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D20 Modern:: Red Dawn/Twilight 2000 Inspired Game

Started by Serious Paul, July 08, 2008, 04:58:02 PM

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Serious Paul

July 08, 2008, 04:58:02 PM
I am looking to start putting together a setting for D20 Modern (I am not set in stone on the system, but ti is one I have, and currently I don't have a lot of disposable income at the moment: so  buying a new system would set me back a few weeks on the schedule.) based loosely on Red Dawn and Twilight 2000. For those of you who have written games can you recommend me to some reading on how properties like this have to be handled legally? Like copyright laws, etc??? Before I devote too much effort into this, I want to make sure I'm not stepping across the line.

walkerp

#1
July 08, 2008, 05:00:33 PM
Is this for publication?

I don't think you can use D20 anymore.  Wizards is closing the D20 license.  The OGL would work, though.
"The difference between being fascinated with RPGs and being fascinated with the RPG industry is akin to the difference between being fascinated with sex and being fascinated with masturbation. Not that there\'s anything wrong with jerking off, but don\'t fool yourself into thinking you\'re getting laid." —Aos

Serious Paul

#2
July 08, 2008, 05:09:03 PM
I'd like to "publish" it as a free electronic web supplement, just a setting-so I think OGL will work.

jgants

#3
July 08, 2008, 05:11:31 PM
Assuming for the moment that you are just using the general genre (Cold War turning into a hot one) and not specifics (like stats for the Wolverine kids or whatever), you are safe.  You can't trademark the idea, after all (see also Price of Freedom RPG by WEG).  And since those games tended to use real-world weapons and equipment, there's really not much that wouldn't be free game to use.
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Serious Paul

#4
July 08, 2008, 05:16:38 PM
Cool. I'm not looking to trademark anything, and I can live without using specific characters, or scenes or whatnot. I just want that feel. I'll be looking up that Price of Freedom game, thanks!!

I appreciate the advice folks!

walkerp

#5
July 08, 2008, 05:37:35 PM
Have you read Twilight 2000?
"The difference between being fascinated with RPGs and being fascinated with the RPG industry is akin to the difference between being fascinated with sex and being fascinated with masturbation. Not that there\'s anything wrong with jerking off, but don\'t fool yourself into thinking you\'re getting laid." —Aos

Kyle Aaron

#6
July 08, 2008, 07:14:00 PM
You should check out the Live Free or Die rpg,

This page is the home of the roleplaying game of suburban insurgency in a near future America. The United Nations has invaded and conquered the United States and it is up to the players, in the role of citizen-patriots, to take up arms set things right [...]

So download the free game, make up some characters and get to blowing away Third World nit-wits with your AK-47.
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Edsan

#7
July 08, 2008, 08:25:12 PM
I remember hearing about a similar game dating from the 80's, but the invaders where Reds in that case. It was made by one of the major game publishers.

Does this strike a bell with anyone?
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Blackleaf

#8
July 08, 2008, 09:10:42 PM
Fortress America
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/99

QuoteFortress America is part of  Milton Bradley's Gamemaster series. Fortress America depicts an alternate near-future in which all of the world attacks and invades the continental United States. From the west arrives hordes of Asian foes; from the south arrives a union of South American countries through Mexico, and from the east lands come legions of Soviets who have taken over all of Europe. America besieged has to rely on the remaining ground and air forces left in the country along with partisan uprisings to defend mom's apple pie.

ColonelHardisson

#9
July 08, 2008, 11:09:04 PM
Quote from: Edsan;223180I remember hearing about a similar game dating from the 80's, but the invaders where Reds in that case. It was made by one of the major game publishers.

Does this strike a bell with anyone?

The Price of Freedom:

http://www.pen-paper.net/rpgdb.php?op=showbook&bookid=4489
"Illegitimis non carborundum." - General Joseph "Vinegar Joe" Stilwell

4e definitely has an Old School feel. If you disagree, cool. I won\'t throw any hyperbole out to prove the point.

ColonelHardisson

#10
July 08, 2008, 11:09:42 PM
Quote from: Stuart;223184Fortress America
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/99

Good game, but not the one he was thinking of. I had both back in the day.
"Illegitimis non carborundum." - General Joseph "Vinegar Joe" Stilwell

4e definitely has an Old School feel. If you disagree, cool. I won\'t throw any hyperbole out to prove the point.

Blackleaf

#11
July 08, 2008, 11:40:38 PM
Quote from: ColonelHardisson;223208Good game, but not the one he was thinking of. I had both back in the day.

Yeah, as soon as I saw the cover to The Price of Freedom I recognized it from the ads in Dragon. :)

Serious Paul

#12
July 08, 2008, 11:55:06 PM
Quote from: walkerp;223139Have you read Twilight 2000?

Yes. The Original Edition I think, not the Revised Edition.

Quote from: Kyle Aaron;223168You should check out the Live Free or Die rpg

Interesting, added to my to read list!

Quote from: Stuart;223184Fortress America
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/99

Oh, so much stuff to buy, so little money! :)

Casey777

#13
July 09, 2008, 07:34:30 AM
Quote from: Stuart;223184Fortress America
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/99

Actually one of the better in the classic MB Gamemaster Series and that's saying a lot (Axis & Allies et al). Rather tricky playing as the US staying around long enough while under attack from 3 fronts to raise troops and build lasers. The invaders had to keep pressure up without losing too many forces. Lots of  80's Cold War flavor on a good mounted map. Cool 3d plastic city and laser satellite counters.

I've been pointed to a similar game from a decade earlier, SPI's Minuteman: The Second American Revolution by Jim Dunnigan. :cool:

Lawbag

#14
July 09, 2008, 08:46:58 AM
The Price of Freedom was a fantastic setting as well as great RPG system. It had a short run of adventures, My Private Idaho, was brilliant
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