When a tabletop game hits the table, who's really in control? The company that published it, the designer who wrote it, or the players who bring it to life? In this episode of Beyond the Book, we explore the tangled question of authorship and authority in tabletop games. From infamous licensing controversies like the OGL 1.1 fallout, to the rise of house rules, fan hacks, and open licenses, we break down the complex relationship between legal rights, creative intent, and table culture. Why can’t you copyright rules? What happens when fan creators outshine official products? And is Rule Zero just a loophole or the heart of the hobby? Whether you’re a game master, designer, or player, this episode challenges you to ask: who’s really in charge once the dice start rolling?