The Campaign Builder's Guild

Quote from: Epic MeepoYou can always reference any published material, provided you cite your sources and don't describe unique elements of that source in too much detail. Just don't reprint the text of that material or post your own version of rules from (or based on) that source.

For example, making a unique spell list for a new class (but not describing any of the spells on that list): probably okay if you cite your source.

That's okay for fan efforts that don't attempt to make any money. If you want to publish this professionally, it is not allowed unless you follow the terms in the various licences that cover it (the OGL, d20 Licence, M&M Superlink, Powered By GURPS, and so on).

I mean, you could, for example, say in an appendix: "GURPS Horror is a really nifty supplement", but you couldn't say: "For rules how to create gatling lasers, see GURPS Vehicles p. XX and use the following modifications..." unless you had the publisher's express permission.

The line of thought here goes: If you publish your game professionally and essentially plug it as "compatible with game XYZ", then it looks like it is some sort of "official" material that the publisher of game XYZ has sanctioned, even if that was not actually the case. And if your gaming material is a horrible, horrible crime against nature that would even make the creators of FATAL cringe, then the reputation of the publisher of game XYZ suffers merely from being associated with you.

The reputation of a game publisher won't usually suffer from fan websites, which is why they are so broadly tolerated. "Professional" publications, on the other hand, are another matter entirely - and thus, the rules for them are different.

For the record: Everything CYMRO, Jürgen and brainface said in this thread should be in an obvious, stickied thread in one or more of WotC's forums. This would be a great help for fans and publishers who try to work or play with their material. If there actually is such a thread, they should make it more obvious.

[/rant]

Túrin