Q&A with Dustin Clingman

[TheMystic]

For example, could WotC really claim exclusive usage rights of Arneson's works related to the IPs they own? And how would Arneson's example translate to other authors like him if WotC couldn't make that claim? Linked to this is also the question about when a certain (legal) item stops being a derivative of its earlier model: Say, to name the simplest of examples, after which point would Havard's version of Blackmoor be fully owned by him despite the connection to material that is the IP of someone else?

Hi Rafael - Thanks for the kind words. A bit hard to believe that was almost 2 decades ago!!!

On your comment above, I think a distinction needs to be drawn between the copyright of a specific book/module and the associated terminology/branding. When we approach WoTC about Blackmoor, they were able to produce compelling evidence of the Blackmoor Trademark belonging with them and that the terminology in the modules (for example) was under their copyright.

Derivative works only become a challenge when someone seeks to use trademarks (which are protected) or explicit intellectual property controlled by copyright. 

I'm not a lawyer, but I do agree it would be interesting to see some of this challenged. That said, it's in WoTC's interest to prevail and they likely have more resources to hold out longer than those who might want to bring this challenge.

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Hi Dustin, 

I have a question about Sahaugin/Sar-aigu - whenever you can get to it.

Basically I find it really curious that Sar-aigu are prominently featured and even renamed in ZG products.  Obviously this wasn't necessary.  You could have just made up a new monster or whatever.  So there seems to be some reason Sahaugin were chosen.  I've long speculated that while the name and some of the characteristics were created by Steve Marsh, the original entry in Supplement II Blackmoor represents a mash-up by Tim Kask of Marsh's Sahaugin write up and another similar type of monster written by Dave Arneson.  Maybe that is why you guys used them?

Just wondering if you have any thoughts or insights on this.

Hi aldarron!

The Sar-aigu got an extra bit of attention in The Dungeons of Castle Blackmoor. It's hard to recall the specifics, but I remember in reviewing some of Dave's notes that he had written a small bit about them and it was widely felt that they helped flesh out and bridge some of the origins of Blackmoor Dungeon. 

My memory fails me a bit here, but if I recall correctly, we read some of Dave's writings and discussed those with him, which resulted in the Sar-aigu getting some special love. If I come up with anything else, I will definitely share. 

Best,
Dustin