Voice Of Reason's page

I think you should compromise and just go with #44...right in the middle.

This is my first time entering the contest. When can I expect an e-mail about the results? I'm at work all day so will likely not see anything until late in the day.

Do they usually announce the winners & the names of their entries? I can't remember from previous years.

I was going to vote one more time before calling it a night.

Darn...I got two items and like them both. Hard choice.

Ya know, this voting needs to end. While I'm not a Marathon Voter, I've been spending WAY too much time here.

The cutoff needs to hurry up and get here so I can get back to being productive at home. That said, just more more night of voting after this.

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

I admit that I'd like to see my item hinted at here. I already KNOW it was mentioned on the other thread. (The wording was pretty specific)

I regret not giving more of a "wow" factor: It is rather functional, but plain.

Hey, it is still fun to participate. :)

Kind of like getting a shower on those days when you wake up late and the shower is only going to make you more late.

There's a bumber sticker or t-shirt in there somewhere.

Voice Of Reason wrote:

I apologize if this is a noob question: Does Paizo release the specs of the assignments to the public, or just to authors that make the cuts?

They'll be made public, much the same way the Round 1 rules are/were. When they go live after ther top 32 are announced, you'll be able to access them from the RPG Superstar main page.

Thanks for the fast reply.

I will be fun to follow along.

Voice Of Reason wrote:

oh man...I hate when I read posts here and link them to my item...only one post was specific enough that I knew...with others it may just be in my head.

I don't think I'll make the top 32, but I can't help but have a sliver of hope.

Oh why did I let my gaming buddy talk me into this???

Not getting into the Top 32 isn't as bad as you think. I've been doing that for the last six years.

You learn from your mistakes and you get better, if that's what you want. The things people say in here aren't nearly as bad as judges' feedback has been in past years if you ask to see it. "Reject...reject...reject..." isn't exactly comforting, but if you take the time to find out why your item was a reject, then you just might improve.

Jeff, no worries. I'm trying to have fun with the contest. I mean, I would love to make the cut, just like everyone here, but alas, there's just room for 32. I'm looking forward to posting my item after the 32 are announced. I already imagine what some of the feedback will be, but as you said, it will just help me out next year.

xebeche wrote:

Excellent. I'm excited for the blog on Round 2: Create a Bestiary Entry. After reading some of the other item entries, I have no dillusions about making top 32 this year, but I intend to craft my own entry for the experience!

You are not the only one. I need the experience, myself. I, therefore, plan on doing the same.

I think playing along is a great way to still participate in the later stages of the contest.

I apologize if this is a noob question: Does Paizo release the specs of the assignments to the public, or just to authors that make the cuts?

oh man...I hate when I read posts here and link them to my item...only one post was specific enough that I knew...with others it may just be in my head.

I don't think I'll make the top 32, but I can't help but have a sliver of hope.

Oh why did I let my gaming buddy talk me into this???

Don't want to sleep until i see my item. Doubt that will happen though.

Donald, I know the feeling. I'd just like to know if I'm still in the running as well.

It's likely to occur either Tuesday or Wednesday. Enough time to really separate the cream from the dregs.

I imagine that we won't be informed if our item makes it or not. Am I correct in thinking that the only way to know if we've made the first cut is to keep voting and hope to see our item after that point?

Ah, my nemesis. An item which is bizarrely similar to and yet possibly better than my entry.

SC, I've seen the same thing for my item. Twice. It got my vote both times. I liked it.

600 votes in and I finally see two strong keeps up against each other. Decisions, decisions.

I hate that...almost as much as voting on the lesser of two evils.

Not only have I seen both of these items several times, I think I've even had them paired up before.

Hello all,

While I've play Pathfinder (and that other RPG game) for a few decades, I confess that I don't spend much time on this board. I'm here at the moment since I've entered the RPG Superstar for the first time and just having fun with it. That said, I apologize if this or something like this has been brought up before/elsewhere.

There are quite a few good entries in this contest. I imagine there have been many over the past several years. I also imagine that most entries that are eliminated (especially after the first round) are pretty good.

Has Paizo thought about compiling those into a hardback book and perhaps putting up a Kickstarter or something? I mean, the material is there...have a few artists flesh a few things out and I think you'd have a product the Paizo community could get behind.

I would hate to hear that those great items, monsters, encounters, etc. are simply sitting on some back-up hard drive. I imagine some will make their way into future products, but why not compile them in one source?

Thoughts?

being an old country DM .. I lean towards simplicity. My game is fairly casual, but I enforce the rules of the game. I prefer to play where the emphasis is having fun and that is the point of playing this or any game.

or at least it should be.

I agree some of the items I have seen would simply confuse my average players.

Though I personally like the complexity of this game ... as DM, I feel I am charged with keeping the game fun over being a rules Nazi.

Some of the items, though technically and creatively brilliant, would not interest the average player in my opinion.

Scorba, would be interested in you were referring to your gaming style or where you're from. My family is from the "old country" which is why I mention it.

As for your playstyle, heck...it'd be great to have a few like minded people in my neck of the woods, HA!. If you get the chance, I'd be interested in your feedback on my item after the reveal.

For the time being...have a nice evening. It is getting late and I'm starting to get a string of difficult entries.

Good night all!

Just got the same item twice in a row.

Good item that I'd use in my game, so at least it got two ups from me.

just read an 80ish word item.

simple, concise and useful ... really liked it

Was not mine, but you get my point; Useful, easy to get. Hey, that could make it to my gaming table.

If I need to read it three times and still don't get it. It is not something I want in my game.

All that said, reading some of this thread, I don't think I have much chance. I really look forward to posting my item later for some direct feedback.

I'm so tired of seeing a certain few items over and over.

Also, why are so many items trying to do so much? Is simple so bad? I'd hate to be at gaming tables where items such as a few I've seen are used.

I started with a type of mundane item that I didn't feel had enough magical versions (a handful in all of the published material I've seen over three editions of the game) then added abilities that I liked with it.

We will see how it turns out.

Nathanael, I think this is GREAT way to come up with an item, especially if you add abilities that make sense with the mundane item.

This is my first post to this thread, so I'll try to cram a bunch in at once:

About my item: UHHH!!! I was too bland. Bummer. I saw a post that noted my choice of words...I should have been more careful. At least the post was not cruel. Oh well...it was my first try. I'll take it as a learning experience.

About what I've seen so far:

OMG! SOOO many items that try to do WAY to much. SOO many items that are way to complex to figure out. If I have to read it three times, and I'm still unclear...I can't say that it's a useful item. I think simple is better.

Maybe I play a low power game, but SOO many items seem way over the top. I agree that the top 32 should shine and be interesting. I don't that that severe power creap is the answer.

I would be very interested to hear the different approaches to the contest. These few weeks are going to drive me mad lol

Evan,

I'll chime in here (without being specific about my item).

I tried to submit an item that did NOT affect combat. I feel there's enough of that. I tried to go more for a utility item used in general adventuring. I think I've erred in NOT putting a sentence about possible uses, and voters will be quick to overlook it as too bland. I also think I've priced the item a bit low, but I was trying to use the approach of comparing the value of the item vs. others in the games. When I found an amount that made me think I'd take either item, I considered that the sweet spot.

When I submitted my item, I felt good about it. Now, after seeing many submissions, I'm not so sure. I'd like to post my item afterwards to hear where I could improve.

As for voting, my friend put it this way (& I tend to agree): I try to vote for the item that I'd like to see in my home game. When I see two good items, then which item would I like to see in a hardcover Paizo book. I prefer items that I can understand in 1 read, add flavor, and are consistant with game blance.

Good luck with your item. I hope you do well!

Hello again,

Thank you three for your input! Really!

The article was meant for the campain workbook. I pictured the skulls to be a cross between intelligent magic items and NPCs. I didn't generate a stat block as I assumed they didn't need one...and yes...I know what happens when you assume... HA! Now that it was mentioned, it does sound like they would be minor artifacts.

I'll try to pitch it to DRAGON, but I'll also get back to the writer's desk to try again. I promised myself that I would try AT LEAST 3 submissions (and rejections) before I just give it a rest.

Again, I thank you for your thoughtful feedback!!!

Sincerely,
Martin (VoR)

Hello everyone,

I recently submitted the following article to Dungeon, and was promply rejected. As you know, Dungeon doesn't usually provide feedback as to why, so I'm hoping an experienced DUNGEON writer has some constructive input for me so I may improve on future submissions. Thank you in advance for your helpful suggestions. Please note: I did use the proper "styles," even if it does not show from this "cut & paste."

Take care,
VoR

SKULLS OF CHAWNTAY
by Martin

Introduction
Chawntay was an eccentric mage. While he preferred to research the arcane arts in solitude, he longed for company to discuss his theories and debate matters of forgotten lore. He tried to discuss the magical arts with other mages but found he could not tolerate their company, so he decided to create his own. Except for his occasional venture to seek out new knowledge he never left his secluded study again. He acquired rare and exotic materials during his travels, which he used to create the items that have come to be known as the Skulls of Chawntay.
Chawntay sculpted the different materials he collected into the shapes of carved skulls. He then empowered each of these with sentiency and extraordinary powers. The skulls developed abilities and personalities that were influenced by their originating materials. None know how Chawntay came to craft these wondrous items and the skulls themselves are closed-lipped about their origin.
Common Abilities
The skulls share the following traits/ abilities:
While none of the skulls share a language (they do not speak common), they are able to communicate with one another as if affected by the Tongues spell when within 20’ of another skull. Also, although the skulls have a range of alignments, they will not cause harm to each other. Chawntay intended the different alignments in order to have different viewpoints during their lengthy discussions & debates.
Each skull has an innate desire to learn and broaden its knowledge. Like restless sages, each skull craves new tomes and scrolls, especially those pertaining to their particular area of expertise or interest.
The skulls are able to use Mage Hand at will within a 30’ radius. Each skull is considered to be under the effect of a permanent Comprehend Languages spell usable solely for reading.
In addition to these abilities, each skull has its own powers and personality as follows:
Wooden Skull
During its development, this is one of two skulls that took on a feminine persona, and goes by the name Subreena. Being carved from a strange wood, some say from a fallen ancient treant, this skull has a keen interest in matters of nature. Subreena’s knowledge of the natural world rivals that of the wisest and oldest of Druids. Besides being fluent in Elvish and Sylvan, she is able to Speak with Animals and Speak with Plants at will. The animals and plants subject to the spells are considered ‘friendly’ towards Subreena.
Stone Skull
Gromp, the name of this skull, is carved from a rare green/gray stone found deep in the earth and known to few deep-dwelling dwarves, and no surface inhabitant. Gromp is a bit haughty and sarcastic until he “warms up” to his company. Gromp’s features remind most of a dwarf, and his deep masculine voice fits both his features and demeanor. His expertise includes the subjects that would interest most dwarves, such as mining, ore, metallurgy, smithing, and precious stones. Gromp’s languages include Dwarven and Terran. He is able to use Stone Tell and Stone Shape at will. Additionally, he may use Rock to Mud, and Stone to Flesh (or their reverse) once per day. He is ever glad to assist those who provide him with new reading or a rare gem or stone to study.
Bone Skull
This is the only skull from the group that was not crafted from a raw material. Raz’zin is the skull of a male drow Bard who has retained some of his former memories. Raz’zin is a bit sarcastic with a sharp wit. He provides assistance only when there is something in it for him, and that usually entails new tomes for him to mull over. He enjoys reading and learning about the seas, pirates, smugglers, and all things “less than lawful.” Raz’zin especially enjoys intrigue and is zealous in his pursuit to learn more about the Underdark and all its inhabitants. His languages include Undercommon and Aquan. Raz’zin is able to cast Legend Lore (without need of the material component) once per month. He will only use this ability for someone else at great compensation to himself.
Crystal Skull
Flassa is the second of the skulls that has developed a female persona. Flassa is carved from a translucent crystal that Chawntay obtained during his travels to the goodly planes. Her voice is angelic and peaceful. She is wise and well read in matters of the planes, celestial beings, angles, and heroes of righteous causes. She is fluent in Celestial and Draconic, and freely shares her wisdom with those that would further the cause of good, and/or oppose the vile plans of evil. Flassa is able to cast the following spells once per month: Hero’s Feast, Resurrection, Remove Curse, and Remove Disease. Also, no undead is able to neither approach within 15’ of this skull nor affect her with any spells or abilities.
Metal Skull
This skull is forged from a red-orange metal that is indigenous to the City of Brass. The metal is perpetually hot and deals 1d6 fire damage each round of contact with unprotected flesh. Chawntay paid heavily in gems and jewelry for the metal while he was in the city acquiring several rare tomes. Jiz’rell, as this skull is called, is sly, cunning, and wholly lawful evil. When Jiz’rell speaks (Auran and Ignan are his known languages), he sounds as if some loathsome blacknight is speaking though a closed helmet. He enjoys twisting the words and views of others, and is constantly planning and plotting on how he could manipulate those around him. Jiz’rell’s interests include evil planes and their inhabitants, especially efreeti. This skull is able to cast Wish once per month for a non-evil being. While Jiz’rell extracts a heavy cost for using this ability, he also strives to twist the outcome of the Wish from what the recipient intended.
Black Skull
The Bane of Chawntay, or Cherta as this skull likes to be called, was crafted from a stone so black, light is not reflected from its surface. Cherta all but drips of evil and chaos, and his features have been slowly morphing over time, becoming more demonic as the years pass. His powers and knowledge of devils and demons has been expanding since his creation. He is fluent in Abyssal and Infernal. Crafty and manipulative, Cherta strives to control and dominate those weaker minded around him. Currently none are aware of the extent of Cherta’s abilities.

Suggestions for Game Use
• Chawntay’s skulls work well in game as NPC’s.
• The PC’s may travel to a remote location for information from a sage and learn it is one of the skulls.
• PC’s can be sent on several quests to retrieve the skulls and reunite them to solve an epic puzzle.
• A powerful NPC may have one as an assistant, or an evil skull can be manipulating a weak minded NPC and be the power behind the scenes.
• The party may be assigned to escort a good skull to a distant city in need of council, or deliver an evil skull to justice.