Sharing an NPC module

[dellanx]

If I wanted to make a module of NPCs that may not be official OGL/Pathfinder doctrine but is either listed on the net or created by me, may I share it with the community if Paizo legal language is included in the module?

For example. I want to ask, because I don't wish to violate any copyright rules.

Thanks

[Moon Wizard]

It's completely up to the license granted by the original author of the content (if any license is specified); and whether the content is completely theirs to grant a license with. By default, the answer would be no; as the default for copyright is that no rights are granted to others to redistribute.

Regards,
JPG

[dellanx]

It's completely up to the license granted by the original author of the content (if any license is specified); and whether the content is completely theirs to grant a license with. By default, the answer would be no; as the default for copyright is that no rights are granted to others to redistribute.

Regards,
JPG

Ok thank you. I wrote an email, lets see if there is a reply.

[dellanx]

Thank you Moon Wizard, I wrote Obsidian Portal and PC Gen, and this is their answer:

[QUOTE]Hey Dellanx (changed name),

Thanks for writing in- good question. We can’t really deny or grant permission to use any of the characters or other material you find on Obsidian Portal as we don’t own user-submitted content. However, using creative work like this for a hobby (like gaming) may be permitted under copyright law. You can research the rules about hobby use- try checking out https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/protectingyourhobbies . Making sure to credit the creator, and even reaching out to them for permission is always a good idea. And, in some cases, may be required. You also might be able to reach out to Fantasy Grounds to see what their thoughts are!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Best,
Jesse, OP Support Sorcerer


--

Obsidian Portal
[email protected]

Nylanfs (UTC-5)Today at 11:06 AM
@Dellanx It depends on how you are posting it, and what specific elements are you pulling from the Pathfinder system. Strictly speaking you would need to have a copy of the OGL on your website with the appropriate links to it on the NPC pages, an updated Sec. 15 of the OGL referencing the elements used to make that character including the PCGen lines, and a Paizo Community Use Policy statement. It would probably be polite to include a "NPC's were created using the PCGen program" with a link.

Therefore when I create the modules I will reverence the OGL/Pathfinder Open Source License and BOTH: Obsidian Portal and Authors known and unknown and PC Gen with links to bot sites.

Thank you Jesse at OP Support Sorcerer and Nylanfs at PC Gen for the information, I am grateful for the response!

[Moon Wizard]

Well, just to be clear; there is a big difference between building something for personal use (in which a lot is allowed) vs. building something for distribution to others (in which all ownership rights must be confirmed/granted).

The answer from OP is that they are saying they don't have any rights to the content; so they have no control over it nor can grant rights.

As I said, you will have to get permission from the "original" creator of the content. If that is from a Pathfinder book with an OGL license, then you'd have to follow the rules of the OGL license. If that content was created by another company or individual, you'd have to get their permission.

Regards,
JPG

[damned]

Copyright is automatically granted to the creator of an original work. So even though these are fan made they still have copyright.

[dellanx]

Well, just to be clear; there is a big difference between building something for personal use (in which a lot is allowed) vs. building something for distribution to others (in which all ownership rights must be confirmed/granted).

The answer from OP is that they are saying they don't have any rights to the content; so they have no control over it nor can grant rights.

As I said, you will have to get permission from the "original" creator of the content. If that is from a Pathfinder book with an OGL license, then you'd have to follow the rules of the OGL license. If that content was created by another company or individual, you'd have to get their permission.

Regards,
JPG

The NPC stats were created by a fan (i.e., a GM like a GM that plays on FG, or Roll20), as listed here, the "Name" of the NPC is listed in Rise of the Runelords, AP, Burnt Offerings, but stats are not provided. The name is under an "OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a."

I am only using the fan's stats as a guide, and PC Gen because I am re-creating the NPC based on my imagination. Finding the fam would be not possible, I am told I can't release it I will not, and keep it for personal use.

Thanks, please let me know if I may do this or not. I am not planning to contact anyone else.

Respectfully,

[dellanx]

Brief question. Paizo just gives a name for the npc race and class

Is it a violation of the open source license to make and share stats for that NPC? Since PAIZO did not specify?

[damned]

Ok. Being unable (or unwilling) to contact an author, or the author not responding etc etc still means it cant be used.

Now with more information...

The names may belong to Paizo and if so you must comply with Paizos license agreement.
But something that goes in your favor is that you cant really copyright the stats. You can replicate the stats.
If these NPCs dont have descriptive text then should be find to copy them.
Providing you clear up the name issue.

[dellanx]

Ok. Being unable (or unwilling) to contact an author, or the author not responding etc etc still means it cant be used.

Now with more information...

The names may belong to Paizo and if so you must comply with Paizos license agreement.
But something that goes in your favor is that you cant really copyright the stats. You can replicate the stats.
If these NPCs dont have descriptive text then should be find to copy them.
Providing you clear up the name issue.

For example this is one of the NPCs: Aldern_Foxglove

Because the stats example is listed on the Obsidian Portal, I plan to give Obsidian Portal and the GM (Fan) credit by listing that I am using his stats as a basis for my NPC named "ALDERN FOXGLOVE". I plan to also say that the NPC was created by use of PCX Gen.

I also plan to use this code in the Legal notice of module:

<name type="string">Legal</name>
<blocks>
<block_001>
<blocktype type="string">header</blocktype>
<text type="string">Paizo Community Use Policy</text>
</block_001>
<block_002>
<frame type="string">brown</frame>
<text type="formattedtext">
<p>This Fantasy Grounds DLC uses trademarks and/or copyrights owned by Paizo Inc., which are used under Paizo's Community Use Policy. We are expressly prohibited from charging you to use or access this content. This Fantasy Grounds DLC is not published, endorsed, or specifically approved by Paizo Inc. For more information about Paizo's Community Use Policy, please visit paizo.com/communityuse. For more information about Paizo Inc. and Paizo products, please visit paizo.com.</p>
<link class="url" recordname="https://paizo.com/community/communityuse">Paizo Community Use Policy</link>
</text>
</block_002>
<block_003>
<blocktype type="string">header</blocktype>
<text type="string">Open Game License Version 1.0a</text>
</block_003>
<block_004>
<text type="formattedtext">
<p>The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc ("Wizards"). All Rights Reserved.</p>
<p>1. Definitions: (a) "Contributors" means the copyright and/or trademark owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b) "Derivative Material" means copyrighted material including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) "Distribute" means to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d) "Open Game Content" means the game mechanic and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) "Product Identity" means product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts, creatures, characters, stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open Game Content; (f ) "Trademark" means the logos, names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself or its products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License by the Contributor (g) "Use", "Used" or "Using" means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open Game Content. (h) "You" or "Your" means the licensee in terms of this agreement.</p>
<p>2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except as described by the License itself. No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed using this License.</p>
<p>3. Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms of this License.</p>
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<p>7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each element of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a challenge to the ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in and to that Product Identity.</p>
<p>8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly indicate which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open Game Content.</p>
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<p>15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE</p>
<p>Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.</p>
<p>System Reference Document. Copyright 2000. Wizards of the Coast, Inc; Authors Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, based on material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.</p>
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</text>
</block_004>
</blocks>
</_legal>