The title says it all. Please, keep it civil, and keep discussion on this particular topic IN this thread. Thank you.
Now, on to the discussion...
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The title says it all. Please, keep it civil, and keep discussion on this particular topic IN this thread. Thank you.
Now, on to the discussion...
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Okay...
Latest unconfirmed rumours and "no comment" comments can be read in the thread http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/For...ML/000784.html - speculate away.
On the other tentacle, wouldn't all the energy being put into speculation be better spent gaming? But, as Dennis Miller says, "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong."
http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/wink.gif http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/wink.gif http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/wink.gif http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/wink.gif http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/wink.gif
Oh goodie. Okay, I’m going to say 30 messages before the thread gets closed. http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
Yea, that’s a little high, but the whole Wizards/Decipher/LUG/d20 stuff was so long ago, I’m betting that it will take a little while for it to get out of hand.
http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/wink.gif
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Don
trekrpg@trekrpg.net
http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/sig_don.gif
I speculate that if they want me, I'll write at least a book a year for them. While my current plan is to retire from freelancing almost entirely, I still want to do one or two books per year for other publishers of stuff I enjoy, and I really enjoy writing TrekStuph. http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
Oh, and I forgot to add "no comment." http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
Sorry that this is off topic for this thread...
Just what are many of the LUG staff and affiliates doing (writing) nowadays? (eg. SJohn, Ross, Steve, Ken)
Sjohn is working on a nifty-cool swords-and-sorcery setting (anime style ... or rather several anime styles) for GOO's splendiferous and magnificent Big Eyes, Small Mouth RPG (with more GOO work to come, most likely - I love their game and I love working with them). Beyond that and a few articles, the rest of Sjohn's efforts are being poured into Cumberland Games & Diversions, his eBook-and-Fonts house, as a full-time venture. Anyone who tells you that eBook publishing lacks risk has never tried to make it a full-time gig http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
Upcoming titles include:
Sparks: Critters with art by Dan Smith (available in March)
Fief, by Lisa Steele (available April or May) - groovy "peasant's-eye-view" of life in medieval Europe
Risus Companion (for Risus hardcore junkies only!)
Points in Space 2: Spacecraft (yummy full-ship deckplans and Yet More Subtly Disturbing NPCs)
Points in Space 3: Dirtside (colonies, settlements, outposts, and more)
Fly From Evil (the big'un)
The As-Yet Unnamed Christmas Campaign For Risus (bigger than any holiday-themed adventure has a right to be, at nearly 50,000 words!)
And several other art fonts, eBooks I can't mention yet, and so on http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
I've turned down more offers from paper companies in the past six months than some writers get in two years http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
Steve, aside from the volumes of free fan material he is working on, finished up Wheel of Time for Wizards, was doing some Dune stuff (prior to its demise), and knowing Steve, was probably working on at least five other projects simultaneously. I know Steve was up to write a world book for the Shards of the Stone RPG that came out at Gen Con 2K, and then, of course, there’s that little game you might of heard of called Champions.
Ken, if memory serves, did Suppressed Transmissions II, and was working on d20 Chuthulu. I don’t know if the December Hasbro/Wizards shakeup affected that, however. There was some In Nomine stuff and GURPS: Horror is on his plate according to a recent article of his.
Ross, Christian, and Owen were working on d20 Dune until the Wizard’s layoffs.
George V. (Eden Studios) is trying to get things back on track after the robbery that really hurt Eden and All Flesh. I think they’re back on track now with Hack! (KOTDT card game), new All Flesh product, and some d20 OGL stuff.
Matt Colville designed Hack! for Eden and is working on one of the aforementioned d20 books.
Charles and Tammie elected to stay with Wizards and move to Seattle.
Don runs a web site, finished his degree, turned down a nice job from Wizards, and is working on “some writing stuff.”
Look guys, I didn't mean to open a can of worms or anything. Actually, I had just purchased some LUG Trek stuff from Gamer's Realm, when Rob (the owner), relayed what he had been told by Warren Holland (Chairman and CEO of Decipher). Rob knew I was a huge LUG Trek fan and thought I might be interested in the news.
I for one hope it's all true. To me, it only makes sense Decipher would approach former LUG employees and freelancers... they have no in-house RPG department, and there's a pool a highly qualified Trek game writers/developers that have suddenly become availible... it's a no-brainer.
Now, legally how does this all work out??? After all, WoTC did acquire LUG (and with it Icon), but WoTC did release the staff and gave writers back the materials they were working on... soooo, at best the future of an Icon-based Trek is murky at best. But, then again, that's a Hell of a sight better recently.
Honostly guys, I just really want to see you rewarded financially for all of the hard work you've put into LUG Trek since WoTC lost the license... and I'd really like to see Spacedock in a hardcover format... with lots of pretty pictures....
Yancy
For the record, I can officially and without concern about rumor-mongering state that Decipher has not approached me to do any work for them, freelance or otherwise. But if they do, and the terms are at least quasi-reasonable, I'll be very open to the idea.
Especially if the other rumors are true. I deny having any knowledge of that http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/wink.gif
To me, it only makes sense Decipher would approach former LUG employees and freelancers... they have no in-house RPG department, and there's a pool a highly qualified Trek game writers/developers that have suddenly become availible... it's a no-brainer.
I agree. If the guys at Decipher are smart enough to pull of that scheme last summer, they should be smart enough to take advantage of the opportunity regarding WotC layoff.
For some reason, I think Decipher is keeping the whole Trek RPG on a low profile (hush-hush) until they have something concrete.
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Anyhoo, just some random thoughts...
[This message has been edited by REG (edited 02-22-2001).]
Makings saving throw vs. speculation....
[1]. Failed. DOH!!!!
The following just represents something that I see as possible. Don't have any inside info at all...
Obviously former LUGgers are something of an asset to Decipher. It's a bit different than the situation with FASA to LUG, since then so much time had passed and also by the end FASA's relationship with Paramount had foundered. That said, I do recall that the LUGgers had talked a little with Guy McLimore, one of the creators of FASA-Trek. I'm sure the LUGgers have signed non-compete agreements, but those all have time periods - six months being common for the ones I have signed.
As for the game system... Well, WotC does own ICON. But it is worthless to them. Selling it to Decipher is a possible business decision - they have to decide if possible money lost from Decipher producing a game with the Icon system is less than the price they can get for it. And Decipher woud have to decide if such money would be well-spent or if they'd be better off making it themselves.
With regard to the LUG version of the universe... Who owns it? Not the "words" but the concepts. The LUG version of the Tomed incident for example? True Paramount has forbidden its licenees from sharing a universe, but there'd be no sharing in such a case, since there is no LUG. That's a choice for Paramount. It is interesting that since WEG contributed to the Stat Wars expanded universe, the WotC game has background created by WEG.
Makes another save....
[20]
Whew, I'm done speculating.
What have I been doing since LUG's demise, you ask? http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
Well, let's see. During my tenure with WOTC (July 2000 - Dec. 14, 2000), I wrote two-fifths (45,000 words) of the planned DUNE epic scenario, Voice From The Outer World, read all of the Robert Jordan novels then available, and did a good bit of writing on the Wheel of Time RPG. I also acquired three of my LUG manuscripts from WOTC and, with Don's help, started makin' 'em available here online. http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/wink.gif
Since the layoff, I've been pecking away at various freelance assignments while in semi-vacation mode (after all, I still have severance pay coming in http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif). These include part of the VIPER Sourcebook for Hero Games, more Wheel of Time RPG stuff for WOTC, some articles on law school for a friend's education website, a scenario for the forthcoming Haven: City of Violence RPG, and the like. I've also written two more Ship Recognition Manuals for you folx here (Cardies and Klingons), and am working on two more (TOS and Rommies). And I've also been fiddling with various other projects, as the mood strikes me, and attending conventions.
So, though not employed full-time by anyone, I remain quite busy.... http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
Steve Long
Sorry to go off topic, but Steve, you mensioned Haven: City of Violence.
Is that in any way related to the old City of Haven stuff from a long time ago?
I've been waiting for someone to re-do that stuff for a while, so here's crossing my fingers. http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
___
Now, I hope that Decipher takes as much time to integrate Icon into their game as WotC took integrating WEG star wars into WotC's version.
Not to butter anyone up, but I like the way you guys set up the Trek Universe, and I don't particularly want to have to change anything over. Especially since I just finished re-writing my character background (alien upbringing +1) with the Andorian book.
Ya know, it is great to see Don, S John and Steve post on this forum and interact with us end-users. I think keeping us up to date with what you're doing is a great idea. I know I'm now more prone to pick up a new game/book if I see a familiar name attached.
Thank you and keep up the good work!
Sorry, 'fraid not. This is a new game being produced by a fellow named Louis Porter. It's a sort of modern urban crime drama kind of game, inspired largely by, among other things, the Sin City comic book (or so it appears to me).Quote:
Originally posted by Captain Blake:
Sorry to go off topic, but Steve, you mensioned Haven: City of Violence.
Is that in any way related to the old City of Haven stuff from a long time ago?
Steve Long
Drat, I suppose it was too much to hope for. http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/frown.gifQuote:
Originally posted by Steve Long:
Sorry, 'fraid not. This is a new game being produced by a fellow named Louis Porter. It's a sort of modern urban crime drama kind of game, inspired largely by, among other things, the Sin City comic book (or so it appears to me).
Steve Long
Well, here's to waiting for the Viper sourcebook. http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
Dan Moppin's evil twin, Don Mappin, said...
"Ross, Christian, and Owen were working on d20 Dune until the Wizard’s layoffs."
...And just in case any of you were confoozled by this statement, the Owen in question is Owen Seyler, not me...
To add to the Vorlonisms from the earlier thread...
"Understanding is a three-edged blade."
our side = what we want
their side = what they'll give us
the truth = what stores will be selling
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It's is our last, best hope for peace? We are so screwed.
Hey, SJohn,
When you write about Fief by Lisa Steele, is that Lisa of the old Lion Rampant? Was the work that was originally supposed to be Tapestry, seeing the light of day at last?
No and yes. To my knowledge, Lisa was never involved with Lion Rampant, but this is definitely the Lisa of Tapestry and White Rose fame (if fame is the right word; unfortunately; their excellent work is largely unknown, and I intend to change that).
(I could be wrong about the LR thing; I've known Lisa for years but we haven't always talked about everything)
the dead)--since we're engaging in wild speculation, does it seem reasonable that some of the non-completed LUGTrek things could maybe see the light of day? I got my wish by getting a netbook version of Spacedock, but the other thing I wanted was the Movie era book. A Decipher sourcebook for the Movie era would do me just fine--even if it wasn't using the Icon system--but only as long as it was the product of you LUGTrek guys.
I'd like to see a good film-era sourcebook, too!
Hey, SJohn,
When you write about Fief by Lisa Steele, is that Lisa of the old Lion Rampant? Was the work that was originally supposed to be Tapestry, seeing the light of day at last?
Oh, and to keep this somewhat on topic (which seems to be bringing games back from the dead)--since we're engaging in wild speculation, does it seem reasonable that some of the non-completed LUGTrek things could maybe see the light of day? I got my wish by getting a netbook version of Spacedock, but the other thing I wanted was the Movie era book. A Decipher sourcebook for the Movie era would do me just fine--even if it wasn't using the Icon system--but only as long as it was the product of you LUGTrek guys.
I mean, y'all set such a high _standard_ and all....
Paxton
[This message has been edited by Paxton (edited 02-22-2001).]
Well today there was a small amount of development on the Decipher Star Trek RPG front that may please some of you. On Radio Free Decipher, Decipher's internet radio broadcast on the decipher website, there was supposed to be a last minute interview with Christian Moore - the new head of the Decipher RPG/Miniatures division. Unfortuanetly the interview is not part of this weeks broadcast, but you can listen to the introduction to the interview on this weeks broadcast at this link, the portion of the interview that you are looking for is the 4th clip (the first clip is a "You're listening to Radio Free Decipher", the second clip is a general info on the Decipher CCGs and the third is what is happening in Europe).
[This message has been edited by Hirogen (edited 02-23-2001).]
Just the latest and greatest I heard today from a couple of reliable sources... there will be an official Star Trek RPG announcement from Decipher on March 21 during the Gamma Convention (a RPG manufacturers/retail convention in Vegas).
While I don't know all the details yet, I was told yet again that this incarnation of Trek would bear a striking resembalance to Icon. One of my sources even suggested they wouldn't be too surprised if the new Trek is in fact based on Icon. WoTC is very strapped for cash financially, and might have sold Icon to Decipher outright.
WoTC is in serious financial straights. WoTC would actually be bankrupt right now due to heavy fiscal losses they have taken the last two quarters, primarily due to poor sales at Wizards Stores/Game Keeper shops throughout the U.S.. However, technically, the Wizards Stores are seperate corporate entity (as far as Hasbro is concerned). But there is growing concern over WoTC's stability right now.
Yancy
Thanks for all the ex-LUG guys answers... As usual best of wishes to all of you. Thanks for the good time... and hopefully more for the future.
(I wasn't even THINKING of trying out Wheel of Time, but now must consider it)
Now back to the topic at hand.. Until I hear more about i, I too must not comment! http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/wink.gif
Hmmm. Maybe WotC really over extended themselves aquiring all those RPG companies.
http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif/ http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/frown.gif ?
Wacko 900! http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
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SIR SIG a Aussie TREK Narrator
Exactly how many companies have WotC acquired? Because I count two (TSR and LUG).
Granted, they acquired other rights like the Star Wars Fan Club and Star Wars Insider magazine as well as rights to publish Wheel of Time RPG and miniatures.
Personally, I blame Pokemon. Shame on you, parents, for not allowing your kids to spend their money on Pokemon TCG and merchandise. http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/mad.gif
BWAH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!! http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/tongue.gif
**********
WoTC is very strapped for cash financially, and might have sold Icon to Decipher outright.
Hmm. I have mixed feeling about this:
1) Yay. Icon may be revived again.
2) Um, I'm kind of hoping Icon system would go back to the original designers. (Christian Moore, Ross Isaacs, etc.) Hey, Decipher! Hire them for ... *two-page text deleted due to strong language* ... sake!!!
Nevertheless. I'm taking taking a wait-and-see approach. http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/cool.gif
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Anyhoo, just some random thoughts...
[This message has been edited by REG (edited 02-24-2001).]
Well, personally I'd rather Decipher got the Icon license and kept producing the game. I still don't understand why Paramount yanked it without even (so far as I know) asking Wizards if D20 Trek was inevitable or not.
I love every source I've read and Icon is an excellent game system. Normally I come up with house rules before I ever even play a game to fix a perceived flaw. Since I also write rpgs it's a failing of mine to test problem areas as soon as I perceive what might be one. I haven't found any in LugTrek. The only things that could possibly need house rules (what to do to a specialization when the skill meets or exceeds it, and that Strength vs Fit+Str debate in unarmed combat) don't _need_ them. It's more personal preference.
So unless Decipher comes out with something better than Icon (which is unlikely) I'd hope they would go with Icon. All the good authors are a bonus as well, and I suppose if it were written by good authors I'd buy it anyway if there was no overlap with books I already had. http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif So push to write that Klingon or Cardassian manuscript. We already have a good Andorian source, etc.
Byron
Wait and see? WAIT AND SEE?!? Never! I want the senseless speculation and continuous rumoring to go on! http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/biggrin.gif
Well, it seems we'll may have some luck. If we're lucky enough to see Decipher buy the rights of the ICON Trek RPG as it is today, we can say we trashed a whole year in the WotC/Decipher acquisitions and discussions.
Okay, I'll set the topic on fire. Without wanting to offend Christian Moore, did he have bad timing when he offered LUG to WotC? Maybe Decipher would have acquired them if they waited for six months... what do you think?
Yes, this is senseless rumoring, so what? http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/tongue.gif
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Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
Caught in a landslide, No escape from reality
I will say that an announcement (press release) was going to come out in the last week but continuing talks with Wizards have delayed this. It wouldn’t surprise me, knowing how these things go, to find that all this will be held up until GAMA before a formal announcement can be made. (Actually, that’d be some good timing.)
Your sources sound pretty reliable, Yancy and yes, Wizards/Hasbro has a substantial amount of short and long-term Poke’-debt.
Dr. Bashir, Decipher actually tried on two occasions (?) to acquire LUG – it never worked out. Couple that with the fact that Christian Moore is good friends with Peter Adkison (ex-Wizards), and Wizards had the inside track.
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Don
trekrpg@trekrpg.net
http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/sig_don.gif
I am going to jump in here with a Hypothetical...if Decipher were to buy the ICON system and hire the boys and girls back to continue the game...would the Dune comabt system refinments be added to the Trek engine?
I haven't read them yet, but I hear the combat system was more elegant in Dune.
(Just waiting for my book to clear customs) http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
Hey Don!
This is the thirtieth message in the thread and NO FLAMES!. The doomsayers are just not living up to their end of the contract... http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gif
Sorry Sarge. 31st message. It doesnt count! ;P
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Dan.
"A couple of thoughts from a random mind!"
Here's my BIG question about all this ...
Hypothetically, if Decipher were to buy all the rights to the Icon system from Wizards ...
Is it even hypothetically possible that the deal could include the printing rights to the previously unpublished (and published) material?
What I'm getting at is ... is it possible that Decipher might someday publish all the supplements that we've all been waiting for .. like the Mirror, Mirror supplement, the Klingon supplement, and the Bajor supplement???
Or do the contracts Wizards had with the various authors prevent that possibility from every becoming a reality?
Enquiring minds want to know!!!
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Voka a Bentel
(May you walk with the Prophets),
Eris
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"Rana naz’g ol resu ji joreen."
(It is the unknown that defines our existence)
-- Bajoran proverb
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Wizards holds the rights to specific manuscripts (which they have since paid "kill fees" for), not book concepts. It's a moot point in that if Decipher wants to do a Klingon book, Bajor book, or even an Andorian book, they simply do so and write it.
Now, if said books were to contain information for use with the Icon System, that could be a sticky affair depending on where that legal issue finally falls.
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Don
trekrpg@trekrpg.net
http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/sig_don.gif
Any idea of when you will be putting those manuals up??? http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/wink.gifQuote:
Originally posted by Steve Long:
I've also written two more Ship Recognition Manuals for you folx here (Cardies and Klingons), and am working on two more (TOS and Rommies).
Steve Long
Okay... On to speculation... http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/biggrin.gif
I used to do a little freelance writing for FASA Trek way back when. Yes that situation was completely different from Wotc's & Decipher. I think one of the biggest things that LUG learned from FASA was what not to do. Sorry for bashing FASA but hey I did freelance for them. Anyway, If Decipher is smart, & I know they are, then they will try to pick up as many of you guys that they can. Your work is excellent without question. FASA rarely did much research with their Trek stuff. LUG tried to stay Canon for the most part. The Icon system shouldn't be too hard to pry from the guys at Wotc.
Well that is my 2 Lainum worth.
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Captain Darkbane
U.S.S. Lexington NCC-1709
"Set Phasers to Stun? who's idea was that? {resets phaser to disrupt} Romulans are tough... They can take it!
the only think i say, is :
i dont want play A vulcan/science level 3 with a tac0 of 12 how give a level 3 dongeon/klingon bird of prey
for the other stuff "je m'en fous"
don, steve and can do all they want, they need to eat too. the only think and its the most important is quality, i dont want see startrek games lose is current quality
Bordelle!!!!!!!!!! http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/smile.gifQuote:
Originally posted by kalamaro:
for the other stuff "je m'en fous"
Tell like it is brother!
http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/biggrin.gif
the only think i say, is :
i dont want play A vulcan/science level 3 with a tac0 of 12 how give a level 3 dongeon/klingon bird of prey
Now why would they want to use Advanced Dungeons & Dragons rules? They want a lawsuit from WotC?
LOL. http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/biggrin.gif
Sorry, but THAC0 (if that is what you wanted to spell) has gone the way of the dodo bird along with 2nd edition AD&D (although I do admire hardline gamers who do not wish to try the new D&D and still hold on to the old).
I can say this, they made good improvement in D&D3e and the core system (D20) is good enough to do either class/level-based or skill-based games.
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Anyhoo, just some random thoughts...
[This message has been edited by REG (edited 02-25-2001).]
[doomsayer] What a bunch of crappy ideas! You all suck! And I really really mean that, too. :P [/doomsayer]
Does that restore your faith in the internet, Owen? http://www.trekrpg.net/Board/ubb/biggrin.gif
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:) <<<<
LUGTrek isn't really dead. Not as long as we remember it.
sorry REG but i only played with the 1st edition.I don't know the last edition
yes, i begun to be old to
the real probleme, is the player don't want to change the game system.
"ca ne doit pas etre jeté aux orties"*
*french expression for AslanC
[This message has been edited by kalamaro (edited 02-26-2001).]