paizo.com Recent Posts by Seth Whitepaizo.com Recent Posts by Seth White2023-11-29T06:31:48Z2023-11-29T06:31:48ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: Got the three 5E Core Rule Books: Now what should I buy?Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t7ic?Got-the-three-5E-Core-Rule-Books-Now-what#382015-12-31T06:24:46Z2015-12-31T06:24:46Z<p>Oh nice. I like the beanstalk. So are the plant creatures pod people? :)</p>
<p>Also a shark jaw portal is pretty awesome. Thats why you should pick up hirelings—so you're not the first one through the shark jaw portal.</p>Oh nice. I like the beanstalk. So are the plant creatures pod people? :)
Also a shark jaw portal is pretty awesome. Thats why you should pick up hirelings--so you're not the first one through the shark jaw portal.Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2015-12-31T06:24:46ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: Got the three 5E Core Rule Books: Now what should I buy?Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t7ic?Got-the-three-5E-Core-Rule-Books-Now-what#362015-12-31T03:53:12Z2015-12-31T03:53:12Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">SmiloDan wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Seth White: that sounds awesome!!! </p>
<p>The storm under the city in the clouds is going to be "thick" enough for aquatic creatures to swim through, so the upper surface of the storm seen from the city will occasionally reveal the tentacles of donnerkraken, schools of flying fish, and cabals of ixitxachitl. </blockquote><p>Oh very nice! Interesting mix of both water and air. Your campaign world sounds really amazing. I really like that description of the storm cloud. And sorry, but I just can't help but promote an interesting way for the PCs to <a href="http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2kbs6?Vessel-of-the-Deep" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">explore the depths</a> of that storm.
<p>Your races sound very thematic, though I wonder how the plant creatures would work? Are there hanging gardens, or some kind of sea algae? I'm not picturing traditional forests in the world you described, unless you're talking sargassum? Or are there other areas of the world that would have trees and such? </p>
<p>My plane sprang into being when the PCs explored the Hidden Shrine of Tamoachan, and opened a hatch in the ceiling. In the original module, it was just a trap that caused a whirlwind, but didn't go anywhere. I couldn't have a hatch in a ceiling that didn't go anywhere. And it gave me a license to put some really out-there stuff in the world.</p>SmiloDan wrote:Seth White: that sounds awesome!!!
The storm under the city in the clouds is going to be "thick" enough for aquatic creatures to swim through, so the upper surface of the storm seen from the city will occasionally reveal the tentacles of donnerkraken, schools of flying fish, and cabals of ixitxachitl.
Oh very nice! Interesting mix of both water and air. Your campaign world sounds really amazing. I really like that description of the storm cloud. And sorry, but I just can't...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2015-12-31T03:53:12ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: Got the three 5E Core Rule Books: Now what should I buy?Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t7ic?Got-the-three-5E-Core-Rule-Books-Now-what#342015-12-31T03:23:32Z2015-12-31T03:23:32Z<p>I recommend the <a href="http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/145542/Elemental-Evil-Players-Companion-5e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Elemental Evil Player’s Companion</a> free PDF, and POD softcover for $10 at DriveThruRPG. </p>
<p>Or if you want to buy a whole hardcover, Princes of the Apocalypse does sound like it might be useful for you to mine for encounters and dungeons. </p>
<p>SmiloDan, your campaign sounds very, very interesting to me. </p>
<p>My players are currently in my reimagined version of the elemental plane of air. The plane is built of immense primordial elemental storms and their satellite cloud islands. Gravity is subjective, the wind is alive, and cloud-stuff is amorphous, semi-solid material (at times treated as vaporous rock, sand, mud, or quicksand — with time, you can fashion a castle in the clouds, but over time it will dissipate). </p>
<p>Spelljammer ships facilitate travel between the enormous storms. The PCs are currently in an escheresque floating djinn city in the eye of a godstorm. Subjective gravity makes for very interesting encounters, especially when the PCs haven't got much figured out yet ( also they know the land "beneath" the city is an enormous solid lightning storm, but they don't know it's alive yet). </p>
<p>For sourcebooks I'm primarily using the three 5e core books, Princes of the Apocalypse, and random 2e Planescape and Spelljammer stuff. I'm also drawing from some material from Beyond Countless Doors by Malhovic Press for 3e and Golden Hells and Shadow Planes by Kobold Press for PF, and converting on the fly as needed.</p>I recommend the Elemental Evil Player’s Companion free PDF, and POD softcover for $10 at DriveThruRPG.
Or if you want to buy a whole hardcover, Princes of the Apocalypse does sound like it might be useful for you to mine for encounters and dungeons.
SmiloDan, your campaign sounds very, very interesting to me.
My players are currently in my reimagined version of the elemental plane of air. The plane is built of immense primordial elemental storms and their satellite cloud islands. Gravity...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2015-12-31T03:23:32ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: D&D psionics playtest is up for 5ESeth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sf26?DD-psionics-playtest-is-up-for-5E#222015-07-18T15:35:08Z2015-07-18T15:35:08Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dustin Ashe wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I was under the impression that 5e Unearthed Arcana were not playtests. We've had, what?, half a dozen so far. And none of that material has been officially released in a product.</p>
<p>No guarantee of a release. I think they've said that for now they're only doing adventures. </blockquote><p>Their model is to release an adventure path, and along with the AP, release a complementary rules book. The Elemental Evil Players Companion (free PDF at <a href="http://media.wizards.com/2015/downloads/dnd/EE_PlayersCompanion.pdf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">wizards.com</a> or low-price softcover at DrivethruRRPG) introduced aarakockra, genasi, goliaths, and deep gnome races, as well as new spells.
<p>Psionics won't be incorporated in the new Rage of Demons module, but I won't be surprised if they're in the next one, or the one after (which I'm hoping will be Eberron)</p>Dustin Ashe wrote:I was under the impression that 5e Unearthed Arcana were not playtests. We've had, what?, half a dozen so far. And none of that material has been officially released in a product.
No guarantee of a release. I think they've said that for now they're only doing adventures.
Their model is to release an adventure path, and along with the AP, release a complementary rules book. The Elemental Evil Players Companion (free PDF at wizards.com or low-price softcover at...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2015-07-18T15:35:08ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: Terminology around 5E "being OGL"Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2s828?Terminology-around-5E-being-OGL#332015-07-18T15:08:56Z2015-07-18T15:08:56Z<p>I see what the OP is saying, but it seems more pedantic than practical.</p>
<p>The D&D 3x core rulebooks were not released under the OGL, true.</p>
<p>But the rules that were released in the OGL were highly compatible with most of the D&D 3.5 rules.</p>
<p>I think a main concern for those who want a 5e OGL is to avoid legal issues if they use new edition rules, concepts, or terminology in their new OGL games. For instance, Advantage/Disadvantage, Backgrounds, Short/Long Rest, Hit Dice healing, the Concentration mechanic, Strength Saving Throw (and other ability-related saving throws), Wisdom (Perception) check, Maneuvers, Channel Divinity, and other specific class-based terms and rules.</p>
<p>Some or all of these rules may be usable, but to those who aren't lawyers and who are risk-averse, it seems like dangerous territory.</p>
<p>I also think there are 3PP that want to maintain a good working relationship with WotC and the D&D community, and who want to avoid the perception of skirting the spirit of the OGL, not just the letter of the law. I think this is especially true of companies like Kobold Press, who created a D&D 5e licensed game and no doubt want the opportunity to get future licensed work. I'm sure Wolfgang would consider waiting to publish 5e content if he thought it would jeopardize working on actual licensed products that would sell better. Not to mention that most 3PP have a real love for the authentic D&D worlds and characters.</p>I see what the OP is saying, but it seems more pedantic than practical.
The D&D 3x core rulebooks were not released under the OGL, true.
But the rules that were released in the OGL were highly compatible with most of the D&D 3.5 rules.
I think a main concern for those who want a 5e OGL is to avoid legal issues if they use new edition rules, concepts, or terminology in their new OGL games. For instance, Advantage/Disadvantage, Backgrounds, Short/Long Rest, Hit Dice healing, the...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2015-07-18T15:08:56ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: 5th Edition vs Pathfinder CritiqueSeth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rlhf?5th-Edition-vs-Pathfinder-Critique#162014-11-09T05:48:24Z2014-10-16T15:52:42Z<p>I think Pathfinder has forced WotC to get back in shape and work to make their game better. I think they took their best ideas from older editions, 4e, 3e, and Pathfinder, and even some indie games, and have made a game that is better than anything they have ever done since perhaps the first game that invented RPGs. </p>
<p>This is really great to me. In a perfect world, we would have two awesome game systems with two excellent design teams competing and driving the quality of the product up through competition. </p>
<p>I really love the art of Wayne Reynolds and the Pathfinder look, but I think the 5e PHB and MM are two of the most beautiful RPG books I've seen. The full-page art pieces in those books are so awesome, and there is so much good art. I think Paizo does an amazing job, but for me, the 5e books I have pull ahead. </p>
<p>I really like the new Advantage/Disadvantage mechanics. I like the simplicity of character creation. I like the overall streamlining of the system. I like the idea of the Inspiration/background rules, but I'm not 100% comfortable with them yet. I need to wait and see how much use they'll have in the game. I think the cantrips are good and I really like the spells leveling up at higher levels. I also like the ability score bonus/feat system, and how the feats are more unique and important. </p>
<p>I don't like the auto-healing overnight and I houseruled that away, but I'm ok with the Hit Dice/short rest mechanic. Beyond that, there isn't a lot that I prefer from Pathfinder over 5e. I think 5e has most of what I really liked about 3e/PF built into the system, and has trimmed away a lot of the stuff I don't think is important. I do like the extra race and class options of Pathfinder, but some of the newer stuff like modern weapons don't do anything for me. </p>
<p>I guess I'd rather play 5e right now than try and houserule 5e tweaks to the Pathfinder game. I think Pathfinder is a more complex game, and has a lot more tactical options. If anything, I might try and convert some homebrew Pathfinder class or race options over to 5e. And I'll definitely continue using Pathfinder's awesome adventure paths.</p>
<p>Basically there are light rules systems like the OSR/Old school style games, medium rules systems like D&D 5e, and complex rules systems like Pathfinder. I think each has its own play style. I think Mike Mearls did a really good job in finding a sweet spot for the new version of D&D, and I think this is going to end up being my default game. I'll still continue to buy Paizo accessories and adventures, but I don't know if I'll get any more of their rulebooks.</p>I think Pathfinder has forced WotC to get back in shape and work to make their game better. I think they took their best ideas from older editions, 4e, 3e, and Pathfinder, and even some indie games, and have made a game that is better than anything they have ever done since perhaps the first game that invented RPGs.
This is really great to me. In a perfect world, we would have two awesome game systems with two excellent design teams competing and driving the quality of the product up through...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2014-10-16T15:52:42ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: The Return of Necromancer Games - Back to Support 5ESeth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r8j4&page=3?The-Return-of-Necromancer-Games-Back-to#1032014-08-08T14:45:10Z2014-08-08T14:45:10Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Chuck Wright wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
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<p>Preliminary spell list for the Book of Lost Spells and an interview with Ed Greenwood about 5E and his contribution to Quests of Doom!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/necromancergames/necromancer-games-back-for-5th-edition/posts" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Clicky Clicky for the updaties</a> </blockquote><p>I'm still hoping I can afford to buy all three print books, but if I can't scrape together the money will there be an option to buy pdfs of the other two books?Chuck Wright wrote:Preliminary spell list for the Book of Lost Spells and an interview with Ed Greenwood about 5E and his contribution to Quests of Doom!
Clicky Clicky for the updaties
I'm still hoping I can afford to buy all three print books, but if I can't scrape together the money will there be an option to buy pdfs of the other two books?Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2014-08-08T14:45:10ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: The Return of Necromancer Games - Back to Support 5ESeth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r8j4&page=3?The-Return-of-Necromancer-Games-Back-to#1022014-08-08T14:43:57Z2014-08-08T14:43:57Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">LordofMuck wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
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<p>Now i'm thinking hmm... if i get these new Necromancer 5th books, even if i don't like the actual 5th ed. D&D... hell at least the stat blocks looks totally compatible to C&C or any other retroclone (with ascending AC) </blockquote><p>I'm converting my current S&W/Labyrinth Lord/LotFP Razor Coast/Red Tide (haha yeah I can't just leave well enough alone) game over to 5e using the free online D&D Basic pdf. There are a few differences of course (more hit points for PCs, slightly higher stat modifiers, etc). This new edition does remind me a lot of C&C, with a couple extra cool rules (I really dig the advantage/disadvantage rules).
<p>I trust Necromancer to get that sweet old school feeling right. I just wish I had enough to get all three books. Maybe if I save my pennies I can get them all. I'm really, really hoping the spells book gets funded. I'm especially interested to see how they scale some of their spells for higher levels.</p>LordofMuck wrote:Now i'm thinking hmm... if i get these new Necromancer 5th books, even if i don't like the actual 5th ed. D&D... hell at least the stat blocks looks totally compatible to C&C or any other retroclone (with ascending AC)
I'm converting my current S&W/Labyrinth Lord/LotFP Razor Coast/Red Tide (haha yeah I can't just leave well enough alone) game over to 5e using the free online D&D Basic pdf. There are a few differences of course (more hit points for PCs, slightly higher stat...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2014-08-08T14:43:57ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: Mike Mearls L&L: Basic D&DSeth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r3ds&page=2?Mike-Mearls-LL-Basic-DD#602014-07-09T22:48:19Z2014-07-09T22:48:19Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">thejeff wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
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<p>It's technically possible to have a system where more design options don't lead to more power, but it's very difficult to pull off and I've never actually seen it in practice. </blockquote><p>Well I agree with you there. I think that's the case for every edition. Look at 1e Unearthed Arcana, 2e Skills and Powers, 3e Complete X, and the Pathfinder Advanced/Ultimate splatbooks. Not to mention 3rd party publishers.
<p>It seems with rpg's (and especially with the OGL), there's no way to limit the potential options available. Some power creep always happens as more people publish more options. </p>
<p>But that doesn't mean Basic D&D 5e won't be a perfectly good, very playable game, even without using all the options. And playing a 5e basic rogue using nothing but the free pdf may just be similar to playing a PF rogue using nothing but the core rulebook. </p>
<p>There's nothing wrong with that approach at all, and sometimes it's a relief to not have to fiddle with rules from multiple books.</p>thejeff wrote:It's technically possible to have a system where more design options don't lead to more power, but it's very difficult to pull off and I've never actually seen it in practice.
Well I agree with you there. I think that's the case for every edition. Look at 1e Unearthed Arcana, 2e Skills and Powers, 3e Complete X, and the Pathfinder Advanced/Ultimate splatbooks. Not to mention 3rd party publishers. It seems with rpg's (and especially with the OGL), there's no way to limit the...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2014-07-09T22:48:19ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: Will you be switching to D&D Next when it comes out or will you stay with Pathfinder?Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r1qo&page=15?Will-you-be-switching-to-DD-Next-when-it#7462014-07-09T22:20:38Z2014-07-09T22:20:38Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Tequila Sunrise wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
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But it seems that 5e fans don't take house ruling any more lightly than other editions. :)</blockquote><p>Well of course, the people at ENWorld tend to be some of the most vocal fans of the game. I think one thing that's interesting about 5e is how many different people, from OSR grognards to 4e anime fans are at least looking into the system.
<p>Of course everything won't please everyone. There will be fans from each edition who will very vocally say that 5e is the worst thing ever, others will argue about playing 5e by RAW, plenty will like it ok as a 2nd or 3rd system, but not keep as their main system, and many will house-rule some of the rules they don't really care for.</p>
<p>But overall, I think D&D is doing everything right so far: an open playtest, re-releasing their old catalog as PDFs, reprinting the old 1e stuff, posting their design notes on their design blog and forum, and releasing the basic rules for free as a PDF. </p>
<p>The main missing piece to me is the Game License, but seeing 3rd party publishers tentatively embracing the new edition when they didn't with the last edition may be a good sign. Only time will tell if the legal department steps up like the design and development team has.</p>Tequila Sunrise wrote:But it seems that 5e fans don't take house ruling any more lightly than other editions. :)
Well of course, the people at ENWorld tend to be some of the most vocal fans of the game. I think one thing that's interesting about 5e is how many different people, from OSR grognards to 4e anime fans are at least looking into the system. Of course everything won't please everyone. There will be fans from each edition who will very vocally say that 5e is the worst thing ever,...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2014-07-09T22:20:38ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: The Return of Necromancer Games - Back to Support 5ESeth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r8j4?The-Return-of-Necromancer-Games-Back-to#472014-07-09T23:22:07Z2014-07-09T22:05:57Z<p>This makes me supremely happy. </p>
<p>I'm switching my current 0e Razor Coast/Red Tide game over to 5e, so it's super great to see the support from quality publishers like Frog God Games/Necromancer Games (which in my mind is a top 5 D&D Publisher, with obviously Paizo and WotC, and then Goodman Games and Lotfp rounding out the others).</p>
<p>Top-notch third-party support like this makes me FAR more likely to be content playing 5e, rather than bouncing around from system to system like I have been over the last 5 years or so.</p>This makes me supremely happy.
I'm switching my current 0e Razor Coast/Red Tide game over to 5e, so it's super great to see the support from quality publishers like Frog God Games/Necromancer Games (which in my mind is a top 5 D&D Publisher, with obviously Paizo and WotC, and then Goodman Games and Lotfp rounding out the others).
Top-notch third-party support like this makes me FAR more likely to be content playing 5e, rather than bouncing around from system to system like I have been over...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2014-07-09T22:05:57ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: Will you be switching to D&D Next when it comes out or will you stay with Pathfinder?Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r1qo&page=15?Will-you-be-switching-to-DD-Next-when-it#7442014-07-09T21:50:32Z2014-07-09T21:50:32Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Diffan wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
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In short, many of the 4E-isms have remained but received a "old school" paint job and don't call out game-ist elements like "squares" or "Push, Pull, Slide". Additionally they went back to the older wording for things like adventuring day instead of Encounters. </p>
<p>Most of this I find pretty funny because if someone had just done with with 4E at the onset such as formatted the powers to look like 3.5 spells / Maneuvers ala Tome of Battle instead of the color-coded boxes, removed Squares with Feet, used more traditional / fluid terminology instead of gamer jargon, and made it more clear that powers were subject to DM adjudication then I think 4E would probably still be supported by the fanbase to this day.</p>
<p>It's quite funny to see many 4E-naysayers gush over how great WotC is for bringing D&D <i>back</i> when so many 4E elements have remained on the fundamental level.
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</blockquote><p>I totally agree, and in fact if you look at <a href="http://www.koboldpress.com/k/front-page16254.php#.U724wqg9veY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kobold Quarterly's 4e stuff</a>, it has that feel. Just using a serif font and not putting the stats in a box makes it much more palatable to older D&D players.
<p>And really, Pathfinder borrowed a lot from 4e too, but that didn't really upset people since they did it under the radar.</p>Diffan wrote:In short, many of the 4E-isms have remained but received a "old school" paint job and don't call out game-ist elements like "squares" or "Push, Pull, Slide". Additionally they went back to the older wording for things like adventuring day instead of Encounters. Most of this I find pretty funny because if someone had just done with with 4E at the onset such as formatted the powers to look like 3.5 spells / Maneuvers ala Tome of Battle instead of the color-coded boxes, removed...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2014-07-09T21:50:32ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: Basic D&D PDF is availableSeth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r89n&page=3?Basic-DD-PDF-is-available#1032014-07-05T20:19:57Z2014-07-05T20:19:57Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Chuck Wright wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I, personally, feel that if they had put out 4E as any other game OTHER than the "New D&D" it would have been more successful. In fact, I think that they should take the rules and re-brand it as a Magic: The Gathering RPG.</p>
<p>My gut tells me that they learned a few lessons from their mistakes (the GSL, the PDF pulling, the marketing that many perceived to mock older editions of the game) and that the current game will last a good long time. </blockquote><p>I hope so. I'm a huge fan of the open playtest, the D&D classics pdfs, the 1e reprints, and now the free Basic PDF. All of these are signs that they're listening totheir fans and that they carefirst and foremost about D&D as a brand that people have loved for 40 years.
<p>There may besome mechanics I'll end up houseruling, just like every edition I've played (including 3.75), but overall I really like what I see. I justhope itwon't be too long of a wait for non FR setting material.</p>Chuck Wright wrote:I, personally, feel that if they had put out 4E as any other game OTHER than the "New D&D" it would have been more successful. In fact, I think that they should take the rules and re-brand it as a Magic: The Gathering RPG.
My gut tells me that they learned a few lessons from their mistakes (the GSL, the PDF pulling, the marketing that many perceived to mock older editions of the game) and that the current game will last a good long time.
I hope so. I'm a huge fan of the...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2014-07-05T20:19:57ZRe: Forums: Campaign Journals: Hoist the Colours—a Skull & Shackles/Freeport/Razor Coast Pirate CampaignSeth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qmx5?Hoist-the-Colours-a-Skull#92014-03-02T21:50:09Z2014-03-02T21:50:09Z<p>Great to see your campaign journal. I'm planning on doing the same thing — mixing Skull & Shackles with Razor Coast. This is really useful; I don't think there's anything else out there with advice on how to do this.</p>Great to see your campaign journal. I'm planning on doing the same thing -- mixing Skull & Shackles with Razor Coast. This is really useful; I don't think there's anything else out there with advice on how to do this.Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2014-03-02T21:50:09ZRe: Forums/RPG Superstar™: General Discussion: A plea for sanitySeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qlam?A-plea-for-sanity#322014-01-21T21:37:48Z2014-01-21T03:27:12Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Neil Spicer wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
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Ah, yes. The email notification. That would be the official notice I initially missed during my year. With the main RPG Superstar page refusing to load because the website was so busy, I wound up visiting the DMTools chatroom and finding out I made the Top 32 when Liz greeted me with a hearty congratulations. From there, they encouraged me to check my email and there it was. The official notice. </blockquote><p>My experience was kind of the opposite. I submitted and kind of forgot about it, thinking I didn't really have a chance. So I was very pleasantly surprised when I got a random email saying I made it in the top 32.Neil Spicer wrote:Ah, yes. The email notification. That would be the official notice I initially missed during my year. With the main RPG Superstar page refusing to load because the website was so busy, I wound up visiting the DMTools chatroom and finding out I made the Top 32 when Liz greeted me with a hearty congratulations. From there, they encouraged me to check my email and there it was. The official notice.
My experience was kind of the opposite. I submitted and kind of forgot about...Seth White2014-01-21T03:27:12ZRe: Forums: Open Call: Design a wondrous item: Quicksand CloakSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pa9n?Quicksand-Cloak#372013-01-23T18:15:20Z2013-01-23T18:15:20Z<p>This is awesome and my favorite item by far this year. Looking forward to seeing your future submissions.</p>This is awesome and my favorite item by far this year. Looking forward to seeing your future submissions.Seth White2013-01-23T18:15:20ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Kingdoms of Legend: The Cold North (PFRPG)Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/products/btpy8typ/discuss?Kingdoms-of-Legend-The-Cold-North#32012-05-15T21:17:14Z2012-05-15T21:17:14Z<p>Great work on the setting! I'm really enjoying the Kingdoms of Legend line, and incorporating a lot into my home game. It was a real honor to do the artwork, and I'm looking forward to seeing the book in print!</p>Great work on the setting! I'm really enjoying the Kingdoms of Legend line, and incorporating a lot into my home game. It was a real honor to do the artwork, and I'm looking forward to seeing the book in print!Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2012-05-15T21:17:14ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Neil Spicer: Editors' Choice JudgeSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2npp2?Neil-Spicer-Editors-Choice-Judge#182012-03-12T20:31:52Z2012-03-12T20:31:52Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Oceanshieldwolf wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
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<p>This is a great thread.
<br />
Neil/Sean: is any of this <b>old material</b> still available? As a fledgling I'd like to start right! </blockquote><p>You can find some of Sean's old <b>3.5</b> articles <a href=" http://www.seankreynolds.com/rpgfiles/misc/misc.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>. They are useful to read for the thinking behind them, and the topics that they cover, but some of the specific rules information does not apply to Pathfinder.
<p>Of course, read through the Auto-Reject and Critique My Item threads, and the comments of the top 32's and later rounds as well. There really is a ton of useful information here that all the RPG Superstar judges have compiled over the years. </p>
<p>I especially like the different perspectives of the judges. Neil, Sean, Ryan, and Clark each approach the game from different places, and it's really interesting to see where they agree or disagree on a certain design choice. Of course, the submissions that get Recommends from all the judges are the cream of the crop since they appeal to different kinds of gamers and get all the little parts right as well. </p>
<p>And Neil's analysis of each submission is second to none. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty, spending hours and hours to help out future freelancers.</p>Oceanshieldwolf wrote:This is a great thread.
Neil/Sean: is any of this old material still available? As a fledgling I'd like to start right!
You can find some of Sean's old 3.5 articles here. They are useful to read for the thinking behind them, and the topics that they cover, but some of the specific rules information does not apply to Pathfinder. Of course, read through the Auto-Reject and Critique My Item threads, and the comments of the top 32's and later rounds as well. There really is...Seth White2012-03-12T20:31:52ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Top 16 Round 3 Monster Mash is on!Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nlaj?Top-16-Round-3-Monster-Mash-is-on#202012-02-09T21:19:39Z2012-02-09T21:19:39Z<p>I love the bulette, remorhaz, and the aboleth. Off-limits, but I still love succubi. The drider is pretty good too, but see limited use in my games because of their association with drow</p>I love the bulette, remorhaz, and the aboleth. Off-limits, but I still love succubi. The drider is pretty good too, but see limited use in my games because of their association with drowSeth White2012-02-09T21:19:39ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Official "Critique My Item" ThreadSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ni75&page=22?Official-Critique-My-Item-Thread#10532012-02-09T19:29:37Z2012-02-09T19:29:37Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Neil Spicer wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Seth White wrote:</div><blockquote> <b>Incendiary Pipe</b></blockquote><p><span class=messageboard-ooc><b>Full Submission:</b></span>
</p>
•• spoiler omitted ••
<br />
•Whoa! Smoking black powder? O_o</p>
<p>•The whole premise... </blockquote><p>Thanks much for the comments. That was kind of where I thought I'd net out after a little reflection.
<p>I struggled with an item keyed to a class mechanic that would also be inclusive of other classes, but lost all focus. I probably should have stuck with some of my jnitial thoughts of a gunslinger-only item, though I think smoking might have been a bit controversial for RPG Superstar. In the future I think I'll avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drug-related items.</p>
<p>I really appreciate your comments, and I'll try harder next year. Thanks!</p>
<p>Ps: whoever posted "•I WILL CRAM AWESOMENESS, GRIT, STEAMPUNK, SMOKING, AND GUNSLINGERS INTO ONE ITEM!" made me laugh out loud, so thanks for that. :)</p>Neil Spicer wrote:Seth White wrote: Incendiary Pipe
Full Submission:
** spoiler omitted **
*Whoa! Smoking black powder? O_o*The whole premise... Thanks much for the comments. That was kind of where I thought I'd net out after a little reflection. I struggled with an item keyed to a class mechanic that would also be inclusive of other classes, but lost all focus. I probably should have stuck with some of my jnitial thoughts of a gunslinger-only item, though I think smoking might have been a...Seth White2012-02-09T19:29:37ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Official "Critique My Item" ThreadSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ni75&page=21?Official-Critique-My-Item-Thread#10502012-02-09T17:14:34Z2012-02-09T17:14:34Z<p>Neil,</p>
<p>I wasn't going to do this, but I've had a change of heart while reading this thread. </p>
<p>Is it possible to look up my <i>incendiary pipe</i> submission? I know I don't have the most up-to-date version of it here at work. If you'd rather, I can repost this request later tonight when I have my final draft available. </p>
<p>Thanks.</p>Neil,
I wasn't going to do this, but I've had a change of heart while reading this thread.
Is it possible to look up my incendiary pipe submission? I know I don't have the most up-to-date version of it here at work. If you'd rather, I can repost this request later tonight when I have my final draft available.
Thanks.Seth White2012-02-09T17:14:34ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create a new organization: The Pure LineSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nizy?The-Pure-Line#292012-02-09T16:59:18Z2012-02-09T16:59:18Z<p>Congrats on making it to the next round, and thanks for the behind-the-scenes thoughts on your organization. It was really cool to see your ideas and your initial brain-storming. I didn't end up voting for your organization, but your comments help me understand where you were coming from. It was a really solid organization. I didn't have any complaints about it; it just didn't excite me like some of the entries.</p>
<p>Good luck on the next round, and thanks for the notes on your entry. I'm looking forward to what you create for your monster. Good luck!</p>Congrats on making it to the next round, and thanks for the behind-the-scenes thoughts on your organization. It was really cool to see your ideas and your initial brain-storming. I didn't end up voting for your organization, but your comments help me understand where you were coming from. It was a really solid organization. I didn't have any complaints about it; it just didn't excite me like some of the entries.
Good luck on the next round, and thanks for the notes on your entry. I'm looking...Seth White2012-02-09T16:59:18ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Create a new organization: The Six-Hundred GeishaSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nit9?The-SixHundred-Geisha#332012-02-09T14:38:31Z2012-02-09T14:38:31Z<p>Eric, best of luck in your next design projects. I voted for your entry, and I'll keep my eye out for your name on other RPG products and hopefully in Superstar in the coming years.</p>Eric, best of luck in your next design projects. I voted for your entry, and I'll keep my eye out for your name on other RPG products and hopefully in Superstar in the coming years.Seth White2012-02-09T14:38:31ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Round 2 Exit Poll - Create an OrganizatonSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2njxk?Round-2-Exit-Poll-Create-an-Organizaton#432012-02-07T16:40:24Z2012-02-07T16:30:22Z<p>I've never liked the exit poll thread. I know why it exists, but I feel like it sways voters to rally around the front-runners. I know it's a tradition in this contest, but I've never been a huge fan. </p>
<p>Of course it may be sour grapes because my Round 2 entry didn't too so hot years back. :)</p>I've never liked the exit poll thread. I know why it exists, but I feel like it sways voters to rally around the front-runners. I know it's a tradition in this contest, but I've never been a huge fan.
Of course it may be sour grapes because my Round 2 entry didn't too so hot years back. :)Seth White2012-02-07T16:30:22ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Disappointing (Edit: No, just tired and grumpy :))Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk7g&page=2?Disappointing#612012-02-07T16:23:08Z2012-02-07T16:23:08Z<p>I liked many of the entries, and I found it hard voting for only 8. I don't understand those who say only a couple were worthy of their vote. Even if an entry isn't perfect, there is often a lot going for it that makes it valuable. </p>
<p>I think designing an organization within the word count that fits into the crowded campaign setting is a challenge. And some were up to it more than others I think. I sketched out a couple organizations earlier, only to find out there was a lot of overlap with existing groups. So i can see the challenge in this round. I think for the most part, the contestants did a great job. </p>
<p>I read the judges' comments, but I didn't take them as gospel truth. In fact, I personally disagreed with several of the judges on many entries — not because I think I know better, or because I presume to know Golarion better, but because I know what I like. And the entries that interested me the most got my vote. The ones that played it really safe, even if they fit in the world well, didn't get my vote.</p>I liked many of the entries, and I found it hard voting for only 8. I don't understand those who say only a couple were worthy of their vote. Even if an entry isn't perfect, there is often a lot going for it that makes it valuable.
I think designing an organization within the word count that fits into the crowded campaign setting is a challenge. And some were up to it more than others I think. I sketched out a couple organizations earlier, only to find out there was a lot of overlap with...Seth White2012-02-07T16:23:08ZRe: Forums: Open Call: Design a wondrous item: Rajah's SilhouetteSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2naiv?Rajahs-Silhouette#192012-01-25T16:24:35Z2012-01-25T16:24:35Z<p>I really like this item. It reminds me of an effect in <i>Kraken</i> by China Mieville, which is by no means a negative. </p>
<p>I think this item would be a lot of fun for players, and creative problem-solving. I'll be including this in my game sometime soon. </p>
<p>Congrats!</p>I really like this item. It reminds me of an effect in Kraken by China Mieville, which is by no means a negative.
I think this item would be a lot of fun for players, and creative problem-solving. I'll be including this in my game sometime soon.
Congrats!Seth White2012-01-25T16:24:35ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: It's almost Top 32 time... a few wordsSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ni79?Its-almost-Top-32-time-a-few-words#272012-01-24T21:10:30Z2012-01-24T20:17:44Z<p>Can't wait for the Top 32 reveal! </p>
<p>HUGE thanks to Clark, Neil, Ryan, and Sean for their countless hours reviewing, critiquing, and fighting over our submissions. It takes a lot of time, dedication, and sacrifice to make this contest everything it is - THANK YOU! RPG Superstar is one of the best things to happen for this game, and we're very lucky for Lisa, Eric, James, and all the awesome people at Paizo for their love of the game. This contest is a lot of fun, as a competitor or voter, and I'm looking forward to seeing all the great entries.</p>
<p>LESS THAN 2 HOURS TO GO!</p>Can't wait for the Top 32 reveal!
HUGE thanks to Clark, Neil, Ryan, and Sean for their countless hours reviewing, critiquing, and fighting over our submissions. It takes a lot of time, dedication, and sacrifice to make this contest everything it is - THANK YOU! RPG Superstar is one of the best things to happen for this game, and we're very lucky for Lisa, Eric, James, and all the awesome people at Paizo for their love of the game. This contest is a lot of fun, as a competitor or voter, and...Seth White2012-01-24T20:17:44ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: All Items Sorted, So Begins "The Winnowing"Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nfn5&page=2?All-Items-Sorted-So-Begins-The-Winnowing#522012-01-14T15:25:03Z2012-01-14T15:25:03Z<p>And that wouldn't necessarily be a good thing, since we're encouraged to follow the examples in the core rulebook. More likely, they could identify an item by "didn't an item last year refer to Asxanthalas' Reign of Fiery Terror too? Homebrew item. Reject"</p>And that wouldn't necessarily be a good thing, since we're encouraged to follow the examples in the core rulebook. More likely, they could identify an item by "didn't an item last year refer to Asxanthalas' Reign of Fiery Terror too? Homebrew item. Reject"Seth White2012-01-14T15:25:03ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Words from the RPG Superstar TrenchesSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5ld06?Words-from-the-RPG-Superstar-Trenches#172012-01-13T03:58:35Z2012-01-13T03:58:35Z<p>Thanks for posting, Sean and Jerral! It's really great to hear from these up-and-coming Superstars what the contest means to them. Looking forward to your comments and participation throughout this year's contest. And looking forward to seeing everything you'll be writing in the coming months/years.</p>Thanks for posting, Sean and Jerral! It's really great to hear from these up-and-coming Superstars what the contest means to them. Looking forward to your comments and participation throughout this year's contest. And looking forward to seeing everything you'll be writing in the coming months/years.Seth White2012-01-13T03:58:35ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Analyzing a Magic Item Stat BlockSeth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5ld00?Analyzing-a-Magic-Item-Stat-Block#82012-01-10T19:37:11Z2012-01-10T19:37:11Z<p>On the minimum DC for a magic item, are you allowed to alter that for a higher cost item? </p>
<p>Say you create a simple SIAC item using a 5th level spell and a 2nd level spell. The DC for the 5th level spell would be appropriate, but the DC for the 2nd level spell might be a practical auto-save for the enemies it's supposed to affect. </p>
<p>Can the designer adjust the DC of the 2nd level spell so it isn't underpowered for the level the item would be used for? If that was adjusted how would that affect pricing?</p>On the minimum DC for a magic item, are you allowed to alter that for a higher cost item?
Say you create a simple SIAC item using a 5th level spell and a 2nd level spell. The DC for the 5th level spell would be appropriate, but the DC for the 2nd level spell might be a practical auto-save for the enemies it's supposed to affect.
Can the designer adjust the DC of the 2nd level spell so it isn't underpowered for the level the item would be used for? If that was adjusted how would that affect...Seth White (RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2012-01-10T19:37:11ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Common themes and itemsSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nf1g?Common-themes-and-items#502012-01-13T03:31:47Z2012-01-10T03:31:15Z<p>It could be subliminal pop culture. The Sherlock Holmes movies had quite a bit of pipe smoking. Of course, the Hellboy movies had iconic cigar-smoking and those were a few years back. I guess it's hard to know why certain items align like they do each year.</p>It could be subliminal pop culture. The Sherlock Holmes movies had quite a bit of pipe smoking. Of course, the Hellboy movies had iconic cigar-smoking and those were a few years back. I guess it's hard to know why certain items align like they do each year.Seth White2012-01-10T03:31:15ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Round 1 Deadline is Tomorrow!Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lczj?Round-1-Deadline-is-Tomorrow#202012-01-06T19:23:53Z2012-01-06T19:23:53Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">InVinoVeritas wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Buckinin wrote:</div><blockquote> can one submit only up to 4:59 PM eastern time, or is submitting on exactly 5 PM okay??? just a hypothetical question.... </blockquote><p>It won't matter, because that's precisely when your computer freezes up for a couple minutes, delaying the release of the submission to 5:01 PM. That's the sort of thing you Just Don't Risk.
</p>
</blockquote><p>haha that's so true.InVinoVeritas wrote:Buckinin wrote: can one submit only up to 4:59 PM eastern time, or is submitting on exactly 5 PM okay??? just a hypothetical question....
It won't matter, because that's precisely when your computer freezes up for a couple minutes, delaying the release of the submission to 5:01 PM. That's the sort of thing you Just Don't Risk.
haha that's so true.Seth White2012-01-06T19:23:53ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Round 2 Challenge Preview--Organization NameSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lcyx&page=2?Round-2-Challenge-PreviewOrganization-Name#732012-01-06T19:21:05Z2012-01-06T19:21:05Z<p>I've got an idea in the back of my head, but it may be a tad complex for the word-count. Once we get the actual rules I'll start putting it down on paper, and see how it fleshes out. And if I don't hit top 32 that's ok because I'll just drop it into my home game.</p>I've got an idea in the back of my head, but it may be a tad complex for the word-count. Once we get the actual rules I'll start putting it down on paper, and see how it fleshes out. And if I don't hit top 32 that's ok because I'll just drop it into my home game.Seth White2012-01-06T19:21:05ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: If I submit my item, and I lose, do I still forfeit ownership to Paizo?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ne50?If-I-submit-my-item-and-I-lose-do-I-still#432012-01-06T19:15:48Z2012-01-06T19:15:48Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Matthias_DM wrote:</div><blockquote> In the end, I really think Paizo is just trying to protect there arses here. I mean, if thousands of entries come in, they are bound to begin filling up the realm of ideas pretty soon. They don't want to make similar items in the future and be sued by some a-hole. </blockquote><p>Yeah, if you're gonna run a contest like this you HAVE to have a clause like that in it. Otherwise you really are asking for someone to sue you just because they see something in a book they think is like something they submitted 3 years ago.Matthias_DM wrote:In the end, I really think Paizo is just trying to protect there arses here. I mean, if thousands of entries come in, they are bound to begin filling up the realm of ideas pretty soon. They don't want to make similar items in the future and be sued by some a-hole.
Yeah, if you're gonna run a contest like this you HAVE to have a clause like that in it. Otherwise you really are asking for someone to sue you just because they see something in a book they think is like...Seth White2012-01-06T19:15:48ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: If I submit my item, and I lose, do I still forfeit ownership to Paizo?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ne50?If-I-submit-my-item-and-I-lose-do-I-still#422012-01-06T19:10:25Z2012-01-06T19:10:25Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Demonskunk wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Iii'monna wait 'til next year.
</p>
gotta come up with something I'm ok with giving up, and 4 and a half hours isn't exactly the best time span to come up with a winner.</p>
<p>@Seth
<br />
Maybe this is an incorrect assumption, but it seems like the RPG superstars tiers seem to be building toward the final goal of writing an adventure, so wouldn't it make sense for the item to be related to the organization, and the organization to be related to the monster?</p>
<p>It's perfectly easy to write an item that CAN hold a significant amount of backstory, but doesn't need all of it to function properly or make sense, right?</p>
<p>I mean, a cool item is cool no matter what - if it needs paragraphs of back story to be cool, then it's history is cool, but it isn't. </blockquote><p>It's too bad you don't feel confident to submit something this year, with the deadline looming close. I totally respect what you're saying, and I wish you the best of luck getting your stuff published, and on your item next year.
<p>I don't know if I communicated what I was trying to say. </p>
<p>I think this contest is hard enough for someone to get into the top 32, and progress round after round to the top 4. Tying your hands by having a pre-existing theme that links them all together just adds extra complexity. Especially with the various twists on each round. </p>
<p>My advice is to just do your best to win each round at a time, and to concentrate on making it into the top 32. After that, if it still works to try and thematically link each submission, and also present the best entry you can come up with, then go for it. I personally think that it's best to just try your hardest to come up with the single best round 1 item you can, and put all your energy into that. You're competing with hundreds, if not over a thousand, other talented and creative RPG players, some of whom have freelance credits of their own. </p>
<p>Sure it would be cool to see someone create a killer item and continue a theme that linked to that throughout the entire contest, but only if that means each round the submission is really awesome. It doesn't matter if it's thematically related if it gets eliminated in round 2.</p>Demonskunk wrote:Iii'monna wait 'til next year.
gotta come up with something I'm ok with giving up, and 4 and a half hours isn't exactly the best time span to come up with a winner.@Seth
Maybe this is an incorrect assumption, but it seems like the RPG superstars tiers seem to be building toward the final goal of writing an adventure, so wouldn't it make sense for the item to be related to the organization, and the organization to be related to the monster?
It's perfectly easy to write an...Seth White2012-01-06T19:10:25ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Round 1 Deadline is Tomorrow!Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lczj?Round-1-Deadline-is-Tomorrow#142012-01-06T15:21:58Z2012-01-06T15:21:58Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">RonarsCorruption wrote:</div><blockquote></p>
<p>Well, there's probably the same chance that a regular poster on this or any other board is someone who winds up being in the top 32 as any other arbitrary group. </p>
<p>However, the people who regularly post on these boards tend to be the ones who are more interested, invested and involved in the contest, so there's probably a better chance they were one of the ones who actually put forth a really excellent idea.</p>
<p>We'll see at the ever-looming deadline who it winds up being. </blockquote><p>I'm really hoping you or someone from the item-a-month club this last year breaks into the top 32. It was a lot of fun reading your entries and critiques. Good luck!RonarsCorruption wrote:Well, there's probably the same chance that a regular poster on this or any other board is someone who winds up being in the top 32 as any other arbitrary group.
However, the people who regularly post on these boards tend to be the ones who are more interested, invested and involved in the contest, so there's probably a better chance they were one of the ones who actually put forth a really excellent idea.
We'll see at the ever-looming deadline who it winds up being.
...Seth White2012-01-06T15:21:58ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: If I submit my item, and I lose, do I still forfeit ownership to Paizo?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ne50?If-I-submit-my-item-and-I-lose-do-I-still#382012-01-06T14:53:45Z2012-01-06T14:53:45Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">ShadowcatX wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">michaeljpatrick wrote:</div><blockquote> You should never worry about someone stealing your ideas. Ideas are cheap. It's execution that matters. </blockquote>Tell that to the people who came up with the idea for facebook. </blockquote><p>The Winklevii? That's a good example. The Winklevoss twins came up with a couple of the ideas, but Mark Zuckerberg is the one who did all the work coding Facebook and coming up with a viable business strategy. And the courts sided with Zuckerberg.
<p>I'm not saying IP isn't valuable. It is. But it's not valuable if it isn't marketed, or if an audience doesn't want it. Whereas an established trusted, known brand with a committed audience can hire someone to create IP for them, and allow the creator to leap frog all of those steps. For many people, getting the chance to work for a company like Paizo, which is the #2 (or maybe even tied for #1 now) hobby RPG publisher, is worth sacrificing some small IP. </p>
<p>Now as far as the OP is concerned, I'd say it's best NOT to submit their idea. I think it's better to think of round 1 as a one-off item, and not try to submit an integrated theme for all items. Come up with the single best item you can, and don't tie it into your world and races and such. I think it's very possible that you're too close to those things, and they'll probably skew your perspective on the item. Better to design a new item with a fresh perspective.</p>ShadowcatX wrote:michaeljpatrick wrote: You should never worry about someone stealing your ideas. Ideas are cheap. It's execution that matters.
Tell that to the people who came up with the idea for facebook. The Winklevii? That's a good example. The Winklevoss twins came up with a couple of the ideas, but Mark Zuckerberg is the one who did all the work coding Facebook and coming up with a viable business strategy. And the courts sided with Zuckerberg. I'm not saying IP isn't valuable. It is....Seth White2012-01-06T14:53:45ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: No Backstory!!!Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nbk4&page=2?No-Backstory#852012-01-06T05:04:43Z2012-01-06T05:04:43Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Sean Huguenard wrote:</div><blockquote> Ah, crap, I cocked up and put some backstory into my submission. It was vague, but it's still there. This is what I get for not doing a double check of the advice forums. </blockquote><p>well if it's got plenty of mojo, you can get past some of the auto-rejects. Good luck on a back-to-back top 32!Sean Huguenard wrote:Ah, crap, I cocked up and put some backstory into my submission. It was vague, but it's still there. This is what I get for not doing a double check of the advice forums.
well if it's got plenty of mojo, you can get past some of the auto-rejects. Good luck on a back-to-back top 32!Seth White2012-01-06T05:04:43ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: If I submit my item, and I lose, do I still forfeit ownership to Paizo?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ne50?If-I-submit-my-item-and-I-lose-do-I-still#232012-01-06T05:40:11Z2012-01-06T04:52:55Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Vic Wertz wrote:</div><blockquote> For one thing, though we've had four complete years of running this contest, we've thus far republished only a tiny amount of content—a small handful of items that made the Top 32 in their year appeared in a short article in Kobold Quarterly, and one or two later-round entries have found their way into actual Paizo products (though in different forms). We will be including some items from this year and years previous in the upcoming Ultimate Equipment book... but part of the reason for that is that the community keeps •asking• us to. (And, of course, we credit the authors for their work.)</blockquote><p>I can't speak for the others who got their RPG Superstar items published in KQ, but it was really awesome to see mine in print, credited to me, and complete with art. And much, much more valuable than the $10 or so a 300-word submission is "worth" at normal freelance rates.
<p>(Edit: as an aside, I'm sure the KQ article was done to raise awareness of the contest — not because Paizo can't easily make a better item than my flawed submission.)</p>Vic Wertz wrote:For one thing, though we've had four complete years of running this contest, we've thus far republished only a tiny amount of content—a small handful of items that made the Top 32 in their year appeared in a short article in Kobold Quarterly, and one or two later-round entries have found their way into actual Paizo products (though in different forms). We will be including some items from this year and years previous in the upcoming Ultimate Equipment book... but part of the...Seth White2012-01-06T04:52:55ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: If I submit my item, and I lose, do I still forfeit ownership to Paizo?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ne50?If-I-submit-my-item-and-I-lose-do-I-still#112012-01-05T23:31:53Z2012-01-05T23:31:53Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Vic Wertz wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Seth White wrote:</div><blockquote> The judges and developers have said they don't do this so they can steal our ideas. They all have enough talent to come up with their own awesome wondrous items. It's for legal issues in case they come up with something in the future that happens to be similar. They don't have time to search through the hundreds of submitted wondrous items to make sure they didn't accidentally come up with something along the same lines. </blockquote><p>All correct.
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Seth White wrote:</div><blockquote> Now, considering that we are designing items under the Open Game License, I'm not sure how that works. To be honest, I'm pretty sketchy on the OGL and its full legal ramifications... </blockquote>The OGL doesn't transfer or undermine copyright in any way. </blockquote><p>Ok. Like I said, I'm really sketchy on how the OGL works . And I certainly would be insane to pretend to be knowledgeable about the OGL, with Clark Peterson and Ryan Dancey around to put me in my place!! :)
<p>I wasn't sure if any of RPG Superstar was published under the OGL or not. I thought that perhaps the mechanics were open content, but not the "flavor" copy. But, to be clear, I know 0.00000 about how the OGL really works.</p>Vic Wertz wrote:Seth White wrote: The judges and developers have said they don't do this so they can steal our ideas. They all have enough talent to come up with their own awesome wondrous items. It's for legal issues in case they come up with something in the future that happens to be similar. They don't have time to search through the hundreds of submitted wondrous items to make sure they didn't accidentally come up with something along the same lines.
All correct. Seth White wrote:Now,...Seth White2012-01-05T23:31:53ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: "Level" of knowledge gathered from DC checks?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ne2t?Level-of-knowledge-gathered-from-DC-checks#42012-01-05T23:25:56Z2012-01-05T23:25:56Z<p>Yeah if you have general rules questions that may pertain to your item, it's a good idea to ask them outside the RPG Superstar threads.</p>Yeah if you have general rules questions that may pertain to your item, it's a good idea to ask them outside the RPG Superstar threads.Seth White2012-01-05T23:25:56ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: If I submit my item, and I lose, do I still forfeit ownership to Paizo?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ne50?If-I-submit-my-item-and-I-lose-do-I-still#72012-01-05T23:13:25Z2012-01-05T23:13:25Z<p>Yes, the contest rules say they own the wondrous item, whether you get picked or not. </p>
<p>"All entries become the property of Paizo Publishing, LLC. Paizo Publishing is not responsible for lost entries."</p>
<p>Now, considering that we are designing items under the Open Game License, I'm not sure how that works. To be honest, I'm pretty sketchy on the OGL and its full legal ramifications, but it's easiest to assume that submitting an item to the contest means it becomes the property of Paizo, just like the rules say.</p>
<p>The judges and developers have said they don't do this so they can steal our ideas. They all have enough talent to come up with their own awesome wondrous items. It's for legal issues in case they come up with something in the future that happens to be similar. They don't have time to search through the hundreds of submitted wondrous items to make sure they didn't accidentally come up with something along the same lines. </p>
<p>If you progress to Round 2, then they will own the organization you submit, and so on. Of course the further you progress in the contest, the easier it will be to get freelance work with Paizo and 3PP in the future, which makes up for giving your couple of ideas to Paizo. </p>
<p>Chances are you've got hundreds or thousands of ideas within you if you're gonna freelance, and you'll likely come up with more as Paizo develops more mehanics and world information. So giving Paizo a couple of them for the chance to win the #1 RPG contest is pretty much worth it.</p>Yes, the contest rules say they own the wondrous item, whether you get picked or not.
"All entries become the property of Paizo Publishing, LLC. Paizo Publishing is not responsible for lost entries."
Now, considering that we are designing items under the Open Game License, I'm not sure how that works. To be honest, I'm pretty sketchy on the OGL and its full legal ramifications, but it's easiest to assume that submitting an item to the contest means it becomes the property of Paizo, just...Seth White2012-01-05T23:13:25ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: Round 2 Challenge Preview--Organization NameSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lcyx&page=2?Round-2-Challenge-PreviewOrganization-Name#692012-01-05T22:39:23Z2012-01-05T22:39:23Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">illuminar wrote:</div><blockquote> Unfortunately I submitted a lackluster item in round 1 before I realized what the RPG Superstar was all about. I might still post an orgainization in the comments just for fun. I'll wait to see if by chance I made it in the top 32 first though. </blockquote><p>In the past, people who didn't make the top 32 posted their Round 2 ideas and talked about them in a thread dedicated to that. But they usually waited a while so they didn't steal the spotlight from the top 32 contestants.illuminar wrote:Unfortunately I submitted a lackluster item in round 1 before I realized what the RPG Superstar was all about. I might still post an orgainization in the comments just for fun. I'll wait to see if by chance I made it in the top 32 first though.
In the past, people who didn't make the top 32 posted their Round 2 ideas and talked about them in a thread dedicated to that. But they usually waited a while so they didn't steal the spotlight from the top 32 contestants.Seth White2012-01-05T22:39:23ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Remember people, this is RPG-Freaking-SuperStar!Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2na47?Remember-people-this-is-RPGFreakingSuperStar#492012-01-05T22:12:12Z2012-01-05T22:12:12Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">GoldenOpal wrote:</div><blockquote><p> All I am trying to say is that if you make it clear what are looking for in the contest rules and description, you are more likely to get it. And if you don’t, it is silly to be surprised when you don’t get what you want. </p>
<p>American Idol is a good comparison. Billed as a singing competition where singing ability, is not what the judges are really looking for. Again, nothing wrong with that. But… for the Idol judges to then be surprised about contestants assuming singing is the talent being judged, at least for the first round before the public voting starts. It just doesn’t make sense. Yes, anyone who watches Idol can easily figure out singing isn’t what it is about. I’m simply pointing out, there is no reason to give contestants and viewers the impression that it is. Or maybe there is a reason that I simply don’t understand. Either way, don’t be surprised when people get the wrong impression. </p>
<p>It was wrong for me to expect the rules and guidelines of RPG Superstar to tell me what the contest is about. I get that now.
<br />
</blockquote><p>I don't get the misunderstanding. The judges have been very explicit of what the rules are from the very beginning. And people have consistently been able to not only meet the minimum of the rules, but also come up with items that are also interesting and imaginative.
<p>In 2008, when the contest began, they were able to select 32 people who they felt had the necessary understanding of the rules and the creativity to be able to write for Paizo in the future. And, if you look at the top 4, they were right. Christine Schneider wrote a great module, Jason Nelson freelances regularly for Paizo, Rob McCreary is a developer, and Clinton Boomer has a ton of freelance credits of his own (especially with Rite Publishing). Look at year two. Neil is judging this competition, after all. I won't list every contestant who went on to write for Paizo, but it's obvious that the judges have been pretty spot-on in finding talent. </p>
<p>Of course every person who makes the top 32 doesn't end up getting published. Every year, there are people who aren't quite there, and who peter out along the way because they weren't up to snuff (myself for instance — I totally flubbed round two with my monster design). Maybe in a few instances, a judge saw some potential and golden-ticketed someone who wasn't ready for the big time. But that's a risk worth taking. Sometimes a lot of "mojo" can compensate for sloppy rules-fu, and maybe really solid understanding of the rules can compensate for the tiny spark of creativity. And then in some items, there is a whole lot of creativity, in addition to a thorough understanding of the rules. And THOSE are the people who often end up doing the best. Because they have a good grasp of the rules, and a deep reservoir of creativity and innovation.</p>
<p>I don't see where you're drawing the conclusion that somehow the rules can tell you everything you need to know to win. In every instance, you need to put in something of yourself to win something, whether it's a game, a business proposal, anything worth doing. The rules are enough to not get disqualified or docked, the advice columns are guidelines to follow to avoid the easy mistakes, and the rest is your imagination, your experience playing the game, your hard work researching areas you're unfamiliar with, etc. And if you managed to come up with a mechanically solid item, that showed strong creativity, and avoided the auto-reject categories, then you probably made it into the top 32. And if you hit on one of those categories, and didn't on the others, maybe you did such a great job in that aspect that you still squeaked into the top 32. </p>
<p>That's up to the judges. But they've had a pretty good track record so far in finding Superstar talent.</p>GoldenOpal wrote:All I am trying to say is that if you make it clear what are looking for in the contest rules and description, you are more likely to get it. And if you don’t, it is silly to be surprised when you don’t get what you want.
American Idol is a good comparison. Billed as a singing competition where singing ability, is not what the judges are really looking for. Again, nothing wrong with that. But… for the Idol judges to then be surprised about contestants assuming singing is the...Seth White2012-01-05T22:12:12ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: No Backstory!!!Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nbk4&page=2?No-Backstory#762012-09-13T22:46:30Z2012-01-05T17:16:07Z<p>Backstory is what it sounds like: Background Story. Don't include this. </p>
<p>Do not go into its history, its creation, its crafter, or the lost empire it's from. Do not write about how it was made, how exotic animals were hunted down and their body parts harvested, or the nature of the mad wizard who invented it. Don't talk about the kobold tribe that worshipped the ancient dracolich and crafted the orb around its phylactery. Don't talk about the line of priests or the rites they practice while creating these items. Don't talk about the famous barbarian who wrenched this tooth from the mighty dragon to create the totem.</p>
<p>If it's something about the past, ditch that part. </p>
<p>It doesn't matter. </p>
<p>Think of it this way: if the One Ring from LOTR was a wondrous item (and not a ring, or an artifact), its description for this contest would be the description in The Hobbit. Bilbo found the simple gold ring, and when he put it on, it made him invisible. It didn't talk about Sauron, or ring wraiths, or any of that stuff. All that mattered to Bilbo was that it was a cool ring of invisibility.</p>
<p>This is about the item — not the history of it. and this item isn't unique. It may be cool, but it's not a perfect special one-of-a-kind item. Any spellcaster who meets the requirements can make one of these. They don't need to belong to a secret cult, or a race of monsters, or forge this item in the deep furnaces of the mountain kings. </p>
<p>Stick to the present. Show us what it does, and what it looks like now. </p>
<p>You can describe the intricate runes etched along its surface if you want. You can talk about how it glows, or how it makes its wielder hover over the ground, or how the owner's hands become caked in thick hardened clay, etc. That stuff is description, or flavor, or fluff, or whatever, and is necessary to adequately describe the item. Don't spend all your time on description, but please include some description- even if it's just a line or a few words with a lot of imagery sprinkled here and there.</p>
<p>Just don't go into the item's background. The judges could care less about the history of the item. They want to know what makes it awesome right this instant.</p>Backstory is what it sounds like: Background Story. Don't include this.
Do not go into its history, its creation, its crafter, or the lost empire it's from. Do not write about how it was made, how exotic animals were hunted down and their body parts harvested, or the nature of the mad wizard who invented it. Don't talk about the kobold tribe that worshipped the ancient dracolich and crafted the orb around its phylactery. Don't talk about the line of priests or the rites they practice while...Seth White2012-01-05T17:16:07ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: No Backstory!!!Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nbk4&page=2?No-Backstory#642012-01-04T20:55:34Z2012-01-04T20:55:34Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">gbonehead wrote:</div><blockquote>Haven't you learned anything? There's <i>always</i> monkeys. </blockquote><p>I think you may have something there. . .
<p><a href="http://paizo.com/rpgsuperstar/previous/2008/round1/rPGSuperstarEntryGreavesOfTheMonkey" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Greaves of the Monkey</a></p>
<p><a href="http://paizo.com/rpgsuperstar/previous/2008/round5/monkeyGoblinsAttack" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Monkey Goblins Attack!</a></p>
<p><a href="http://paizo.com/rpgsuperstar/previous/2010/round1/cacophonousMonkey" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cacophonous Monkey</a></p>gbonehead wrote:Haven't you learned anything? There's always monkeys.
I think you may have something there. . . Greaves of the Monkey
Monkey Goblins Attack!
Cacophonous MonkeySeth White2012-01-04T20:55:34ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Exploring the mysteries of item pricingSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2na32?Exploring-the-mysteries-of-item-pricing#232012-01-04T20:41:46Z2012-01-04T20:41:46Z<p>I'm crossing my fingers that I priced my item right since I couldn't use just existing spells to price mine. But I tried to eyeball the appropriate wealth-by-level tables, and the other wondrous items I felt it compared to. Time will tell if I got that right. This part of the process always seems tricky to me.</p>I'm crossing my fingers that I priced my item right since I couldn't use just existing spells to price mine. But I tried to eyeball the appropriate wealth-by-level tables, and the other wondrous items I felt it compared to. Time will tell if I got that right. This part of the process always seems tricky to me.Seth White2012-01-04T20:41:46ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: GM discretion vs. RAW?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nchz?GM-discretion-vs-RAW#242012-01-04T20:25:10Z2012-01-04T20:25:10Z<p>This <a href="http://paizo.com/forums/dmtz4wl3?Remember-people-this-is-RPGFreakingSuperStar" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">thread</a> may be relevant to this conversation. </p>
<p>Think of the typical players of the game, and their PCs. More to the point, think of the Pathfinder RPG <a href="http://pathfinder.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Iconics" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">iconics</a>. Can you picture Valeros, Seoni, Feiya, & co. using — no, wanting, lusting after, fighting over — this item?• </p>
<p>I think THAT's what the judges are looking for. Something players really want for their Pathfinder characters. If you dumped a treasure chest you just stole from a dragon out on a table, do you, as a player, want to go for the shoe-tying item? </p>
<p>As a designer, it may be a fun mechanic to play around with. As a world-builder, it may be a great item that adds verisimilitude to the fantasy world. As a DM, it may create fun and interesting ideas for plots. </p>
<p>But as a PC adventurer making your way in an action-adventure fantasy world, is this item your first-round draft pick in the pile of loot? </p>
<p>Because if it is, then that is Superstar. </p>
<p>•bear in mind too, that it can't be overpowered, or unbalanced. I know it can be a tricky line to walk between awesome and too much. The goal is to come up with a cool item that a PC would want, but that still fits neatly into the space it belongs in.</p>This thread may be relevant to this conversation.
Think of the typical players of the game, and their PCs. More to the point, think of the Pathfinder RPG iconics. Can you picture Valeros, Seoni, Feiya, & co. using -- no, wanting, lusting after, fighting over -- this item?*
I think THAT's what the judges are looking for. Something players really want for their Pathfinder characters. If you dumped a treasure chest you just stole from a dragon out on a table, do you, as a player, want to go...Seth White2012-01-04T20:25:10ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Sean's consolidated advice threadSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2n8d6&page=2?Seans-consolidated-advice-thread#552012-01-03T20:44:09Z2012-01-03T20:44:09Z<p>I really wouldn't try to pigeon-hole too much. </p>
<p>My item last year was an evil item for worshipers of Asmodeus that impacted an opponent's ability to channel positive energy. Among the other issues that caused it to be rejected, a judge commented that they liked the idea of how it affected channel energy, but would have liked the mechanic more if it wasn't so restrictive. </p>
<p>I think it makes sense to play off a specific mechanic, like bloodlines, haunts, ki, hexes, or whatever. But to limit it further to just one archetype is a bad idea. </p>
<p>Ryan, for one, frequently looks at the game from a brand and marketing perspective, and he really likes to see inclusive items. There was a sidebar in the RPG Superstar podcast (which you should listen to if you haven't), about how the corset idea might exclude an entire gender and how to work around that. So to be sure, the judges are thinking about inclusiveness in items. </p>
<p>Be really careful about making your item too narrowly focused. Something that you find in a treasure trove should be usable to someone in the party. Otherwise, it's just something you take to town to sell. And that's not superstar.</p>I really wouldn't try to pigeon-hole too much.
My item last year was an evil item for worshipers of Asmodeus that impacted an opponent's ability to channel positive energy. Among the other issues that caused it to be rejected, a judge commented that they liked the idea of how it affected channel energy, but would have liked the mechanic more if it wasn't so restrictive.
I think it makes sense to play off a specific mechanic, like bloodlines, haunts, ki, hexes, or whatever. But to limit it...Seth White2012-01-03T20:44:09ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2012: General Discussion: Come on and Submit! It's not too late and you can still make the cutSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ncv1?Come-on-and-Submit-Its-not-too-late-and-you#292012-01-03T20:29:46Z2012-01-03T20:29:46Z<p>Thanks for the encouragement Clark. </p>
<p>Your comments got me a little more excited and motivated than last year. I even took your advice and reread all the auto-rejects and the top 32s. And I listened to the podcast again.</p>
<p>I had a lot of fun creating my item, and I'm proud of the work I did. Even if it doesn't clear the high bar for this year, I'm hoping you guys enjoy reading my entry. </p>
<p>I'm looking forward to seeing what makes the cut for this year's Superstar. This contest is a ton of fun, and something I look forward to every year.</p>Thanks for the encouragement Clark.
Your comments got me a little more excited and motivated than last year. I even took your advice and reread all the auto-rejects and the top 32s. And I listened to the podcast again.
I had a lot of fun creating my item, and I'm proud of the work I did. Even if it doesn't clear the high bar for this year, I'm hoping you guys enjoy reading my entry.
I'm looking forward to seeing what makes the cut for this year's Superstar. This contest is a ton of fun,...Seth White2012-01-03T20:29:46ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Are Nick Logue's Promises of Refunds Empty?Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2m1p6?Are-Nick-Logues-Promises-of-Refunds-Empty#472011-08-30T18:57:56Z2011-08-30T18:57:56Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">knightnday wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Sissyl wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I have said so before. I am now saying it again:</p>
<p>Get over it already. Either that, or hire a british lawyer to help you get your money back. If you don't do this, you are out of options, as has been pointed out to you guys.</p>
<p>There is nothing more that needs to be said. </blockquote>This. SO much this. This is a horse that died a long time back and has been dug up and beaten over and over. I'm not sure what going over this every few days is supposed to accomplish. </blockquote><p>To be fair, it's been 3 months, not a few days.
<p>I think if someone spent their money on a product that was promised them and it doesn't happen, then they deserve to get their money back. And I think it's reasonable for them to complain in the thread that was created to talk about this issue. </p>
<p>I think it's unfortunate that this situation happened, but I don't think the paying customers need to just get over it. Hopefully the refunds will come through for each customer.</p>knightnday wrote:Sissyl wrote:I have said so before. I am now saying it again:
Get over it already. Either that, or hire a british lawyer to help you get your money back. If you don't do this, you are out of options, as has been pointed out to you guys.
There is nothing more that needs to be said.
This. SO much this. This is a horse that died a long time back and has been dug up and beaten over and over. I'm not sure what going over this every few days is supposed to accomplish. To be...Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-08-30T18:57:56ZRe: Forums: Advice: Detect Magic: My GM Hates ItArjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mqeh?Detect-Magic-My-GM-Hates-It#272011-08-19T20:37:41Z2011-08-19T20:37:41Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Incanús Kindler wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Cheapy wrote:</div><blockquote>What kind of things has it ruined? Why is he making plothooks in a world of magic that depend on people not knowing something is magical? </blockquote><p>Detect magic accidentally revealed a villain that should not have been revealed. The party got very suspicious when the supposedly unarmed farmer seemed to be in possession of some sort of magic item. Why the villain didn't attempt to hide it we will never know.
<p>We also used it to determine the difference of a cheap knock-off weapon from the real one. Supposedly we were supposed to use perception, and realize it had a certain symbol engraved on it. But I don't think that the advancement of the plot should be determined by a die roll. </blockquote><p>This sounds like an example of clever players solving a problem faster than the GM anticipated. Is your GM new to running games? I know when I first began GMing I was surprised by clever spells or tricks the players came up with. Now I'm used to having my best laid plans dashed, so it's not much of a surprise. :) Personally, I think the GM should reward clever play, and try to be happy for the players when they come up with a run-around. However, I know that can throw off your game as a GM if you didn't have a backup plan.
<p>If the GM's frustrated by the use of detect magic, he will be even more frustrated by higher level divination spells. I hope your chat with him will allow him to understand your concerns, because I'm afraid the higher your characters progress the more he will see his plans foiled by divination magic. </p>
<p>He would be well-served to read through the divination spells, including the ways they are foiled, and to consider them when planning his adventures. Divination can be a very powerful tool, especially for high-level wizards, and if his adventure plots are being ruined by detect magic, he'll be especially frustrated with "scry and die" abilities at higher levels.</p>Incanús Kindler wrote:Cheapy wrote:What kind of things has it ruined? Why is he making plothooks in a world of magic that depend on people not knowing something is magical?
Detect magic accidentally revealed a villain that should not have been revealed. The party got very suspicious when the supposedly unarmed farmer seemed to be in possession of some sort of magic item. Why the villain didn't attempt to hide it we will never know. We also used it to determine the difference of a cheap...Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-08-19T20:37:41ZRe: Forums: 3.5/d20/OGL: Dancing around Non OGL materialArjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mgdz?Dancing-around-Non-OGL-material#62011-06-24T14:22:01Z2011-06-24T14:22:01Z<p>Gorbacz has it right. You can use the <a href="http://www.d20pfsrd.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">OGL rules</a>. This does NOT include any of the Pathfinder Campaign Setting material or anything about Golarion. </p>
<p>Here is the <a href="http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/compatibility" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">compatibility license</a></p>Gorbacz has it right. You can use the OGL rules. This does NOT include any of the Pathfinder Campaign Setting material or anything about Golarion.
Here is the compatibility licenseArjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-06-24T14:22:01ZRe: Forums/Paizo: General Discussion: WotC Layoffs? Paizo OK?Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mgd5?WotC-Layoffs-Paizo-OK#322011-06-24T14:11:25Z2011-06-24T14:11:25Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">ralantar wrote:</div><blockquote></p>
<p>Fair enough, I completely understand what you are saying. I see that sort of thing often enough where I work. But I was under the impression Bill was proud of and took full ownership of the 4e rules.
<br />
Has he ever said he wished things were done differently?
<br />
I mean that question in a genuinely curious way. Not as a debate attack point. </blockquote><p>I think that Bill Slavicsek does have responsibility for much of the 4e ruleset and design choices. That's why I think it's perfectly valid to fault him for design changes from 3rd edition to 4e that you don't like. If you don't like 4e powers, skill challenges, etc it's fair to disagree with his design ideas.
<p>Having said that, he was probably under a lot of pressure to change the entire mechanic to move D&D far away from the OGL so WotC would own all D&D material for future editions, and I'm sure there was pressure to adapt a card/toy(mini)/digital model for future projects. I don't know if the board games were planned back in 2007, but that seems to be a huge part of their business model moving forward.</p>
<p>I don't think it's fair to fault him the disaster of the GSL and the discontinuation of an OGL, alienation of 3PP, the poor customer service, putting half the classes and races in the PHB 2 instead of the PHB, for the shift from print to electronic subscription model, for axing Dragon & Dungeon magazines in favor of DDI, etc.</p>ralantar wrote:Fair enough, I completely understand what you are saying. I see that sort of thing often enough where I work. But I was under the impression Bill was proud of and took full ownership of the 4e rules.
Has he ever said he wished things were done differently?
I mean that question in a genuinely curious way. Not as a debate attack point.
I think that Bill Slavicsek does have responsibility for much of the 4e ruleset and design choices. That's why I think it's perfectly valid to...Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-06-24T14:11:25ZRe: Forums/Paizo: General Discussion: Paizo Job Opportunity: Pathfinder DeveloperArjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lhz0&page=7?Paizo-Job-Opportunity-Pathfinder-Developer#3192011-06-24T13:33:17Z2011-06-24T13:33:17Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dale McCoy Jr wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Mairkurion {tm} wrote:</div><blockquote>1. We will get hyper speculating</blockquote><p>Allow me to begin the hyper speculating. My short list of who I think got tapped is:
<p>1) Perlivash (the fairy dragon from Kingmaker 1)
<br />
2) Lisa Stevens
<br />
3) Stan!
<br />
4) Ed Greenwood
<br />
5) Any of the KQ team. or
<br />
6) Michael Caine
<br />
7) Orcus</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Yes, only 3, 5 and 7 are serious. The rest, not so much.</span>
<br />
</blockquote><p>I'll throw in a guess:
<p>8) A former RPG Superstar winner (and/or RPG Superstar judge).</p>Dale McCoy Jr wrote:Mairkurion {tm} wrote:1. We will get hyper speculating
Allow me to begin the hyper speculating. My short list of who I think got tapped is: 1) Perlivash (the fairy dragon from Kingmaker 1)
2) Lisa Stevens
3) Stan!
4) Ed Greenwood
5) Any of the KQ team. or
6) Michael Caine
7) Orcus
Yes, only 3, 5 and 7 are serious. The rest, not so much.
I'll throw in a guess: 8) A former RPG Superstar winner (and/or RPG Superstar judge).Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-06-24T13:33:17ZRe: Forums/Paizo: General Discussion: WotC Layoffs? Paizo OK?Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mgd5?WotC-Layoffs-Paizo-OK#242011-07-05T05:24:45Z2011-06-24T13:26:49Z<p>I think it's immensely unfair to blame Bill Slavicsek for many of these things that were out of his hands. Sure you can disagree with some of the design choices on 4e, but much of the problem with the edition change was due to Hasbro being a big corporation. And someone like Bill was not able to change that. </p>
<p>I'm sorry to see him and others laid off/forced to retire/whatever from WotC. It's a very difficult industry to find paying work in, and I wish them the best. If any of them can land on their feet at Paizo, I'll be more than happy to support them.</p>I think it's immensely unfair to blame Bill Slavicsek for many of these things that were out of his hands. Sure you can disagree with some of the design choices on 4e, but much of the problem with the edition change was due to Hasbro being a big corporation. And someone like Bill was not able to change that.
I'm sorry to see him and others laid off/forced to retire/whatever from WotC. It's a very difficult industry to find paying work in, and I wish them the best. If any of them can land on...Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-06-24T13:26:49ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Working with WotC and PaizoArjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mavc&page=3?Working-with-WotC-and-Paizo#1152011-05-31T21:12:51Z2011-05-31T21:12:51Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Jason Nelson wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
<p>From my xp running a 4th Ed campaign for 8 or 9 months, I'd also say that just between the start and end of that campaign there had been a strong transition from "buy the books" at the beginning to "just use the character builder" by the end. This was during the first year or so of 4th Ed being out, and what I saw was an acceleration of putting out new product within DDI, putting continually evolving errata into DDI, and actually players wanting to change up their characters as they went along thanks to the steady stream of new content via DDI, to the point where players were hardly using their books at all because by a year after release •THEY• felt like their PH was mostly obsolete.</p>
<p></blockquote><p>Very good breakdown of a major difference between PF and 4E 3PP as it stands right now. As a DM, I began to rely more and more on DDI, using the Compendium or monster builder to create nearly all my encounters. I stopped buying splatbooks like the Adventurer's Vault since everything was in DDI. Eventually all the players created their characters and leveled them up in CB, and creating home-brew stuff and manually entering in 3PP was more work than it was worth. Any kind of character-based 3PP content became less and less attractive. The only 3PP products I ended up using for my game were Open Design adventures. I can only imagine that VTT exacerbates this issue.
<p>Part of the reason I'm running a PF game right now instead of 4E is because I feel I have more control over the campaign setting and house rules in PF than I ever could in 4E with DDI. I like both rules systems fine; it's the other stuff that's been nudging me over to the PF camp in recent years. And 3PP content is a HUGE part of that. I feel like PF is so much more versatile and open to all kinds of possibilities. 4E is very rigid, and if I don't like parts of it, or want to add to it, it's a nightmare to try and tinker with it.</p>Jason Nelson wrote:From my xp running a 4th Ed campaign for 8 or 9 months, I'd also say that just between the start and end of that campaign there had been a strong transition from "buy the books" at the beginning to "just use the character builder" by the end. This was during the first year or so of 4th Ed being out, and what I saw was an acceleration of putting out new product within DDI, putting continually evolving errata into DDI, and actually players wanting to change up their...Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-05-31T21:12:51ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Ultimate Magic Antagonize featArjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2m8us&page=4?Ultimate-Magic-Antagonize-feat#1902011-05-16T20:39:05Z2011-05-16T20:39:05Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">shalandar wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Maybe I'm just simplifying this, but I think everyone is going WAY over board. Yes, the feat needs an adjustment, but it isn't that difficult:</p>
<p>DC changes to 10 + (old DC formula). If the target has over a 15 Intelligence, then the DC increases by the Int modifier of the creature. This helps to adjust for the "omg, 60 year old wizard would never do that" issue.</p>
<p>Intimidate doesn't have a range on it, but I think it is safe to say that if you aren't close (within 30 feet) that intimidate either simply wouldn't work or would be less effective. Demoralize is the key to this feat. Antagonize is supposed to be used IN COMBAT SITUATIONS. Therefor, I would think you would base it's use off the closest thing to that...Demoralize. The Antagonizer has to be within 30 feet. So now, it's not nearly as easy for the barbarian or someone else to just yell at the bad guy behind a legion of zombies. You need to get somewhat close to him. </blockquote><p>I like the suggestion of using the Demoralize 30' rule to adjust this feat. And I also think they forgot the '10+', and that will be errata'd
<p>If people can't stand that spellcasters are required to make a melee attack (which I think is the coolest part of this feat), then maybe they can houserule that it forces a spellcaster to lose a spell-slot to channel [1/2 HD]d6 force damage (reflex half) instead.</p>shalandar wrote:Maybe I'm just simplifying this, but I think everyone is going WAY over board. Yes, the feat needs an adjustment, but it isn't that difficult:
DC changes to 10 + (old DC formula). If the target has over a 15 Intelligence, then the DC increases by the Int modifier of the creature. This helps to adjust for the "omg, 60 year old wizard would never do that" issue.
Intimidate doesn't have a range on it, but I think it is safe to say that if you aren't close (within 30 feet) that...Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-05-16T20:39:05ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Hypothetical: Pathfinder vs. D&D 5th Ed which is very similar to PFArjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2m175&page=3?Hypothetical-Pathfinder-vs-DD-5th-Ed-which-is#1322011-03-23T22:03:33Z2011-03-23T22:03:33Z<p>I could see this happening if D&D 4e doesn't perform to Hasbro's expectations. Hasbro then reacts by a) spinning off WotC, b) publishing D&D RPG material online only, as a MMORPG or a VTT/digital subscription-only, or c) ends publication of the D&D brand, and allows 3PP to license the D&D name. (option d) ceases publication of D&D as an RPG and keeps only the brand for licensed board games, is too horrible to consider) </p>
<p>Now if D&D didn't exist in the RPG industry anymore, the entire RPG industry may go under. But if WotC got spun off, or a third party was allowed to publish D&D material, this scenario could possible happen. </p>
<p>Now, in this apocalyptic scenario, my ideal situation would be for WotC to be sold to Paizo, though I don't know if they have the capital to make that a reality. Or barring that, I'd prefer Paizo was permitted to publish under the D&D license. </p>
<p>If WotC is in such sad state that they need to copy PFRPG to be successful, I'd be really worried about the RPG industry as a whole.</p>I could see this happening if D&D 4e doesn't perform to Hasbro's expectations. Hasbro then reacts by a) spinning off WotC, b) publishing D&D RPG material online only, as a MMORPG or a VTT/digital subscription-only, or c) ends publication of the D&D brand, and allows 3PP to license the D&D name. (option d) ceases publication of D&D as an RPG and keeps only the brand for licensed board games, is too horrible to consider)
Now if D&D didn't exist in the RPG industry anymore, the entire RPG...Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-03-23T22:03:33ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Paizo Blog: RPG Superstar 2011 has a winner!Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lc16?RPG-Superstar-2011-has-a-winner#432011-03-23T18:58:46Z2011-03-23T18:58:46Z<p>Congrats Sam! Great work throughout the contest. It's gotta be pretty glorious standing among Christine Schneider, Neil Spicer, and Matt Goodall as the newest RPG Superstar!</p>
<p>I'm really looking forward to seeing your module. Though I didn't pull the lever for your adventure module, it was very, very hard to decide, and I put off voting til the last minute. I know I'll love what you come up with. </p>
<p>Also, congrats to the top 4, and for every one who competed in RPG Superstar 2011. It was a great year. I really enjoyed each stage of the contest.</p>Congrats Sam! Great work throughout the contest. It's gotta be pretty glorious standing among Christine Schneider, Neil Spicer, and Matt Goodall as the newest RPG Superstar!
I'm really looking forward to seeing your module. Though I didn't pull the lever for your adventure module, it was very, very hard to decide, and I put off voting til the last minute. I know I'll love what you come up with.
Also, congrats to the top 4, and for every one who competed in RPG Superstar 2011. It was a great...Seth White2011-03-23T18:58:46ZRe: Forums: Round 5: Submit an adventure proposal: Among the Gears of MadnessSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lzjd?Among-the-Gears-of-Madness#492011-03-21T21:59:53Z2011-03-21T21:59:53Z<p>I want to echo John's comment that you didn't go out on a weak note. Your adventure proposal got my vote too. And reading your thoughts about how you would have changed moves it in an even better direction. And I'm sure you've taken the comments on passive voice and such to heart. </p>
<p>At any rate, even if Gears of Madness doesn't make it, I'll be looking forward to seeing your PFS adventure and whatever else you cook up. Great job on this contest!</p>I want to echo John's comment that you didn't go out on a weak note. Your adventure proposal got my vote too. And reading your thoughts about how you would have changed moves it in an even better direction. And I'm sure you've taken the comments on passive voice and such to heart.
At any rate, even if Gears of Madness doesn't make it, I'll be looking forward to seeing your PFS adventure and whatever else you cook up. Great job on this contest!Seth White2011-03-21T21:59:53ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: How "niche" can a module be?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2m0ny?How-niche-can-a-module-be#52011-03-21T18:43:10Z2011-03-21T18:43:10Z<p>For me, I think a niche module makes it MORE marketable. I don't subscribe to modules, and I usually only mine them for dynamic encounters, story ideas, maps, characters, locations, etc. I don't think I've ever run a module form beginning to end how it's supposed to be. </p>
<p>If there is a good module that does something different (which I think Jerall's proposal does), I'd be more likely to pick it up because it's different than many other modules out there. The strong investigative slant and the opportunity to see how the PCs fare working for (or against) the church of Asmodeus are the two elements that really drew me to Isgeri Blood and Orphans' Tears. I ended up voting for Gears of Madness in the end, but it was really close.</p>
<p>I know Gears of Madness was also criticized for being a niche of a niche for combining steampunk and lovecraft elements. Personally, that's what made it stand out in the end for me and got my vote. I thought some proposals were better written, and I like the plot/story aspects of a couple other modules, but the genres themselves dovetailed perfectly for me. I can guarantee that if his module gets produced I'll buy it. </p>
<p>In TSR/WotC days, Forgotten Realms and Greyhawk never excited me. I bought the FR gray box 20 years ago, but haven't touched a book from either setting since. I don't really see much point in buying generic fantasy settings. Planescape, Spelljammer, Dark Sun, and Eberron, however all interested me enough to get me to buy those campaign settings. KQ's Zobeck interests me. And I really like some of the non-traditional regions of Golarion, like Cheliax and Alkenstar. </p>
<p>I recognize I might not represent most of Paizo's customers, but I'm far more likely to buy something that seems niche or "gonzo," just because it inspires me or catches my attention.</p>For me, I think a niche module makes it MORE marketable. I don't subscribe to modules, and I usually only mine them for dynamic encounters, story ideas, maps, characters, locations, etc. I don't think I've ever run a module form beginning to end how it's supposed to be.
If there is a good module that does something different (which I think Jerall's proposal does), I'd be more likely to pick it up because it's different than many other modules out there. The strong investigative slant and the...Seth White2011-03-21T18:43:10ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Round 5 exit pollSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2m0a8?Round-5-exit-poll#462011-03-21T18:09:39Z2011-03-21T18:09:39Z<p>Sean's Gears of Madness got my vote. I had a three-way tie for my vote for a while, but in the end Gears of Madness has the most potential and excites me the most.</p>Sean's Gears of Madness got my vote. I had a three-way tie for my vote for a while, but in the end Gears of Madness has the most potential and excites me the most.Seth White2011-03-21T18:09:39ZRe: Forums: Round 5: Submit an adventure proposal: Among the Gears of MadnessSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lzjd?Among-the-Gears-of-Madness#452011-03-21T18:07:28Z2011-03-21T18:07:28Z<p>I was going back and forth on my three favorite adventures and put off voting until the last minute. </p>
<p>There were some things about Gears of Madness that bothered me, all of which has already been talked about. In the end, I couldn't resist voting for Sean's proposal. THIS is the adventure I most want to see, and the one I'd be most likely to buy. </p>
<p>I really hope you get the chance to write this adventure Sean, because this is something that I think is pretty unique and original, and will be a lot of fun to see produced. Best of luck!</p>I was going back and forth on my three favorite adventures and put off voting until the last minute.
There were some things about Gears of Madness that bothered me, all of which has already been talked about. In the end, I couldn't resist voting for Sean's proposal. THIS is the adventure I most want to see, and the one I'd be most likely to buy.
I really hope you get the chance to write this adventure Sean, because this is something that I think is pretty unique and original, and will be a...Seth White2011-03-21T18:07:28ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Round 4 exit pollSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lwt0&page=2?Round-4-exit-poll#542011-02-28T15:56:56Z2011-02-28T15:56:56Z<p>Cody Coffelt — The Broken Crucible Foundry
<br />
Sean McGowan — The Rotting Kremlin
<br />
Sam Zeitlin — The Black Mirror
<br />
Trevor Merback — Razorbreath Chasm</p>Cody Coffelt — The Broken Crucible Foundry
Sean McGowan — The Rotting Kremlin
Sam Zeitlin — The Black Mirror
Trevor Merback — Razorbreath ChasmSeth White2011-02-28T15:56:56ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: A heads-up for round 4!Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lui2?A-headsup-for-round-4#132011-02-08T15:52:43Z2011-02-08T15:52:43Z<p>And in case your lines don't scan well, you can download something like <a href="http://www.acrylicdisplaymfg.com/graph.gif" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this</a>.</p>And in case your lines don't scan well, you can download something like this.Seth White2011-02-08T15:52:43ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Design an archetype: Champion of Philosophy (Cavalier)Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqxs?Champion-of-Philosophy#382011-02-01T23:46:33Z2011-02-01T23:46:33Z<p>Glad to see you made the cut. I was really on the fence with this archetype, but I ended up voting for you because of how interesting the idea is, how well-executed this is, and because of your elegant <i>assassin's rose</i>. Congrats! Looking forward to your villain.</p>Glad to see you made the cut. I was really on the fence with this archetype, but I ended up voting for you because of how interesting the idea is, how well-executed this is, and because of your elegant assassin's rose. Congrats! Looking forward to your villain.Seth White2011-02-01T23:46:33ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: So, Class, What Have We Learned Today?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqwh&page=2?So-Class-What-Have-We-Learned-Today#872011-01-31T19:22:42Z2011-01-31T19:22:42Z<p>Be careful about posting a villain item. Not that they'll never ever pick a villain item, but it doesn't help your chances. Along the same lines, don't paint yourself into a corner with a specific narrow niche that doesn't appeal to many players. </p>
<p>Avoid making an item that is too similar to a trap, a hazard, a creature, etc.</p>Be careful about posting a villain item. Not that they'll never ever pick a villain item, but it doesn't help your chances. Along the same lines, don't paint yourself into a corner with a specific narrow niche that doesn't appeal to many players.
Avoid making an item that is too similar to a trap, a hazard, a creature, etc.Seth White2011-01-31T19:22:42ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Wondrous Item pricing. Is it new math?Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lsfm?Wondrous-Item-pricing-Is-it-new-math#92011-01-27T22:49:57Z2011-01-27T22:49:57Z<p>Actually, I think if you're having trouble pricing your item you might be doing something right. If it's easy it's probably SIAC or SAK.</p>Actually, I think if you're having trouble pricing your item you might be doing something right. If it's easy it's probably SIAC or SAK.Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-01-27T22:49:57ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Wondrous Item pricing. Is it new math?Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lsfm?Wondrous-Item-pricing-Is-it-new-math#82011-01-27T22:41:08Z2011-01-27T22:41:08Z<p>Some of this is out of date, but it shows some of the thinking of one of the judges, and deals with some of the informal rules like "hands as chakra": <a href="http://www.seankreynolds.com/rpgfiles/misc/magicitemcreation.htm" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Magic Item Creation</a>.</p>Some of this is out of date, but it shows some of the thinking of one of the judges, and deals with some of the informal rules like "hands as chakra": Magic Item Creation.Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-01-27T22:41:08ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Judges, Please Critique My ItemSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lpy6&page=16?Judges-Please-Critique-My-Item#7532011-01-27T17:11:33Z2011-01-27T17:11:33Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Kenneth.T.Cole wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Seth White wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Kenneth.T.Cole wrote:</div><blockquote></p>
<p>Well then, since it's no problem, can you link all of them? Thanks! :)</p>
<p></blockquote>I'm not quite sure how you do it, but if I have a chance I'll try :) </blockquote><p>I was kidding since that's an insane amount of work, and like someone else mentioned, unnecessary because people can search for them. :)Kenneth.T.Cole wrote:Seth White wrote: Kenneth.T.Cole wrote:Well then, since it's no problem, can you link all of them? Thanks! :)
I'm not quite sure how you do it, but if I have a chance I'll try :) I was kidding since that's an insane amount of work, and like someone else mentioned, unnecessary because people can search for them. :)Seth White2011-01-27T17:11:33ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Judges, Please Critique My ItemSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lpy6&page=15?Judges-Please-Critique-My-Item#7362011-01-27T16:39:14Z2011-01-27T16:39:14Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Neil Spicer wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Seth White wrote:</div><blockquote> <b>Stygian Seal of Blasphemy</b></blockquote><p>•...Well, nerfing clerical holy symbols is an interesting ability, but I don't like that it happens automatically even when the item is in possession of its owner. There should be a item saving throw and an opportunity to substitute the owner's save instead.
<p>•...The rest of this stuff is really just <i>desecrate</i> and <i>poison</i> SIAC effects with a lot of Asmodeus flavor wrapped around it.</p>
<p>•...this comes across far more as a villain item to me. I don't necessarily knock all villain items, but this particular concept (affecting holy symbols) could have been extended to all alignments...or at least two versions. I'd have rather seen at least a nod towards that.</p>
<p>•...Vote to Reject.</p>
<p>•...It's a hazard, not a wondrous item.</p>
<p>•...Reject.
<br />
</blockquote><p>Thanks Neil! I'd gotten similar feedback from others, but it's really great to see it from the judges. Shows that the flaws really were universal.
<p>I went for a cool idea (which I still think could work), that I felt made for a really cinematic encounter, and I think that was the wrong approach. It's really good to read this feedback. Much appreciated!</p>Neil Spicer wrote:Seth White wrote: Stygian Seal of Blasphemy
*...Well, nerfing clerical holy symbols is an interesting ability, but I don't like that it happens automatically even when the item is in possession of its owner. There should be a item saving throw and an opportunity to substitute the owner's save instead. *...The rest of this stuff is really just desecrate and poison SIAC effects with a lot of Asmodeus flavor wrapped around it.
*...this comes across far more as a villain item...Seth White2011-01-27T16:39:14ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Judges, Please Critique My ItemSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lpy6&page=15?Judges-Please-Critique-My-Item#7322011-01-27T16:23:57Z2011-01-27T16:23:57Z<p>Wow Neil - </p>
<p>Thanks for going back and posting these! Now if you could do just one more. . .. ;)</p>Wow Neil -
Thanks for going back and posting these! Now if you could do just one more. . .. ;)Seth White2011-01-27T16:23:57ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Thoughts on the overall quality of the top 32...Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ls0f?Thoughts-on-the-overall-quality-of-the-top-32#352011-01-27T14:51:30Z2011-01-27T14:51:30Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dire Mongoose wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">French Wolf wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
But for me I wonder whether someone who writes adventures well would be equally good at creating such things as an archetype. The two don't necessarily go together in my book.
<br />
</blockquote><p>This is basically what I'm afraid of.
<p>I like archetypes, and round 2 is the most appealing to me personally, and I'm glad they decided to give an archetype round a try this year, but... I'm also afraid that some of the best adventure writers, people who would otherwise make the top 4 or 8, could get wiped out this round. I think the wondrous items round is a relatively good predictor for adventure writing, and it worries me a bit that most of the best archetypes in my opinion came from people who didn't make the best wondrous items and vice versa.</p>
<p>On the other hand, maybe it still does work as a round 2 because I've seen a lot of people posting something to the effect of, "I only think 3 of these archetypes are good, so I'm voting for my favorite 5 wondrous items too."</p>
<p></blockquote><p>I am keeping this in mind. If I see an archetype that I feel is really creative and innovative and the type of thing I'd like to see in an adventure, and the author made a really cool wondrous item, then I'm going to vote for it. Even if it has an ability that's slightly overpowered, and all the judges don't recommend them to advance. Because I DO believe they'll use this round as a lesson to keep things in balance if they get another chance.
<p>On the other hand, if their archetype kind of bores me or seems really safe I'm less likely to give them a shot, even if all the judges love them. I'm just approaching this round differently than some people; I care less about a balance issue or two, and more about what the author is trying to do with their theme. I'm not going to be buying a book of archetypes. I'm going to be buying an adventure module. </p>
<p>EDIT: Reading Neil's comments, I see where he is coming from. And I agree that what he describes is what every contestant should strive for. My perspective is: I'd rather have someone try something really cool and fail, then try something safe and succeed. I have faith in their ability to improve, and to learn from the mechanical missteps they may make along the way. But I'm also approaching this as a potential consumer of a module, not from the perspective of a Paizo team member looking for all-around freelance talent.</p>Dire Mongoose wrote:French Wolf wrote:
But for me I wonder whether someone who writes adventures well would be equally good at creating such things as an archetype. The two don't necessarily go together in my book.
This is basically what I'm afraid of. I like archetypes, and round 2 is the most appealing to me personally, and I'm glad they decided to give an archetype round a try this year, but... I'm also afraid that some of the best adventure writers, people who would otherwise make the...Seth White2011-01-27T14:51:30ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: R2 Archetypes: prepare for some harsh criticismSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lrv9?R2-Archetypes-prepare-for-some-harsh-criticism#282011-01-27T14:37:42Z2011-01-27T14:37:42Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Matthew McGee wrote:</div><blockquote>I'm not claiming that the design space is utterly exhausted, merely that we're clearly in the area of diminishing returns already. Most of the "archetypes" we're seeing are either incredibly niche or just not that doable mechanically.</blockquote><p>This is why I'm more forgiving of archetypes that retread some ground that WotC may have partly covered with a PrC or a feat. To use your Evangelist example: while I thought the Evangelist should have picked a better name that didn't draw such obvious parallels to the WotC evangelist Prc, I think the archetype was approached with a very different spin, and therefore very unique. It was a bard instead of a cleric, and it ends up being an entirely different character.
<p>For the Hound Master archetype, some people compared a couple abilities to WoW abilities. I think it's a HUGE mistake for us to sit around and say that any idea that's ever been used by any other company is now off limits for Pathfinder, or even for RPG Superstar. Sure innovation and originality are important, but there is also a lot that can be done by reinterpreting an idea in a new way. </p>
<p>Even those archetypes that are in no way unique, like the knife fighter concept, are still archetypal. And as such they are useful for Pathfinder. Sure I found some of the entries more inspired than others, but I'd never say there aren't a lot of good ideas here. And there are several archetypes that I'd like to include in my game in the future.</p>Matthew McGee wrote:I'm not claiming that the design space is utterly exhausted, merely that we're clearly in the area of diminishing returns already. Most of the "archetypes" we're seeing are either incredibly niche or just not that doable mechanically.
This is why I'm more forgiving of archetypes that retread some ground that WotC may have partly covered with a PrC or a feat. To use your Evangelist example: while I thought the Evangelist should have picked a better name that didn't draw...Seth White2011-01-27T14:37:42ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Judges, Please Critique My ItemSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lpy6&page=15?Judges-Please-Critique-My-Item#7022011-01-26T22:07:49Z2011-01-26T22:07:49Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Kenneth.T.Cole wrote:</div><blockquote></p>
<p>Bah, did the list a couple hours one night, then made it a better format (the newest version) on my lunch break at work. No big deal. </blockquote><p>Well then, since it's no problem, can you link all of them? Thanks! :)
<p>Seriously, major props for organizing all of those with the judges' comments.</p>Kenneth.T.Cole wrote:Bah, did the list a couple hours one night, then made it a better format (the newest version) on my lunch break at work. No big deal.
Well then, since it's no problem, can you link all of them? Thanks! :) Seriously, major props for organizing all of those with the judges' comments.Seth White2011-01-26T22:07:49ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Design an archetype: Champion of Philosophy (Cavalier)Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqxs?Champion-of-Philosophy#232011-01-26T19:45:27Z2011-01-26T19:45:27Z<p>Oh man. I want to like this, but I'm on the fence. Just like this archetype is on a weird fence bordering the cavalier, paladin, and inquisitor. </p>
<p>Honestly I'm not the hugest fan of alignment dictating class features, but it's not fair to use that prejudice to dock you points. </p>
<p>I really like how you took some risks to come up with an interesting archetype, but I feel like this archetype was tried on the paladin or inquisitor first, and then kind of shoe-horned onto the cavalier because it was working better. </p>
<p>I couldn't care less if people thought he was walking the line on "don't make an order." I think he succeeded on being on this side of the line, so that's no fuss to me. </p>
<p>I'm going to have to think about this one some more. Fortunately I get 8 votes, so I might go for this one towards the end.</p>Oh man. I want to like this, but I'm on the fence. Just like this archetype is on a weird fence bordering the cavalier, paladin, and inquisitor.
Honestly I'm not the hugest fan of alignment dictating class features, but it's not fair to use that prejudice to dock you points.
I really like how you took some risks to come up with an interesting archetype, but I feel like this archetype was tried on the paladin or inquisitor first, and then kind of shoe-horned onto the cavalier because it was...Seth White2011-01-26T19:45:27ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Design an archetype: Evangelist (Bard)Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lr2a?Evangelist#362011-01-26T15:04:56Z2011-01-26T15:04:56Z<p>Awesome. This gets one of my votes for sure. </p>
<p>Just one question: Does this mean Elan was the first evangelist of <a href="http://oots.wikia.com/wiki/Banjo_the_Clown" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Banjo the Clown</a>?</p>Awesome. This gets one of my votes for sure.
Just one question: Does this mean Elan was the first evangelist of Banjo the Clown?Seth White2011-01-26T15:04:56ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Design an archetype: Hound Master (Cavalier)Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqzy&page=2?Hound-Master#642011-01-26T14:48:34Z2011-01-26T14:48:34Z<p>This is one of my favorites this round. </p>
<p>The cavalier really needs something that allows you to ditch that horse. I had a master of hounds on my short-list of potential ideas, so I'm really glad to see this archetype. </p>
<p>You did a really excellent job with this one — any issues I see seem pretty minor and subjective. </p>
<p>Great job. You earned a vote.</p>This is one of my favorites this round.
The cavalier really needs something that allows you to ditch that horse. I had a master of hounds on my short-list of potential ideas, so I'm really glad to see this archetype.
You did a really excellent job with this one -- any issues I see seem pretty minor and subjective.
Great job. You earned a vote.Seth White2011-01-26T14:48:34ZRe: Forums: Round 2: Design an archetype: Still-Water Meditant (Monk)Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lr0v?StillWater-Meditant#62011-01-25T22:17:04Z2011-01-25T22:17:04Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Ryan Dancey wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
What's a "Meditant"? </blockquote><p>Haven't read through everything yet, but I wanted to point out that <a href="http://www.wordnik.com/words/meditant" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this definition</a> is probably somewhere in the ballpark of what Ignotus was thinking.
<p>Of course, Ignotus cannot reply with any comments whatsoever. I just thought that it would be helpful to link to a definition.</p>Ryan Dancey wrote:What's a "Meditant"?
Haven't read through everything yet, but I wanted to point out that this definition is probably somewhere in the ballpark of what Ignotus was thinking. Of course, Ignotus cannot reply with any comments whatsoever. I just thought that it would be helpful to link to a definition.Seth White2011-01-25T22:17:04ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Alternate class what? I don't get itArjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lrqb?Alternate-class-what-I-dont-get-it#52011-01-25T16:35:55Z2011-01-25T16:35:55Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">TriOmegaZero wrote:</div><blockquote> I think your analysis is pretty spot on. Metagame prevention of multiclassing is the only reason I can really see for saying they are the same class. </blockquote><p>Wouldn't it be better to instead just make sure their design isn't broken if they multiclass?
<p>The ninja as an alternate rogue with ki is confusing to me. I'm ok with classes other than monk having ki, but to introduce an alternate rogue with it doesn't make sense. It steps pretty far from the rogue when you start introducing ki. This to me breaks so far away from the rogue, that it seems more of a new class than an alternate class.</p>
<p>If they don't want you to gain sneak attack from a ninja and a rogue when you multi-class, then why don't they just make you expend ki in order to sneak attack?</p>TriOmegaZero wrote:I think your analysis is pretty spot on. Metagame prevention of multiclassing is the only reason I can really see for saying they are the same class.
Wouldn't it be better to instead just make sure their design isn't broken if they multiclass? The ninja as an alternate rogue with ki is confusing to me. I'm ok with classes other than monk having ki, but to introduce an alternate rogue with it doesn't make sense. It steps pretty far from the rogue when you start introducing...Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-01-25T16:35:55ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: [Kobold Quarterly] New project announced: Midgard is HERE!Owlander (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lpdp&page=2?Kobold-Quarterly-New-project-announced#632011-01-22T18:35:32Z2011-01-22T18:35:32Z<p>I'm in with the basic patronage. Looking forward to seeing this developed.</p>I'm in with the basic patronage. Looking forward to seeing this developed.Owlander (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-01-22T18:35:32ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: So, Class, What Have We Learned Today?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqwh&page=2?So-Class-What-Have-We-Learned-Today#552011-01-22T01:22:08Z2011-01-22T01:22:08Z<p>I haven't gotten any official judges' feedback on my <a href="http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/paizoPublishing/rpgsuperstar/general/peerEvaluation2011RPGSuperstarWondrousItemSubmissions&page=1#27" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">item</a> yet, but I've learned a lot from the gracious community members who have commented so far.</p>
<p>I've also picked up a few things I might have done wrong by reading the judges' comments. </p>
<p>My item may have been too niche. It's a bad-guy item. A bad-guy item for followers of Asmodeus. And only followers of Asmodeus. That hinders only the holy symbols of deities that aren't named Asmodeus. So just a tad specific. I liked the niche of it, but that coulda sunk my battleship. </p>
<p>It's kind of brutal. Almost 1st edition brutal. Maybe too brutal. Maybe broken. It's really mean to the poor clerics. Rogues are used to getting shut down, as are the poor illusionists/enchanters, but divine casters can usually skate through any encounter. And this item isn't just brutal, it's nasty. You think you solved it, and it comes back. </p>
<p>I also might not have answered every question. I know I should have mentioned how to turn the thing back on after it was suppressed. I assumed that you'd just follow the rules as normal for the means that suppresses it, but spelling it out would have helped. The thing is my item last year had the same problem. I never said how you'd get the darned <a href="http://paizo.com/rpgsuperstar/previous/rpgSuperstar2010/round1/vesselOfTheDeep" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">squid</a> back in the bottle. So next year I've gotta think about clean up. If it can get shut down, how does it turn back on? </p>
<p>It also probably didn't help that I made a candle. So that dropped me squarely in the middle of one of the meme categories this year. Also my item was named after a certain plane in Hell that got a lot of love this year: I've counted a couple "stygian" or "styx" items so far. </p>
<p>But I dunno. I don't want to learn the lesson "don't take risks" because I <i>need</i> to take a swing if I'm gonna compete. And I'd rather fall hard, on my face, than water down something I think is a good idea. The goal is to <i>better know</i> what is really a good idea, and what is a lousy idea. And I'm still struggling with that. Because with everything I've learned so far, my item still seems on-par with my item last year. Both had problems with mechanics. Both were (in my opinion) cool and interesting and flavorful. Maybe my squidship wouldn't have made it this year. </p>
<p>Suffice to say, I haven't learned every lesson yet. I still have a <i>lot</i> more to learn, but I plan to take the things I did learn this year, and apply them in future designs.</p>I haven't gotten any official judges' feedback on my item yet, but I've learned a lot from the gracious community members who have commented so far.
I've also picked up a few things I might have done wrong by reading the judges' comments.
My item may have been too niche. It's a bad-guy item. A bad-guy item for followers of Asmodeus. And only followers of Asmodeus. That hinders only the holy symbols of deities that aren't named Asmodeus. So just a tad specific. I liked the niche of it, but...Seth White2011-01-22T01:22:08ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Judges, Please Critique My ItemSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lpy6&page=11?Judges-Please-Critique-My-Item#5452011-01-22T01:01:01Z2011-01-22T01:01:01Z<p>Hey Vic, or any judges who may happen to pop by:</p>
<p>Do you think we will see any more comments on remaining items? Or do you think it's all done, now that Round 2 has started?</p>Hey Vic, or any judges who may happen to pop by:
Do you think we will see any more comments on remaining items? Or do you think it's all done, now that Round 2 has started?Seth White2011-01-22T01:01:01ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Dreamscarred Press announces Psionic Bestiary 2011 contest!Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lovf&page=2?Dreamscarred-Press-announces-Psionic-Bestiary#662011-01-22T00:50:40Z2011-01-22T00:50:40Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dungeon Grrrl wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
<p>Do you really need the right to use my picture and name and municipality for advertising? I'm a fairly private person, and this scares me. I've been published before, and no one ever needed my picture or address.</p>
<p>You seem to suggest you'll pay for the work done by the grand prize winner on the final bestiary, but there's no suggestion what your per-word rate is. I know the value varies based on length but do you pay 1/4 cent a word? 1 cent a word? 3 cents a word?</p>
<p>Thanks for the clarification. </blockquote><p>These seem kinda standard. RPG Superstar has the same things in their contest, and they don't say the per-word rate. I doubt Dreamscarred Press will either.Dungeon Grrrl wrote:Do you really need the right to use my picture and name and municipality for advertising? I'm a fairly private person, and this scares me. I've been published before, and no one ever needed my picture or address.
You seem to suggest you'll pay for the work done by the grand prize winner on the final bestiary, but there's no suggestion what your per-word rate is. I know the value varies based on length but do you pay 1/4 cent a word? 1 cent a word? 3 cents a word?
Thanks...Arjomanes (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2011-01-22T00:50:40ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Peer Evaluation: 2011 RPG Superstar Wondrous Item SubmissionsSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqs8&page=3?Peer-Evaluation-2011-RPG-Superstar-Wondrous#1222011-01-22T00:35:39Z2011-01-22T00:35:39Z<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>[Spoiler omitted]Seth White2011-01-22T00:35:39ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Peer Evaluation: 2011 RPG Superstar Wondrous Item SubmissionsSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqs8&page=3?Peer-Evaluation-2011-RPG-Superstar-Wondrous#1182011-01-21T23:18:42Z2011-01-21T23:18:42Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joe Wells wrote:</div><blockquote><p>"If the holy symbol is within the zone of corruption, the seal instantly reforms."</p>
<p>And at this point I think we've jumped the shark. If the seal instantly reforms, then taking the poison hit was for naught.</blockquote><div class="messageboard-quotee">RonarsCorruption wrote:</div><blockquote> @seth - Joe beat me to the punch, the key is the line where you say "instantly reforms". Which means if you try to stop it, you get poisoned and still remain gimped. Therein lies your demise. </blockquote><p>I really contemplated that.
<p>I really liked the "gotcha" mechanic of a cleric taking the seal off, taking the poison, and having it reform bc they didn't have the sense to get out of the corrupt zone. </p>
<p>Maybe I liked it too much. I thought it was clever and 1st edition-y to make them suppress the zone (cover it up, cast deeper darkness, dispel magic, consecrate, etc) before they removed the seal, or get the hell out of the 40' r zone (which I know is huge) if they want to cast spells. </p>
<p>In a way, the item creates a zone that acts like a hazard or a trap, and it requires thinking to deal with it. </p>
<p>But it looks like I made it too difficult, too unfun for clerics/paladins, or just downright broken. I can totally see where you're coming from. </p>
<p>The challenge with this contest is knowing which boundaries to push, and which to leave alone. I never got a chance to see the judges' feedback, and I probably never will since it's round 2 now. But both of your feedback is immensely valuable.</p>
<p>What's interesting is that I feel like my <i>vessel of the deep</i> had just as many mechanics issues as my <i>stygian seal of blashphemy</i>, and i personally feel they're equally cool. The seal is definitely more niche, and certainly more painful for clerics, so maybe that's the difference between round 1 and round 0. </p>
<p>How do you feel your nexus compares to your nightingale's tongue, Joe? Did you like either one more?</p>Joe Wells wrote:"If the holy symbol is within the zone of corruption, the seal instantly reforms."
And at this point I think we've jumped the shark. If the seal instantly reforms, then taking the poison hit was for naught.
RonarsCorruption wrote:@seth - Joe beat me to the punch, the key is the line where you say "instantly reforms". Which means if you try to stop it, you get poisoned and still remain gimped. Therein lies your demise.
I really contemplated that. I really liked the "gotcha"...Seth White2011-01-21T23:18:42ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Peer Evaluation: 2011 RPG Superstar Wondrous Item SubmissionsSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqs8&page=2?Peer-Evaluation-2011-RPG-Superstar-Wondrous#932011-01-21T16:28:46Z2011-01-21T16:28:46Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">RonarsCorruption wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
<p>So, this feels like an instant gimp to divine casters. And for the price, holy cow! I mean, I like the devils bit, and the wax forming on holy symbols is cool, but - it basically kills half the divine spells that are out there. For 6k, that's crazy.</p>
<p>And you don't clairify a few important cases - can a caster cast a spell with the symbol in that round before the wax reforms? What happens if the flame is doused, can you relight the candle? How long does the supression last if you consecrate it?</p>
<p>Cool ideas, cool visuals, but way overpowered, especially for the price.</p>
<p></blockquote><p>Thanks very much for your comments!
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>RonarsCorruption wrote:So, this feels like an instant gimp to divine casters. And for the price, holy cow! I mean, I like the devils bit, and the wax forming on holy symbols is cool, but - it basically kills half the divine spells that are out there. For 6k, that's crazy.
And you don't clairify a few important cases - can a caster cast a spell with the symbol in that round before the wax reforms? What happens if the flame is doused, can you relight the candle? How long does the supression...Seth White2011-01-21T16:28:46ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Peer Evaluation: 2011 RPG Superstar Wondrous Item SubmissionsSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqs8&page=2?Peer-Evaluation-2011-RPG-Superstar-Wondrous#922011-01-21T16:05:17Z2011-01-21T16:05:17Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joe Wells wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Seth White wrote:</div><blockquote>I like the name. It sounds cool, and it gives the right connotation.</blockquote><p>Yeah, aspergillum of blessed mists falls of the mind's tongue like a lead fishing weight. I <i>had</i> to come up with something else.
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Seth White wrote:</div><blockquote>I just don't know that this wowed the judges. It's cool and useful, but it's not really treading that new of ground. I wonder if it's too close to SIAC? You combine your channel energy ability with obscuring mist. I think it's well thought-though, and a nice clean, useful item. I'd definitely use this in my game, and it would be a great item to include in a sourcebook.</blockquote><p>Yeah, maybe it just ain't cool enough. I really liked the thought of a bunch of undead or lower planar baddies writhing in pain while surrounded by holy water mist.
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Seth White wrote:</div><blockquote>I think they were looking for something that is more innovative. Of course it's hard to tell because I think a few of the top 32 were no more innovative than this, and you definitely designed everything well, and thought through all potential abuse issues.</blockquote><p>One place that I think I screwed up was giving undead the shaken condition. Shaken is usually fear-based and undead are immune to that, of course. I really just wanted that condition as short-hand for a minor incapacitation. Probably should have done that differently.
<p>Many thanks for your feedback, Seth. I really do appreciate it.</p>
<p>As for the reqs on your Seal, I don't think it makes a huge amount of difference. So long as they're in the ballpark, it shouldn't matter much. Yours don't jump out at me and say "that's wrong". </blockquote><p>I don't know. I liked the shaken effect. It reminds me of the 3x turn undead ability where they run away from you, or cower. Even if they're immune to mind-affecting spells, it doesn't mean they can't ever be afraid, does it? Undead SHOULD be afraid of a cleric I think. But maybe mechanically they never can. If that's the case, then I think that's a real shame.Joe Wells wrote:Seth White wrote:I like the name. It sounds cool, and it gives the right connotation.
Yeah, aspergillum of blessed mists falls of the mind's tongue like a lead fishing weight. I had to come up with something else. Seth White wrote:I just don't know that this wowed the judges. It's cool and useful, but it's not really treading that new of ground. I wonder if it's too close to SIAC? You combine your channel energy ability with obscuring mist. I think it's well thought-though,...Seth White2011-01-21T16:05:17ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Peer Evaluation: 2011 RPG Superstar Wondrous Item SubmissionsSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqs8&page=2?Peer-Evaluation-2011-RPG-Superstar-Wondrous#602011-01-21T02:55:27Z2011-01-21T02:55:27Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joe Wells wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
<b>Nexus of Blessed Mists</b></blockquote><p>I like the name. It sounds cool, and it gives the right connotation.
<p>I really like this item, and I can see it becoming a staple for some churches. It looks like it should already be published. It's just a good, solid item. </p>
<p>I just don't know that this wowed the judges. It's cool and useful, but it's not really treading that new of ground. I wonder if it's too close to SIAC? You combine your channel energy ability with obscuring mist. I think it's well thought-though, and a nice clean, useful item. I'd definitely use this in my game, and it would be a great item to include in a sourcebook. </p>
<p>I think they were looking for something that is more innovative. Of course it's hard to tell because I think a few of the top 32 were no more innovative than this, and you definitely designed everything well, and thought through all potential abuse issues.</p>Joe Wells wrote:Nexus of Blessed Mists
I like the name. It sounds cool, and it gives the right connotation. I really like this item, and I can see it becoming a staple for some churches. It looks like it should already be published. It's just a good, solid item.
I just don't know that this wowed the judges. It's cool and useful, but it's not really treading that new of ground. I wonder if it's too close to SIAC? You combine your channel energy ability with obscuring mist. I think it's well...Seth White2011-01-21T02:55:27ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Peer Evaluation: 2011 RPG Superstar Wondrous Item SubmissionsSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqs8&page=2?Peer-Evaluation-2011-RPG-Superstar-Wondrous#592011-01-21T02:28:07Z2011-01-21T02:28:07Z<p>Thanks for taking a look at this, Joe. Your criticism is really helpful. I thought about some of the things you brought up, and it's good to see a fresh take on it. </p>
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joe Wells wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
Slot should be "—" rather than "none", I think. </blockquote><p>I think I fixed the slot error when I submitted it actually, and forgot to save it; if not, then I agree it's sloppy presentation. At any rate, I didn't catch it when I reposted it here, so I may have missed it last time as well. :)
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joe Wells wrote:</div><blockquote> A burning shrine to Asmodeus? I dunno. Other items linked to gods do so in a more general way. With this, I would expect that even (non-Asmodeian) evil characters wouldn't want it. And with that narrow a scope, this seems like a hard sell. </blockquote><p>I'm curious if it's the specificity that hurt it. It's a GM item mostly, and at that very, very specific. It's purposely intended to shut down all divine casters who don't worship Asmodeus (even evil ones). And that may be much too specific for this contest.
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joe Wells wrote:</div><blockquote><p> The blasphemous seal bit seems way over the top. No save?</p>
<p>This seems way underpriced. 40' is a pretty wide swath and effectively negates any divine caster in the area, without recourse. </blockquote><p>You're right. The seal doesn't have a save, and even if you suppress the zone, it still stays in place for four hours. It may be too over the top. You can remove the seal easily but it costs you. You must spend a standard action (which sucks), and you must expose yourself to the <i>poison</i> spell (which also sucks, but at least provides a save). In essence, if there are multiple clerics or paladins this is a potent item. If just one, not so much.
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joe Wells wrote:</div><blockquote> I dunno. It's definitely flavorful and does some interesting stuff. I think it needs to be pulled back a couple of notches and made a bit more general in scope. </blockquote><p>I agree that this may be too much. I wasn't sure. I really like the item, but obviously it didn't make top 32. I'm curious to see what the judges say about it.
<p>I wondered if it was a mistake to take away abilities from clerics and paladins. Does it make the encounter a fun challenge, or does it make it not fun for any divine characters? </p>
<p>I wondered if <i>poison</i> was the right spell. Should I use an actual poison affliction instead? <i>Symbol of pain</i>? <i>Blasphemy</i>,since the thing is called a seal of blasphemy (though I don't like save or die effects on a single-use item)?</p>
<p>A flaw I see in retrospect is that I call out how it can be suppressed, but not how it can be turned back on again, nor how long it takes to light the thing. I assumed the reader would know that it could be turned back on by eliminating the source of the suppression (<i>greater darkness</i>, <i>dispel magic</i>, <i>consecrate</i>, putting a bucket over it), but I think in retrospect I should have spelled that out more clearly. </p>
<p>So maybe I pigeon-holed myself too much here. I enjoy this item greatly. It seems balanced to me, but I'm the author and, as such, I may be suffering from tunnel vision. </p>
<p>Thanks much for the criticism. I totally see where you're coming from on those points, and I have to admit, I had some of those concerns myself. But it was the coolest of my items, so I submitted it.</p>Thanks for taking a look at this, Joe. Your criticism is really helpful. I thought about some of the things you brought up, and it's good to see a fresh take on it.
Joe Wells wrote:Slot should be "--" rather than "none", I think.
I think I fixed the slot error when I submitted it actually, and forgot to save it; if not, then I agree it's sloppy presentation. At any rate, I didn't catch it when I reposted it here, so I may have missed it last time as well. :) Joe Wells wrote:A burning shrine...Seth White2011-01-21T02:28:07ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: So, Class, What Have We Learned Today?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqwh?So-Class-What-Have-We-Learned-Today#162011-01-21T00:26:22Z2011-01-21T00:26:22Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Abraham spalding wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
It wasn't <b>solely</b> based on the description. If your flask had said "This flask can hold up to five potions at once. The user may decide to drink two potions from this flask at the same time but doing so renders him sickened for a minute afterwards." You would be dead in the water (also very close to a first edition item called the flask of infinite potions) — but you didn't do that (which would be what we would have seen in the Core or APG) — you included descriptive text (in my opinion good descriptive text for the most part) and presented your item <b>very well</b> — and you are rightfully (in my opinion) superstar because of it.</p>
<p>•••••••</p>
<p>So what I have taken away is: The auto-rejection advice is at least partly a trap — especially auto-rejection advice #3. </blockquote><p>But see Rule #27. It specifically takes Neil's <i>last leaves</i> and strips them down to their basic description, and shows how the writing helps the item.
<p>Yes, mechanics are important, innovation is important, coolness is important. But so too is good writing. Your job is to help the reader visualize your item. You can try to do that solely with mechanics, but it will be difficult. You'll probably also need some "fluff" text as well. </p>
<p>Rule #3 is talking about over-doing it. You don't need to write 2-3 lines. Sometimes a couple carefully placed words work. I'd point to my item this year, but it fell short as well, and I'm curious to know the exact errors in it as well. But don't think that you can just ignore Rule 3 and glom on backstory and long description. </p>
<p>Balance is important.</p>Abraham spalding wrote:It wasn't solely based on the description. If your flask had said "This flask can hold up to five potions at once. The user may decide to drink two potions from this flask at the same time but doing so renders him sickened for a minute afterwards." You would be dead in the water (also very close to a first edition item called the flask of infinite potions) -- but you didn't do that (which would be what we would have seen in the Core or APG) -- you included descriptive...Seth White2011-01-21T00:26:22ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Judges, Please Critique My ItemSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lpy6&page=10?Judges-Please-Critique-My-Item#4552011-01-21T00:08:52Z2011-01-21T00:08:52Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Sean K Reynolds wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Vistarius wrote:</div><blockquote> Wow. That wasnt nearly as helpful as id hoped. Thanks.anyways i guess. </blockquote><p>We could stop posting the judges comments if you don't think it's helpful. We do, after all, have work to do, and free time to enjoy....
<p>Basically, sometimes it only takes a dozen words to determine that an item doesn't make the cut, and there is a consensus among the judges. Sometimes it takes more effort and discussion. </blockquote><p>I'd much rather have even a short answer than none at all.
<p>I hope that someone who <i>asks</i> for feedback, and then doesn't like the feedback they get, doesn't ruin it for other people who are grateful for the time you're spending critiquing our items. </p>
<p>Of course I understand if the judges are frustrated that their extra effort to help people out isn't appreciated. I hope you know that there are a great many of us who really appreciate all you're doing.</p>Sean K Reynolds wrote:Vistarius wrote: Wow. That wasnt nearly as helpful as id hoped. Thanks.anyways i guess.
We could stop posting the judges comments if you don't think it's helpful. We do, after all, have work to do, and free time to enjoy.... Basically, sometimes it only takes a dozen words to determine that an item doesn't make the cut, and there is a consensus among the judges. Sometimes it takes more effort and discussion. I'd much rather have even a short answer than none at all. I...Seth White2011-01-21T00:08:52ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Open Challenge - Stat your JudgeSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqvp?Open-Challenge-Stat-your-Judge#42011-01-20T23:13:40Z2011-01-20T23:13:40Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Vic Wertz wrote:</div><blockquote> Mark Moreland: 36-24-36 </blockquote><p>All the time, or only when wearing a certain infamous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girdle_of_Femininity/Masculinity" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">girdle</a>?Vic Wertz wrote:Mark Moreland: 36-24-36
All the time, or only when wearing a certain infamous girdle?Seth White2011-01-20T23:13:40ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Judges, Please Critique My ItemSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lpy6&page=9?Judges-Please-Critique-My-Item#4272011-01-20T22:21:24Z2011-01-20T22:21:24Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Nicolas Quimby wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">darth_borehd wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Quote:</div><blockquote>• this is a plot device </blockquote>I'm not certain what that means. </blockquote>Me either actually; it looks like a lot of items are being bashed for reasons which sound to me like praise. </blockquote><p>I'm not a judge, but I think it's this part: "The same person, or a blood relative if the owner is deceased, can retrieve items left inside by becoming the owner again. A Not Lost Box can have many such previous owners, each with their own contents inside. "
<p>The fact that your relatives can get your stuff after you die doesn't really help you at all. It's more a plot hook for an adventure or something — and a pretty cool one at that. </p>
<p>Tho take anything I say with a grain of salt — I'm in this thread too bc I did something wrong. :)</p>Nicolas Quimby wrote:darth_borehd wrote:
Quote:* this is a plot device
I'm not certain what that means. Me either actually; it looks like a lot of items are being bashed for reasons which sound to me like praise. I'm not a judge, but I think it's this part: "The same person, or a blood relative if the owner is deceased, can retrieve items left inside by becoming the owner again. A Not Lost Box can have many such previous owners, each with their own contents inside. " The fact that your...Seth White2011-01-20T22:21:24ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: So, Class, What Have We Learned Today?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqwh?So-Class-What-Have-We-Learned-Today#52011-01-20T22:13:23Z2011-01-20T22:13:23Z<p>I think that's what's so valuable about the feedback. We don't always think through a lot of the things that the pros need to think through. </p>
<p>I know for my item I tried something that I thought was a little innovative to shut down a certain type of ability. It could be that's exactly what killed my item because it's just a bad idea, or there could have been other aspects that I didn't think about, like corner cases, or another item or spell that does the same thing. </p>
<p>These threads are great because we get to look behind the curtain and see the thinking that leads to the rejects.</p>
<p>I'll be curious to see what really sunk my ship this time around. I have a couple ideas after the fact, but I'm really interested in hearing any feedback.</p>I think that's what's so valuable about the feedback. We don't always think through a lot of the things that the pros need to think through.
I know for my item I tried something that I thought was a little innovative to shut down a certain type of ability. It could be that's exactly what killed my item because it's just a bad idea, or there could have been other aspects that I didn't think about, like corner cases, or another item or spell that does the same thing.
These threads are great...Seth White2011-01-20T22:13:23ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Thanks Sean (and the other judges)Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqsh?Thanks-Sean#212011-01-20T20:55:08Z2011-01-20T20:55:08Z<p>The more I follow along in the "Judges critique my item" thread, the more I'm astounded by the amount of work the judges put into this, and the amount of rules-fu they have. What a valuable resource.</p>
<p>Just scrolling through that thread makes my eyes glaze over. It's amazing that they have dedicated weeks and weeks to reading through everyone's items - good, bad, and ugly — and thought through the mechanics, pricing, innovation, and writing skills of all of them. </p>
<p>They really are all to be commended. Thanks Sean, Mark, Neil, and Ryan (and Clark, and any past judges reading) for everything you do to make this contest the hands-down best RPG contest ever.</p>The more I follow along in the "Judges critique my item" thread, the more I'm astounded by the amount of work the judges put into this, and the amount of rules-fu they have. What a valuable resource.
Just scrolling through that thread makes my eyes glaze over. It's amazing that they have dedicated weeks and weeks to reading through everyone's items - good, bad, and ugly -- and thought through the mechanics, pricing, innovation, and writing skills of all of them.
They really are all to be...Seth White2011-01-20T20:55:08ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: What do voters look for?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqng?What-do-voters-look-for#122011-01-20T20:01:47Z2011-01-20T20:01:47Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Charles Evans 25 wrote:</div><blockquote> I shouldn't be posting at present (self-imposed exile this year to avoid another lecture from Urizen at least when it comes to serious posts... ;) ), but this isn't technically about round 2-5, so I can leave my cage for a bit... </blockquote><p>Too bad about the exile. I know I valued your comments last year, and I thought they added to the contest both previous years I well.Charles Evans 25 wrote:I shouldn't be posting at present (self-imposed exile this year to avoid another lecture from Urizen at least when it comes to serious posts... ;) ), but this isn't technically about round 2-5, so I can leave my cage for a bit...
Too bad about the exile. I know I valued your comments last year, and I thought they added to the contest both previous years I well.Seth White2011-01-20T20:01:47ZRe: Forums: Open Call: Design a wondrous item: Bag of HolesSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lnv1?Bag-of-Holes#382011-01-20T16:06:09Z2011-01-20T16:06:09Z<p>I really like this fun item. Sure it's got some issues that a number of people have already brought up, and it does rely on the existing <i>portable hole</i>, but this is just a really good item. </p>
<p>This would be a fun item to give away as a Dm (though I'd worry about breaking my dungeon), and a blast for players to find uses for. It's funny without being a joke or gag item. All-in-all, a really fun choice. Looking forward to your next submissions.</p>I really like this fun item. Sure it's got some issues that a number of people have already brought up, and it does rely on the existing portable hole, but this is just a really good item.
This would be a fun item to give away as a Dm (though I'd worry about breaking my dungeon), and a blast for players to find uses for. It's funny without being a joke or gag item. All-in-all, a really fun choice. Looking forward to your next submissions.Seth White2011-01-20T16:06:09ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Where are the winners from?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqns?Where-are-the-winners-from#482011-01-20T15:55:10Z2011-01-20T15:55:10Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Trevor Merback wrote:</div><blockquote> Hey Levi, have you ever been to House on the Rock? It's a bit south of you. I've wanted to check that place out ever since reading about it in Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Sounds pretty crazy.</blockquote><p>I guess they had a huge <a href=" http://www.geekosystem.com/neil-gaiman-at-the-house-on-the-rock" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">event</a> with Gaiman there on Halloween - a costume contest, dinner, author panel, opened up the carousel, and everything. I wanted to go, but I couldn't afford it. It looked really sweet.
<p>I'm in Minneapolis. How's the gaming in Black River Falls? Did you have to drive far to find a game? </p>
<p>I'm sure Milwaukee is easier to find games now.</p>Trevor Merback wrote:Hey Levi, have you ever been to House on the Rock? It's a bit south of you. I've wanted to check that place out ever since reading about it in Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Sounds pretty crazy.
I guess they had a huge event with Gaiman there on Halloween - a costume contest, dinner, author panel, opened up the carousel, and everything. I wanted to go, but I couldn't afford it. It looked really sweet. I'm in Minneapolis. How's the gaming in Black River Falls? Did you have...Seth White2011-01-20T15:55:10ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Thanks Sean (and the other judges)Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lqsh?Thanks-Sean#162011-01-20T15:26:15Z2011-01-20T15:26:15Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Eric Hindley wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I'll give a huge shout out to Sean, Neil and (maybe most all, because he really had no stake) Clark. There was so much great advice this to build on, I felt like it really elevated my game. </p>
<p>For all of you still playing at home, read this stuff. I've put an item into every competition so far (all 4, plus the spiritual predecessor- Flight of the Red Raven). The best advice I can give is this- read, read, read. If the judges are posting, it's worth reading. If some problems come up year after year, listen to those concerns. Make sure you're not treading on ground that's already been covered or rejected. </blockquote><p>+1
<p>All the judges are awesome for the time they devote to this contest. And I can't wait until the next round.</p>Eric Hindley wrote:I'll give a huge shout out to Sean, Neil and (maybe most all, because he really had no stake) Clark. There was so much great advice this to build on, I felt like it really elevated my game.
For all of you still playing at home, read this stuff. I've put an item into every competition so far (all 4, plus the spiritual predecessor- Flight of the Red Raven). The best advice I can give is this- read, read, read. If the judges are posting, it's worth reading. If some problems...Seth White2011-01-20T15:26:15ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Will map designing software be needed?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2li2g?Will-map-designing-software-be-needed#202010-11-19T15:29:43Z2010-11-19T15:29:43Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Saker wrote:</div><blockquote> Do you get extra credit if you make a professional looking map or photo realistic, say like google earth type view? Or is it less looks and more design and information-centric? </blockquote><p>I think if you spend too much time making your map looking like it was done by a professional cartographer you're taking valuable time away from coming up with a cooler location or cooler actual map layout.
<p>The voters are voting on a location that inspires them and that they would want to see fleshed out. I think as long as the location is interesting and the map is clear and understandable and really cool, it doesn't need to be very flashy or photo-realistic. That part is the cartographer's job.</p>
<p>In fact, I think that might take away from your entry since people could ask: if they had so much time to make this photo-realistic map why didn't they spend the time making the actual location better? </p>
<p>I think it's a balance between spending enough time to make the map clear, understandable, and professional, but still devote enough time to come up with an awesome concept and solid writing of the location. If you make an awesome realistic map of a boring location you don't get any bonus points.</p>Saker wrote:Do you get extra credit if you make a professional looking map or photo realistic, say like google earth type view? Or is it less looks and more design and information-centric?
I think if you spend too much time making your map looking like it was done by a professional cartographer you're taking valuable time away from coming up with a cooler location or cooler actual map layout. The voters are voting on a location that inspires them and that they would want to see fleshed out....Seth White2010-11-19T15:29:43ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2011: General Discussion: Will map designing software be needed?Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2li2g?Will-map-designing-software-be-needed#72010-11-17T16:28:45Z2010-11-17T16:28:45Z<p>Also, lessons from last year: assume you'll have technical difficulties in scanning and editing your map, so give yourself extra time to deal with them.</p>Also, lessons from last year: assume you'll have technical difficulties in scanning and editing your map, so give yourself extra time to deal with them.Seth White2010-11-17T16:28:45ZRe: Forums: Website Feedback: Blog: This D&D 4E Book Will Blow Your Mind!Owlander (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)https://paizo.com/store/blog/v5748dyo5lawn?This-DD-4E-Book-Will-Blow-Your-Mind#162010-03-26T20:05:24Z2010-03-26T20:05:24Z<p>Well I don't have anything to add to the edition wars, and I don't have anything snarky to say to those who do, so I'm not sure this is the place to mention my take on PHB3.</p>
<p>As someone who owns much of the 3.5 and the 4e catalog, this book looks great, and I'll probably purchase it in the next couple months. I'll certainly get it before my copy of Dark Sun arrives, as I'm sure it will be required to run a Dark Sun campaign.</p>
<p>I'm uncertain if the XX1, XX2, XX3 model works for every major line though. I was happy to buy Arcane, Divine, Martial, and Primal Power, but I'm not at all excited about a Martial Power 2, and kinda get the heebie-jeebies about the potential for a Martial Power 3. The PHB, DMG, and Monster Manual lines, however, are products I'd be interested in purchasing as long as the content continues to interest me. </p>
<p>Of course, I'm at Paizo commenting so I'm not an exclusive 4e/Wizards customer. I really really like Pathfinder's adventures, and I like the Pathfinder rpg just fine. </p>
<p>I think it's interesting that each company is taking slightly different, though similar, approaches: </p>
<p>Pathfinder: One single rpg book with everything in it. Multiple adventure modules, campaign setting chronicles, and Game Mastery map packs, cards, etc. (Pathfinder also has a print-based subscription service)</p>
<p>D&D 4e: Series of modular rules books, multiple campaign settings of just two volumes each, multiple adventure modules, and Dungeon Tiles/minis/power cards. (D&D 4e also has an electronic subscription service)</p>Well I don't have anything to add to the edition wars, and I don't have anything snarky to say to those who do, so I'm not sure this is the place to mention my take on PHB3.
As someone who owns much of the 3.5 and the 4e catalog, this book looks great, and I'll probably purchase it in the next couple months. I'll certainly get it before my copy of Dark Sun arrives, as I'm sure it will be required to run a Dark Sun campaign.
I'm uncertain if the XX1, XX2, XX3 model works for every major line...Owlander (alias of Seth White, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32)2010-03-26T20:05:24ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2010: General Discussion: The Unofficial Top 32 Guildhall, Local #2010Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2kenp&page=12?The-Unofficial-Top-32-Guildhall-Local-2010#5882010-03-23T21:48:24Z2010-03-23T21:48:24Z<p>Congrats Matt for winning RPG Superstar 2010!</p>
<p>Great work to all of the Top 4. You all turned out really cool adventure proposals that I want to run.</p>
<p>And best of luck to everyone who competed. I hope to see several of you published within the next year. Actually, I EXPECT some of you to be published (I won't say who), so don't disappoint. </p>
<p>This contest was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot from all of you. Seeing your work and reading your comments has helped me sharpen my game, and I wish all of you the best. </p>
<p>Now just 283 days til Superstar 2011!</p>Congrats Matt for winning RPG Superstar 2010!
Great work to all of the Top 4. You all turned out really cool adventure proposals that I want to run.
And best of luck to everyone who competed. I hope to see several of you published within the next year. Actually, I EXPECT some of you to be published (I won't say who), so don't disappoint.
This contest was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot from all of you. Seeing your work and reading your comments has helped me sharpen my game, and I wish...Seth White2010-03-23T21:48:24ZRe: Forums/RPG SuperstarTM 2010: General Discussion: RPG Superstar 2010 has a winner!Seth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2kn5k?RPG-Superstar-2010-has-a-winner#132010-03-23T21:38:19Z2010-03-23T21:38:19Z<p>Congrats Matt!</p>Congrats Matt!Seth White2010-03-23T21:38:19ZRe: Forums: Round 5: Submit an adventure proposal: Doom of the Dream ThievesSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2kloa&page=2?Doom-of-the-Dream-Thieves#752011-01-07T23:03:33Z2010-03-23T21:31:26Z<p>Jim, best of luck! </p>
<p>You earned my vote with Doom of the Dream Thieves, and I have to confess I'm a little disappointed I won't be able to see your module. </p>
<p>I really hope to see what you DO end up designing in the next months and years though, since I'm certain you'll get plenty of opportunities from your great work in this contest. Like Neil said, everyone who makes it to the top 4 demonstrates that they're a good designer, and I think that's especially true with the quality level of DotDT.</p>
<p>I hope you're proud of the great work you did and excited about your future prospects in RPG design.</p>
<p>You've consistently been a stand-out designer and all-around great guy.</p>
<p>Best of luck in everything you do. I'm excited to see what you come up with in the future!</p>Jim, best of luck!
You earned my vote with Doom of the Dream Thieves, and I have to confess I'm a little disappointed I won't be able to see your module.
I really hope to see what you DO end up designing in the next months and years though, since I'm certain you'll get plenty of opportunities from your great work in this contest. Like Neil said, everyone who makes it to the top 4 demonstrates that they're a good designer, and I think that's especially true with the quality level of DotDT.
...Seth White2010-03-23T21:31:26ZRe: Forums: Round 5: Submit an adventure proposal: Cult of the Ebon DestroyersSeth Whitehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2klo4&page=2?Cult-of-the-Ebon-Destroyers#942010-03-23T21:15:06Z2010-03-23T21:15:06Z<p>Congratulations Matt!</p>
<p>I've been really impressed by everything you've done right from the beginning. </p>
<p>I'm looking forward to playing through Cult of the Ebon Destroyers when it comes out!</p>Congratulations Matt!
I've been really impressed by everything you've done right from the beginning.
I'm looking forward to playing through Cult of the Ebon Destroyers when it comes out!Seth White2010-03-23T21:15:06Z