legal issues regarding mmorpg's

[gubble_bum]

Hey guys, Fist off- I wasnt sure whether to post this here or in gaming cuz it doesnt EXACTLY fit in with that. So if this belongs either there or elsewhere then go ahead and move it.

anyway..

I was thinking about creating a mmorpg with a ssb theme (for those who dont know.. ssb= super smash bros.) where you can choose a character and gain experience points, skills, items, etc..

I just wanted to know the legalities on creating things like this. This is going to be a 100% free to play game that wont be open to the public (only certain people so far). I dont intend to make ANY profit from this and my team who will be assisting me in creating this will be volunteering only -i.o.w. they wont be getting paid.

I realise that ssb is copyrighted and such and i want to do this without any legal risk. So if anyone knows if this is OK or what needs to be changed to make it OK then please let me know!
Many thanks in advance!!