Here you go.
2008 Interestingly, my almost ran item was an anvil that let any user create magic items. Instead I went with a six armed statue, that added +1 to any weapon you let it fight you with. Somewhere in the critique thread is the Battle Idol, but I cannae find it now. :)
2009 My best showing so far. Got an alternate and a recommendation that my villain advance. :) Cerebus Collar.
2010 Way over confident following previous year’s success (see above). I should at least have had my committee proofread more. Blademorph Bracers and the critique 2011 Minced and tweaked and tweaked and minced a good item into garbage. I was so nervous about being crushed (see above), I made a last minute change. I should have stuck with fly :) After seeing the Top 32 I actually said “that’s it I am done with SuperStar.” Fortunately I wanted to be a good loser and by the time I finished reading the archetypes, I was hooked again. Smokesting Firegeyser and the critique. Also Neils in-depth review
The discussion on these two makes me think I made it to the keep pile. Not true for...
2012 I over practiced this one, and was not feeling very creative when push came to shove. I knew it was not a winner. I think in large part I only sent this in because I wanted to keep participating. Rime Trap Amulet and the critique
I too kept to the time limit, though after reading a few of the 32 I made sure to up my conflict :) enjoy.
The Diamond Apex
Spoiler:
Diamond Apex Alignment:LN
Headquarters: Cassomir Campus Unicersity; Cassomir, Taldor
Leader: Hontanz vin Cutdeer, Headmaster
StructureMage-crafting university
Scope: Inner Sea Region
Resources:The Apex believes magic items put great power into careless hands. They cite the decadence of the Taldor’s current nobility and key points in the Grand Conflict and the Even Tongued Campaign, as magic’s corrupting power.
Cassomir Campus University is a small keep near the outskirts of Cassomir. It hosts forges, alchemical labs and lecture halls for teaching potion brewing, wandlore, arms and other magical creations. Many tomes on magic item creation climb the shelves of the keep’s library. Secret catacombs hold a large collection of minor magic items. An undisclosed second location stores more powerful magic items. The Diamond Apex has an extensive listing of artifact’s locations (confirmed and rumored) and closely watch these items.
Structure and LeadershipThe Apex has a faculty of 18 including four Deans: Potions, Wands, Arms, and Mareltems. The Bursar, Provost, and Headmaster lead the organization. Numerous ‘graduates’ seek magic items in their area throughout the Inner Sea region. Graduates run shops of a magical nature using the Apex as a distributor of needed magical ingredients or as an outlet for magical overstock. The Graduates also collect information on people seeking and selling dangerous magic and report to their Major Faculty. Monthly these reports are brought to the Bursar, Provost, and Headmaster who decide if the items or people need to be contained.
GoalsThe Diamond Apex hoards magic items for the ‘protection’ of the people They seek to control magic items and destroy careless magic-wielders. Their graduates attach scrying spells to ‘common’ potions or wands to keep an eye on treasure seekers. The Diamond Apex thins adventuring ranks by supplying minor items to gnoll tribes, giant chieftans and other dangerous hands. The Apex feels certain decadent, arcane-obsessed Taldoran's prevents the Empire’s return to glory and plan to destroy them. Several faculty and the Bursar, as the oldest daughters of their respective families, will support Princess Eurtropia’s succession to the throne with the catacomb’s hidden resources.
Public Perception The Diamond Apex to most people is a label on a purchased charm, potion, or wand. In Cassomir, the university is a source for magic items. Among those wishing to learn the craft of magic items they are a school of note, though few are aware of catacombs.
I had four 'Keeps' (seemed fun, AND well written)
Dan Jones,Aegis Praxis
Jacob Michaels, The Unfettered
Russell Vaneekhoven, Foulgrip Rangers
Tom Phillips, Sisters of Chana Zhol
and eight 'Weak Keeps' (fun OR well written) from which I drew these four
Adam Donald, Red Bastards
Bob Drouin, Fear, Fist, Flame
Thomas LeBlanc, Forsaken Librarians
James Raine, Besmara's Chosen
I submitted a compass last year that pointed you to treasure or anything you wanted, so I made the list.
I would say sticking to one, at most two abilities, with an item and then really making them awesome would be a good idea. Keep you away from SAK anyway.
I have trouble getting away from SIAC. Any suggestions?
Here is a wonderful quote from Clark on the subject. Helped me a lot (though still a problem for me :) Also read Neil's post just above or just below Clark's.
Perhaps in future competitions we can set it up so people can opt-in for automatic judge feedback once the Top 32 go live, but that's on the tech side of things and not my call.
If you even marginally want a writing contract with Paizo, or your name on the cover of an adventure, you deserve to be here.
More than that you ARE here.
Because of what YOU did. Not because of who your daddy is; not because you bedded the right someones and not because you paid the extra dollar for the multiplier. YOU designed an item. YOU kicked butt. And we admire what YOU did. YOU are someone we look up to. I think I can say 'we', because the folks on these boards are so awesome.
You are among friends here. Congratulations and relax. :)
I hate to do this. It always seems to happen when I try to play in a PbP. I'm currently in a huge legal dispute with my son's mother and I'm incredibly stressed. I don't think I'll be able to post much at all, so you can go ahead and write Borador out. Again, I'm really sorry to do this to you guys. Good luck and good hunting everyone.
Welcome to the boards Kradlum!
Your welcome, Chad. I was trying to look at the designer as much as the item and I have high hopes for you. :)
I now have all 32 items broken into 4 categories for my own RPGSSFantasy. Guess that means I am finally ready for round 2! Bring on the organizations.
Congratulations Benjamin,
Only the second alternate in 4 years to make it in! I love the concept of summoning fire/bonus to creatures and the spout of flame was a very strong visual. Focus on your mechanics in future rounds. Nice job and good luck! :)
Sorry for the confusion. I was only listing five (per the thread title. :) Except two items tied for my fifth place. The two tied for sixth (7th/8th?) are Clockwork Conscience and Spellbreaker Gauntlets. If it helps your saddle was the first I read because of the cool name. I pegged it for silver, it is not a ranking so much as the level of Superstarness. :)
You shall not escape by hiding your item here, dragon, instead of posting it over on your nine months thread!
LOL If I thought it was hiding I wouldnae attach a diamond to it. Succubi are yummy yes, but I dinnae want to attract too many and ruin this serpentine waistline.
Serisously though RPGSSS, if you are at Paizocon I would like to buy you a bottle of blood.
Spoiler:
if Charles is there in your stead, we should do a lunch or something :)
Ha, I wish! No, I wrote flavor text for The Last Airbender TCG, the Pirates of the Caribbean TCG, and the Vs. TCG (which features the Marvel and DC characters), all of them published under license by Upper Deck. I didn't mean to mislead anyone with the above statement... they all were licensed and thus had to be approved by the owners of said properties, but it's not like I was writing dialogue for the Airbender cartoon or the Pirates movies...
lol I went to IMDB and typed in Sean Reynolds because of this! sadly... you were not under LA or PotC. But I have to ask if that is the same SKR that I do find?
Finally finished reading all 32!
I have pegged two for the platinum, four for the gold and two silvers that might be gold...
Dustings of Darkness: countering glitterdust, portable dark, good rules-fu.
Gloves of Reconnaissance: strictly the imagery I think, 'cause in so many ways I should NOT want one, but I do.
Elixer of Resurgent Flame: tightly written, combining holy/flame damage, wonderful imagery
Boots of the Phantom Staircase: cinematic ability, tightly written, good flavor
Sunrise Shawl: every party will benefit, cool recharge.
Feywhisper Crown: nice imagery, memory mod reminiscent of 13 sleeping dwarves... :)
If I were to rewrite this item with the above comments (changes OOC'd):
Spellbreaker Gauntlets
... He automatically and willingly fails his normal saving throw (if any) and forgoes his spell resistance (if any), taking the spell's full effects, but is treated as a wall or other obstructive object for the purposes of determining the spell's area.
This is the heart of my question-no save vs. failed save. A failed save with improved evasion still only takes-half damage which is different than takes 'spell's full effects.' Not to detract from your item, I would simply need to know the answer before my party (50% rogue) ran with it :)
Congratulations Andrew,
Especially for being the first alternate since Year One to advance! I think the strongest aspect of your submission is the mugwampi-ness of it. Way to capture a part of Golarian into an item. The 2d20 is a simple mechanic my players love to use, so I am sure many of them will like to have its reverse as well. And yes, I expect it to be in a bag of holding until the scout gets his spring attack :) Nice job and good luck!
Congratulations Jim,
Good call on defining the doff time, it could have easily been missed. I am waiting for something more swashbucklery, but I think you nailed the historic use of the item, which can be difficult in the day of MMO and CGI. Nice job and good luck!
Congratulations Alexander,
Darkness. Such a useful spell, a staple in fact and something every rogue asks the casters to prepare. This even touches a bit of Looney Toons nostalgia. I can see a thorough grasp of design in the writing too (concealement, darkvision, countering). Nice Job, I hope you go far.
Congratulations Ian,
I think fear spells are easy to apply to situations. The phantasmal killer not so much, kudos for making this work. Almost work, but I cannae say it better than it has been above. Good luck! :)
Hey Mathwei, I have, since two minutes after submitting, started making corrections. I am going to save them for the Blazing 9 practice thread though to give the Top 32 time to be the Top 32.
Hi Kerney, I too need a review group who is more SS oriented. Again that is why I start the practice thread. Come join us in April :)
Congratulations Joshua,
I think the battlefield control aspect needs my pcs to explore it, though I think the item as a whole needs work. I am sure my sorcerer will want his imp to have one glove (and I thought he could not get that invisible wand-wielding familiar any more annoying :). Remember to think a step or two ahead of devious players for your other rounds. Nice job and good luck.
Congratulations Will,
Your visuals are strong, though overdone. I felt some of the wording was redundant (specifically 'single target' followed by 'not AoE'). I do like the stronger channeling bit. Nice job and good luck!
Congratulations Chad,
I like these. I shouldn’t. They are: SiaC, start with directions to use them, in the wrong slot, a poor trade for gloves of dexterity, and makes adventuring easier. But I like them in spite of all that. I WANT a pair. And THAT is superstar. Your visuals are strong and concrete. Good luck I hope you go far! :)
I went through 20 different names over two days that googled into something else already used. Not an auspicious start. Part B was to add mojo, but the theme got lost and lo: SAK!. I did not plan to waste your time with an entry that was (even to me) not superstar, but I could not NOT enter (as was pointed out: Clark would eat our souls if I skipped it).
I have been through this before so I waited for others to get their shot in. If you make it this far, cool if not, also cool. :) Thanks!
Rime Trap Amulet Aura moderate conjuration and transmutation; CL 6th
Slot neck; Price 33,400 gp; Weight — lbs.
Description
Feathery, white crystals flow from the diamond center of this amulet. Each forms a unique frozen shape, trapping brief flashes of white light.
When activated the crystals grow across the wearer’s body coating him in an icy rime that slows his actions. Frost-covered tendrils of ice spread along his arms. Activating the amulet is a standard action that lasts six rounds. It can be activated once per day, and when not active the user gains resist cold 10.
While active the wearer may strike opponents with the icy tendrils to spread the rime-coat. Frost-ferns flow across an opponent’s body if the wearer succeeds on a touch attack. These opponents and the wearer move at half normal speed and gain the staggered condition. An opponent’s rime-coat effect ends at the same time as the wearer’s.
The rime trap’s cold resistance reaches extreme levels under the icy coat. The feathery crystals trap cold energy, growing to stitch wounds closed. For every 3 points of cold damage that would be dealt, the wearer of the amulet heals 1 point instead, up to his maximum hit points.
Construction Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, cure serious wounds, draconic reservoir, resist energy, slow; Cost 16,700 gp
I am glad to see a long time follower in here. I am meh on the item, writing was a bit wonky for me. Starting line Often in the hands... made me have to read it twice. It feels a little SAK to me, but the 'what is a positive and a negative a wasp can do' comment, softened those edges for me.The visual of an amber bottle filled with LIVE wasps is escellent though. Nicely done, and good luck! :)
Congratulations Mark,
Nice job in tackling new rules/options. It paid off and I hope you continue to grasp the mechanics with a the decent fluff you have going here (tinkerbell pet? I wouldnae call it that but ok I see it :) Nice job and good luck! :)
Congratulations David, Except for the lack of clockwork I like this item. A simple effect that has multiple uses and it is tightly written. Nice job, I hope you go far.
Five times and the closest I got was alternate in 2009. I too feel like the first part is the hurdle I cannae break. :) I will add links after I finish all 32 (slow reader :)
Congratulations James & welcome back!
2D characters are something we see in every cartoon, hopefully this will join the ranks of classics like portable hole. It is obvious you put your designing hat on here to cover all the rules question you did and yet it does not come off as lawyery-this would still be a fun item to play with. Keep bringing the fun, & good luck!
Nice job tackling the new class and the new items. I think this is a little safe (excepting firearms-its SiaC), but your design balance choices and writing are nicely done. Nice job, & good luck!
Congratulations Mike,
We have been warned away from the lesser, greater items and you managed to pull it off. I think a bit of playtesting mght have helped, the timing is long, but who would not want a raptor on their side? And summoning a dinosaur? I'm all for that! Good luck! :)
I'm sorry I keep disappearing on you guys. I've been so stressed lately with the computer as well as other things. How do I do an attack and damage roll? I know I need to use the and 1d20 but what do I add it it?
Hi Barong. when I look at your profile I do not see a character sheet, only a backstory. Look at Maximo, Auk, or Galdur's profile (clicking on the name) and you will see what I mean. As a first level sorcerer you probably do not have a Base Attack Bonus (BaB) yet. Attacks would just be your strength modifier (+0) for melee attacks and your dexterity modifier (+2) for ranged attacks. Normally an attack would be BaB+ability modifier. (I think you know this part: when you are typing a post you can see the 'show' button and it has the coding for dice: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 This is a dice expression. I hope that helps :)
I am surprised there are so few posts on your thread as this is the tightest I have seen so far. Good choice on the words of power design niche, wonderful imagery and nice Golarian tie in. The judges comments are relatively short so that will probably tell you how much they liked your item! I think this is the first four 'keeps' I have seen. In my RPGSS fantasy I am pegging you for the platinum :) Nice job, keep up the tight design. Good luck I hope you go far!
Congratulations Jacob,
I was a little leery of all the sunshine items, but I do actually like this. The recharge is neat, the limited use is smart, and it is an item every one can benefit from having in the party. Nice job, I hope you go far! :)
Congratulations Jacob,
I was disappointed this was positive/negative and not fire/ice, but I know several of my players would like it. :) It might be complicated to adjudicate, but I think on the rewrite it improves. Good luck!
If you dinnae want to use numbers this might help :)
Clark Peterson wrote:
Really, you can divide submitted items into several rough categories:
The Good
Great Wyrms. Superstar Top 32
Ancient Dragons. Potential Superstar, but doesn't make the final cut
Old Dragons. Interesting but flawed, like it enough to keep it initially, doesnt hold up once all the "kept" items are examined together
[the above three categories make it initially into the keep folder for later sorting]
The Not Quite Good Enough
Mature Dragons good execution of an average idea, the item would make a book of wondrous items, but not good enough to be superstar
Young Adult Dragons poor execution of a above average idea (if it was a little better, this likely would have been in category 3, above, and gotten into the keep folder)
[the above two types of items represent the BULK of all items submitted, which is a credit to this community. normally we require three of the four judges to review and vote to reject before the item is moved into the reject pile]
The Bad
Wyrmlings the clear reject item--the spell in a can, the boring skill bonus item, etc. See Sean's list of bad item stereotypes.
Not yet hatched dragons the auto-reject item--over word count, wrong format, gag item, other clear rules violations.
Congratulations Andrew,
I think this is honestly concurrent design, but still feel the originality is lacking. Both in mechanics and in similarity to Matt's Tankard. I appreciate the holy symbol option though. Good luck :)
Congratulations Jacob,
I just finished reading Dreamdark and the queen had a mirror she trapped a demon (and later the protagonist) in. I think your 'trapping' is a fun and appropriate use of a mirror and a haunts need some expanding. Keep up the well thought-out entries and the good work. I hope you go far. :)
I am not a big fan as we have seen flanking shadow creatures before (and the target is not even nauseated when you steal his shadow. :) But I like that it also forces spell casters to make concentration checks. Something I wish more people took advantage of against spell casters. Good luck.
I like the idea of breaking magical barriers but this did not do it for me. Creating a shadow in AoE spells? That is really cool and something we have seen in how many TV shows, books, and movies? More than enough to be in the game before now. :) Good Luck.
Posts
