Home
Creators
Search Recent Random
Posts
Search DMs Popular Hash Lookup Tags Random
Importer
Import FAQ
Register Favorites Keys Review DMs Logout
Community
Telegram ThePornDude
Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Discussing the future - System Neutral rules? (Patreon)

Published:
2020-11-13 10:01:02
Edited:
2025-06-13 20:51:51
Imported:
2026-11
Tags:

Poll

Discussing the future - System Neutral rules?

  • Sure! Sounds good. 12
  • Hmm, Not sure about that. 2
  • 2020-11-12
  • 14 votes
{'title': 'Discussing the future - System Neutral rules?', 'choices': [{'text': 'Sure! Sounds good.', 'votes': 12}, {'text': 'Hmm, Not sure about that.', 'votes': 2}], 'closes_at': None, 'created_at': datetime.datetime(2020, 11, 12, 18, 51, 31, tzinfo=datetime.timezone.utc), 'description': None, 'allow_multiple': False, 'total_votes': 14}

Content

Hey everyone!

So, there's one thing that has me concerned, though thankfully isn't a big problem just yet: System Copyright.

Typically, people who want to create content adaptable to any TTRPG or Dungeons and Dragons have to follow 'OGL' rules or the publisher's "Open Gamer's Licence"

OGL?

Long story short, this means that a certain aspect of the writing is copyrighted by them: Lore like the "Shadowfell" or words like "Dungeon Master" are a no-go. Even writing rules in a similar way; "Roll a Dexterity DC 15 save, on a failure...etc" is questionable. Using "Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence" stats and d20 game mechanics however aren't copywrited and should be fine.

It's a little complicated, and I'm going to look more into it. It's unlikely my homebrew items will cause issue as WotC tends not to crack down on small indie creators...but it'll be something to bear in mind if I make another card deck.

Solutions?

I've been thinking of adapting my items to 'system-neutral'. This would be almost purely narrative, with no 'rules' as much as instructions, e.g. "Once a day, You are able to summon the sword into your hand from a short distance" Vague, but it gives the freedom for game masters to adapt them.

This would mean that I could potentially do content for any TTRPG setting: such as sci-fi or Lovecraftian horror.

What do you think? Does 'System Neutral' items sound ok? Curious to get your opinions.

(Also, Those of you who are also making TTRPG content: What do you do for this issue? Do I worry too much? I'd love to know!)

Comments

Kolbjørn Flø

It's best to be sure on this matter, so if you don't feel comfortable with sticking to how you've been doing it cuz of you understanding of the copyright rules regarding this, I'd advice to go vaguer like you've suggested. Personally I wouldn't worry too much, as you've stated WoTC don't usually crack down on smaller creators, but i do reccommend reading up a bit on it to be sure.

mrjamesgifford

Yeah, it’s something I’m definitely keeping in mind and will need to look more into.

Kolbjørn Flø

There're two creators on here i follow called DMdave and TheGriffonSaddlebag. They both make DnD specific content, Griffon makes items like you, so you could look them up and shoot them an email with questions. They're very nice people that usually respond quickly and have been helpful to me before ^-^

sirken

I have a book of magic items with the idea of "system neutral". It works pretty well and allows modifying items to other systems so I totally get the appeal.