Traveller Developer's Pack

[tneva82]

Is there typo with open game license text? There reads:

’Derivative Material’ means copyrighted material including derivative works and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, modification,

Potation? What potation? Word doesn't recognise the word for sure. Is that supposed to read notation?

Or is it really potation and in that case what the heck that word means anyway?-)

 

[AndrewW]

Potation? What potation? Word doesn't recognise the word for sure. Is that supposed to read notation?

Well, the word exists:

–noun
1. the act of drinking.
2. a drink or draft, esp. of an alcoholic beverage.

Even if the definition doesn't fit the context it was used in.

 

[Klaus Kipling]

Quick check. If I want to make some changes to how some rules work(like combat) can I write up altered rules under the current license?

Yes. You cannot present how to produce the 6 characteristics nor can you change their names/abbreviations.

Actually, this is not a problem if you are not using the Traveller Logo License. If you are just using the OGL, and you are not going to use the Traveller logo, then you can change the characteristics as you see fit.

11. Gaming books produced under this agreement may not detail the process of generating and assigning scores to Characteristics. In addition, the terms used for Characteristics (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Education and Social Standing) may not be changed. They may be abbreviated to Str, Dex, End, Int, Edu, and Soc respectively. Readers may be referred to the Traveller (TM) Main Rulebook in order to generate and assign scores to Characteristics.

Hope This Helps,
Flynn

Query. We cannot change the terms, but can we change the definition of those terms and remain TLL? For instance, could I change Soc from meaning social status to meaning social ability (ie: charm, etc)?

And is that 'cheating'?

 

[dmccoy1693]

Query. We cannot change the terms, but can we change the definition of those terms and remain TLL? For instance, could I change Soc from meaning social status to meaning social ability (ie: charm, etc)?

Nope.

11. Gaming books produced under this agreement may not detail the process of generating and assigning scores to Characteristics. In addition, the terms used for Characteristics (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Education and Social Standing) may not be changed. They may be abbreviated to Str, Dex, End, Int, Edu, and Soc respectively. Readers may be referred to the Traveller (TM) Main Rulebook in order to generate and assign scores to Characteristics.

 

[Klaus Kipling]

I meant leaving the term as Social Standing, but having it mean ability, or even networking, rather than class.

 

[tneva82]

I meant leaving the term as Social Standing, but having it mean ability, or even networking, rather than class.

Good question. As far as my understanding of license goes you can redefine it as long as name and abbreviations remain unchanged.

Incidentally that's how I approach that within my rules. Social standing represents not just social standing but also charm etc used in social situations. Would be helpful if I could make note on that there instead of relying on players to figure it out from the fact they are used in social skill checks.

 

[tneva82]

Another question. There's no weapon range table in SRD. Does that mean I can't add in new weapon range additions while staying within traveller logo license? Would be kinda bummer considering there's not ones which would make particulary sense for bows(of different type) and crossbows.

So if I want to make new ones only choice would be to scrap logo lisence? Or hopefully I have misunderstood something and I can add new ones without worry(existing ones I use would remain out of supplement obviously).

 

[Flynn]

Another question. There's no weapon range table in SRD. Does that mean I can't add in new weapon range additions while staying within traveller logo license? Would be kinda bummer considering there's not ones which would make particulary sense for bows(of different type) and crossbows.

So if I want to make new ones only choice would be to scrap logo lisence? Or hopefully I have misunderstood something and I can add new ones without worry(existing ones I use would remain out of supplement obviously).

I did find this in the SRD:

Range
Personal combat is divided into a series of range bands:

Range      Distance to Target        Squares to Target  
Personal   Less than 1.5 metres      0 (combatants are in the same square) 
Close      1.5 to 3 metres           1 to 2 squares 
Short      3 to 12 metres            3 to 8 squares 
Medium     12 to 50 metres           9 to 34 squares 
Long       51 metres to 250 metres   35 to 166 squares 
Very Long  251 metres to 500 metres  167 to 334 squares 
Distant    501 metres+               334 squares+

This gives you the names and definitions of the ranges as used in Traveller. For a professional looking product that implies knowledge of the existing rules base, I'd suggest sticking with the names and definitions used above in your work.

In addition, do a search in the Mercenary SRD on "Primitive Projectile Weapons", to see how such items are referenced in a table. Check out "Parabolic Weapon Ranges" for an example from the SRD of how to present a weapon range table. Any table you derive yourself can then be said to be derived from these sources, so long as you either do not duplicate the one in the core rules or you can show that it's a simple mathematical formula that is repeatable. Just a thought, anyway.

One last note: if it isn't in the SRD, you can't use it even in an OGL product without the Traveller Logo License. If you are lucky, you might be able to find something (not this specific example, of course, but other items) in the Open Game Content from Traveller T20, which you can use with proper modification to fit the rules for your "2D6-Based Open Gaming System Product.".

You should still talk with a lawyer, though, just to make sure your concerns are addressed.

Hope This Helps,
Flynn

 

[tneva82]

This gives you the names and definitions of the ranges as used in Traveller. For a professional looking product that implies knowledge of the existing rules base, I'd suggest sticking with the names and definitions used above in your work.

That's given but whatabout stuff like rifle etc that are there?

In addition, do a search in the Mercenary SRD on "Primitive Projectile Weapons", to see how such items are referenced in a table

As ranged(rifle) etc. Not something I agree with. Bow firing over 500 meters? With just -2 modifier to boot? I don't buy it. Haven't seen any source claiming you can even shoot over 500 meters nevermind with any great accuracy. Closest equilavent I could buy is assault rifle provided atleast last range band(distant) is out of range if not very long as well. Pistol meanwhile is bit TOO close ranged(I think effective range for bow is somewhat more than 12m...).

ATM for bows I'm thinking something along -4/-2/+0/+0/-1/Out of range/Out of range

That's not one in rulebook for sure and feels about right. Very close is pretty hard(actually I considered making personal impossible), pretty clumsy within meter or two, then comes effective range for up to 50 meters, slight inaccuracy at longer range and then the band where I haven't found any source claiming you could shoot accurately. As it is I think that's pretty generous and maybe -1 should be -2 and MAYBE medium range should be -1. Dunno. Of course if I can't put these in final product doesn't really matter except for home games.

Bit akward ranges(sure could do with band between medium and long) for medieval weapons. Alas the fact they are designed for sci-fi enviroment rather shows but I would rather avoid messing with those definitions(though can't see why I couldn't redesign that table).

Wish Mongoose had added good official range bands for primitive weapons. I'll check if Mercenary proper has them when I'll get home. If there's official ones there(and they make sense even) then there's no issue to begin with. Here's hoping! Been a while since I have read it and forgot entirely they had primitive weapons in a first place!

Edit: Checked with Matthew and adding new bands which aren't in book is fair play. Excelent.

 

[zorlak21]

Thank you mongoose publishing

 

[Vile]

Time for more greed! Will there be SRDs for Supplement 5: Civilian Vehicles and Supplement 6: Military Vehicles? :twisted:

 

[mlooney]

Time for more greed! Will there be SRDs for Supplement 5: Civilian Vehicles and Supplement 6: Military Vehicles? :twisted:

As long as the vehicle/weapon creation rules are SRDed I'm good

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

I would expect that ONLY the design rules will be SRD'd. The specific designs are not really OGLable.

BUT, given the rules, you can design your own version of a Grav Bike. The idea of a grav bike is generic, the specific characterstics presented in the Civilian Vehicles book is not generic, so you cannot copy it.

 

[Spica Publishing]

Here's a thought:

There are a number of career tables, at least one new skill, some new weapons (personal and starship) and some new starship PP/JD/MD tables in the Universe of B5 book.

Can I extract those weapons - let's say (for the sake of discussion) the weapons on p. 79 of the UoB5 book? There are a couple of weapons listed that are B5 race specific i.e. the names of some of the B5 races are included in both the weapon description and in the weapon's name.

In other words, under OGC, can I take those weapons tables, remove the B5 names from the description and weapon names, and put them in my own product (with appropriate references in the OGL)?

 

[Jon Brazer Enterprises]

Just create new weapons. A PPG is nothing but a gun that uses highly accelerated energy (plasma in this case) to cause damage. That's exactly what star wars does and plenty of other scifi settings do. Just call it something different only only reference the SRD. I wouldn't reference UoB5 unless there's a specific mechanic in there that is not in any of the SRDs that you want to use. (And only if that mechanic is OGL, which I do not know if there is any open content in there or not, I've never spend enough time reading that part of it to tell for sure.)

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

Also, check the very beginning of the B5 book. There is a very specific statement about what is OGL and what is not. Hopefully, that will help clarify it for you.

I agree with JBE though, a Plasma Pistol or Energy Pistol or Blaster Pistol is generic enough that you could make it up yourself without having to reference the B5 book.

 

[Mars73]

*steps out from lurking*
I've read and re-read this thread and the TLL multiple times, but have a few unanswered questions:

1)Is it possible to add characteristics and remain TLL compatible? Say for example a Willpower characteristic to represent one's mental strength/stability. The character's ability to stay in the game and not run at the first sign of some ungodly alien horror with huge teeth?

2) In regards to the term Psionic Strength, the TLL doesn't say it has to be used, or if it is used, that it has to be called Psionic Strength. Can the term Psionic Strength be swapped out for another term and definition? This may fall under my first question about adding characteristics.

3) Vexed on that fact that the TLL limits detailed characteristic generation, yet for large or small species the SRD lists the number of dice to be rolled. I have species that can have different stats than the basic 2D6. Is there a way around this within the TLL?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

You can add new characteristics if you like, but you cannot change the existing characteristics.

 

[Mars73]

Thanks for the clarification, Rikki.

 

[Vile]

Time for more greed! Will there be SRDs for Supplement 5: Civilian Vehicles and Supplement 6: Military Vehicles? :twisted:

As long as the vehicle/weapon creation rules are SRDed I'm good

Well, now that that's cleared up, I'd better repost this before it gets lost!