# GOLD'S BEASTS REBALANCE LICENSE
Version 1.1 - January 2026

---

## 1. DEFINITIONS

- **"The Mod"** refers to Gold's Beasts Rebalance, including all source code, assets, configurations, and documentation
- **"Hytale"** refers to the game developed by Hypixel Studios
- **"You"** refers to any individual or entity using, viewing, or contributing to the Mod
- **"Official Release"** refers to versions distributed through the official CurseForge page or GitHub repository
- **"Assets"** refers to all models, textures, icons, sounds, and data files
- **"Source Code"** refers to all Java code, JSON configurations, and build scripts
- **"Companion Mod"** refers to a separate mod that extends, enhances, or works alongside the Mod without modifying its core files
- **"Contributor Asset"** refers to original creative content (models, textures, sounds, icons) submitted by a contributor

---

## 2. GRANT OF RIGHTS

### 2.1 Personal Use
You MAY:
- Download and use the Mod for personal gameplay in Hytale
- Install the Mod on private servers you own or have permission to manage
- View and study the source code for educational purposes
- Modify the Mod for your own private use

### 2.2 Content Creation
You MAY:
- Create videos, streams, screenshots, or other content featuring the Mod
- Monetize content that features the Mod
- Share your experiences using the Mod on social media or forums

### 2.3 Companion Mods & Addons
You MAY:
- Create and distribute separate companion mods that work alongside this Mod
- Develop addons that extend or enhance the Mod's functionality
- Create integration mods that bridge this Mod with other mods
- Distribute companion mods through any platform you choose

**Requirements for Companion Mods:**
- Must NOT include or redistribute any files from this Mod
- Must clearly state they are separate projects and require this Mod to function
- Must NOT claim affiliation with or endorsement by the original Mod
- Must respect the spirit and balance of the original Mod
- Must include clear attribution to Gold's Beasts Rebalance in documentation
- Must comply with Hytale's EULA and all applicable licenses

**Example Companion Mods:**
- ✅ Additional elite variants with new models
- ✅ Config tools or GUIs for this Mod
- ✅ Integration with other creature mods
- ✅ Extended loot tables for this Mod's creatures
- ✅ Texture packs or resource packs for this Mod
- ✅ Compatibility patches

---

## 3. RESTRICTIONS

### 3.1 Distribution
You MAY NOT:
- Redistribute the Mod or any modified version without explicit written permission
- Upload the Mod to any website, mod platform, or file-sharing service
- Include the Mod in mod packs without explicit written permission
- Sell, rent, lease, or otherwise charge money for access to the Mod
- Claim the Mod or any of its assets as your own work

### 3.2 Modification & Derivative Works
You MAY NOT:
- Publicly distribute modified versions of the Mod
- Extract assets from the Mod for use in other projects (unless you created them)
- Reverse-engineer compiled code beyond what is provided in source form
- Create derivative mods that modify the Mod's core files without permission

**Note:** This restriction does NOT apply to companion mods (see Section 2.3)

### 3.3 Official Distribution Channels
Official releases are ONLY available through:
- CurseForge: https://www.curseforge.com/hytale/mods/golds-beasts-rebalance
- GitHub: https://github.com/CGGrimsley/GBR_DEV

Any distribution through other channels is unauthorized and violates this license.

---

## 4. CONTRIBUTIONS

### 4.1 Contribution Types

Contributors may choose one of two options when submitting assets:

#### Option A: Full Copyright Assignment (Default for Code)
By default, code contributions follow these terms:

1. **Copyright Assignment**: You assign full copyright and ownership to kdrgold
2. **Irrevocable License**: You grant kdrgold a perpetual, worldwide, irrevocable, royalty-free license to use, modify, distribute, and sublicense your contribution in any way
3. **No Compensation**: You understand that contributions are voluntary and unpaid
4. **Attribution**: You will be credited in the project unless you request otherwise
5. **Legal Certification**: You certify that:
- You created the contribution yourself OR have the rights to submit it
- Your contribution does not violate any third-party rights
- You have the legal authority to agree to these terms

**This option is REQUIRED for:**
- All Java source code
- JSON configurations
- Build scripts
- Documentation
- Bug fixes and code improvements

#### Option B: Asset License Agreement (Available for Creative Assets)
For original creative assets (models, textures, icons, sounds), you may choose to retain ownership:

1. **Retained Ownership**: You retain full copyright and ownership of your asset
2. **License Grant**: You grant kdrgold and the Mod a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to:
- Use your asset in the Mod
- Modify your asset as needed for the Mod
- Distribute your asset as part of the Mod
- Create derivative works based on your asset for use in the Mod
3. **Compensation**:
- **Default**: Contributions are voluntary and unpaid
- **Negotiable**: Payment may be negotiated for high-quality, complex, or commissioned assets
- **Process**: Contact @kdrgold on Discord BEFORE starting work if you wish to discuss payment
- **No Guarantee**: Payment is at the sole discretion of the project owner
- **Agreement Required**: Any payment terms must be agreed upon in writing before asset submission
4. **Attribution**: You will be credited as the creator of the asset
5. **Non-Revocable**: Once accepted, you cannot revoke the license or demand removal
6. **Usage Restrictions**: Your asset may only be used in Gold's Beasts Rebalance and official derivative projects approved by kdrgold
7. **Your Rights**: You retain the right to:
- Use your asset in your own projects
- License your asset to others
- Sell or distribute your asset separately
- Create derivative works from your asset

**Payment Negotiation Guidelines:**
- **Contact first**: Discuss the asset, scope, timeline, and potential payment BEFORE creating it
- **Get agreement in writing**: Any payment terms must be documented (Discord DM screenshots, email, etc.)
- **Payment types**: May include one-time payment, revenue share, credit-based systems, or other arrangements
- **No obligation**: The project owner is not obligated to pay for unsolicited submissions
- **Volunteer default**: Unless payment is explicitly agreed upon beforehand, assume contributions are volunteer

**Examples of potentially commissioned assets:**
- Complex custom 3D models requiring significant modeling time
- Complete texture set overhauls with multiple variants
- Custom animations or particle effects
- Original soundtrack music or sound effects
- Professional-grade artwork or promotional materials

**To choose this option:**
- For **volunteer contributions**: Clearly state in your Pull Request: "I choose to retain ownership under Option B (volunteer)"
- For **paid commissions**: Contact @kdrgold on Discord first, agree on terms, then submit with: "I choose to retain ownership under Option B (paid commission - agreement on file)"
- Include a license header in your asset file or PR description
- Confirm you understand the non-revocable license grant

**Example Asset License Header (Volunteer):**
```
Asset: battle_scarred_wolf_texture. png
Creator: [Your Name]
License: Retained Ownership (GBR License Option B - Volunteer)
Licensed to: Gold's Beasts Rebalance by kdrgold
Date: [Date]
Compensation: None (volunteer contribution)
```

**Example Asset License Header (Paid):**
```
Asset: elite_bear_model_complete.json
Creator: [Your Name]
License: Retained Ownership (GBR License Option B - Commissioned)
Licensed to: Gold's Beasts Rebalance by kdrgold
Date: [Date]
Compensation: As agreed in commission agreement dated [Date]
Payment: [One-time/$XX / Revenue share / Other]
```

#### Option C: Commissioned Work for Hire (Paid, Full Rights Transfer)
For high-quality assets where payment is agreed upon AND the project needs full ownership:

1. **Full Rights Transfer**: You transfer all copyright, ownership, and rights to kdrgold
2. **Compensation**: Payment amount and terms agreed upon before work begins
3. **Work for Hire**: Asset becomes property of the project owner
4. **Attribution**: You will be credited as the original creator
5. **No Retained Rights**: You may not use the asset elsewhere without permission
6. **Agreement Required**: Terms must be documented in writing before work begins

**When to use this option:**
- Project needs exclusive rights to the asset
- Asset is core to the mod's identity (logos, mascots, key creatures)
- Higher payment is offered in exchange for full rights
- Commercial use of the asset is planned

**To choose this option:**
- Contact @kdrgold on Discord to negotiate terms
- Agree on scope, timeline, payment, and rights transfer
- Document agreement before starting work
- Submit with: "Option C - Commissioned Work for Hire (agreement on file)"

---

### 4.2 Contribution Process
All contributions must be submitted through:
- GitHub Pull Requests (for completed work)
- Discord (@kdrgold) for commission inquiries and negotiations
- Official project communication channels

**For Paid Commissions:**
1. Contact @kdrgold on Discord with your portfolio/examples
2. Discuss the asset type, quality level, timeline, and payment expectations
3. Agree on terms and document them
4. Create the asset
5. Submit via Pull Request with reference to the agreement
6. Receive payment upon acceptance (or per agreed terms)

When submitting, clearly state which option you're choosing (if applicable).

### 4.3 Acceptance
- The project owner (kdrgold) has sole discretion over accepting or rejecting contributions
- Submitting a contribution does not guarantee it will be included in the Mod
- **For commissioned work**: Rejection criteria should be defined in the commission agreement
- The project owner may request revisions or modifications
- Assets retained under Option B may still be modified for technical compatibility or visual consistency
- **Payment terms**: Payment obligations only apply to explicitly agreed-upon commissioned work

### 4.4 Withdrawal of Assets (Option B & C Only)
If you retain ownership under Option B or were paid under Option C:
- You cannot withdraw your asset once it's integrated into an official release
- The non-revocable license ensures project stability
- For Option C, you transferred full rights and cannot withdraw
- If you have concerns, contact the project owner before your asset is used in a release

---

## 5. OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL

### 5.1 Ownership
- All rights, title, and interest in the Mod (excluding Option B contributor assets) remain with kdrgold
- The project owner retains exclusive control over:
- Source code and core assets
- Distribution channels
- Versioning and releases
- Licensing changes
- Commercial use decisions
- Project direction and design

### 5.2 Asset Rights

**Core Assets (Created by kdrgold):**
- **All Rights Reserved**
- Property of kdrgold and The Gold's Beasts Rebalance Team
- Not licensed for use outside of this Mod

**Contributor Assets (Option A - Copyright Assigned):**
- Copyright transfers to kdrgold
- Subject to the same rights as core assets
- May be used in any way by the project owner

**Contributor Assets (Option B - Retained Ownership):**
- Copyright remains with original creator
- Licensed exclusively to this Mod under the terms in Section 4.1 Option B
- Creator credited in assets documentation
- May be extracted by original creator for their own use

---

## 6. HYTALE COMPLIANCE

This Mod is designed for use with Hytale and must comply with:
- Hytale's End User License Agreement (EULA): https://hytale.com/eula
- Hytale's Terms of Service
- Hypixel Studios' policies on mods and user-generated content

If any provision of this license conflicts with Hytale's policies, Hytale's policies take precedence.

---

## 7. NO WARRANTY

THE MOD IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT.

IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE MOD OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE MOD.

---

## 8. TERMINATION

### 8.1 Automatic Termination
Your rights under this license terminate automatically if you:
- Violate any terms of this license
- Distribute unauthorized copies of the Mod
- Misrepresent the Mod's authorship
- Use the Mod for illegal purposes

### 8.2 Effect of Termination
Upon termination, you must:
- Delete all copies of the Mod in your possession
- Cease all use of the Mod
- Remove any distributed content containing the Mod

**Note:** Licenses granted to companion mods or retained assets (Option B) remain valid unless explicitly violated.

---

## 9. CHANGES TO THIS LICENSE

The project owner reserves the right to:
- Update this license at any time
- Change licensing terms for future versions
- Relicense the project under different terms

**Protection for Contributors:**
- Assets submitted under Option B retain their original license terms even if the overall license changes
- Changes will not retroactively affect previously accepted contributions
- Major license changes will be announced through official channels

---

## 10. PERMISSIONS & EXCEPTIONS

For requests regarding:
- Mod pack inclusion
- Commercial use
- Asset usage in other projects
- Special distribution arrangements
- Questions about companion mod development
- Clarification on contribution licensing

**Contact:**
- **Discord**: @kdrgold
- **GitHub Issues**: https://github.com/CGGrimsley/GBR_DEV/issues
- **Email**: [Optional - add if desired]

---

## 11. ATTRIBUTION

### For Mod Users:
When sharing content featuring this Mod, please credit:
- **Mod Name**: Gold's Beasts Rebalance
- **Author**: kdrgold
- **Link**: https://github.com/CGGrimsley/GBR_DEV

### For Companion Mod Developers:
When creating companion mods, please include:
- "Requires Gold's Beasts Rebalance by kdrgold"
- Link to official download page
- Clear statement that your mod is independent and not officially affiliated

### For Option B Contributors:
Asset creators who retain ownership will be credited as:
- **Asset Name**: [Asset Description]
- **Created by**: [Contributor Name]
- **Licensed to GBR**

---

## 12. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this license is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that this license will otherwise remain in full force and effect.

---

## SUMMARY (Not Legal Advice)

✅ **You CAN:**
- Use the mod in your game
- Watch/create content about it
- View the code to learn
- Suggest improvements
- **NEW**: Create companion mods that work alongside this mod
- **NEW**: Retain ownership of assets you contribute (if you choose)

❌ **You CANNOT:**
- Redistribute the mod itself
- Use core assets in other projects (unless you created them)
- Make public modified versions of the core mod
- Sell or monetize the mod itself

💡 **Contributors:**
- **Code**: Copyright transfers to project owner (required)
- **Assets**: Choose to transfer copyright OR retain ownership
- All contributors get credit
- Voluntary, no payment
- Owner decides what gets merged

🛠️ **Companion Mod Developers:**
- Can create separate mods that enhance/extend this mod
- Must not redistribute any files from this mod
- Must clearly attribute this mod
- Can distribute freely on any platform

📞 **Questions?** Contact @kdrgold on Discord

---

**This license applies to all versions of Gold's Beasts Rebalance v2.0.0 and later.**

For questions about this license, please contact @kdrgold on Discord or open an issue on GitHub.

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