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Josh posted the latest Open Call for PFS over on the blog. I'm glad that Paizo is continuing to take the next step in advancing the campaign by continuing to allow player interaction with the campaign by allowing non Paizo staff to create modules for the society.
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What I'd like to ask is whether the number of submission is limited to 1 per author. Last year we (Navdi & I) sent a submission which is more fitting to the setting for the current open call. It'd be relatively little work for both of us to make necessary modifications and resend it. We are quite confident it wasn't that bad. ;)
Falcon's Hallow or Hollow (per Campaign Setting?)
Falcon's Hallow or Hollow (per Campaign Setting?)
Nevermind, just a typo on Josh's part, but I'm sure it wasn't his fault. It was probably Gary's.
One submission per author please. Also, moved this thread to the appropriate forum.
Josh, will you accept a submission that is a collaboration between two people or do you want each person to submit a scenario on their own?
thanks
Collaborations are fine.
I would stay away from the established stories that have already happened in Falcon's Hollow. I'm not looking to do a PFS sequel to an already existing adventure.
As for the other questions, I'll answer those once/if you get selected. Otherwise, that's not really anything you need to detail for me in your proposal--you only have 750 words.
you only have 750 words.
Submission entered! Hopefully it'll provide some decent weekend reading. :)
I would like to say that I have a new respect for professional writers. Cramming enough information to have everything make sense in 750 words is extremely difficult! I am certainly glad that my day job doesn't involve combing through a document to shave off a couple hundred words. With every word I cut, I felt as though I was cutting off a small part of myself.
I don't own any of the previous PFS scenarios but have an interest in submitting something for this open call.
I don't know what is meant by "tiers" in the requirements. Is there somewhere outside of a scenario where tiers are detailed? Is there a scenario-like sample document that can be used as an example in place of the suggested scenario reading?
I've considered that I may be able to use the posted rejected submissions as sample documents but they were rejected so I imagine that makes them poor examples.
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How Falcon's Hollow -centric does the scenario need to be?
Is the scenario expected to be set in the town itself, or are (for example) Droskar's Crag and Darkmoon Woods in bounds?
I note that it's Falcon's Hollow that's specified, rather than Darkmoon Vale, but I figure it's probably worth checking.
My suggestion would be to pick up a few of the scenarios. They are only $3.99 each. Reading one is really the only way to become familiar enough with the format to write something similar.
I agree with Yoda except to say that you'd be better off purchasing a scenario from season 1, not season 0.
An even better suggestion would be to actually play and/or GM a PFS scenario before you write your submission.
Good luck!
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Anyone know if Payden "Pay Day" Teedum is supposed to be alive or dead?Generally, you shouldn't kill established NPCs in PFS scenarios, so I'd say he's supposed to stay alive.
I think the issue is less whether it's okay to kill him off in a scenario (presumably no) than
The default assumption (particularly given josh's comments above) should probably be that the various Falcon's Hollow adventures haven't occured.
The timeline/continuity problems will only get worse unless there are rulings on when particular adventures occur and which particular events in them do/don't occur (eg future products will assume the scenario "Bob versus the Big Greenie" takes place in spring 4709, that Bob gets eaten by the dragon, and that the village of Fisselfwip survives).
Falcon's Hollow's a little village in the middle of nowhere in a boring country ;) just wait til they ask for submissions set in Korvosa :(
Director of Brand Strategy
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The timeline/continuity problems will only get worse unless there are rulings on when particular adventures occur and which particular events in them do/don't occur (eg future products will assume the scenario "Bob versus the Big Greenie" takes place in spring 4709, that Bob gets eaten by the dragon, and that the village of Fisselfwip survives).
Falcon's Hollow's a little village in the middle of nowhere in a boring country ;) just wait til they ask for submissions set in Korvosa :(
Well, events of AP adventures and modules are assumed to happen in the month and year of their release, keeping in mind that 2009 in our world corresponds to 4709 in the campaign setting. But PFS scenarios specifically don't take place in a given year or month, so they can take place anywhere at any time. As for what events in other products are assumed to have happened, that gets tricky from a canon perspective. We've been told in our work on the wiki to assume that the PCs succeed. They will in a far larger percentage of campaigns prevent the death of NPCs and the destruction of the world than they will fail. If it causes continuity issues for that small percentage that didn't save the kids from Merlokrep, well they should have tried harder. ;-) This may be a good reason not to use established NPCs in the proposal, though I don't know what Josh's take on it is.
Other than your address information, everything counts toward the word count. Beyond that, follow the directions, write what you think is best, and send me only your best work.
Were the guidelines of what to include in the pitch also a mandatory format? My submission included everything asked for, but didn't organize things a., b., c., d., e.
Regardless my submission was received, but I thought I'd ask for everyone who hasn't submitted yet (and for my future submissions).
Submission sent in ... and now I'm more nervous than I was before! LOL! Good luck to all who submitted :)
I got mine in a day early, for once. :)
Good luck to everyone who submitted!
I checked my e-mail every fifteen minutes until I got confirmation it was received! I slept better last night :)
Good luck to all! Can't wait to play or Gm it!
Should we expect a confirmation email? I sent mine in with only two hours to go on the deadline. So I should begin looking every fifteen minutes around 1pm est?
Does anyone know if they are just looking to fill one spot or if they find, say, three that are great, they'll use all three? (and yes, I do recognize it was listed as Scenario 43, not 43, 44 & 45).
Good luck to all who submitted.
Should we expect a confirmation email?
I got my confirmation within the allotted 72 hours, so I imagine you will too. I was on the edge of my seat for 2 days, though, hehe.
And good luck to everyone! I'm really curious what we all managed to come up with, but I guess I'll have to wait until after acceptance/rejection notices to read any of them.
Does anyone know if they are just looking to fill one spot or if they find, say, three that are great, they'll use all three? (and yes, I do recognize it was listed as Scenario 43, not 43, 44 & 45).
It is always one spot.
Also submitted. Good luck to all.
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I'm also a 1st time submitter and wasn't expecting to be picked. With that said here is what I submitted and would love peer feedback :)
One of the key components of this adventure is the Orb of Storms, which appears to be quite a powerful magic item in it's own right. However, it was also chosen for it's general lack of practical impact on the game as a whole. Players are not meant to end up with the Orb, but if they did for some reason it wouldn't shatter game play balance. My personal feeling is that during the dam site encounter the Orb would fall in the river and be swept away, or Zindul himself might throw it in the river trusting Nature to take care of it rather than let the players take it from him.
Rain rain, go away…
A. Brief Introduction
In the waning days of summer Commander Odeber has sent word to the Lodge house. “The time has come once again to clear out the ruins of Northsap, lest any unwelcome creatures get too comfortable before arrival of fall.“
B. Brief Summary of how PCs proceeded
Rescuing the slaves from Northsap and escorting them back to Falcon’s Hallow sets the stage to further investigate the strange storm upstream at the Gold Falls. The encounters below are laid out in sequential order.
If the PCs require a large cudgel to motivate them, then it can become commonly known that Zindul the druid is using an Orb of Storms to aid his plans. The prospect of a powerful magic item can be a carrot for the players, or the Society, to continue onward.
C. Brief Summary of each encounter
a. Ruins of Northsap
When the PCs arrive in the Ruins of Northsap, they will quickly discover that something indeed has taken up residence – Hobgoblins! The Hobgoblins naturally are holding a few slaves, taken on the outskirts of Falcon’s Hollow. The slaves once free tell the PCs that the weather in the Vale has been very hash and unseasonable for several weeks. Torrential rain storms have been raging upstream and the Foam River has been creeping ever upward on Falcon’s Hallow.
b. Druid Crossing
While traveling to Falcon’s Hallow the PCs will see Zindul heading
south to the dam site. Everyone is crossing a fairly large, open plain.
The druid cannot be tracked and if the PCs attempt to follow him at
this point, he will quickly lose them.
c. Falcon’s Hollow
The town shows signs of serious storm damage. While talking with the townsfolk, the PCs learn that three weeks ago a savage storm rained down on the town with acid rain and lightning bolts. The main logging house on the Foam was totally destroyed by direct lightning strikes, and many of the docks were damaged by acid rain and strong winds. Townsfolk also tell of massive rain storms near the Gold Falls and that seem to rage for days on end. The Foam River is rising daily.
d. Gold Falls
Talking with Mierson Berekland and others at the Gold Falls Inn confirms there have been very strong rain storms at the base of the Falls for several weeks, bad for business. The PCs are likely to have traveled through one to get here. A stranger, who did not stay at the Inn was seen at the top of the Falls holding a shiny orb in one hand before the last storm broke. There are several different skills that might allow the PCs to realize that the rain alone isn’t making the water rise.
e. Dam Site
Less than half a day down river from Falcon’s Hallow, Zindul has been busy here as well. Rather than making rain, he is building a dam! Along the river bank long, thin earthen bricks are being stacked into the river. There are chunks missing in the nearby hills where the earth has been removed. Zindul has been traveling here, using his Stone Shape spells to transform 15’ cubes of earth into long, thin bricks which are being stacked and placed by several (4-6) brown bears. Between the dam and the torrential rains Zindul means to flood Falcon’s Hallow off the map! At this stage of construction the dam will be fairly easy (2-3 hours) for the PCs to destroy, after the bears have been dealt with.
f. Wolfrun Hills –Bandits (optional)
When confronted by the PCs Zindul will attempt to flee back to his lair in the Wolfun Hills. The local bandits (about 6-8) know better than to bother Zindul, but he will rely on their nature to ambush his pursuers.
g. Wolfrun Hills – Zindul’s Lair
The crumbling cliffs form a grotto which Zindul lives in. He is also living in equilibrium with a pack (4-6) of Dire Wolves who will not be thrilled by the presence of outsiders and attack.
D. Brief Conclusion
The PCs cannot completely fail in this investigation, Falcon’s Hallow cannot be flooded off the map as Zindul intends. However there is plenty of leeway to allow the PCs to fail early, or not ‘get it’ and see the extent of their failure/inaction. More buildings can get flooded close to the Foam as the waters continue to rise. Zindul can use the Orb to summon a Storm of Vengeance once a month and plans to attack the town again directly with it which can also be worked into the story at the DM’s discretion, as it has been about one month since the last attack.
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Director of Brand Strategy
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Well, I know I didn't get it. First time I submitted a scenario. Not really sure I should submit any more. As it was, something I came up with turned out to be in someone else's earlier rejected submission. I should have done my research.
Unless they posted it on the board, there's no way to know that. It never hurts to keep trying though. In the end, it's only 750 words, but if you write the proposal Josh wants, it's a great opportunity. I hope you aren't too discouraged.
Two big rejections for me tonight. First I was turned down for a promotion at work, then rejected for the Open Call. What a great way to start the weekend!
I think I'll keep the ideas to myself and flesh out the adventure. Maybe I could get it published elsewhere (Wayfinder #3?).
I guess my biggest disappointment is the lack of feedback for first time submitters. That makes it really hard to know what needs improvement and if it's worth it to enter the next Open Call.
I can offer my sympathies to those who didn't get selected. This is my fourth rejection. :)
Don't get discouraged by it. I learn something new every time I submit something.
I'll post my entry in a separate post for folks to critique.
RPG Superstar 2013
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Kyle - I don't know if you were around the boards when the first open calls were held, but it turns out that feedback halted after the first two. Too many submissions in too short a time frame.
I can tell you that a high priority seems to be placed on uniqueness, wow-factor, following directions and not stumbling on something there is already a plan to work more on later. I was a finalist in the first open call, and the primary reason expressed to me for rejection was an element I wouldn't be allowed to write about.
Although it might just be that Josh doesn't love me, anymore.
Come back, Josh! I have snackie cakes!
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Director of Brand Strategy
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Also, a lot of people took the feedback and constructive criticism really personally and then tried to argue in their own defense which was both ugly and a not productive for anyone. Josh posted a generic advice for PFS submissions column here. Since official feedback stopped, a lot of people have posted their submissions for feedback and most of the responses from peers has been constructive and useful.
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Well, I know I didn't get it. First time I submitted a scenario. Not really sure I should submit any more. As it was, something I came up with turned out to be in someone else's earlier rejected submission. I should have done my research.
There is no way you could have known what has been submitted before. All you can do is try, and try again until you get a yes. If you learned something from this on your own, you are ahead of the next guy who didnt turn a submission in. Good luck next time. I am glad there is at least an open call. I imagine these opportunities dont happen normally where writers can get noticed.
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Two big rejections for me tonight. First I was turned down for a promotion at work, then rejected for the Open Call. What a great way to start the weekend!
I think I'll keep the ideas to myself and flesh out the adventure. Maybe I could get it published elsewhere (Wayfinder #3?).
I guess my biggest disappointment is the lack of feedback for first time submitters. That makes it really hard to know what needs improvement and if it's worth it to enter the next Open Call.
In this economy, I think at least getting work trumps getting promoted.
Still though, that sucks.You can still use the ideas for your home game and you definately have a better chance at getting published in the Wayfinder book. It is an excellent opportunity.
Yoda is dead on with the feedback though. Check out the other threads to learn what the dos and donts are and post your idea in another thread so we can all learn from the expierience.
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I too got my first submition rejection last night. I wasn't expecting to get picked, but thought this more like a recon mission on what's good and what's not. But, like so many others I did not get any feedback, so I am posting my submition here hoping for yours.
I am not a writer and don't play one on TV. This is my first submition anywhere so I am very interested in what the public has to say. I really appreciate your feedback.
When Sinnume betrayed the Darklight Sisterhood by stealing a list of Chelaxian spies embedded in the Andoran government, she never thought that it would trigger a clandestine proxy war. Fleeing to Falcon’s Hollow, she uses her underworld contacts to arrange passage to Almas where she plans to sell the list for a sizeable fortune.
SUMMARY
At the Sitting Duck, the PCs meet with Sinnume, Gregore Matkriax, a Lumber Consortium businessman, and Dominisious Salpados, the local Pathfinder Venture-Captain. Salpados asks the PCs to escort Sinnume and a Pathfinder artifact to Almas. On the way to the docks, the PCs are ambushed by Andoran operatives attempting to capture the stolen list. The PCs then leave the town aboard the Trout.
Later that night, the ship is boarded by Darklight Sorceresses and their summoned Fire Elementals seeking to kill Sinnume and capture the list. The PCs fight to escape the burning Trout and must swim to shore to continue on foot.
Taldan operatives shadowing the Trout ambush the PCs from hidden treetop-positions. The PCs find Taldan orders to secure the “artifact”. Shortly thereafter, the PCs are intercepted by Andoran Eagle Knights who execute a warrant to arrest Sinnume for High Treason. The knights ask the PCs to accompany them back to town to sort out the Pathfinders’ involvement.
Back in Falcon’s Hollow, Sinnume is handed over to the local Sheriff, Deldrin Baleson. Sinnume, realizing that she is unlikely to reach Almas alive begs for protection, confesses her crime and absolves the PCs of being complicit in the plot.
The order of the subsequent events depends on the PCs’ decision to either protect Sinnume or return to the Pathfinder Lodge. Based on their choice, one of two encounters is optional. If the PCs choose to protect Sinnume, they are confronted at the town’s jail by a Darklight Necromancer and her Skeleton minions. Otherwise, if the attack on the jail is optional, the PCs arrive too late and find Sinnume’s murdered body. Regardless, Sheriff Baleson deputizes the PCs and asks them to protect the other targets.
At the lodge, if this encounter is optional, the PCs find Dominisious’ body in the lodge’s Great-room. Otherwise, they find Dominisious’ strangled and confront a Darklight Druid and her Assassin Vine.
In either encounter, the PCs find orders to kill Sinnume, Gregore, Dominisious and the PCs in orchestrated attacks during the night.
At Gregore’s, the PCs find him covered in blood and three dismembered Darklight Sisters. The local businessman transforms into his Werewolf form and fights the PCs. After the battle, the PCs find evidence of Gregore’s involvement in the conspiracy.
ENCOUNTER SUMMARY
ACT 1
T1-2(CR2)
TWILIGHT TALON ROGUE(2) CR1/2
T3-4(CR4)
TWILIGHT TALON ROGUE(4) CR1/2
T6-7(CR7)
TWILIGHT TALON FIGHTER(3) CR2
TWILIGHT TALON ROGUE(2) CR2
TWILIGHT TALON WIZARD(1) CR2
ACT 2
Special: Ship in on fire and sinking.
T1-2(CR3)
FIRE ELEMENTAL, SMALL CR1
DARKLIGHT TIEFLING SORCERESS(2) CR1/2
T3-4(CR5)
As T1-2 + FIRE ELEMENTAL, SMALL(2) CR1
T6-7(CR8)
DARKLIGHT TIEFLING SORCERESS(2) CR3
FIRE ELEMENTAL, MEDIUM(2) CR3
ACT 3
Special: Attack from hidden treetop-positions.
T1-2(CR3)
TALDAN ELVEN RANGER CR1/2
TENGU(2) CR1/2
T3-4(CR5)
TALDAN ELVEN RANGER CR1
TENGU(4) CR1/2
T6-7(CR8)
TALDAN ELVEN RANGER CR4
TENGU(2) CR4
TENGU, EVOCER WIZARD CR4
ACT 4 (OPTIONAL)
Notes: Only one Act from Act 4 or 5 is optional.
Special: Sleeping PCs may start the encounter unarmored and weaponless.
T1-2(CR3)
DARKLIGHT TIEFLING NECROMANCER CR1/2
DWARVEN FIGHTER SKELETON(3) CR1/3
T3-4(CR5)
DARKLIGHT TIEFLING NECROMANCER CR1
DWARVEN FIGHTER SKELETON(3) CR1
T6-7(CR8)
DARKLIGHT TIEFLING NECROMANCER CR4
DWARVEN FIGHTER SKELETON(3) CR4
ACT 5 (OPTIONAL)
Notes: Only one Act from Act 4 or 5 is optional.
T1-2(CR1)
DARKLIGHT ELVEN DRUID CR1
T3-4(CR3)
ASSASIN VINE, SMALL CR1
DARKLIGHT ELVEN DRUID CR1
T6-7(CR6)
ASSASIN VINE CR3
DARKLIGHT ELVEN DRUID(2) CR3
ACT 6
T1-2(CR3)
WEREWOLF(Gregore Matkriax) CR3
T3-4(CR5)
WEREWOLF(Gregore Matkriax) CR3
WOLF, DIRE CR3
T6-7(CR8)
WEREWOLF(Gregore Matkriax) CR5
WOLF, DIRE(4) CR3
CONCLUSION
In Gregore’s home, the PCs discover evidence that the list is a Taldan fabrication aimed at instigating conflict between Cheliax and Andoran. Gregore, unhappy with the Lumber Consortium’s weakened position in Andoran, worked covertly to undermine the fledgling democracy. He agreed to help the Taldans and used his Pathfinders’ connection to help Sinnume reach Almas but was compromised when the Chelaxians traced her to him. With the evidence of the Taldan conspiracy, the PCs may inform the Andoran authorities and possibly prevent a war. Otherwise, the Andoran’s proceed to cleanse the alleged spies and are left in a tenuous position the Taldans will undoubtedly seek to exploit.
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I too got my first submition rejection last night. I wasn't expecting to get picked, but thought this more like a recon mission on what's good and what's not. But, like so many others I did not get any feedback, so I am posting my submition here hoping for yours.
I am not a writer and don't play one on TV. This is my first submition anywhere so I am very interested in what the public has to say. I really appreciate your feedback.
Please post this as a separate thread to recieve feedback. thx
Two big rejections for me tonight. First I was turned down for a promotion at work, then rejected for the Open Call. What a great way to start the weekend!
I guess my biggest disappointment is the lack of feedback for first time submitters. That makes it really hard to know what needs improvement and if it's worth it to enter the next Open Call.
Kyle, sorry to hear about the missed promotion. I hope the PFS games on Sunday were a better way to end the weekend!
My submission was also rejected. I'll post it in another thread. For those with means and opportunity, come to Paizocon next year. With any luck, Josh will hold another seminar for ten people whose open call submissions were rejected. I hear that this year's scenario was really helpful for those who attended, and now I meet the requirements to attend next year.
P.S. There are many other fabulous reasons to attend Paizocon as well.
Added spoiler tags to Elessar's post to trim the thread down.
Anyone interested in the next open call should check the blog tomorrow.