Sir William's page

Well, it's been fun. Now it's in the judges' hands.

Before I go, I'd like to say, deeply, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, that, if I don't advance to the Top 32, I hate each and every one of you who does. Seriously. I will devote the rest of my dwindling days on this earth to turning your lives into wretched tragic woe-operas of pain and misery. There is no length I will not go to, no plot too convoluted, no expense too great for the vengeance I will bring down upon those who have the temerity to advance if I do not. The ghostly victims of every blood-soaked vendetta in history will fall silent before the grim spectacle of my aggrieved onslaught. It will take years and cost millions of lives and billions in conventional weapons, but I will be requited this snub. You have been warned. It shall be so.

Okay then. I'm off to sketch a few tentative maps.

That post is Top 32!

The golden ticket concept makes sense to me. It isn't a guarentee that the other judges will like the item, but it gives the possibility that a subtle item (perhaps with a mechanic that was overlooked) can get in front of the judges.

So is anyone feeling good enough about their item to say "I'm totally in the top 32?"

Not anyone who made a ring (at least after the lack of rings in people's keep lists).

As for my own chances, I think it a slight chance. I think an item that commented on as a "pit crew" member has a solid chance.

Does that include me, or am I the fifth?

You. You are a glorious item that fits a very specific niche of creative thought that caught my attention the very first time I saw you. I have voted for you over fifty times since the competition started, and you have deserved every one of those votes. You are also the only [redacted] that I have never voted down. Whoever designed this managed to write something clever and fun, and I really wish I could explain why it tickles me so thoroughly.

** spoiler omitted **

50 times. If the item makes the top 32, someone owes you a drink.

I don't have a list, but if anyone wants to share I would send back which ones caught my attention.

About the size of two Dwarven Forge Kickstarters.

If you're talking about [Redacted], I disagree. Restricting that ability in that way to fit that fluff was 100% Superstar. Imagine all the clunky ways a less Superstar designer might have tried to create that item (something involving [Redacted] transforming into [redacted] when exposed to [redacted], perhaps). As written, [Redacted] is a perfect example of a designer re-purposing existing mechanics to create entirely new flavor without having to invent a new rules subsystem.

Unless, of course, you aren't talking about [Redacted]. In that case, never mind.

That was the most enjoyable post that I seen in a while.

I've had it happen once (a single repetition of the same items). Too bad it wasn't your item. :)

Item that steals information vs. item that steals information. What are the odds?

I suspect that someone fell victim to an item that steals information.

Brigg wrote:

You save on word count by trusting the players know how to play the game.

That said, sometimes you also have to be careful. A couple years back in the "Critique My Item" thread, I found out that my item kept getting downvoted by people who thought I failed to specify a range for a magical effect, when in reality it was the voters who were unfamiliar with the standard range categories that are used for 99% of the spells in the game (touch, close, medium, long).

So it's kind of a balancing act between trust and hand-holding.

I found out that my item was downvoted (by multiple people) for not including a weight, when it included a weight. Fortunately for me there was plenty of other things wrong with it, so it wasn't worth worrying about. In the end I think the sorting aspect of the first round minimizes the effect that a small percentage of the audience not understanding an item might have.

That is clever and simple.

Yeah, Paizo has included a number of items that are plenty useful and desired by players/PCs... but items that aren't necessarily SuperStar. That isn't meant as knock on Paizo or the developers; with word counts as tight as they are for products, any magic item that survives editors' red scythes and sees print is in there for very valid reasons.

But this isn't a competition to make a good or useful item; it's to make a SuperStar item... and a SuperStar map, critter, and encounter, leading up to a module. It's a time for competitors to demonstrate not only their mastery of RAW and RAI, but to demonstrate they know which rules they can bend (and how far) and which ones they can break. It's not just making awesome powerful new items, but items which are Really Cool, Really Imaginative, and Really Fun without being overpowered/"instant-win" or stepping on other PCs' abilities (and their Players' enjoyment and time in the spotlight).

Creating a SuperStar ring or staff or whatever is supposed to be about making something that becomes a new iconic item, something so darn good that it has to be in the Core Rulebook. A SuperStar item doesn't look like another good/useful item already in print; a SuperStar item should drink the other item's milkshake/word count and take its place in the book.

Edit: And now I really really want a milkshake.

For example: Quicksand Cloak

Yet another windy item vs yet another IP infringement :-/

There are some nice windy items.

Okay, fair enough, there are others. Let me backpedal a bit then, and declare that rings should not be charge-only, if the effect in question is decidedly not combat-applicable. Two of the rings on your list allow tactical teleportation, so if you want to use it, you likely have been wearing that ring all along, as nobody wants to waste their first round of combat swapping rings.

However, a ring that lets you put your hand on a book and instantly read it's contents once per day should be some other kind of item.

I never I noticed that before, but it looks like you are right.

Rings should not be a charges-only item. These rings that do something once per day or even three times per day, should be rods, or more likely, wondrous items. If you have a ring that does something once per day, once it's done, there's nothing stopping the wearer from taking it off and putting another ring on. Rings should be hard choices.

The ring of feather falling is a perfect example. You won't need it everyday, but when you do need it, you really need it, and if you have to swap out some rings to get it, you're probably a greasy smear at the bottom of a cliff.

I know there are charged rings in the CRB, but they are heritage rings from OD&D, like the ring of three wishes. Those aren't good models to follow for this contest.

There seem to be charge-only rings beyond heritage rings in a number of Paizo products. I haven't been through them all (don't have the time right now, but maybe someone does), but I located some that I don't think are heritage items:

Ring of Transcendent Spells
Ring of Transposition
Droskar's Guiding Ring
Ring of Swarming Stabs (this might be closer to the Feather Fall ability)
Ring of Return

Each time I see this item, movie music comes up in my head along with some very scenery-chewing acting.

Ennio Morricone?

Multiple new items... Thanks algorithm!

I'm still satisfied with the item that I made, though I haven't seen anything about it hinted in people's posts (good, or bad) to influence my feelings about it.

I can forgive a little alliteration in an item name but rhymes are another monster.

Well, it was still the better of the two.

I'm still waiting for iambic pentameter. Iambic pentameter always deserves an upvote.

I haven't run into an item similar to mine in function at all yet. I am not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing.

I've had the same thought. Nothing has shown up that is similar to my item. I think it can be a positive. I've seen a number of items so far that can say the same thing and they have caught my attention.

Has there been anyone who has gone on to do well in this competition who hasn't spent a considerable amount of time as both a player and a GM (in Pathfinder or any fantasy RPG)?

There always seem to be a lot of items whose designers clearly don't realize how their item will ruin the fun of the person(s) on the other side of that divide.

I can't recall the person's name, but I believe that someone made the top 32 that was new to the game. There is a blog post somewhere that talked about it.

ok another racist item geeze

I've found one thus far. Now I have to figure out what to vote down if I run into two at once.

If that item I voted for 10+ times makes the top 32, it is only polite to send me a thank you card.

I've seen a significant number of items that I wouldn't blink at in a publication and two great ones. I'm particularly attracted to the items that don't remind me of anything.

I've seen... One item a bunch of times.

SUMMARY: Matt Forbeck’s upcoming Shotguns & SorceryTM roleplaying game will be the first to license the new Cypher SystemTM from Monte Cook Games. The innovative tabletop game will be funded through Kickstarter beginning Tuesday, November 18th.

TOPEKA, KS, NOVEMBER 15, 2014, — Monte Cook Games, LLC, is pleased to share in the announcement that the new Shotguns & SorceryTM roleplaying game is the first to license the Cypher SystemTM. The Cypher System is best known as the game engine behind Numenera and The Strange. Monte Cook Games developed the new rulebook to be used with unlimited settings. “We’re really excited to share in this announcement and help unveil the Shotguns & Sorcery RPG to the world,” said Charles Ryan, COO of Monte Cook Games. “The team Outland has put together—particularly Matt, Jeremy, and Rob Schwalb, who’s done excellent work for us on Numenera, is going to result in a creative and wonderfully fleshed-out realization of the S&S world, and we’re really proud to see it powered by the Cypher System!”

The Shotguns & Sorcery roleplaying game is based on the acclaimed fantasy noir series by Matt Forbeck. The award-winning author partnered with Jeremy Mohler of Outland Entertainment to adapt the novels into an RPG setting. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to use the Cypher System for our game,” Mohler said. “MCG is known for the quality of their games, and we’re honored to be one of the first to develop a game using their amazing rules system.

Robert J. Schwalb is the game designer for Shotguns & Sorcery. He is a writer in the roleplaying game industry best known for his work on Dungeons & Dragons, A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying, and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. Schwalb recently expressed his enthusiasm for the new roleplaying game. “I’m super excited to be working on this project. Not only am I a big fan of Monte Cook’s Cypher System, I also adore the world Matt Forbeck created.”

I made an order at the beginning of the month that had an issue (my fault, didn't register a cash card) and was refused. It was fixed through customer service (thanks), but now it has gone through and is pending longer than usual. Checking in to see if there is an issue before making another order since the last attempt had problems.

Wow. That is a lot of emails. I've called a couple times during business hours, but with 2000 emails, it is almost certain others followed up with a phone calls. I'll just give it some time.

I have an order that was denied, but is still charging my card. I sent an e-mail and called, but haven't heard back (it has not been that long). I didn't notice the forum until after trying those, so I thought I would check since it seems the response time is fast here.

Sir William wrote:

This ties into the "it's complicated" issue you correctly pointed out, but am I incorrect in thinking that "the item slots of the armor are utilized while wearing the outfit" negates the stacking armor issue? (This is meant as a technical question, not as an arguement against the fact that it wasn't clear. Just want to make sure I have the rule right).
Thanks again.

So the out fit then would take up both the chest slot and armor slot... chest slots and armor slots are different. I did glaze over that in three readings. I think the problem is that to simply the wording you'd need actually more words to clarify, pushing you outside the 300. The mind is still wrapping around the previous sentence as you read the new one.

I'll beating myself up when we get to page six for sure, as my own item is over complicated which is an issue I had last year as well.

Yep, too complicated. :)

I'll have to work on that aspect. That way it doesn't take so much effort to clarify. At least my understanding of the rule was correct. Thanks again for taking the time to give feedback. Each time I ask a follow-up I worry it will seem like a "you're wrong" reaction, but everyone has taken the questions at face value and been very helpful.

...

64) Sewing Form of the Steel Seamstress
The Good: Unique concept, all the benefits of armor no drawbacks, written well, and format on point.
The Bad: it's complicated
The Ugly: The number of ways this can be abused... No mention of arcane failure or restricting casters is the first issue. No mention of say taking your new armor clothing and wearing another suit of armor on top stacking AC and abilities.
Overall: 2 stars- cool idea but lacked some restraint in execution I down voted it consistently. I know some loved it but I couldn;t see past the potential abuses.
....

Thanks for the review and feedback. It is very nice to hear "well written," and I keep a file of feedback so that I can look at them all together (with some distance). This is my first time entering RPG Superstar and I appreciate the time it takes.

It doesn't take any distance to see that "it's complicated" is a problem. That is something that rings true and that I'll work on for next year. There are some simpler approaches that I am starting to see after getting feedback.

This ties into the "it's complicated" issue you correctly pointed out, but am I incorrect in thinking that "the item slots of the armor are utilized while wearing the outfit" negates the stacking armor issue? (This is meant as a technical question, not as an arguement against the fact that it wasn't clear. Just want to make sure I have the rule right).

Thanks again.

Sir William wrote:

MrCab wrote:

Sir William wrote:

Sewing Form of the Steel Seamstress

Aura strong transmutation; CL 12th
Slot none; Price 90,000 gp; Weight 200 lbs.
Description
...

Didn't like this item since it breaks game balance. I see this item leading to wizards and other lightly armored characters figuring out how to carry the mannequin around with them in a...

This was my biggest concern when putting the item together. Certainly something I attempted to avoid. Was there a specific way that you can see that happening?

The item never lists a weight or says that it must remain in place. So there are a few things a groups of adventurers might try. Hiring some people to carry it around for them is one idea. Putting it in the back of a wagon would also work to transport it without using magic. One mile is a pretty big radius, and without saying stone and the like blocks it, a group could just leave it outside the cave they're about to explore and it would likely work while they were inside it. Even if the group did need to travel across the planes, they could just remove the armor from the form before traveling, and immediately re-atune to it.

Now, if I can put the rules technicality hat aside for a second, I'm guessing what you're going for here is some sort of lord or captain at a castle or fort putting their armor and the form in the back room, so they can go about their business wearing normal clothes and still be defended from attacks. Maybe the king has armor of greater fortification in the back so now he can't be sneak attacked. It's not a bad idea, still maybe a little OP, but it needs something to actually lock the form to a given location. Making it so the form had to tune itself to a location for an extended period of time before functioning in that location would help GMs avoid conversations with players trying to figure out how to transport the Form around so they can keep its bonuses...

Thanks for the extra input! It is helpful (this is my first year entering an item) and I appreciate the time it takes.

The concept I was going for was pretty close to what you mention. I was thinking an item for security for Kings and Queens (or just their guests) who must attend events dressed in cloths rather than armor. You're definitely right about the technical problem area. The only "hey but" I can claim is that you mentioned there was no weight, but there is a weight listed. I went with a heavy weight to negate that issue some. I wanted to make it to dangerous to chance that the armor might fall off or be stolen. That doesn't negate the advice though. It would have been more simple, as you said, to more directly limit/stop movement.

In other words, my picks this year are exactly as predictive as picks made by a random number generator.

I'll take it! (Sewing Form of the Steel Seamstress)

This was the first year I've entered RPGSuperstar. While not making the top 100 was disappointing I'll satisfy myself with making Epic Meepo's Next 16, and with a few other positive comments that suggest that it wasn't without some promise.

Entering has been an illuminating experience in terms of what I've been doing correctly and what I have not. The critiques have been incredibly helpful (even if I wish they weren't valid) and the community positive even when pointing out errors.

Sir William wrote:

Sewing Form of the Steel Seamstress

Aura strong transmutation; CL 12th
Slot none; Price 90,000 gp; Weight 200 lbs.
Description
...

Didn't like this item since it breaks game balance. I see this item leading to wizards and other lightly armored characters figuring out how to carry the mannequin around with them in a...

This was my biggest concern when putting the item together. Certainly something I attempted to avoid. Was there a specific way that you can see that happening?

Sewing Form of the Steel Seamstress
Aura strong transmutation; CL 12th
Slot none; Price 90,000 gp; Weight 200 lbs.
Description
Resting on an iron columnar pedestal, this mahogany mannequin of a torso provides a +2 circumstance bonus on Craft (clothing) checks. Studying the form reveals a palimpsest of markings indicating previous patterns, and, within those lines, arcane runes that outline the item's functions.

As a standard action, while wearing armor, anyone the form's size may touch it to become keyed to the mannequin. Upon the form's surface a design emerges that can be followed with a Craft (clothing) skill check (DC 15 + AC bonus). If the skill check is successful, when the armor is placed upon the sewing form, its armor bonus and special abilities are locked to the keyed individual when the outfit is worn. The item slots of the armor are utilized when wearing the outfit. While the armor remains on the form, this connection can be maintained indefinitely.

The maximum dexterity bonus to AC, armor check penalty, and other weight related penalties do not affect the wearer. Casting spells does not require an arcane spell failure check. All of the benefits apply only when worn within a 1 mile radius of the sewing form. Traveling outside the 1 mile radius and the use of extra dimensional spaces or other spells to transport the form breaks the connection. When the connection breaks, the armor gains the broken condition, and the outfit's benefits fade after 24 hours. If the armor is removed from the sewing form by anyone other than the keyed individual the armor is destroyed.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, treasure stitching, creator must have at least 5 ranks in Craft (clothing); Cost 45,000 gp

Provocateur’s Pamphlet

Aura faint enchantment; CL 3rd
Slot none; Price 2,000 gp; Weight —
Description
This delicate, folded vellum broadsheet bears a supernatural sense of gravitas, though it is blank and unadorned.  

Inscribing a provocateur’s pamphlet with a call for action, political treatise, or other such agenda-driven propaganda awakens the enchantment within the parchment...

These effects persist until the reader feels as if the original intent of the message has been fulfilled, or the enchantment upon the provocateur’s pamphlet wears off, whichever occurs first....

Careful consideration must be given when inscribing a provocateur’s pamphlet, thus doing so takes at least one hour.
Construction

Requirements Craft Wondrous Item,...

This was one of my personal favorites. The flavor was interesting and I was surprised not to see it in the Top 32. I very much liked that it wasn't focused on combat (which seems to be a detriment from what I read on the boards, but is what I look for in an item). Others have mentioned that "state set forth within its message is achieved" wasn't specific, whichI think is accurate but an easy enough fix. This is one I saved for my game.

I'll come forward with mine since James posted it here. This is my first year entering RPG Superstar and I was very happy to see that James thought it was an interesting item. The item did not make the Top 100 items. It will be interesting to see what people think (good and bad) about it.

Sewing Form of the Steel Seamstress
Aura strong transmutation; CL 12th
Slot none; Price 90,000 gp; Weight 200 lbs.
Description
Resting on an iron columnar pedestal, this mahogany mannequin of a torso provides a +2 circumstance bonus on Craft (clothing) checks. Studying the form reveals a palimpsest of markings indicating previous patterns, and, within those lines, arcane runes that outline the item's functions.

As a standard action, while wearing armor, anyone the form's size may touch it to become keyed to the mannequin. Upon the form's surface a design emerges that can be followed with a Craft (clothing) skill check (DC 15 + AC bonus). If the skill check is successful, when the armor is placed upon the sewing form, its armor bonus and special abilities are locked to the keyed individual when the outfit is worn. The item slots of the armor are utilized when wearing the outfit. While the armor remains on the form, this connection can be maintained indefinitely.

The maximum dexterity bonus to AC, armor check penalty, and other weight related penalties do not affect the wearer. Casting spells does not require an arcane spell failure check. All of the benefits apply only when worn within a 1 mile radius of the sewing form. Traveling outside the 1 mile radius and the use of extra dimensional spaces or other spells to transport the form breaks the connection. When the connection breaks, the armor gains the broken condition, and the outfit's benefits fade after 24 hours. If the armor is removed from the sewing form by anyone other than the keyed individual the armor is destroyed.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, treasure stitching, creator must have at least 5 ranks in Craft (clothing); Cost 45,000 gp

Just finished reading the Top 32. Congrats to very one and good luck on the next step (with a little extra luck for those that haven't finished their creature).

I'm sorry you were forced to eat your hat (since one of those items is mine)!

I'll post the full text of my item here as soon as the critique thread opens. Looks like there is already both agreement and bewilderment at your choices. This is my first year entering and I look forward to hearing both the positive and the negative.

Now back to reading the Top 32 items!

Sir William wrote:

Speaking of first time participant questions... I know that I can't post about my item yet. Is it acceptable, now that the private voting has ended, to send a private message to someone that (might) something nice about my item on this thread?

PMs are fine, but unless you want to be disqualified, do NOT publicly identify your item until the Top 32 and alternates are announced.

Thanks. That is what I thought, but I wanted to be sure.

Creating a narrative to explain the results. Like why all Top 32 items are Torcs.

That narrative seems straight foward if you consider the infinite monkey theorem. All RPGSuperstar participants, hitting keys on a computer keyboard for a minimum of one year, will almost surely type thirty-two terrific Torc (with alterations).

Monkeys + Time + Typewriter = the complete works of William Shakespeare.

RPGSuperstar + Time + Computer = Torcs.

Speaking of first time participant questions... I know that I can't post about my item yet. Is it acceptable, now that the private voting has ended, to send a private message to someone that (might) something nice about my item on this thread?

Then some people began to complain and this community did three amazing things: first, it toned down the negativity. Second, it started other threads such as this one and contained the remaining negativity to the Ramble thread. And third it began to add more positive comments to the Ramble thread. It was quite astonishing and almost spontaneous without being asked for by the moderators.

That will always be what I took away most from the whole thing.

While the negativity didn't bother me much, there was certainly a noticeable shift that I can appreciate as a new participant. I've already said this in another post, but it seems worth repeating that I've been pleasantly surprised with community response to new players/posters/customers.

summon monster's mother

At least that works with my kids. "I'm mom, I win." "... okay."

While my mother was never a regular player, when I was in 6th-7th grade she hosted an ongoing game and sometimes would act as an reoccurring character. Specifically she enjoyed playing my (and my brother's) charcters' mother. It brought in some more mature play (characters considering what they do) but it was done well and didn't keep us from taking down some goblins.

When our characters were killed, her character, wanting revenge, became the major villian in our next game. That was our first exposure the a villian that had any depth we could understand.

(She slaughtered us).

Well, this worry should fade for many soon. Sean said he thought the Database was fine.

Let's get some confessions going... How many of you are reading this praise thread trying to see if there is some obscure reference to your item to give you hope? :D

That isn't the only reason that I read this thread. It is the only reason I search key words in the RPG Superstar section each day. So far (90% sure) it has come up once here (before the cull, so I am still worried) and possibly multiple times in the other thread (also pre-cull).

This is the first time I have "taken part" on the boards. While I can't speak to past contributions there are [i]multiple[\] people who have posted above (Adam, is one) that have contributed to my opinion that this is an excellent community. Including one that went out of there way (privately) to make sure a new poster (me) didn't make a mistake. Communities are, regardless of systems, what pull players in. It has really pulled me into trying to game more often.

King Tius wrote:

Why does everyone want to turn into a monkey or a centaur?

Because monkeys are awesome!

In next round someone needs to make a monkey-centaur. That is a winner.

I saw an item that pulls grapplers into itself and could possibly kill them. Seems like I read one just like that last year.

They have good taste it seems. That item was quite extraordinary.