My understanding is that copyright protects a single expression of an idea. Unless your item is identical to the original, you are probably not violating copyright regardless of what anyone says. That's why there are books with halflings, even though they are exactly like hobbits... as long as they aren't actually called hobbits... it doesn't violate copyright. And why more than one author can write about dragons, elves, dwarves, etc. But... rather than get into a legal battle that could cost you money, it's better to avoid those issues and either ask, or make the item significantly different. Ask a copyright attorney if you want a legal definition of what is legal - most of what is posted here is just conjecture.