RPG Superstar™ 2011

OK, so can some one explain the "Archetype" to me completely, I'm still scratching my head on that one even with whats posted above.

Are we to create our own variant class is that what it means, like variant fighter the gladiator or variant wizard the warmage?

We do mean archetypes like the ones we introduced in the Advanced Player's Guide. If you don't yet own the Advanced Player's Guide, don't worry—contestants will have access to all of the information required to handle the assignment before the round begins.

OK, but according to the schedule, you only give 3 days to create the Archetype and having the knowledge of the basics will help out greatly.

OK, so can some one explain the "Archetype" to me completely, I'm still scratching my head on that one even with whats posted above.

Are we to create our own variant class is that what it means, like variant fighter the gladiator or variant wizard the warmage?

Or does it mean a new race type....i.e. Monster "A" mates with "B" and creates "C"?

If the later is the case, I have that in spades as Ive created all kinds of new races and I'm in the middle of wrapping up another one now.

I think they mean first thing, but whenever they post the rules for that part I'm sure it will detail everything.

I googled this: New Class Archetypes and it seems relevant to your question.

Oops: maybe I should look at page 2.

OK cool, thank you that helps me a great deal. now I need to dig up some of the old variant classes Ive created in the past and give them a real close look.

OK, but according to the schedule, you only give 3 days to create the Archetype and having the knowledge of the basics will help out greatly.

The necessary information will be made freely available before that. I don't have a specific date to give you, but it won't be a last-minute thing.

Even if it were a last minute thing, a good freelancer has to be up on the game he;s expected to write for. It's not too much to ask an ambitious writer to have a copy of the rules he's being asked to use at home.

I am stoked by the archetype discussion, one immediately sprang to mind. But it goes on the back burner until I have an item that will get me off the schneid.

Focus on rounds after round one at your own peril.

To comment on you remark, Ive already created a few wondrous items and Im just picking one Ive designed in the past and making sure its tight and ready to go....:)

Just beware, Ive been creating classes and races for quit some time and always wondered if I was creative enough to be published.

Here is a link to my journal on Deviantart containing my Kha-han Warrior monk prestige class that Ive been and still am posting, just to show you what I am capable of...:)

Sorry, self promoting....lol

Focus on rounds after round one at your own peril.

I'll ditto that. Your focus right now should be on your wondrous item. That doesn't mean you can't start generating some general ideas for future rounds. In fact, I'd advise everyone to do that. Just don't let those ideas take you away from properly executing the one you're submitting for this round.

If I had to compare it to something, it's a lot like being a freelancer and having multiple assignments. You can brainstorm all you want about the ones that have the later deadlines, but it's the current deadline (and deliverable) upon which you need to focus right now.

My two-cents,
--Neil

Sorry, self promoting....lol

Self-promoting is fine, but be careful that you haven't published anything on your personal site that might make its way into the contest, both because once something's been published it is no longer legal for use in the contest and because judges seeing items that might jeopardize your anonymity in round 1 would be grounds for disqualifying your entry. Promote yourself with a wondrous item that will blow our minds and then with the content of your submissions after that. ;-)

You can brainstorm all you want about the ones that have the later deadlines, but it's the current deadline (and deliverable) upon which you need to focus right now.

Yeah.

Speaking of which don't you have a couple you need to be focusing on. ;)

Hush you. It's hard enough to concentrate on messageboard posting tonight. I'm running a fever...and hence, I'm using it to fuel my ability to lash out at others. ;-)

vikking wrote:

Sorry, self promoting....lol

Self-promoting is fine, but be careful that you haven't published anything on your personal site that might make its way into the contest,

No worries there, the only stuff on my dev. sight is the stuff I deemed as give away/free to use by any one, creations. I have folders of items, armors, weapons and all sorts of baddies I haven't even thought of typing out on my computer yet....:)

Hush you. It's hard enough to concentrate on messageboard posting tonight. I'm running a fever...and hence, I'm using it to fuel my ability to lash out at others. ;-)

Lash Neil, Ive been in your shoes several times myself....:)

A bit of advice my writing professor told me, do not write while on medication or if running a fever. If you do, go back and reread everything. You will end up rewriting the whole thing due to it no longer making as much sense as it did when sick...:)

...Focus on rounds after round one at your own peril.

There are also 18 days between the end of submissions and the announced 32. It is an anxious time for all of us, as until the 18th we still... just... might... be... in. Personally I plan to fill that time with constructive round 2 planning and PFS scenario submissions :)

I not know whut u spoke of. ;-)

A bit of advice my writing professor told me, do not write while on medication or if running a fever. If you do, go back and reread everything. You will end up rewriting the whole thing due to it no longer making as much sense as it did when sick...:)

I bet your writing professor wasn't a big fan of Bukowski. ;)

I write my best material on Ambien!

probably not....lol

A bit of advice my writing professor told me, do not write while on medication or if running a fever. If you do, go back and reread everything. You will end up rewriting the whole thing due to it no longer making as much sense as it did when sick...:)

..or you will end up with Kubla Khan.

My advice? Brainstorm in the shower. Hot water on the neck and shoulders did wonders for me.

** spoiler omitted **

Grease pencils.

What!?

Grease pencils.

What!?

Guaranteed bachelorhood/RPG Superstar.

Not the worst tradeoff I've heard today.

Came up with the goblin skull bomb while taking a nice, hot shower. True story.

A lot of my ideas for things (even storylines) come to me as I'm waking up...somewhere in that half-sleep state where you keep hitting the snooze-bar on your alarm clock, but hit RPG gold in the 7- or 9-minute delay before the next alarm jars you fully awake again.

From there, I completely agree on the hot shower thing, though. Usually, I'd find myself refining an idea from those first waking minutes by running through it while I showered.

::shrug::

Just go with what works...

My two-cents,
--Neil

Came up with the goblin skull bomb while taking a nice, hot shower. True story.

I'll say my mug, lahamu and stats for a caltrop golem all came to me while running under hot water (Yes it was a crowded shower)

Non PC

Am I the only one that prefers baths over showers for creativity time?

Hot water certainly seems to help the creative juices though. If I am having writer's block I look for an excuse to soak in the tub.

Am I the only one that prefers baths over showers for creativity time?

Hot water certainly seems to help the creative juices though. If I am having writer's block I look for an excuse to soak in the tub.

I just go for the hot sponge myself.

My advice? Brainstorm in the shower. Hot water on the neck and shoulders did wonders for me.

** spoiler omitted **

Woo! I just got out of the shower with (what I hope is) a brilliant idea for my wondrous item! I was so excited that I immediately typed a rough draft of it after toweling off! And I thought I wouldn't be able to come up with anything . . .

Looks like I've got a few weeks to fine-tune it! I'm so excited . . .

Makes you wonder what writers did before they had indoor plumbing. ^_^

Makes you wonder what writers did before they had indoor plumbing. ^_^

Hunger induced hallucinations?

Wicht wrote:

Makes you wonder what writers did before they had indoor plumbing. ^_^

Hunger induced hallucinations?

Apparently Opium helps.

Joshua Kitchens wrote:

Wicht wrote:

Makes you wonder what writers did before they had indoor plumbing. ^_^

Hunger induced hallucinations?

Apparently Opium helps.

Write drunk; revise sober.

Hi!. This is my first post in these places. I first noticed the event this morning thanks to an e-mail i got from Paizo. Since then i have been thinking about the wondrous item (even though i was in the university the whole day). I have many ideas for it, but i am very nervous about each one of them. Anyways, i finally wrote a rough concept for an item 30 minutes ago, but i don't really know anyone who could give me some feedback. I was wondering if there is a place we can get feedback from without being disqualified or running the risk of getting an idea stolen xP.

Hi!. This is my first post in these places. I first noticed the event this morning thanks to an e-mail i got from Paizo. Since then i have been thinking about the wondrous item (even though i was in the university the whole day). I have many ideas for it, but i am very nervous about each one of them. Anyways, i finally wrote a rough concept for an item 30 minutes ago, but i don't really know anyone who could give me some feedback. I was wondering if there is a place we can get feedback from without being disqualified or running the risk of getting an idea stolen xP.

I'll give you my honest feedback if you want it (for whatever that is worth).

Hi!. This is my first post in these places. I first noticed the event this morning thanks to an e-mail i got from Paizo. Since then i have been thinking about the wondrous item (even though i was in the university the whole day). I have many ideas for it, but i am very nervous about each one of them. Anyways, i finally wrote a rough concept for an item 30 minutes ago, but i don't really know anyone who could give me some feedback. I was wondering if there is a place we can get feedback from without being disqualified or running the risk of getting an idea stolen xP.

Hi Gio,

First of all, let me say Welcome and Good Luck.

I could be mistaken, but I don't believe there are any forums here at Paizo in which you could get feedback regarding your item (prior to submitting and waiting out the contest results that is).

I'd say your best bet is having your friends and family read/proofread it and have them give you feedback. (I realize you said that you don't know anyone that could give you feedback... but I thought maybe you meant you don't have a game group that you belong to...) Hmmm... at University you say? Why not have a professor that you like review it? You could explain as much to him/her as possible (all the RPG references aside, it is rather like a creative writing contest) and maybe he/she could provide insight/advice from there.

Of course if I'm mistaken in anything I said, someone official will likely tell you and give you the information you've requested.

Best of Luck to you fellow Paizoian!

Hope to see you in the contest.

Dean; The_Minstrel_Wyrm

Oh... well what Wicht offered is good too, heh heh I honestly was going to offer that as well... but thought it might be against an unspoken rule.

Dean (TMW)

There's no rule that says you can't get feedback, a proofreader, etc.

I believe there is a rule, however, that says you're not supposed to co-design something with someone. Everyone's work is supposed to stand alone so there's no flap over who actually did the work and is therefore eligible to make the Top 32 or win the prize.

In prior years, I think there was an option to actually co-design with someone, but then both designers would have had to advance together through the entire competition. And, they'd both have to write the final adventure and split the compensation for it.

In later years, I believe Paizo rescinded that option. Thus, no co-designers.

Even so, you can...and should...find others to give you feedback and help you proof your item.

As always, if I'm misdirecting anyone here, I'm sure Vic or Sean will come along and correct me.

For the record, I am not offering to edit the item - just offer constructive feedback on it.

Joshua Kitchens wrote:

Wicht wrote:

Makes you wonder what writers did before they had indoor plumbing. ^_^

Hunger induced hallucinations?

Apparently Opium helps.

I don't care what he was on, that's good poetry.

For the record, I am not offering to edit the item - just offer constructive feedback on it.

Yep. I know. Just wanted to make things as clear as possible for Dean, the Minstrel Wyrm, up there.

Matthew Morris wrote:

My advice? Brainstorm in the shower. Hot water on the neck and shoulders did wonders for me.

** spoiler omitted **

Woo! I just got out of the shower with (what I hope is) a brilliant idea for my wondrous item! I was so excited that I immediately typed a rough draft of it after toweling off! And I thought I wouldn't be able to come up with anything . . .

Looks like I've got a few weeks to fine-tune it! I'm so excited . . .

You toweled off first?

Rhys Grey wrote:

Matthew Morris wrote:

My advice? Brainstorm in the shower. Hot water on the neck and shoulders did wonders for me.

** spoiler omitted **

Woo! I just got out of the shower with (what I hope is) a brilliant idea for my wondrous item! I was so excited that I immediately typed a rough draft of it after toweling off! And I thought I wouldn't be able to come up with anything . . .

Looks like I've got a few weeks to fine-tune it! I'm so excited . . .

You toweled off first?

Heh . . . yeah, I didn't want to get the keyboard all wet! My wife thought it was interesting when she woke up and saw me typing away "fresh" out of the shower . . . :)

Hi!. This is my first post in these places. I first noticed the event this morning thanks to an e-mail i got from Paizo. Since then i have been thinking about the wondrous item (even though i was in the university the whole day). I have many ideas for it, but i am very nervous about each one of them. Anyways, i finally wrote a rough concept for an item 30 minutes ago, but i don't really know anyone who could give me some feedback. I was wondering if there is a place we can get feedback from without being disqualified or running the risk of getting an idea stolen xP.

Welcome Gio. If you want to post a _different_ item to the blazing months of items thread, I have promised to critique all of them through this month. It has given me some general things to look out for when I (re-)write my official entry and could be helpful for finding your area of expertise. :)

For proofread, I say start with your gaming group, then find a non-gamer, and lastly a gamer not of your group. Over-confidently, I skipped the first and last on the rewrites last year and was much the worst for it.

Ha! Thanks for the email! This totally rocks -- I can't wait to play. The fast deadlines after Round 2 will put the pressure on for folks who don't have pre-made material, but I think that's the point. Anyway, really glad you are doing this! Think I have a never-seen-before, awesome magic item, but then again, doesn't everyone! :)

Even so, you can...and should...find others to give you feedback and help you proof your item.

Last year I had two or three people who reviewed everything for me, and I called them my "Pit Crew". They were absolutely invaluable, and I encourage everyone in developing their own.

But here's the kicker... Something else I want to pass on to everyone.

Sometimes they were wrong.

Especially on the creative side when my instincts told me one thing and their feedback suggested something else. Almost always the response from the judges and the posters screamed, "Should have listened to your instincts, Jim."

That being said they helped with passive language, skill points for monsters, and a variety of other little niggling details. I owe them a huge debt. Yet when it came to a creative decision, more often than not I should have gone with my gut.

I'm not saying I didn't do my own work. I absolutely did. What I *am* saying is that it is a great idea to have some trusted friends give you some feedback. They'll help you catch some dumb mistakes. That being said, trust yourself. If you're advancing through Round 1 and Round 2, that's not luck. That's you kiddo. Don't second guess yourself too much.

Wicht wrote:

For the record, I am not offering to edit the item - just offer constructive feedback on it.

Yep. I know. Just wanted to make things as clear as possible for Dean, the Minstrel Wyrm, up there.

Thanks Neil, it's appreciated. :-)

And @ Wicht... I didn't mean to imply anything by-the-way... I just wasn't sure about some rules specifics, that's all.

Cheers!

Dean (TMW)

And @ Wicht... I didn't mean to imply anything by-the-way... I just wasn't sure about some rules specifics, that's all.

I didn't think you were. Just wanted to be clear of my intentions was all. :)

The_Minstrel_Wyrm wrote:

And @ Wicht... I didn't mean to imply anything by-the-way... I just wasn't sure about some rules specifics, that's all.

I didn't think you were. Just wanted to be clear of my intentions was all. :)

Okay, I'm glad that's all settled. ;)

Now, back to my Wondrous Item(s).

Makes you wonder what writers did before they had indoor plumbing. ^_^

See my above note about the hot sponge. I didn't say it had to be wet.

Wicht wrote:

...so I'm shiny. Correct?

It's great that Firefly slang is common parlance around here.

Count me in!

Gorram straight. Enter! :)