What “N/A” means here
In FateTide, N/A marks core tabletop RPG mechanics and systems that we treat as unsourced, open building blocks. These are the practical “how the game works” elements — resolution procedures, numerical frameworks, scaffolding, action economy, attribute checks, and other patterns — that are generally considered uncopyrightable ideas rather than protected expression.
Mechanics include: Spells, Status Effects, Feats, Ability Types, Curses, Diseases, most generalized objects and inventory systems, crafting recipes, and overall game mechanics such as resolution procedures, action economy, attribute checks, and similar scaffolding.
In contrast, the specific story, lore, flavor text, unique item or monster descriptions, settings, and the distinctive way many mechanical elements are combined can be copyrightable and will carry a source. Story is copyrightable. Mechanics are not.
FateTide itself is a creative amalgamation drawn from countless inspirations. We mix and match mechanics from AI recommendations, Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder Series, World of Warcraft, Baldur’s Gate series, Mass Effect series, Dragon Age series, Pillars of Eternity, Knights of the Old Republic, Elden Ring, Monster Hunter, Mortal Kombat, NieR Replicant, Ultima, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Slay the Spire, Hearthstone, The Witcher 3, Divinity: Original Sin series, Neverwinter Nights, Final Fantasy, Fist of the North Star, Death Note, MCDM’s Draw Steel, Shadowdark, Mörk Borg, the entire OSR movement, Dungeon Coach, Bob the World Builder, Ginny Di, XP to Level 3, Professor DM (Dungeon Craft), Dungeon Dad, Mystic Arts, Sly Flourish, Kobold Press, Dungeon Dudes, Lunch Break Heroes, CR Exposed, Talespire, Tabletop Simulator, other anime, and thousands of additional TTRPGs, video games, books, and media. This is the same remix spirit that has always powered the tabletop community — taking great ideas, adapting them, and building something new that brings joy to gamers across the spectrum.
How you can use it
FateTide intends these N/A mechanics to be free for anyone to use, adapt, and republish in both personal and commercial projects — at the table, in your own rulebooks, in apps/tools, or in published games — without needing a separate license from us.
This permission applies only to the mechanical scaffolding itself. You remain responsible for ensuring your use doesn't infringe on other creators' rights (settings, lore, artwork, specific flavor text, trademarks, etc.).
Attribution
Attribution to FateTide is appreciated but not required for these generic mechanical elements. It’s helpful when it makes sense (so players can find the source), but we don’t want it to become a burden for basic rules scaffolding.
Where FateTide has drawn scaffolding from licensed material (such as the Dungeons & Dragons System Reference Document), we provide courteous attribution following the rights holder’s recommended format. This is done purely out of respect and in the spirit of the Creative Commons license — not because the core mechanics themselves require it.
Legal Disclaimer
This is a plain-language statement of our intent, not legal advice. Copyright, fair use, and the distinction between ideas and expression can be nuanced and vary by jurisdiction. For important commercial use, consult your own lawyer.
Legal Foundation (U.S. Copyright Law)
Game mechanics themselves are not copyrightable. Under 17 U.S.C. § 102(b), copyright protection does not extend to any “idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, [or] principle” — regardless of how it is described. Only the specific creative expression (wording, flavor text, art, layout, and unique narrative combinations) is protected.
This principle dates back to the landmark case Baker v. Selden (1879) and has been consistently applied to games: the rules and functional systems of play are free for anyone to use, while the story and artistic presentation belong to the creator.
