If someone has ported a character from a DLC to DST, is partially using their files stealing?

[Scrimbles]

So, lets say someone has ported a character from a Don't Starve DLC to Don't Starve Together, and I wanted to do an updated version of that ported character, do I need to ask permission to use some of those files as a basis for mine?

The reason I ask is because all of the files ported over are not only Klei's property, but there is only one way to port them over and have them function in game, so doing that part myself can only end in the exact same result, and would only take time to step by step copy their exact same work.

If there was custom written code, or new files created by the previous author then I absolutely know that would be stealing, but the way the mod I am looking to use as a base is set up only uses pre-existing assets and code from the main game copy and pasted.

 

Sorry for dropping a philosophical question on a mod forum.

 

[CarlZalph]

Generally it'd be good practice to ask permissions first.

However, there's nothing stopping you from making a mod that requires their mod to be loaded to then mod their mod.

[Scrimbles]

1 hour ago, CarlZalph said:

Generally it'd be good practice to ask permissions first.

However, there's nothing stopping you from making a mod that requires their mod to be loaded to then mod their mod.

That would be preferable, I would need to override a couple of prefab.lua files, but I don't know how to give them priority.

[Ultroman]

You would need to set the "priority" variable in your modinfo.lua to be lower than in their mod. But it'd definitely be preferable if you could just get permission from the original author, and if they don't reply within a few weeks or so, do it anyway, and make sure to credit them appropriately and link to their mod. That's what I'd do. If they have a problem with it later, they can write you, and you can take yours down if they request it. I've never seen that happen with smaller mods like this, though, especially when they're already using other people's work themselves.