|
(Sorry about my other post in this thread, looks like it got cross-posted from another subject)
Hey Lilith, now that this is up and running, would it be worth posting to somewhere prolific like Monte Cook's board or ENWorld, and open the floodgates?
Also, originally I had submitted Almat the Slaver, and his name got changed to Human Slaver -- I take it from your recent post putting the NPC names back in is okay?
I think a description field would be fine. I'd make your personality traits an optional checkbox, or allow the contributor to write their own 'bio' for the npc.
As well, I think a small (two line) description of how to do HTML line breaks, bolding, etc might be worthwhile under the special ability description box for those less computer savvy.
Lastly, when sorting by class, can you show the race? For example, I have a woodling kenku ranger 2 on there, but it just shows up under sort by class as a CR 4 ranger 2 ... it would help to show what race the critter is.
Thanks again for your hard work!
I just visited the site (figuring that if I gave it a few days, you'd work out the kinks) and it's awesome! This may be the best thing to happen to the hobby in some time! Good for you, and thank you very much! I examined the earlier posts, though, and didn't see an answer to this: are there any problems with this site vis-a-vis the OGL?
Found a bug: if you go to edit an entry, it wipes whatever you had written for the hook.
Fixed. My bad. :-D
Hey Lilith, now that this is up and running, would it be worth posting to somewhere prolific like Monte Cook's board or ENWorld, and open the floodgates?
Feel free to spread the word. :-D
Also, originally I had submitted Almat the Slaver, and his name got changed to Human Slaver -- I take it from your recent post putting the NPC names back in is okay?
I would prefer that the names aren't specific, so that DMs can create a name to suit their campaign. I feel the same way about bios - me personally, I'd want all the mechanics done. Backgrounds usually aren't my problem.
...personality traits...
This appears as a sidebar on the details page. Feel free to ignore it or use it - it's fairly stupid and straightforward right now.
...a small (two line) description of how to do HTML line breaks, bolding, etc.
Can do. I keep forgetting that most people don't see HTML in their sleep...;-)
Lastly, when sorting by class, can you show the race?
Can do. Will have it uploaded in a few minutes.
I examined the earlier posts, though, and didn't see an answer to this: are there any problems with this site vis-a-vis the OGL?
I don't know - I only have a vague understanding of everything that is or isn't in the OGL, so I'm not the best qualified to answer this. :-(
Well, I'm anxiously awaiting approval (or not, as the case may be) of my first submission to the database. One thing I noticed, Lilith; there's nowhere to input physical information. I usually roll up/record height, weight, hair color, skin color, eye color, age, and divine patron (Realms) for my NPCs. Sure the color isn't that big a deal, but I hate referencing height and weight tables for oddball races. Can you include this in the stat block? Not everyone knows how tall a half-giant, goliath, or gnoll is. Please accept this constructive criticism in the spirit it's offered. I think you're doing a wonderful thing!
I just visited the site (figuring that if I gave it a few days, you'd work out the kinks) and it's awesome! This may be the best thing to happen to the hobby in some time! Good for you, and thank you very much! I examined the earlier posts, though, and didn't see an answer to this: are there any problems with this site vis-a-vis the OGL?
IMHO, stat blocks are nothing more than collected statistics that fit the OGL format for d20 games. There are no references to specific copyrighted rules or materials, perhaps save for listed magic items or feats, so I'd say that merely declaring on the main page that "these stat blocks utilize OGL, are d20 compatible and are freely submitted by the public, for public use" would satisfy any liability requirement.
If someone lifted an NPC out of this page and it wound up in published material for profit in the future, I'd be flattered that it was used before I got pissed off about royalties or copyrights.
BUT...the page should make clear that any submissions become public domain... Lilith, I'm not about to go hire an attorney, and I don't think that you want to, either.
M
I examined the earlier posts, though, and didn't see an answer to this: are there any problems with this site vis-a-vis the OGL?
I obtained a link to the actual OGL text:
http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/ogl.html
I think that, as long as we clearly identify the contents of this website as "Open Game Content", we'll be OK.
M
I just registered on your site Lilith. I knew you kicked ass!! Thanks! I'll try to contribute as well.
Ultradan
I examined the earlier posts, though, and didn't see an answer to this: are there any problems with this site vis-a-vis the OGL?I obtained a link to the actual OGL text:
http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/ogl.html
I think that, as long as we clearly identify the contents of this website as "Open Game Content", we'll be OK.
M
Great! Thanks for the research. I just glanced through the license, but one thing caught my eye. Lilith, I'd like to bring your attention to item #10: "Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of the Open Game Content You Distribute." Now, I'm certainly not a lawyer, but just to cover your bases, I might be worth it to link to or include this license on the NPC page. Hope I'm not causing trouble, I'd just hate to see something cool like this get tangled up in legality/litigation.
Lilith, I'm sorry...test results are in and it's conclusive...you do, indeed, kick at least 7 types of ass. We will have to send away for checking against other ass-types. We just can't handle every ass-type in-lab.
I would second that Lilith is a major kicker-of-ass-in-the-vein-of-Xena-with-a-keyboard scale ass-kicking, upon the worthless and weak mere-DMs on the boards here...
All together, guys:
"We're not worrrthy! We're not worrrrthy!
M
Very nice. I've got some NPCs to throw your way, Lil'.
I will say that this can have just as much utility for standard NPCs. The nonstandard ones are rarely thrown in on a whim...I've got a half-dozen 'town guard' types of varying levels I will definitely submit.
Very nice. I've got some NPCs to throw your way, Lil'.
I will say that this can have just as much utility for standard NPCs. The nonstandard ones are rarely thrown in on a whim...I've got a half-dozen 'town guard' types of varying levels I will definitely submit.
Good point;
Even routine NPCs are welcome here - fill your towns with guards, mercenaries and adventurers off of the database!
In time, there may be a particular type of generic character represented at every CR...which is almost the point here, isn't it?
Those of you who wish to submit "generic" types could perhaps label them as such, to make them distinct from "adventurer NPC" types...
Damn, this idea has taken off - I love it!
M
It is great, and Lilith is our overlord, to whom we shall sacrifice live pizza with full ceremony ...
For the record, I prefer pan-style, with italian sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes and extra cheese. (Mmmm...fungus....) :-D
Okay, more updates:
* Physical descriptors - eyes, hair, skin, height, weight, skin, age added. Just edit your stat blocks and you can update your submissions.
* Included link to the OGL.
* Included a "support" page.
* Stuff for "moderators" (just me at this point): easy editing, approval process, page with list of unapproved submissions.
Generic NPCs are just as welcome as fiendish werehyena juju zombie human druids.
If you do use NPC blocks from previous publications, I would be absolutely sure to include the source. "Dungeon magazine #90, Pufnstuf's Magical Adventure" or something like that.
I'll be adding more NPC traits, mannerisms and so on later.
I need to add my illithid body tamer who specializes in a double scimitar. :-D "Mental powers? I don't need no steeenking mental powers!" If I did my figuring right, he can all four tentacle attacks in a single round to extract your brain. Ick!
I don't know if it's a copyright problem with submitting NPC's from previous issues of a published source.
Kudos to Lilith!
I have to add my commonly used NPCs in this thing now. I have orcs, goblins and such from CR 2 to 9-10. You never know when you need that orc champion.
Found another bug (small one): When adding in the space/reach for a dragon, I was one character short from finishing "15 ft./10 ft. (15 ft. with bite)".
Found another bug (small one): When adding in the space/reach for a dragon, I was one character short from finishing "15 ft./10 ft. (15 ft. with bite)".
Made the editing field bigger. :-D
I'm currently looking into the legality of using the Open Game Content statement on the site - would like to get that potential headache cleared out before it becomes an issue.
The hazy areas I think, are in the "special abilities" field, where certain special abilities are described/explained.
I'm currently looking into the legality of using the Open Game Content statement on the site - would like to get that potential headache cleared out before it becomes an issue.
The hazy areas I think, are in the "special abilities" field, where certain special abilities are described/explained.
Can anyone from Dungeon help out our friend Lilith with this? We'd owe you one!
Ultradan
I'm currently looking into the legality of using the Open Game Content statement on the site - would like to get that potential headache cleared out before it becomes an issue.
The hazy areas I think, are in the "special abilities" field, where certain special abilities are described/explained.
Can anyone from Dungeon help out our friend Lilith with this? We'd owe you one!
I'd have a hard time believing that the Dungeon staff hasn't seen this yet; I'm sure that if any severe liabilities were to come up, they'd let us know.
M
Ultradan
Can anyone from Dungeon help out our friend Lilith with this? We'd owe you one!
Ultradan
That would be so helpful...*hint hint* :-D
Can anyone from Dungeon help out our friend Lilith with this? We'd owe you one!Ultradan
I can't really answer this directly, but I can give you a couple of nudges. First of all, as can imagine, you are not the first people to come up with something like this (see this site).
Second, while it is (afaik) unofficial, here is a link to a few things some of the WotC people said about web sites a couple of years ago.
Second, while it is (afaik) unofficial, here is a link to a few things some of the WotC people said about web sites a couple of years ago.
So, if I'm reading this correctly, if we cite all sources used, would it be OK to leave it as a "fan site" rather than "Open Game Content"? Would we have to exclude special ability descriptions that aren't included in the SRD?
I did find this excerpt which may help the "can we include NPC blocks from other sources" bit:
Wizards shall be the sole source of the original materials, whether they have been obtained as ESDs, scanned, or otherwise procured. All you are authorized to convert to 3E are the mechanics, themselves. For example, if an AD&D encounter describes a scene wherein the adventurers are traveling down a road when they are accosted by a group of orcs, who demand their money or their lives, followed by a stat block that details the orc party, all you are authorized to convert is the stat block. You may add any additional mechanical information necessary to run the encounter in a 3E game, aside from the stat block, but you may not include the encounter itself, or the entire adventure in which it takes place.
SO - again if I'm reading this correctly, stat blocks converted from previous sources are okay - as long as other non-mechanics information is not included. This as well:
So, if you've got a fan site that's a collection of characters, and they don't claim to be using the OGL or the d20 STL, and they're not charging money, we're going to ignore them.
As such, I have removed the "Open Game Content" line from the bottom of every page and replaced it with "All the stuff here is freely submitted by the public, for personal or private use, with no monetary charges for use whatsoever." In addition, on the "Add New Stat Block" page, underneath the "Add" button, I have included the following statement: "Please note: Anything you submit is considered freely available to other users for personal or private use."
As I have no intention of making money off of this site or ever publishing it for money, I do believe I've covered all the bases I can think of.
I can't really answer this directly, but I can give you a couple of nudges. First of all, as can imagine, you are not the first people to come up with something like this (see this site).
Second, while it is (afaik) unofficial, here is a link to a few things some of the WotC people said about web sites a couple of years ago.
Thanks much for the reply and input, Jeremy!
The enworld link required membership, so I didn't read it, but I did see the Wikicities site - I think that Lilith's version is orders of magnitude more functional, concise and easy to read!
I say again, I think that as long as the intent is clear that all content is 100% original material and that no one copies previously published stat blocks, we should stay clear of any serious violations.
M
Thanks much for the reply and input, Jeremy!
Yeah, thanks Jeremy. We are forever in your debt.
And Lilith, if you DO get thrown in jail for unforseen legal issues, we'll all pitch in and come bail you out!
Ultradan
I say again, I think that as long as the intent is clear that all content is 100% original material and that no one copies previously published stat blocks, we should stay clear of any serious violations.
And it doesn't really take much to make a previously published stat block "original", really. I've also added the following statement to the "Submit" page:
"Direct copies of previously published material will be frowned upon - please 'make it your own.'"
It is great, and Lilith is our overlord, to whom we shall sacrifice live pizza with full ceremony ...
So, now we've got to fill up that database, and make it all useful-like. I challenge everyone here to contribute at least 10 stat blocks ... (I have already).
Here's what's in the running:
Amal Ulric - 1
animus - 1
Archade - 19
farewell2kings - 2
leifvignirsson - 5
Lilith - 10
ThanisKartaleon - 10
And Lilith, if you DO get thrown in jail for unforseen legal issues, we'll all pitch in and come bail you out!
Aww...dank yew!
Here's an idea: could you add a requests area to the stat block bank? I find that if I'm making a stat block for someone else, the ideas seem to come faster than if I'm sitting here thinking, "Hmm, what should I make now?"
|
|
Hey guys,
Couple of things ... first of all, when I touted Lilith's Stat Block Bank on ENWorld, a couple people jumped my thread and touted the Wiki site. They've got volume (right now), but Lilith has functionality!
Something I wanted to work on (that wouldn't seem to violate WOTC's policy, but if Paizo doesn't like it, tell us now) is put together the Shackled city NPCs in the new stat block format. For example, I've put up Ahbaca the Ferryman (http://www.darkmoongallery.com/npc/details.php?id=49). Other Shackled City fan pages have done this to some degree or other without fuss -- the question is, would this be troublesome to anyone at Paizo?
I think discretion is in order -- we shouldn't post the NPCs out of the newest dungeon magazine (let 'em buy the magazine first!), but posting Barim-Gorag or the Githyanki from the Raiders of Khazal-Karun -- is that okay?
I see tremendous use for Lilith's Stat Block Bank. In fact, I'm thinking of putting all my NPCs for my campaign on the page, and using my laptop (which I use gaming anyway) to have quick access to my NPCs at the touch of a button ...
Wow, the random NPC traits are fun, Lilith, good work! Is it possible to contribute more traits to the available list? Even looks that you inserted some "secrets", which is nice. I remember a nice dragon article that listed what memorable NPCs need: three traits, an individual dream or wish that's reflected in the characters hobbies and interests, a secret, an encounter goal and an encounter mood. Don't know if its of any use but I thought I'd write it anyway.
I was a little confused btw when I saw the Zombie Dire Lion is scheming and upbeat optimistic... strange. ;)
Oh, I'd love to see the Shackled City NPCs in the new format. I'm running the campaign and found it hard to read the stats at times, especially in battles (now where's that skulk's AC again...)
Keep up the great work Lil!!!
Lilith, you rock!
A small problem though--I just inputted my first character, who has a familiar and an animal companion (multi-class ranger/hexblade with an affinity for snakes!), but couldn't figure out how to enter her animals. I saw your character with attached animal stat blocks, so I assume there is a way to do it, but could find no link.
Also, you have blocks for description, but they don't appear on the display--only your random generator does. It seems to me it would be best to let people enter description items, then let the user have access to the random generator if the description is missing or inadequate for the user's needs.
Finally, I'm in favor of having an optional bio block in which the NPC's original name/story can be accessed. This block can be left blank for the generic types, but may be useful for specific characters--i.e. DMs could surf the site looking for a good villain, then use the hints in the bio block to build an adventure around this NPC. Since you're allowing us to put in characters specifically for SCAP and AOW, it would be helpful to see how the maker envisioned fitting the NPC into that specific campaign. The user can easily change these details, but it's nice to have them.
One final detail. I've inputted the special abilities of said ranger/hexblade the way they do in Dungeon, copying pertinent text from non-core sourcebooks so the character can be used without access to the book. I assume this isn't going to get me or anyone else in trouble, based on the postings above. If this changes, please let everyone know so we can edit our stat-blocks!
OK--I figured out how to get familiars in, but it might be helpful to have a short cue to help folks figure it out.
In my 17 years in law enforcement so far, I was a white-collar detective for 7 of them--if there was a problem, Lilith would very likely get a "cease and desist" letter from WotC lawyers first, followed up by a court order (which of course, wouldn't be necessary). No bail money or jail time would be involved, but I think we're all pretty clear on that.
Plus, I think that WotC would support anything that people are doing to enhance their enjoyment and functionality of their games--happy DM's make happy players make more players make more money for WotC and Paizo. Just my thoughts.
While Lilith seems to thrive on her well deserved praise, the rest of her website if also a great web-surfing experience, IMHO. Great stuff!
found another (very) small bug: if the name contains an apostrophe, the link to the stat block puts a / preceeding that.
~ your resident nit picker, TK
Hmmm...wasn't able to find this particular one...every time I view the page, it doesn't display it, though I did find post editing (and likely, post submission) it displays something along the lines of this
Updated d\'Kundarak Wizard.
If that's the only time it happens, I'm not going to worry about it too much. It's just escaping the "'", preventing the whole page from blowing up.
Kudos to the resident bug squasher!
found another (very) small bug: if the name contains an apostrophe, the link to the stat block puts a / preceeding that.
~ your resident nit picker, TK
Nice to see another of these online resources available, Great job.
There is also a tool for creating NPCs called NPC Designer, located at http://www.rpgattitude.com
Hmm, just saw this today, gonna start a new campaign this weekend and gonna use some of them, i will tell you later how did that work out ;)
Hey Lilith, could you align the column headers to the left or center? The current alignment keeps tripping me up. :-)
Come'on, folks! We need stat blocks in the 16-18 CR range, stat! Then we'll have the full pre-epic CR range covered (and a little after) :-D
Hey Lilith, could you align the column headers to the left or center? The current alignment keeps tripping me up. :-)
Done!
Also added a "how to" for familiars and the like. (Thx Peruhain!)
Well, I just finished uploading 5 NPCs I created to add a little spice to my AoW campaign. I'm going to take the liberty of advertising your site in an AoW thread by way of sharing my work with the folks there.
Two small feedback items:
1. We could use a little more room in the AC block. Dungeon has been wisely using this section to call attention to feats and special abilities that can conditionally modify AC, like dodge, trap sense, etc. In uploading my 12th level rogue this afternoon I noticed I didn't have enough room to put everything in here. Hope everyone knows what "comb. exp." means!
2. I think some of us have been putting NPCs published in SCAP into the database. I think someone above mentioned that it would be convenient to put them in to get a new-style stat-bloc printout or something. (I may be wrong about this, and I appreciate the work it takes to put these stats in, regardless of source). This won't cause problems with the folks at Paizo will it? In any event, I think we should be careful about putting in the BBEGs from these adventures, since these are one of the reasons we're supposed to be buying Dungeon. Don't mean to be anal, but would like to respect the spirit of intellectual property laws, etc.
I've just been loading up generic NPC's and homebrewed NPCs that a DM can use quickly to populate an encounter. Nothing that ever got published anywhere.