Why no Dune RPG?

[Bront]

There was a Dune RPG put out about 6 or 7 years ago by Last Unicorn Games. I managed to snag a copy before the game died out, and it goes for $150-350 on Ebay or from various venders now.

If you're looking for something close to the Dune RPG, you can't do any better than Fading Suns. Its got all the major components of Dune (scheming noble houses, a sprawling empire, corruption, mysticism, all in a pseudo-dark ages space fantasy setting). Its a great game and VERY atmospheric. Best of all, Fading Suns rpg stuff is really cheap on Ebay. Be warned, the base system used with Fading Suns is a lemon, and the D20 version isn't a lot better. However, True 20 would be an ideal system for Fading Suns, and I'm definitely running a True 20 Fading Suns game in the not-too distant future.

Fading Suns is a fantastic setting. The system was ok for it's time, but it's not D20. The D20 version of it seemed interesting, but I never got a chance to play it.

If you want True 20, try Karl Green's PDF he has in the Other RPG section for Fading Suns. However, the books are well worth getting and reading.

 

[Aus_Snow]

I'd be interested in helping out with a (free, online) d20/OGL 'conversion'. . . if anyone else was, that is.

It's something I've been wanting to see / make for a while anyway, so I would certainly love to see it happen / help make it happen.

Unless of course there's some issues involved there, that I'm unaware of (e.g., legality). . . ?

 

[Ranger REG]

Unless of course there's some issues involved there, that I'm unaware of (e.g., legality). . . ?

You mean other than we're doing this without the Herbert Estate's permission/authorization (the trustees of Dune IP)?

 

[Sleepy Voiced]

Actually, if you check out the official Dune website (dunenovels.com iirc), the Herbert estate does not itself own the rights to Dune as far as RPGs go. The production company that made the miniseries holds those rights. I'm not sure at what point they acquired those rights, but blame for no Dune rpg cannot be placed at the Herbert estate's feet anymore.
As a sidenote, the ads for Dune D20 were what got me to get a 3.0 PHB when it came out. I had pretty much gotten out of D&D at the time, but had just read the classic Dune series and thought "this would make an incredible RPG".

 

[Glyfair]

Actually, if you check out the official Dune website (dunenovels.com iirc), the Herbert estate does not itself own the rights to Dune as far as RPGs go. The production company that made the miniseries holds those rights. I'm not sure at what point they acquired those rights, but blame for no Dune rpg cannot be placed at the Herbert estate's feet anymore.

That seems to nicely flesh out the situation.

More than likely Last Unicorn got the rights before the production company arranged to get the rights for Dune (or else when the production was in limbo). When WotC triggered the right to renegotiate the license by buying Last Unicorn, the production company was in control and loathe to give up any rights, so set incredibly high demands.

 

[Taurren]

The original Spacemaster from ICE had a setting that screamed "DUNE". From the Dia Khovaria (Bene), the warring noble houses, corrupt empire, the personal shields and even spice ... they took the key elements of the book and made it part of their game. And it worked very well.

Aside from that I agree that Fading Suns is another great alternative. I actually enjoyed their system (2nd Edition) which worked perfectly with the setting.

If you aren't lucky enough to have the Dune RPG, then either of these is a great option.

 

[JVisgaitis]

I would KILL for Dune d20. Dune is probably my single greatest influence on Violet Dawn. Great great stuff...

 

[Squire James]

I pretty much thought that the various Psion specialties modelled most of the Dune "weirdo" groups (e.g. Bene Gesserit and Guild spice addicts) nicely. The Sardaukar could be a PrC, or more a function of level than class. One could say they were beating up everyone because they averaged level 9, not because they were otherwise special. Then they met the Fremen, who averaged level 12...

 

[Twiggly the Gnome]

Sardaukar would be a prestige class with the requirement "survive Salusa Secundus".

Bene Gesserit are doable as a base class, I think Princess Irulan is a good example of a low level BG.

 

[Chaldfont]

He who controls the dice, controls the universe!

Sorry, could not resist.