Mongoose Traveller License and Character Creation Software

[Mark A. Siefert]

Hello:

So far, I'm really getting into the new Traveller and I'm itching to get a campaign going. That said, I was wondering just if the new Traveller license would cover character creation software; either a stand alone program or data files for existing programs like Metacreator or Hero Lab?

 

[MongooseMatt]

Hi there,

I am afraid it won't, no.

 

[-Daniel-]

Hi there,

I am afraid it won't, no.

Will mongoose be doing a character creation program then?

Daniel

 

[MongooseMatt]

We are looking into the possibility.

 

[-Daniel-]

We are looking into the possibility.

Great, I would buy it if you put it out.

One suggestion, if you do make it, make it in such a way that future expansions (High Guard etc) can be added in later on.

Anyway, thanks for the reply.

Daniel

 

[Infojunky]

If y'all do any software could it please be cross platform windows and macs at least. In my crowd the vast majority of computers owned are Macs.

What I would really love to see is a Star mapping program/database kinda like Gal2.4 or universe, but not platform dependent.

The other thing I would love is a Isohedral planetary mapper, this could be as simple as a tile based mapper.

 

[Sturn]

I think any such software would benefit from an ability of the user to tweak it. As in be able to add new careers, new specs, change skill tables, etc to the liking of the user.

 

[Stainless]

We are looking into the possibility.

Good. I hope you've seen this, which shows how easy it is to do;

http://www.signalgk.com/cgi-bin/ctcg.pl

No reason why Mongoose couldn't offer a server-based generator for free....

 

[WhiteWolf]

Hi there,

I am afraid it won't, no.

Are you saying if we create a spreadsheet/database to help create characters, planets, sectors/sub-sectors, ships, etc. we are not able to distribute the work free of charge?

 

[dmccoy1693]

Hi there,

I am afraid it won't, no.

Are you saying if we create a spreadsheet/database to help create characters, planets, sectors/sub-sectors, ships, etc. we are not able to distribute the work free of charge?

You can certainly release it under the OGL. The Traveller Logo License says the logo is only available for RPG books (Print or PDF). But there is nothing stopping you from doing something without using the Traveller Logo or the word "Traveller" anywhere. I should also say that you cannot do that right now since nothing has been released OGL yet. When the SRD is released, you can use that. Pay special attenction to small but important differences between the TMB and the SRD.

Or you could just send Mongoose Matt an email asking about a seperate license where you could use the Traveller Logo.

 

[Infojunky]

Or you could just send Mongoose Matt an email asking about a seperate license where you could use the Traveller Logo.

Or Marc for that matter.

 

[WhiteWolf]

Hi there,

I am afraid it won't, no.

Are you saying if we create a spreadsheet/database to help create characters, planets, sectors/sub-sectors, ships, etc. we are not able to distribute the work free of charge?

You can certainly release it under the OGL. The Traveller Logo License says the logo is only available for RPG books (Print or PDF). But there is nothing stopping you from doing something without using the Traveller Logo or the word "Traveller" anywhere. I should also say that you cannot do that right now since nothing has been released OGL yet. When the SRD is released, you can use that. Pay special attenction to small but important differences between the TMB and the SRD.

Or you could just send Mongoose Matt an email asking about a seperate license where you could use the Traveller Logo.

Ok since the Traveller Core Rule book was not released under the OGL I would not be able to release a spreadsheet that helps people create their character or build a starship? Ever?

 

[dmccoy1693]

Ok since the Traveller Core Rule book was not released under the OGL I would not be able to release a spreadsheet that helps people create their character or build a starship? Ever?

The book itself isn't OGL, but when the SRD is released it will contain much of the information from the TMB. That material will be OGL and you can use it (provided it is referenced properly). Some minor things will be changed (i.e. I am guessing that the Traveller Aid Society's name will be changed to either the Travel Aid Society or the Aid Society or something like that), other things will be omitted (again, I'm guessing that the 3rd Imperium aliens will not be present).

 

[WhiteWolf]

Ah, ok. I would hate see a company make the mistake and not allow third party resources from the players be freely distributed. Thanks for the information, now if they would hurry up and release the SRD.

 

[Infojunky]

Ah, ok. I would hate see a company make the mistake and not allow third party resources from the players be freely distributed. Thanks for the information, now if they would hurry up and release the SRD.

There are quite a few free/share ware Traveller programs already out there if you run a Dos/Windows box. Most of the Mac programs are for older systems.

And for the record I don't feel that a Character Generation Program is necessary for any version of Traveller except Gurps.

The real need is for modern support software, system display/database, etc...

 

[WhiteWolf]

Ah, ok. I would hate see a company make the mistake and not allow third party resources from the players be freely distributed. Thanks for the information, now if they would hurry up and release the SRD.

There are quite a few free/share ware Traveller programs already out there if you run a Dos/Windows box. Most of the Mac programs are for older systems.

And for the record I don't feel that a Character Generation Program is necessary for any version of Traveller except Gurps.

The real need is for modern support software, system display/database, etc...

I disagree regarding the Character Generation Program just on the basis it would be nice to create your character and then hit the print button.

I agree regarding the the need for the other items. It would be nice to have a database that you could load sector maps in and call up each subsector/sector as needed or a database to store your ship designs in.

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

If it's FREE Mongoose has repeatedly said that it is OK.

If you want to SELL it, then you need a license.

 

[Infojunky]

I disagree regarding the Character Generation Program just on the basis it would be nice to create your character and then hit the print button.

See, that reduces most of the fun of putting a group together is just a button is pushed... But would be nice for NPCs.

 

[Infojunky]

If it's FREE Mongoose has repeatedly said that it is OK.

If you want to SELL it, then you need a license.

Cool, I figured the truth was kinda that, then the younger set got all SRD dogmatic.

So, I just stated what I wanted in the form of digital support.

 

[dmccoy1693]

Cool, I figured the truth was kinda that, then the younger set got all SRD dogmatic.

I hadn't seen Mongoose say that about anything except fanzines and similar, for for things like what you're talking about. I'd rather not make a mistake and steer you wrong. Whole thing would have been much more easily solved with a simple email to Mongoose Matt.