The dark a|state RPG from Handiwork is set in a baroque urban nightmare, is a Forged in the Dark game and uses the Trouble Engine.
The Trouble Engine in a|state is a system that creates problems for the PCs, aiding and assisting the GM. Today, Handiwork Games, who publish the RPG, announced they’ll offer a Creative Commons License for the system.
Jon Hodgson of Handiwork Games told the press;
Morgan Davie did some amazing design work on The Trouble Engine, and I think we all agreed it was too useful for all Forged in the Dark games to stay exclusive to a|state. We’ve had several really kindly requests to be allowed to make use of the mechanics, and rather than get into anything complicated, we figured an SRD and CC license was the way to go. I really respect the way John Harper has let other people make use of his creation with Forged in the Dark licensing. Now everyone can add The Trouble Engine to their Forged in the Dark games without needing to ask our permission.”
The decision to release The Trouble Engine was prompted by requests to Handiwork Games for permission to use the system in other Forged in the Dark games. Permission was needed as it’s not part of the Forged in the Dark license.
Handiwork has published more on the background and the details by which designers can use the engine on their blog. In the post, the Scottish publisher notes that mechanics cannot be copywrite-protected and that their decision to provide the Creative Commons License means that fellow designers can use The Trouble Engine with permission. As Handiwork says, the CC license means those designers don’t need to “file off any serial numbers.”
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