Running this campaign now. We are only at the very beginning, but I've been reading a lot about the S/V point system to better understand it and see what people are doing with it. I haven't deep dived into the part of the book yet that deals with it, but it seems pretty vague and under-cooked at first glance. Tracking points for an entire campaign to have some minor bonuses / penalties in the final battle seems like a lot of work for very little payoff. (I've read a lot of similar opinions online and that could be why I feel that way)
That has lead me, however, to play with the system a bit and see how much fun I could have with it as a GM. I've decided to "make it my own", if you will. I'm posting this in case there is anyone else out there looking for a way to "spice up" the S/V points in their own RotR adventure.
SPOILERS
As I said, we are only at the beginning. Burnt Offerings. But my players have been hard at work racking up the sins. I don't mean run of the mill adventuring stuff - I mean, the party formed at the festival by deciding to revenge kill a nameless NPC who won their money gambling on one of the games kind of sinning. So they each have some points racked up going into the catacombs.
As I'm prepping for this game, I've decided to add the following rules:
* Sin-Scent: S/V points will affect the degree to which creatures with this ability sense them. ie - if it's a Wrath Sinspawn, they will be attracted to the character with the most sin points in wrath. Being more likely to attack them in battle and getting a bonus on perception checks against them equal to the # of sin points that character has. Virtue points have the opposite effect, essentially helping shield a player against this ability.
* Sinful Bite: S/V points will be added to the DC for this ability. If a character is already predisposed to give in to a certain sin (as noted by the number of sin points), then they are more susceptible to the Sinful Bite. Virtue points have the opposite effect, essentially helping shield a player against this ability.
I will try to remember to return here and post any other ideas I have for S/V points
I would even pay additional money (re-buy) some books to have in an e-pub format. The PDF versions do not play well with e-readers. I'd really love to have a "quick reference" on my kindle at the game table, so if they had to shave out the graphics, I'd be ok with that.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Now that I'm out of the running, I'd like to point out this whole process is a long job interview. The judges are allowed to be as critical or forgiving as they want. They will have to work along side the winner.
Archetypes were likely chosen this year because they may have a project coming up that deals with archetypes. That seems the simplest answer to me. Notice that round 3 must also use an archetype. For whatever secret projects they have planned, I'm willing to wager archetypes play a big role. And the next member of the creative staff will need to be able to hit the ground running in that department.
If the judges seem a little unfair to the voters from time to time (I didn't feel that way at all) then maybe it's because they have some foresight we are not privy to. Maybe this idea gets a little more weight because it will tie in well with project X coming out in 12 months.
At any rate, thanks to the judges for all they do. It's your prerogative to be as hard on us as you want and I was not offended in the least. You ripped my archetype to shreds and brought up dozens of valid points. That's your job as judges. If I can't take the criticism, then I likely wouldn't do well working for you under a short deadline anyway, right?
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
James Martin wrote:
Postmortem of the Crooked Man:
All in all I think a great deal of the problem is less with my archetype than it is with people who play or don't play bards. Bards are and have always been a niche class. Some people hate them, some people love them. I love them. I will admit that while I love bards, I dislike musical bard a great deal.
I will 2nd that. It takes a special kind of player to make a bard forever memorable. But when that player meets that class . . . the stories live on forever.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Serpent wrote:
Fleshbinder (Summoner)
** spoiler omitted **...
WOW!! This would likely have have passed round two with a rather sizable margin. Very well done. I hope you don't give up and we will be seeing you in next years competition. You have some real talent.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
1st, and most importantly, thank you all for comments, support and votes. I appreciated all of it. Here are some thoughts about what you have all had to say.
Con Artist (Bard):
Spoiler:
Rather than sing and dance this kind of bard tells lies and manipulates people. I apparently did not make that clear in my opening statement as Neil humorously gave the example of trying to negotiate while singing and dancing. :)
I chose bard because, for the most part, if you are playing a bard, you are doing it to be a roll playing kind of character. Bards have always been synonymous with “arrow fodder” to those of a combat orientation. Those of us who enjoy the class know that their true abilities lie in the roll playing aspects of the game. I was only trying to put more of that slant on this class, and also because a con is a kind of performance.
Irresistible Charm (Ex):
Spoiler:
I didn’t see a lot of complaints about this one, so I think it started off well.
Deception (Ex):
Spoiler:
As Mark pointed out, this does not clarify when to take 10 and it’s impossible to prepare for a sense motive check. I meant that the con artist could take 10 in a stressful situation and the take 20 should have probably been restricted to bluff only.
Bardic Performance:
Spoiler:
Not to rehash the rules here, but this is the basis for how I set up my performances. An average bard starts with 4+cha bonus rounds of perform (not uses per day – rounds per day). So let’s say 7 rounds at 1st level (or 42 seconds). At 5th level that would be 15 rounds (90 seconds). At 10th level that would be 25 rounds (150 seconds). At 20th level that would be 45 rounds (270 seconds or 4.5 minutes). Since I was moving many of these abilities off the initiative board and into a role playing setting, I thought this would be self limiting. I specifically did not specify how long each performance would take because it varies based on the situation. This puts a lot of power in the hands of the GM. You might be able to inspire confidence in a barmaid in only a couple of rounds, but doing so to a local ruler or an NPC villain will take a lot longer.
Inspire Confidence (Su):
Spoiler:
I respectfully disagree that getting rid of inspire courage was a big deal. It’s frequently used, yes, but that’s because the bard has nothing better to do. Replacing it with a charm like effect would allow the bard to more effective at distracting a monster while the rouge sneaks up behind him. I’ve always hated leaning on the wall strumming my lute while all my friends are fighting. Does the bonus really help your big beefy fighters all that much?
I’ve noticed, and enjoyed, that many Paizo modules take NPC starting attitudes very seriously. I did not see that in other modules I have run. I like that and thought this would greatly benefit any party running through a Pathfinder module.
Insidious Negotiation (Su):
Spoiler:
This was by far the hardest part of the whole archetype. My original notes had this listed as +2,+4,+6 bonus to haggling checks and was slated to replace Versatile Performance. When I read Neil’s review hammering the stacking possibility I left open, I kicked myself. I scoured the book for any mention of haggling rules. There are none. But how does one play a con artist and not do the one sided deal? And also note that “one sided deal” is not limited to haggling over price, this also included negotiating of any kind. If your party has a con artists and your mission is to end the bickering between two warring nobles – your employer will be very pleased with the results of your treaty.
I was left to either throw out the concept entirely or take the gutsy move and create rules of my own. This is superstar, so I opted to take the shot. It did not play out well for me with the judges or the voters.
First off, I changed what it replaced. Big mistake. I still needed to knock out versatile performance for all the reasons you all mentioned.
Second, I overpowered it. It might have gone down a little smoother if it had only been a 5% bump each time (5-10-15-20). Still, after thinking about it and reading the responses I think I would have done it differently still. I think I would have replaced VP and gave a set amount at certain levels. 5-10-15-20%, and put a high cost on the number of rounds it takes to haggle. 5 rounds for 5%, 10 rounds for 10% etc etc; only unlocking those higher percentages at higher levels.
So, on this ability, I would argue that I played it anything but safe. I tried to design a completely new mechanic. Admittedly, I failed. But I would say that I’m not sorry that I tried it. I still feel it was not too bad for my first attempt.
Impersonation (Su):
Spoiler:
Impersonation uses the seeming spell because it covers multiple people, as does Soothing Performance which it replaces. The main difference is that seeming normally lasts for 12 hours, this only lasts as long as the performance. I thought I clarified that with “While in effect, this performance functions like the seeming spell”, but I saw it was missed by a few, as was the fact that it affects multiple people. I did, however, fail to put in the spell DC information. Bard level equals caster level for the purposes of determining the DC.
Overall, it was a very tough assignment. There are certain things you just don’t see until someone else points them out to you. I think my archetype might have fared better if there weren’t 3 of us to choose from. A lot of people liked my concept, but all of those people went into three separate buckets. I doubt anyone voted for more than one "con artist" archetype. In the end, that may have hurt all three of us.
Whether I advance or my journey ends here, thank you all for your support, your criticism and your time. I have enjoyed the ride so far.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Joel Flank wrote:
Oh man did I have a horrible dream last night. I was in a large room with the other 31 'Top 32' (that part was cool), waiting for the reveal of the round 3 rules. When it finally came, Paizo let us know that there was a required CR range of 1-3. That was bad enough, since that doesn't leave a lot of room to make interesting choices, but then it was also revealed that this round wasn't, in fact, going to be a stat block, but instead we were to submit an illustration or other visual format for our villain. I was desperately trying to make something better than a stick figure, while everyone else whipped out paints, started sculpting, or made life sized mannequins dressed in full garb.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
LOL
Thanks, now I'm going to have nightmares.
It was nice hanging out with you though ;) lol
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Thank you for your support and your feedback! I appreciate your vote. If you have questions, I'll be happy to answer them once voting for this round is closed.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Dang it Neil!!
He gets me every time too. I even thought about it before I clicked it.
Nick,
I am also equally excited to read everyone's archetypes and afraid of how good they are going to be. Based on the overall quality of round 1 submissions this will be an exciting contest.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Eric Hindley wrote:
I will go on record right now, in order to make sure that I don't say anything stupid, I probably won't comment on the archetypes until after round 2 voting has closed. I will read them all, but I personally am going to refrain to posting. It seems to be far too easy to upset the voting audience by commenting on stuff, odd as it seems.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
I love the concept and theme of this item (Druid Bomb!!), but I also agree with the mechanical issues mentioned above. Once corrected, I could see many uses for this item by many types of characters. My typical rogue would love to use this as a "getaway" device.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Hmmm, I see this as a tomb raider/Indiana Jones item. Stake this at the door, get past all the traps, steal the idol and yank the cord before the whole temple comes down on your head.
Also extremely useful when you've inadvertently angered an entire tribe of cannibals and they are chasing you.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Jim Groves wrote:
Another possible reason could be if a PC didn’t care for their Bloodline but didn’t want to re-roll their character, the GM could introduce one of these in order to make a change without disrupting the continuity of the story. Yet, that is another Plot Device.
I agree with Jim almost completely on this one. I believe the main use for this item would be as an easy way to allow a player to change bloodlines if they decide they do not like their current one.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Based on all your wonderful tips and advice I submit to you . . .
the Rewrite:
Meditation Beads of the Flaming Fist Aura Moderate evocation; CL 5th
Slot --; Price : 4760 gp (type I), 9520 gp (type II), 14300 gp (type III), 19050 gp (type IV), 23800 gp (type V); Weight --
Description
Meditation Beads of the Flaming Fist are prized by students of martial disciplines the world over. The beads resemble rosary beads in appearance and can be worn around the neck or waist, wrapped around a forearm or kept safely in a pocket.
These special beads have been enhanced by magic to do more than simply help with daily meditation. When used by a character with unused points left in her Ki pool, these beads can store up to 5 Ki points depending on the type. Storing Ki requires 1 hour of meditation per point stored. A Ki point can be drawn from the beads as easily as if drawing Ki from her own Ki pool.
Additionally, when drawing Ki from the beads, the monk may choose to sheath her fists in magical fire. This effect functions the same as a flaming weapon. Activating the beads in this way will expend 1 stored point of Ki per round. The effect continues until the wearer decides to stop or the beads run out of Ki. If there are no Ki points currently stored in the beads, this ability will not function.
Construction Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, Ki Pool and flame blade, flame strike or fireball; Cost 2380 gp (type I), 4760 gp (type II), 7150 gp (type III), 9520 gp (type IV), 11900 gp (type V)
Also, as I promised above, here are some production notes for those who are interested.
When developing my item I had 3 main goals in mind:
1. The item had to fill a gap or do something that had not yet been done.
2. The item had to have that little something extra that hopefully gave it “Superstar” status.
3. Both of those qualities had to be mechanically sound.
Part 1
Spoiler:
I settled on a ki storing item because I saw a need for it, because, if I was a monk, I’d want one, because ki is uniquely Pathfinder and because nothing currently does it. Now the problem with doing something that has never been done before is the mechanics. How can I make an item that does something that has never been done before and still make sure it is mechanically balanced?
I started scanning the Pathfinder pages for a precedent I could use. I finally settled on the spell storing mechanics. It offered a scalability that meant my item could be used by low level monks as well as high level monks. While the mechanics aren’t exactly the same they do offer a precedent that I could use for scalability and pricing.
I also had to choose an item that was distinctly monk as this was a primarily monk item. At the same time, however, I am consciously aware that, while monk is the only class with ki now, that may not always be the case. I thought about shoes, gloves, headbands, belts and anything else I could find. These beads were very close to being a broach. In the end, I decided meditation beads went with the theme of a monk. ki is about focus. Focus is achieved in martial arts through meditation. It fit the theme.
Part 2
Spoiler:
A monk battery (as it has been called) all by itself was likely not enough to make the top 32. It just wasn’t “Superstar” enough. So I started looking at what ki could do. It’s basically all the awesome stuff the Kung Fu masters can do in every movie we’ve ever seen on the topic. It really is cool stuff. At this point, please note, I had not read the Advanced Players Guide. I kept coming back to Mortal Kombat and imagining a monk burning or freezing his opponent. Why were there no rules for allowing monks to deliver a magical attack? I’ve never thought it was fair that a fighter could attack a frost giant with a flaming sword, but a monk would have to reduce their 2d6 unarmed strikes to a 1d6 weapon in order to deal fire damage. And so, I started looking at the mechanics for the magical weapons. I decided adding this ability would grant even more combinations to the original scalability and, again, I could use the existing pricing structure.
Part 3
Spoiler:
Once I had the general concept down, I set out to write the formula that would make the pricing right and keep the item balanced. I literally created a calculator in excel that calculated the price for them depending on the kind of magical enhancement and the number of ki points it could store. I can plug in the level of the spell and the caster level and get the price for all 5 iterations of the beads. You want type 3 Ghost Touch beads? 14,286.
Part 4
Spoiler:
I was pretty happy about the seemingly unlimited scalability of my item and so I set out to create it. Unfortunately, I spent way too much time on the mechanics and not enough time on the description. The judges and the forum members both found my description clunky and unclear. In rereading it, I realize I was reinventing the wheel in some places. I shouldn’t have to re-explain how monks draw on their ki, I should simply say they draw ki from the beads as they would draw ki from their own pool. Because I didn’t take the time to stream line my description, I had to toss out the 5 iterations of the item. Word count is evil, but after rewriting the item, I had room for the 5 types and I was still well under the word count. It was an eye opening experience for me. I found that if my description is clean, clear and streamlined, I shouldn’t have to worry about word count.
I also compromised one of the coolest parts of my item (the versatility of it) in order to meet word count. I don’t think I should have done that and, if I could do it again, I would have concentrated on throwing out any clunky verbiage before I ever considered changing the functionality of the item. There often is a better way of saying something, or a better way of doing something. I should have looked into those possibilities before dropping a feature of my item.
Overall, in only one round, I have learned a great deal. For that I thank you all. I am a person who accepts criticism as a challenge to do better and you have all challenged me. I hope I sufficiently rose to your challenge in round 2.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Jerry Keyes wrote:
Originally from Southern California, moved to Maryland a couple of decades back, and now I'm looking for a new place to call home. Anyone got any recommendations?
If you like nice and quiet, Indiana isn't too bad. Plus it's close to Gen Con.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
I can't find the rules for previous years' game design. I'm assuming there are stipulations of some kind. Level & campaign setting maybe?
I'm just not even sure where to start on that one. At this point I'm focusing most of brain power into cooking up a villain. Anytime I start thinking about the other rounds, I feel like I'm getting ahead of myself. (is that just me?)
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
John Bennett wrote:
And as a consolation gift, as you pointed out on another thread we get free PDF copies of the new campaign setting source book!
We do? I didn't know that. Where can I find the consolation prize page?
And Neil, I don't know which is worse. Hanging on your every teasing word about our archetypes or falling for every exploding rune joke you've posted for the last two years. I'm like a Kinder rogue, I just have to look.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Sean K Reynolds wrote:
Still waiting on three more submissions (we have 33 so far)!
Somebody is cutting it close.
Is anyone else worried about the "twist"? I'm reluctant to put too much time into a villain, for example, if the twist is going to be that we have to use one of the archetypes submitted by another contestant. Or am I over thinking it?
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Jerry Keyes wrote:
Wow, you just peeked into my dining room didn't you?!? I just started running my kids through LoF and we're having a blast. I can get them to cringe just by saying "Pugwampi".
You're probably way past the Sultan's Claw, but if you need a homemade map to run the encounter let me know and I'll send my humble rendition.
Actually, I went all out because it was Christmas. I had the monastery map blown up and printed poster sized. It was a nice touch for the kids. I also recommend the paper mini's set. They're about $3, you print them off and cut them out. It's a nice flavor touch.
We just got through the monastery. They hate pugwampis. The youngest player (8) is now referred to as "pugwampi slayer" by her siblings. She went all kinds of monk on them.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Scott Fernandez wrote:
Yep mums the word on any and all ideas you have, had, or submitted until the voting is OVER! A good piece of advice from Neil is to start thinking about your Adventure proposal as you're waiting for the next cut. I feel like I was scrambling this round and though I do like the challenge under pressure I'm gonna get to work on the next round... right after I finish prepping for gaming on Saturday!
Maps, monsters, moolah, Mt. Dew, check.
--Between a Vrock and a hard place
Hmmm. I had planned on posting a rewrite of my wondrous item. You know correct it and clean it up based on the feedback I received. Maybe I shouldn't.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Con Artist (Bard)
Con artists use their bard skills to manipulate and swindle the foolish, the greedy and anyone else they befriend. Their oratory performances are lies, their acting is manipulation and their depravity knows no bounds.
Irresistible Charm (Ex): At 1st-level a con artist gains a bonus equal to half his level on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Sense Motive checks (minimum +1). This ability replaces bardic knowledge.
Deception (Ex): At 5th level, the con artist becomes so accustomed to thinking on his feet that he can manipulate others with ease. He can take 10 on Bluff, Sense Motive and Diplomacy checks. Additionally, if he has 1 full day to rehearse and plan for the ruse, he can take 20 on any one of the checks listed above. He can use this ability one additional time per day for every six levels he possesses beyond 5th, for a maximum of three times per day at 17th level. This ability replaces lore master.
Bardic Performance: A con artist gains the following types of bardic performance.
Inspire Confidence (Su): A 1st-level con artist may use his performance instead of Diplomacy to gain the confidence of NPC's. This performance creates the effect of the charm person spell, but at the end of the performance, if the creature failed to save, their attitude shifts toward the con artist by one step for 1 day per class level. Inspire confidence is a language-dependent, mind-affecting ability that relies on audible components. This performance replaces inspire courage.
Insidious Negotiation (Su): At 8th-level a con artist can use his performance to broker a one-sided deal. To succeed, the bard may use Perform (oratory) versus the targets Sense Motive. If his check succeeds by 5 or more the deal is 10% in his favor; by 10 it is weighted by 20%; by 15 it is 30% and by 20 it is 40%. Special: if his check succeeds by more than 25 the GM may decide the outcome. Insidious negotiation is a language-dependent, mind-affecting ability that relies on audible components. This performance replaces Dirge of Doom.
Impersonation (Su): At 12th-level, a con artist may use his Perform (acting) instead of the Disguise skill to impersonate someone else. While in effect, this performance functions like the seeming spell. Impersonation is a language-dependent, mind-affecting ability that relies on audible and visual components. This performance replaces Soothing Performance.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Cody Coffelt wrote:
Remember, some archtypes are very small. If you have trouble with word count take a look at rogue archtypes. They only change out two abilities, but considerably tweak the class.
I was able to trim one of my abilities down by relating to a spell. That helped my word count significantly. Two long paragraphs trying to explain what I wanted got pared down to “this ability functions like the spell/ability/class feature XXXXX except . . .” I caught myself trying to reinvent the wheel in a couple of places. You get the idea.
Plus, as was mentioned by most everyone in my round 1 submission, my verbiage is clunky when brainstorming. So I had to do a lot of simplifying of my language. Now I think my word count is under 400 and it reads so much smoother than my round 1 item.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
This is my 2nd time entering the contest. Last year I was auto-rejected for word count. Lesson learned on that one. As for advice, I plan to post a bit on my round 1 item once I get round 2 submitted. Last year, and again this year, I read a lot of what winners said they were thinking during their design. That helped me a bunch.
Personally, I’m 36 and a divorced father of 4 kids. Ages:18g-15g-14b-8g. I’ve been where I work for about 7 years now and I’ve done a wide variety of things here. Worked my way up from call center, to account management and now I’m doing some energy analysis and database stuff. My friends have often said I’m an optimistic pessimist; I prefer realist. Lol
I love gaming, but I rarely get the chance. I had children early and spent most of my life working 2 or 3 jobs or working + school. (don’t wait till 30 to go get a college degree – it’s hurty). I’ve never really been able to get a solid group together to play. We had 2 years where I got to play pretty regular (two married couples once a month), but alas that group fell victim to divorce. <sigh> These days I’m running the Legacy of Fire adventure path for my kids. I can’t find anything else that can occupy 4 to 6 kids with a 10 year age difference for 4 hours. Can you? So gaming for me, is family time.
Shameless plug for the Paizo people: I bought my first Paizo adventure at Gen Con in 2010. I was blown away by the detail and the format. I often do not have time to design games to play with my kids or the money to spend on a bunch of gaming material. So whoever came up with the idea to sell the entire LoF set for $85 as a Christmas special, I thank you. We gamed every day for a week straight and we are just getting started.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Forum Five for giving monks more Ki!!
*slap*
Like most of the other folks, I got lost on the speed up part. But the Ki storing ability more than makes up for it. I love giving monks a way to store Ki that would otherwise go to waste. (like unused spells - where do they go at the end of the day?)
If your thought process was anything like mine, you designed a way to store Ki, read it back a few times, liked it and then said "This just isn't Superstar enough. I've got to add that little something extra."
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Eric Bailey wrote:
My biggest issue with this item is that it's not really breaking new ground. Mechanically, it's just granting you effects similar to the Extra Ki and Elemental Fist feats. Not saying that's a bad thing, it's just less exciting for it. Best of luck as you progress in the contest, and I look forward to your archetype!
Thanks Eric and everyone else who has commented on my item. I appreciate all the feedback. Please keep it coming!! The criticism is helping to polish my archetype.
I've seen a few references to the Elemental Fist feat and kept wondering what it was. I must confess that I only just downloaded the APG pdf when I suddenly found myself needing to know everything about archetypes.
Once I get my round 2 submission in I'll come back and post a little more about the design process I used on this item. Reading about how other people designed their winning items from previous years really helped me out a bunch. I want to make sure I follow that tradition.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Sadly, I had assumed I wouldn't make the cut and hadn't even checked to see what the 2nd round was going to be about. I didn't find out I had passed until about 11pm Tuesday night. Since then, I've been sleep deprived and my brain has been stuck in high gear. The first 24 hours was pretty intense, but I think I've got a pretty good archetype design going now. I've made it to the spit and polish stage and my word count is good. I plan to submit tonight and hopefully get some sleep finally.
I'm very much looking forward to reading all of your submissions. I know voting won't start until the 25th, but do they post them for reading before that?
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Nicolas Quimby wrote:
My complaint is that this all doesn't follow the flavor of the item very well (this all feels less like real 'sacrifice' and more like plain old resource management), but again, I could be misjudging what the "best" use of it is.
I'll second that. Perhaps some kind of temporary ability drain for the donor? Maybe a temp loss of Con per X points transferred. That would really make the donor a martyr of sorts and might help limit how many points they are willing (or able) to transfer.
This does seem like a handy item to have in your group if you have a fighting cleric. I know many clerics who like to wade into battle and when they go down it's bad bad news.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Congratulations James!
My two cents:
I like the theory, but I find the mechanics a little hard to digest. I wonder what it would have looked like if it was designed as a purely defensive item. Negating flank was a nice touch, I like it. Perhaps also have it grant the effect of the dodge feat and have it stack with the characters own dodge feat - you and the braid could select the same or different targets.
I also like the curse effect although I would have went with "tries to choke you in your sleep". I may be a wee bit biased, however, because my ex-wife's hair used to crawl down my throat in my sleep.
*shiver*
(I still have nightmares about the tentacle hair). And because of that, your item creeps me out.
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
So simple and sooooo gooood. I'm still reading all the items, but this one goes to the top of my list. Nicely done, James. I can see entire side adventures generated by the players themselves, just so they could use this thing.
"Hey you know what we need before we go do that thing?"
"What?"
"Some Purple Worm Poison"
"Yeah, that could come in handy."
"Let's go get some."
Danny Lundy
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
aka Bats Kabber
Hello Everyone.
I'm still in shock. It's the first time my creative work has been recognized outside my personal circle. For that alone I am eternally grateful to the judges and the community. Thank you all, it means a lot to me.
I've finally squeezed in time to read some of the other items today and I've got to say the competition is steep. You guys are really good. Bravo and good luck in round two!!
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
