propeliea's page

Grats and good luck! I look forward to some great reading tonight.

Mike Franke wrote:

I am a little confused by the "spell in a can" complaint. I did not participate last year so maybe that is why I am ignorant to this issue. If you look through the DMG I would say that approximately 99% of wonderous items simply replicate a spell affect on a more permanent basis. In fact is not the item creation mechanic for a wonderous item something that is a continuous spell affect or something used a few times a day rather than once for a scroll or 50 times for a wand etc. I appreciate your insight into this matter, perhaps when you are less busy tomorrow after the first 32 have been selected.

The problem with these items is not that they are illegal, it's that they are not very creative.

That's pretty much it. The fact that so many existing items follow the pattern just shows why pushing that envelope is so important in demonstrating superstar status.

Good wondrous items break rules.

Definitely where I believe that I came up most short this time around. Speaks to a lack of time and imaginative investment for me.

Without giving anything away, I would like to have done an adjustment that allowed it to move between two slot areas and played with the price to justify.

propeliea wrote:

It seems the contest has matured a bit to be more about polished game design, even at the earlier stages. Note I say "more about" not to imply there weren't polished items last year.

...

Full on, unjustified supposition.

Well, since the ultimate winner will be, essentially, a game designer, I'd say that this is true.

Sure, sure. The supposition comes into whether there was indeed a general trend to recognize that this year over the first year. It doesn't seem an outlandish leap, but hard to be certain without the data.

I'm looking forward to seeing the content and the discussions spawned by said content. Was a ton of fun last year.

Clark Peterson wrote:

This year there are going to be at least 10 items that are real solid items that wont make the cut. The drop off isnt as sharp this year as last year.

That's interesting. It would be difficult to draw any solid conclusions, but I wonder if the difference is due to changes in the pool of people who entered, or if it's a result of the new ruleset being brought into play? I think that perhaps entrants had to be a little more dedicated this year, as they would have likely already had a grounding in 3.5, but would also need to be versed in Pathfinder, or at least willing to do the requisite reading to get there.

I guess the other likelihood is that the discussion that surrounded last year's competition helped to direct and guide a lot of the entrants this year. I know those threads were a big help to me.

CR

Pure supposition on my part, but I suspect that some of the more serious entries took to heart knowing the judges desires and went for solid doubles or triples rather than an esoteric home run.

Last year I imagine that there was considerably more focus on "awesome concept" and this year more people focused on making the design work. I don't doubt that some outrageous ideas might have been submitted, but a higher design editing threshold could mitigate their success.

It seems the contest has matured a bit to be more about polished game design, even at the earlier stages. Note I say "more about" not to imply there weren't polished items last year.

However, I suspect that the urge to have solid mechanics first could have an influence on fewer gonzo cool items that worked, leaving the gonzo items on the outside looking in because of lack of mechanical execution next to the "safer" entries.

Full on, unjustified supposition.

Heh. Not to beat a dead horse, but I certainly allowed myself to over narrate this time around. Still, the item was cute and hopefully overcomes my indulgence.

Regardless, it was a fun right up. I mean, if you're gonna make a mistake, let it be one you can live with and learn from (mmm, ending with prepositions makes me and Churchill happy).

I really look forward to seeing this year's 32.

Excellent work.

I think it's sad that people would not vote for a great story line just because it's not set for the level your group tends to play, or thinks is optimal, or whatever. Why not instead judge the submission for what it's trying to do at the level it's trying to do it?

"Oh, this story is brilliant, but it's set for level 12, and I never play above level 6, so it's DQ'd". WHAT?!? And for god's sakes, branch out a little! I've had some GREAT roleplaying sessions at 1st level, I've had some great ones at 24th, and I've had great ones everywhere in between. I would hope people would vote on what would be the best material to create those, at WHATEVER level it's written for.

Now, if it says "written for 12th level", and it's something your average 7th level party would breeze through, that's a problem. Or vice-versa, if it is written for 12th, and there's no way in the 7 hells an average 15th level party would have any hope of successfully completing the adventure, that's a problem too. But if it's written for 12th, and WELL written for 12th, and it would be a not-impossible challenge for 12th, then it should be worthy of consideration, all else equal.

Sorry...rant over. Anybody need this soapbox?

Well, I'd hate to break someone else's soapbox, but I think people will naturally gravitate to that which appeals to their taste. Level difinitely counts in that regard. Might not be my top criterion, but I wouldn't dismiss it as a possible top criterion.

If this is a popularity concept on whose work would we buy, then whether you'd buy something based on level likely plays a part.

The only concern I have is that the votes have been so accurate that it might steal the big reveal's thunder. That said, our accuracy might result from the multiple advancements. I kinda hope we get one wrong for shock value.

If more people push for not wanting one, I might let someone else start it. I like honoring community self-regulation; however, the (expressed) sentiment still seems in favor at this point.

Rule #7

Submissions should be in Flash. Minimal requirements include writing superior to that of the 4E ads.

I'd be surprised if Paizo didn't work out some early negotiations for at least the top 4. Might not all come to pass, but I bet the negotiations happen on some level.

Similar stuff happens on Idol, not that there's anything but an arbitrary connection between the Superstar contest and Idol.

Not that it was needed, but my wife (who has voted all of twice in this contest) placed another for Christine.

She didn't mention using a second vote.

Name seems inherent to the idea of "Superstar." In many ways, it capitalizes the persona above the talent.

And I know this is a silly nitpick, but the voting is anonymous, this would be anonymous submissions.

The only value of anonymous submissions would be encouraging writers to exaggerate or dilute their voice. I don't see that as a desired outcome.

We luv ya Sam-and ya had great stuff. Hopefully, it'll still be a launching pad for ya.

Darkjoy wrote:

Core wrote:

I will honestly be somewhat irritated if one of the out of work professionals wins. Totally against the intentions of the contest in my opinion. They are not new, and they likely had ample opportunity already to be a 'superstar'.

Who's been published before?

I assume Sam is mostly referring to me.

Like Russ, I have a full time job and it has nothing to do with gaming, and my 'career job search' is focused on finding a gig as a professor of education.

Sure, on one level you want to see the people you think are the best performers at their craft (whether it's singing there or D&D writing here), but on another level it's very satisfying to see what at least feels like pure, raw talent coming through and bursting onto the scene, fresh and new. It feels more pure, more right,...

Idol is full of backup singers and semi pros. Nelson has every right to be here, and his writing shows it. He qualifies under the rules and I believe other Superstars already out had more credits than he did.

Now, I'll come clean and state that I'm biased. I entered the contest, without making any round, with a few Dragon publications and some contribtions to third party books. I also happen to be in Academe and even assistant edit a refereed journal; so maybe I more than a little close to Jason's position. You can take that into account, but he's earned the place, and by no means a professional. Nor should it be like he's 'had hsi chance.' A few publications, a handful of stories, or whatever is more an apprenticeship than a career.

Also, Boomer, you've definitely shown excellence in your writing. Don't even think for a moment it's been a name run for ya.

Okay, it seems an easier round from some threads, but that coud be a superficial read.

Christine and Boomer surprised with the two most complete encounters, while also offering the most inspired. They have my votes this round.

Neither was my favorite to take the contest after Round 4; so this round shifted the picture for me a bit.

I have read none of them yet.

But Rob wins the Best Title award, hands down.

:-)

Two things surprised me: How easy it was to pick my top two and how fresh blood seemed to out perform experience this round after experience really seemed to be pulling ahead the last couple.

I thought professional background would be the key factor in this round, but it wasn't.

This is functional and works as an encounter. I'm afraid that it isn't evocative like the other encounters offered. I agree with Clark about some of the roadblock issues if characters do other things from the anticipated.

mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Just awesome. This is teh first one I read-and the others better be damn amazing to keep up.

We're designing characters for a new campaign tomorrow and I think we'll mess around with this afterwards. Nice work.

Heh, I had this conversation in private the other day with Varianor. That said, I'm gonna hold this in reserve. There are three left that I personally favor, and one of them I see as most likley to take it, even if they aren't my top choice.

I don't have a top choice at this point, I swear. A few are close enough that the final rounds still matter to me.

Russ Taylor wrote:

Mine's in, a bit earlier than usual for me too. I'm happy with it, but I wouldn't have minded writing the framing adventure too.

Yeah, I showed the first part to a friend and his response was "who are these people, this makes no sense" but I pointed out that it was supposed to be an encounter from the middle of adventure. Still felt a little funny making unexplained references, though, without the adventure around it.

By the way, double-congrats to you for getting all the way to the doorstep of the final 4 from the alternates. It's like the wild-card Giants getting to the Super Bowl. Everybody who got in has a shot, and your stuff has been getting better and better every round. Best of luck, man.

I concur, without the Giants love. ;)

But here's the real question: I think we can all agree that Wolfgang is our Simon. So between Mona and Peterson, who's Paula and who's Randy?

Incidentally, thanks to CreativeJuices7, all my campaigns will now feature a Blackrazor who sounds vaguely like George W. Bush.

That is all.

-RM

I was thinking he sounded bit more like immitation Elvis.

Ragwaine wrote:

Joseph Yerger wrote:

I must admit seeing varianor admit to voting for me here, really made my day. THANKS!

Hey I voted for you too. (even though you stole some of the Florida karma from the first round making sure that there was none left for me!) I want to be famous!

I found your monsters much more usable than at least a couple of the other entries and I liked the fact that they didn't all have to be used together. Many of the ones that made it through sound much more like campaign style villains to me than monsters I could use as a single encounter.

Thank you Ragwaine! It was what I aimed for. If you recall, initially there were 2 people from Florida who made it to 32, both surprisingly in Sarasota. Neither of us know each other either. I'm sure there were many others in Florida. There are a great many gamers here in both Miami and Orlando (Orlando has Dave Arneson and Blackmoor).

Ooo, I may check that out. Orlando is my top backup choice for phd programs next year after Oxford.

No problem. Use your Friday game to playtest your encounter.

Goodness knows I do it to my players all the time. :-)

Congrats to all!

propeliea wrote:

We've been close, but never exact. Worse (or better?), we may very well be due for a big surprise.

...except this time if you take the final two voters into account we were dead-on.

Just saying.

It does indeed appear that way. Wonder if it's due to fewer contestants or if actual voting has slipped.

Though we don't actually know if our order is correct, just that we picked the six.

Tio wrote:

I took out my vote for Lightning and went with Ooze to see Rob on to the next round. Hopefully my complete top 6 will make it.

heheheheh

Okay, I admit it, I was wrong. A Grave Man was right. :-)

Yep, I was pretty sure he was right that this would affect votes. Not sure that's inherently bad, but basing your vote on a highly unscientific ranking like this has dangers.

We've been close, but never exact. Worse (or better?), we may very well be due for a big surprise.

So, it all suggests that the vital contest is between Hunger, Imperium, and SSS for 5th through 6th place.

Sad to be out of that battle, but I'm not changing a vote to get involved.

Uh oh, should I feel justified that my votes match an assistant editor--or am I loosing hold of my opportunity to embrace entries that push the envelope?

Internal crisis time. ;)

Well, I want another vote for the first time in the contest.

For now, I'm doing it this way:

Machine
Lightning
Midwinter

My post that was eaten from late last night:

Christine, I think you might have presented the best writing this round. It's clear, distinct, and succinct when it needs to be.

Concepts are also great and I love the theme.

You've got one vote for certain because I've given a vote for best writing each round (whether Blink dogs or Whirling Djinn). My initial read has this one winning in a runaway.

More than any of the other entries, so much of this one dances between spot on distinctive and plain ole bad that I'm genuinely at a loss. I cringe one moment and am transfixed the next. Given the lateness of the round, I don't think it's good for me to cringe at all.

That said, I bet with some revision and work with an editor this could become the most distinctive and memorable entry. Perhaps. There's something here that makes me want to believe that.

I like the theme, though the writing seems to fail you in some spots (though only briefly).

I like all the monsters. Enjoy their utility. I'll consider this one for a vote.

Yep, I think you'll get a vote if for the hernes alone. But I'm a classicist.

Best design of the round. The form of the writing supports the function of the design and keeps me reading. That's what I want from 80% of any RPG product.

Warmed immediately to the opening narration. Disliked the names so much that I fear it blurred much of my consideration for the entries.

I think it was a mistake to make these monsters so similar. Nothing too new in the overarching concept combined with a lack of individual distinction seems to doom this entry to the trenches of banality.

But it may be that I just feel there's enough undead and this didn't change my mind in any way.

I quite enjoyed the opening piece.

There's such a great potential here. I would love to ahve seen the narrative bits combine some old school Aristotelian mumbo-jumbo with the science-y bits for more flavor. I respect that you trie dto do something inventive with a set of monsters that have always lacked distinction.

But, while interesting and even useable on some level, oozes just didn't do it for me in the end. I do think I'll use the concepts however.

Christine, I think you might have presented the best writing this round. It's clear, distinct, and succinct when it needs to be.

Concepts are also great and I love the theme.

You've got one vote for certain because I've given a vote for best writing each round (whether Blink dogs or Whirling Djinn). My initial read has this one winning in a runaway.

This certainly works. Like one or two judges stated, it says "RPG published material" witha big stamp. Limited focus, solid mechanics, and controlled narration.

I'm almost surprised that it's recieving such strong support because it's more clean than extraordinary-but extraoridnary in this round got clunky in many cases.

I think Implant has more than enough limitations to justify its application in a CR4 creature.

I like this entry, without loving it. In a book I'd nod and think "I could use this if the situation arose." I wouldn't be inspired to create a situation for it.

But it's in the running for a vote, no doubt. This is solid design work, and that needs to count.

It's overwritten. Some of it is quite good, but much of it seems to lose focus in an attempt to squeeze in adjectives. Many areas could do with some editing for precision. I think the assembly line nature of the contest has finally shown some chinks in the writing process for you.

That does not flow over to the concept creativity, however. I found the theme and individual concepts intriguing and inspirational. The abilities and mechanics were a bit hit and miss. Sneak attack and evasion are fine for monsters (there are a few of WotC monsters with these abilities built-in), but it's not that attention grabbing.

I think you got indulgent here, mistaking verbosity for having the same effectiveness of a clear, precise detail in evocation.

But, I tell you what, that I find myself considering the actual writing to such a level speaks to your gift. I need to think more on how my votes will go before giving a yay or nay.

Called out? Hardly. Though I simply don't agree with the concerns of your stance.

Is it possible the thread influences votes? Absolutely. Is that a bad thing? I doubt it given the community nature of the contest. Commentary should drive the contest. Polling just adds another element, and one that I've found useful and interesting.

Plus, it's been a popular discussion driver.

I'm still undecided on my other two, but will likely make a choice by Sunday.

I'm still at a loss, but wanted to start the thread.

Christine has one for certain. I'm so very undecided on the others.

Huh, nope top 6. Is this a recent change or did I miss it the whole way?

You authors better go scare up some votes. I predict this round will be pretty tight. In my view (and I am often wrong), there are 4 real strong entries and the other two spots are up for grabs.

And voters, please make sure to express your opinion.

4 solid spots and two up for grabs? Aren't only four advancing?

I hung out a while to see reactions to articles in Dragon, but really the contest amde me an active member. I've ventured into the other community forums, but the contest just has me by the...well, it has my most significant attention for these forums.

gbonehead wrote:

Argh.

Sometimes it's a pain being on the East Coast.

Q: When is noon not noon?

A: When you're in Europe and RPG Superstar posts at noon.

I will see your Argh and raise you a Gaaahhh. Noon PST is 9:00 PM for me. I have been waiting ALL DAY!!

I think the next 2 hours, 8 minutes may be the longest period of my life.

Yeah, and it's sinking in that we're gonna have to advance only four of 8 this time. This is the first round where I think anyone of them could win. Yet ha;f will be gone soon. Crazy.

I hate admitting this in a post because I'd feel forced to justify it in longer exposition, but I'll resist.

Classic: Little, Big (I repsect it, I just didn't enjoy it. I'd rather read Spencer if I'm gonna subject myself like that.)

Modern: I think Neuromancer goes down hill after the first two brilliant chapters. The last half of the book has so much wrong with it.

Burrough's fans should check out 'Darwinia'. It's more Lost Continent than Conan, and while flawed, it's both fun and smart.

I finished 'Darwinia' a week ago by Robert Charles Wilson. First book of his I've read, and I completely fell in love with his voice and vision. I'm reading Elizabeth Moon's 'Speed of Dark' now, which is also a brilliant novel about the lives of functional adults with autism around 2023 or so.

Wilson's 'Spin' should be next.

I'm trying to push myself to read more post-90's novels to catch up a little with the market.

I recall picking up Mote, Hammer, and Footfall from my Dad's collection back in the mid-80's. I should read them again, as my ten year-old self can't tell me much about them anymore.

Bit late, but congrats to the top 8 and many thanks to those who didn't make it for all their work and ingenuity to this point!

Not sure I mentioned this (and am too tired to read and see) but, Durgal was my favorite entry of yours, Hal. I think the choice shows an eye for what makes stories interesting. It was in my top 6 and maybe some soft touches would have changed that.

Just some solid work in this contest.