FAQ

Why "Trinoc" Con? | What's a Trinoc? | What's a Trinoc Buck?

Why "Trinoc" Con?

Pronounced with a short "i", the name is both a play on the "Triangle" region of North Carolina where the con takes place and an homage to author Larry Niven, the creator of the Trinoc. And yes, we did seek and receive Mr. Niven's permission to use the name!

So, What Is a Trinoc?

A 'Trinoc' is a three-eyed alien critter that appear in Niven's story "There Is A Tide," in Tales of Known Space: The Universe of Larry Niven (1975).

Louis Wu makes first contact with the race. It has "a cluster of sense organs grouped around a mouth, with room for a brain . . . [t]rinocular vision . . . the eyes set deep in sockets, well-protected, but restricted in range of vision. [They have a] Triangular mouth, too, with yellow, serrated bone knives showing theiredges behind three gristle lips." The Trinocs seem to be pretty paranoid.

A trinoc is also mentioned en passant in the first few chapters of Ringworld.

What are Trinoc*buckS?

Trinoc*buckS are scrip which can be redeemed for goods in the Dealer's Room. They are generally given out as prizes for contests.