Malhavoc Press is releasing a new variant Players Handbook for D&D, and had to change the name from "Iron Lore" to "Iron Heroes":
The new rulebook’s title became an issue when, one month ago, software developer Iron Lore Entertainment demanded that Malhavoc Press and its publishing partner, White Wolf Publishing, cease using the name “Iron Lore.†While the software company did not hold a trademark on “Iron Lore,†it had applied for ownership of the trademark “Iron Lore Entertainment.†In a letter from its legal representatives, the software company claimed that Malhavoc’s use of the title would confuse consumers.
“While I don’t agree with these assertions, I’m not willing to engage in a prolonged legal battle over the title,†Monte said. “Fans have been waiting months for this new book. A lawsuit would only mean many more months of waiting.â€
We have been waiting for this? News to me.
Does anyone buy anything from White Wolf or its (superior) subsidiary companies anymore?
To answer your last question, yes, but only about two people. About one year ago, a rattily long-haired, middle-aged couple walked up to the info desk at the bookstore where I work. They asked for the D&D section, which I showed them. Apparently, as I judged by their death stares and unintelligible mumblings, our selection was not up to their standards. Some book had come out and it wasn't on the shelf, so they went and told me something to the effect of "You have no right to call this a book store."
That's the extent of my D&D experience. I don't know much about the game, but my impression of its fans is still a negative one.
Well, on behalf of the miniscule fraction of roleplaying game players who actually have a life, allow me to avoid apologizing for those buffoons and stand with you to mock their black clothes, icky makeup, morbid choice in pierced fashion accessories, foul odor, and - most of all - their lack of decorum.
It's a shame that most game players are ignorant smelly people. It's a fun and imaginative hobby whose reputation is ruined by its freakish, exclusionary participants.
Now as far as my experience with the creators of said games are concerned, they are some of the most creative and hard-partying people I've ever met. They are the farthest thing from game players that one would expect after having dealt with more than enough game players.