I am an illustrator who owes much of my early inspiration to playing D&D.  I have always been fascinated with the imagery and illustrations used in the books.  I've been throwing around an idea of recreating my own version of a Monster Manual, featuring illustrations of unique creatures created by myself.  I would like to place it in the context of the old rulebooks, like an additional supplement to the Original D&D Set box, a small pamphlet style of book using the same rules and stats.  But the focus would obviously be on the illustrations.  This is more of a personal project more than a money making venture.

So, I was wondering what kind of legal issues might I possibly run into here, what constitutes copyright infringement in a case like this?  I remember plenty of knock of adventures being around in the 80's and they often used generic gaming terms, is that the biggest concern?  Are there terms or phrases that the copyright is held on?  

Like I said, it's more of a personal project and I was initially thinking just a hundred or so copies to pass out to friends and family, but other parties have expressed interest.  So, I'm just wondering if I decided to make a larger print run, how much trouble am I likely to get into and how to avoid it?

Any thoughts are appreciated.  Thanks!

*Edit: If I did not express it properly, this project is meant to be an homage to the game that means so much to me.   A fun way to flex my illustrative skills and give a nod to the Original D&D set.

Thanks for the reply, good info to know.  I guess my biggest concern is mimicking the original format and using similar terms (like "hit die" or "alignment"- I don't know what would be copyrighted terms?) that might get me into trouble.  I was trying to research similar situations and came across "The Arduin Trilogy" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arduin#The_Arduin_Trilogy where they were "served with a cease and desist order from the offices of TSR when it was found that the original publications of the Arduin books contained direct references to the Dungeons & Dragons gaming system".  That's the kind of instance I would like to avoid if possible.  I'm not really too concerned about it, but I figured if there was any obstacles that I should avoid, better to do it at the start.

Being served a cease and desist does not automatically mean you are doing something or wrong or illegal, it means they want you to stop and are at least threatening to take you to court over the issue which may or may not be ruled in their favor.  Though there are certainly times where the case is strongly in favor of the holder of the IP it is also commonly used as a strong arm tactic betting your work isn't worth the money it will cost to defend it in court regardless of its legality.  Some companies are just aggressive with their IP and you need to decide if it is worth you to start a project that may see such a letter come your way and what you will do if it does.

I'd be interested in a copy if you go down that road

ashmire13 wrote:I'd be interested in a copy if you go down that road

I figured a few people here might be interested, obviously it's just in the idea stage now but I could post something here when and if it comes to fruition (if that is allowed?)

TheHistorian wrote:Considering the volumes of third party material that came out back in the day, and in the resurgence of the last several years, you're unlikely to have a problem.  If you want to be extra safe, just don't put D&D or TSR on there.  I don't recall how other recent monster books have reworded (or not) terminology.  This is a good (free) one to compare to:  http://www.lulu.com/shop/the-first-edit ... 52854.html

Just reading the intro, that is pretty close to what I am looking at doing (except format).   Looks like I could also do some research into Open Game License.  Thanks for that!

ashmire13 wrote:I'd be interested in a copy if you go down that road

I figured a few people here might be interested, obviously it's just in the idea stage now but I could post something here when and if it comes to fruition (if that is allowed?)

TheHistorian wrote:Considering the volumes of third party material that came out back in the day, and in the resurgence of the last several years, you're unlikely to have a problem.  If you want to be extra safe, just don't put D&D or TSR on there.  I don't recall how other recent monster books have reworded (or not) terminology.  This is a good (free) one to compare to:  http://www.lulu.com/shop/the-first-edit ... 52854.html

Just reading the intro, that is pretty close to what I am looking at doing (except format).   Looks like I could also do some research into Open Game License.  Thanks for that!

ExTSR wrote:Do not duplicate word-for-word any of the materials in the original TSR works; rewrite thoroughly.
Include the Open Game License, and per section 8, designate all contents as Open Game Content.

That should handle everything.

All text would be original, except for some of the terms used.  Looks like I have some OGC reading to do.

In the US, derivative works are usually covered under fair use laws, as long as they're not copies of originals. So you could, for example, draw your own picture of Elminster, as long as you weren't copying another artist's rendition.

Do you have an account on Deviant Art? I'd like to see your work.

squatront wrote:Well, like I mentioned, all original art/creatures/content, just use of similar terms and format perhaps.  Judging from responses I am much less worried about it, especially at the small run I was planning on doing it.

Don't have deviant art, but I am a published artist.  Just gonna keep it anonymous until I actually get the project finished.  I'll post something in the non-TSR thread when and if it gets finished.  Thanks for the responses!

Look forward to it