
April 28, 2023, 08:57:02 AM
You might consider the OSE license by Necrotic Gnome, if the original game license doesn't work.

S'mon

#2
April 28, 2023, 10:34:12 AM
Quote from: Vic99 on April 28, 2023, 08:27:51 AM
I wrote and heavily play tested a B/X, 1e AD&D compatible module and am editing the layout to fit old school pencil sketch illustrations. I hope to be done in a week or two and then put it up on Drivethru and the like. I tried to write it with an eye toward system neutrality, but I use AC, morale, saving throws, and other terms that are clearly D&D related in some way.

This does not require a licence.

But you'll probably make most money if you indicate compatibility with OSRIC, OSE etc.

Legally you can indicate compatibility with D&D without a licence, but DriveThru may not agree/may prefer to err on side of caution/may not want to annoy WoTC.

GhostNinja

#3
April 28, 2023, 10:36:01 AM
Quote from: S'mon on April 28, 2023, 10:34:12 AM
This does not require a licence.

But you'll probably make most money if you indicate compatibility with OSRIC, OSE etc.

Legally you can indicate compatibility with D&D without a licence, but DriveThru may not agree/may prefer to err on side of caution/may not want to annoy WoTC.

Very true and with the OSE and ORC license you can do that very easily without having to deal with WOTC and it should make them safe.
Ghostninja

cavalier973

#4
April 28, 2023, 12:10:47 PM
Let us know when you do publish your module, please and thank you.

cavalier973

#5
April 28, 2023, 12:11:55 PM
Quote from: S'mon on April 28, 2023, 10:34:12 AM
Quote from: Vic99 on April 28, 2023, 08:27:51 AM
I wrote and heavily play tested a B/X, 1e AD&D compatible module and am editing the layout to fit old school pencil sketch illustrations. I hope to be done in a week or two and then put it up on Drivethru and the like. I tried to write it with an eye toward system neutrality, but I use AC, morale, saving throws, and other terms that are clearly D&D related in some way.

This does not require a licence.

But you'll probably make most money if you indicate compatibility with OSRIC, OSE etc.

Legally you can indicate compatibility with D&D without a licence, but DriveThru may not agree/may prefer to err on side of caution/may not want to annoy WoTC.

You might throw "Shadowdark" in there, as well (if it is released prior to your module). I don't know what SD's license agreement is, though.

Vic99

#6
April 28, 2023, 12:50:48 PM
Cavalier, thanks. I had forgotten that OSE had their own license. I still use Moldvay's red and blue book.

Will also look into SD.

I would love to post the release here. I''d like more sales as I had to pay an artist.  A kickstarter to get it back doesn't seem appropriate here. I'm not sure what's allowed to plug your own stuff on this forum. Don't want to break any rules, but I'd love to announce.

Vic99

#7
April 28, 2023, 12:53:00 PM
S'Mon, announcing OSE compatibility is a great idea for more potential eyes on it. Thanks!

GhostNinja

#8
April 28, 2023, 12:57:52 PM
Quote from: Vic99 on April 28, 2023, 12:53:00 PM
S'Mon, announcing OSE compatibility is a great idea for more potential eyes on it. Thanks!

Being a new OSE fan, it sure is something I will look at.
Ghostninja

Vic99

#9
April 28, 2023, 02:48:57 PM
Thanks, Ghostninja.

cavalier973

#10
April 28, 2023, 03:02:51 PM
Quote from: Vic99 on April 28, 2023, 12:50:48 PM
Cavalier, thanks. I had forgotten that OSE had their own license. I still use Moldvay's red and blue book.

Will also look into SD.

I would love to post the release here. I''d like more sales as I had to pay an artist.  A kickstarter to get it back doesn't seem appropriate here. I'm not sure what's allowed to plug your own stuff on this forum. Don't want to break any rules, but I'd love to announce.

It looks like the "News and Adverts" fora are for announcing products available for purchase.

Eric Diaz

#11
April 28, 2023, 04:35:59 PM
I remember OSE license mentioning something about sending them a copy, or a note on the back cover (which most my books lack)... or something. So I didn't use it. Let me know how it works for you.

Realistically, at the current moment this is the best way to advertise your game, since there are plenty of people who play OSE and might never heard of B/X - let alone LL, BFRPG, etc.
Chaos Factory Books  - Dark fantasy RPGs and more!

Methods & Madness - my  D&D 5e / Old School / Game design blog.

Vic99

#12
April 29, 2023, 11:09:12 AM
Do you see any significant drawback to publishing under Necrotic Gnome's OSE license?

This is my first publication and I'm not sure if I'm giving up anything significant for now or the future.  Thanks.

GhostNinja

#13
April 29, 2023, 11:28:41 AM
Quote from: Vic99 on April 28, 2023, 02:48:57 PM
Thanks, Ghostninja.

No problem.  One thing I ask is please make a print option as I dont buy .pdfs.

I like to have a portal print edition available that I can take to my game table.
Ghostninja

Karmarainbow

#14
April 29, 2023, 02:43:41 PM
OSE's license is to use their trademark by indicating compatibility with OSE. That's all.

For a D&D compatible module that only uses game rule terms, you probably don't need any license. But if you wanted to not worry about it, then either OGL or Creative Commons licenses are fine. The OGL license is easier to use and you can easily designate your product title and any art as 'product identity' rather than 'open content'.

If you happen to use any D&D trademarks or product identity in your module (e.g. named NPCs like Drizzt, or the Forgotten Realms), then you would have to publish under the DM Guild community content programme.

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