Larry Niven's Known Space

[master of reality]

Based upon previous posts, movie execs own the rights to Ringworld, making it legally impossible to republish the Ringworld game, but what about Larry Niven's Known Space? Would it be legally possible to publish a game or supplement for MRQ or Traveller as long as the Ringworld itself is not mentioned?
I'd love to see a MRQ based Known Space game, and if the license for Ringworld ever became available again, Ringworld could be published as a supplement.
I own the Ringworld game. IMO it should have been written as a supplement to a Known Space RPG.

 

[Gentleman John]

The problem with Known Space, at least according to Larry Niven, is that it became too safe for him to write interesting stories in. So, he created the Ringworld to allow his characters to face some danger and mystery. Then even that became too tame and, as of the 4th Ringworld book, has vanished.

I can appreciate Mr Niven's opinion, but I think the problem is best addressed either by stepping out of Known Space (exploring the unknown) or by going to times when things were not so settled (the Man-Kzin Wars, the Fringe War, before organ banks were eliminated, did Truesdale and co. really fight the Pak on Home, etc). For a gamer there is more than enough material out there.

The solution could be to concentrate not so much on the worlds themselves, but on the political groupings, their history and the technology available. The original Ringworld game concentrated on the Ringworld itself, and only explored Known Space in its single supplement. Even then, it only gave a couple of paragraphs to each world. So, it seems that game was part of the way there already.

 

[master of reality]

During the period of Known Space history when Louis Wu discovers the Ringworld, Known Space still comprises a relatively small section of the Milky Way. Many campaigns could be written about expeditions to the other side of the Milky Way or beyond to other galaxies. Even within the "safety" of Known Space, there is plenty of room for political intrigue or espionage, and as was mentioned in the previous post, Known space adventures could also take place before the Ringworld era (Long ARM of Gil Hamilton scenario perhaps?). Several supplements could be written covering earlier epochs.
The main issue I have with the Ringworld RPG is its emphasis on permanently stranding Known Space explorers on Ringworld. Although there's nothing wrong with a campaign involving stranded explorers, making that the focus of the game seems a bit limiting. It's a fairly easy fix, but it would have been nice if the game had been a little more fleshed out to give players more options.
Still, it's a great game. It's a shame that licensing issues have restricted this game to those who were lucky enough to buy it back in the 80's.

 

[master of reality]

Found the old posts for this subject. I'd forgotten whether licensing restrictions included Known Space. Rereading some of the Known Space books has rekindled my interest in the game. Looks like I'm on my own if I want the Ringworld rpg expanded into a Known Space game, or if I want more scenarios. I was hoping Mongoose could do the work for me.
I'd really appreciate comments from any lawyer types about fair use of the Ringworld game that I own. Is it technically a violation of copyright agreements to photocopy the game or make a pdf and distribute it for free? If I write a supplement or adventure, could I make it available to others for free?

 

[master of reality]

I want to clarify my intentions. I would never suggest copying and distributing a game that was still in print, nor would I ever suggest that copies of any game, out of print or otherwise, should be mass distributed, even for free.
I'm simply curious whether distributing copies of an out-of-print game to my gaming circle constitutes fair use. My thought is that as long as nobody is making any money from this, it should not be an issue, but I don't claim to be savvy about legal issues.

 

[Hervé]

I still own the old Chaosium boxed set, but the game is indeed very hard to find.

 

[master of reality]

I still own the old Chaosium boxed set, but the game is indeed very hard to find.

Yes, the game has become practically irreplaceable. It's tempting to just photocopy the entire game to save on wear and tear, but that might be a violation of copyright laws.
One wonders what SyFy channel will do with the license when they finish butchering Ringworld. Probably just sit on it. What else could one expect from people who changed their logo from the suitable "SciFi" to the ridiculous "SyFy"?

 

[Hervé]

Yes, the game has become practically irreplaceable. It's tempting to just photocopy the entire game to save on wear and tear, but that might be a violation of copyright laws.

Anyway, making personal copies of something you own is not a violation of anything, as long as it's for personal use and you still have the original.

My box is in a pretty bad shape but the books are still ok. I must admit that I own a totally illegal photocopied version of the Ringworld Companion, having lost the original sometime in my wanderings years. Shame on me, as I always stand against RPG piracy!

 

[master of reality]

Yes, the game has become practically irreplaceable. It's tempting to just photocopy the entire game to save on wear and tear, but that might be a violation of copyright laws.

Anyway, making personal copies of something you own is not a violation of anything, as long as it's for personal use and you still have the original.

My box is in a pretty bad shape but the books are still ok. I must admit that I own a totally illegal photocopied version of the Ringworld Companion, having lost the original sometime in my wanderings years. Shame on me, as I always stand against RPG piracy!

If the game was in print, I would be more than happy to buy another copy, but when that is no longer an option, what else can you do? I'm not going to just let this game sit in my closet. Let's just say that I've taken some necessary steps to ensure that my gaming group can continue to play.

 

[djd]

I love Known Space as a setting- played it with Traveller and the Ringworld RPG system. Iaan Banks Culture or Neil Ashers Polity would make interesting sci fi settings too I think.

 

[FreeTrav]

I love Known Space as a setting- played it with Traveller and the Ringworld RPG system. Iaan Banks Culture or Neil Ashers Polity would make interesting sci fi settings too I think.

There are more SF series that I think would make interesting settings for a SFRPG - and often using Traveller rules - than I can shake a stick at. Just running the first few off the top of my head...

Honor Harrington
Republic of Cinnabar (Leary/Mundy series)
Legacy of the Aldenata (Posleen)
Vatta's War
The Two-Space War
Firefly
Babylon 5 (yes, I know it's been done. So?)
Known Space/Ringworld (ditto)
Star Trek (ditto)
Star Wars (ditto)
Battlestar Galactica
Space: 1999

... and if I were to go look at my bookshelves, both dead tree and electronic, I could probably do a fair imitation of that damned EverReady bunny.

 

[Rev503]

Another idea for a traveller suppliment is the Wing Commander universe
lots of potential for adventure during and afer the war, Aslan-related race for the major baddy's during the war.
Just ignore the POS movie that used the names and almost nothing else.

 

[lastbesthope]

Another idea for a traveller suppliment is the Wing Commander universe
lots of potential for adventure during and afer the war, Aslan-related race for the major baddy's during the war.
Just ignore the POS movie that used the names and almost nothing else.

Seconded, as well as Space:Above and Beyond.

LBH

 

[Bygoneyrs]

Both would be great editions as well too!!!

Penn