D20 Open Game Content Publication Transcription Project
The Basics[edit]
The d20 Open Game Content Publication Transcription Project is a continuing project to transcribe OGL game content to D&D Wiki, book-by-book. This is achieved through standardized page templates, cross-page hyperlinks and a central hub distinct from the homebrew and SRD pages. While the focus is on D&D 3e and 3.5e content, the project technically includes content from any system derived from the D&D SRD (collectively referred to as the d20 System). As the majority of content will naturally be geared towards D&D 3e and 3.5e, this page and current project status will reflect that. If you need help adapting anything to another system, or with anything else, please don't hesitate to message GamerAim.
It is important to note the distinction between the d20OGCPTP and normal homebrew content: homebrew is created by hobbyists for free, for their own use or the use of others. d20OGCPTP pages, on the other hand, are created from content distributed in professional publications. While some of it may have indeed been released for free (as is the case of Swords into Plowshares), another distinguishing difference is that it appears in a publication. The requirement of a publication separates it from homebrew, though the project may in the future come to support inclusion of content that does not appear in a publication.
Publications[edit]
A publication is a book, either physical or digital, in which the content is distributed. A publication page must first be correctly grouped in the Publication List by game system and publisher, and then created using the proper format. All publication pages must include the Template:Publication Infobox and proper breadcrumb and categories. Please keep the name of the publication as close as possible, but do not include its subtitle in the page name. In some cases, you may include the publisher name in the title to avoid conflicts with other pages (as in the case of Secrets (AEG)).
Transcribing Open Game Content[edit]
Transcribing what's inside the book is the core of the project, but can also be confusing due to different standards in declaring Open Game Content. Check near the beginning of the book where the copyright information is and the back of the book (usually) where the Open Game License is to find a declaration of Open Game Content. This will tell you what you're allowed to transcribe to the wiki. All OGL publications are required to have this. Note that Wizards of the Coast is not required to have this as their books are not released under the OGL!
Some publications, such as Secrets, take a very conservative approach to Open Game Content. They allow only the bare minimum to be reproduced, such as class features and item mechanics. In this case, the publication page may look very similar to Secrets, with its minimalist design and organizing pages by type. You are allowed to use the names of classes, races, etc. for the purposes of page names and reproducing OGC text. Do not reproduce things you are not allowed to!
However, others are more lenient, such as Crime and Punishment. They allow much more to be reproduced, including entire passages of descriptive text or gameplay strategies that are not a part of a specific rule or piece of game content. In this case, you are encouraged to reproduce non-rules text that exists outside of individual content descriptions (i.e. classes, races, etc.) in the publication. This will allow it to be read similar to a book and should be organized as per the publication itself. Proper usage of categories and the Template:OGC will create a navbox for easier navigation on a group-by-group basis.
Creating Pages[edit]
All pages titles must follow the format of:
OGC:[Item Name] ([System Identifier] [Item Type])
Example:
OGC:Investigator (3.5e Class)
In essence, page names follow the same format as homebrew pages with the exception of being located within the OGC namespace.
The Hub[edit]
The "hub" of the d20OGCPTP is located at OGC:Main and its respective subpages. The hub is based off the organization of homebrew content and contains dynamic page lists (DPLs) for listing and organizing content. As such, all pages must be correctly categorized (and in most cases have the proper template) in order to be properly listed. To get an idea for what categories are available, please see the respective subpage (e.g. Feats, Classes). If you think a new category is needed, add a organization page using others as examples and modify for your needs (usually just changing the DPL parameters). If adding a new game system, simply create a new page or add the DPL under a new header on the pre-existing page.
Templates[edit]
At this time, there are templates for D&D 3.5e feats, spells, creatures, magic items, skill uses, weapons, and cleric domains. Use these to facilitate easier page creation and better ensure standardization. Classes, general equipment and variety rules do not use templates, but the former two have infoboxes to store metadata that can be transcluded to DPLs. In both cases, see similar pages for examples on how to create them. In general, they follow a similar format to that of homebrew pages. Always make sure to correctly and consistently categorize and use template! This is necessary to ensure that everything plays nice and displays properly.
3e[edit]
3.5e[edit]
- Template:3.5e OGC Ammo
- Template:3.5e OGC Domain
- Template:3.5e OGC Feat
- Template:3.5e OGC Creature
- Template:3.5e OGC Magic Item
- Template:3.5e OGC Skill
- Template:3.5e OGC Skill Use
- Template:3.5e OGC Skill Use Template
- Template:3.5e OGC Spell
- Template:3.5e OGC Weapon
5e[edit]
- Template:5e OGC Ammo
- Template:5e OGC Archetype
- Template:5e OGC Background
- Template:5e OGC Creature
- Template:5e OGC Magic Item
- Template:5e OGC Weapon
Preloads[edit]
3e[edit]
3.5e[edit]
5e[edit]
- OGC 5e Archetype Preload
- OGC 5e Background Preload
- OGC 5e Base Class Preload
- OGC 5e Creature Preload
- OGC 5e Equipment Preload
- OGC 5e Feat Preload
- OGC 5e Race Preload
- OGC 5e Spell Preload
- OGC 5e Template Preload