Not sure how I missed this one, but regarding what you can or cannot copyright, per the US Copyright office:

What Works Are Protected?
Copyright protects “original works of authorship” that are fixed in a tangible form of expression. The fixation need not be directly perceptible so long as it may be communicated with the aid of a machine or device. Copyrightable works include the following categories:

literary works;
musical works, including any accompanying words
dramatic works, including any accompanying music
pantomimes and choreographic works
pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
motion pictures and other audiovisual works
sound recordings
architectural works
These categories should be viewed broadly. For example, computer programs and most “compilations” may be registered as “literary works”; maps and architectural plans may be registered as “pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works.”

Source code is no different from writing a story or poem, or painting a picture. Unless you agree to terms beforehand (as all staff do during orientation), you're the owner.

Now, you're free to go and make a MUD that is like CF, just as we are free to codify ideas that are similar to published RPGs, or write works inspired by existing authors or public domain sources (elves, fairies, etc.). What you cannot do without breach of copyright is copy our content outright. The details of what is "inspired" and what is "copied" are a matter for the lawyers and courts, but suffice to say if you're found using word-for-word reproductions of someone else's code without their permission, a cease-and-desist letter is readily justified and a relatively easy victory.

valguarnera@carrionfields.com