Hey, I thought of a question for ya Mikey. I figured I'd ask here so everybody can benefit (and also because I'll get a faster reply :D ).
Given the expanded nature of each Class Act article, would an article that focused on a Prestige Class be accepted? Just as an example, would an article that focused on Archmages (while still be somewhat useful to arcane casters without the PrC) be acceptable?
Hey, I thought of a question for ya Mikey...
Wow, talk about yer informality!
:-)
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Hey, I thought of a question for ya Mikey. I figured I'd ask here so everybody can benefit (and also because I'll get a faster reply :D ).
For future reference, I am of the perfect age to have gone through all of elementary school being told how much I "like it." Like many other Mikes of my age bracket (and we are legion), I despise Life cereal for that damnable ad campaign, and I do not like being called Mikey. :)
Given the expanded nature of each Class Act article, would an article that focused on a Prestige Class be accepted? Just as an example, would an article that focused on Archmages (while still be somewhat useful to arcane casters without the PrC) be acceptable?
But to answer your real question, there are currently no plans to support prestige classes in Class Acts. To be honest, I had never even given it any thought. Now you've put it in my brain, though, so let me chew on the idea a bit. :)
If anything changes, it will be announced here. :)
Hey, I thought of a question for ya Mikey. I figured I'd ask here so everybody can benefit (and also because I'll get a faster reply :D ).For future reference, I am of the perfect age to have gone through all of elementary school being told how much I "like it." Like many other Mikes of my age bracket (and we are legion), I despise Life cereal for that damnable ad campaign, and I do not like being called Mikey. :)
My brother also hates Mikey. For the same reasons. He has the double whammy of having a middle name (Samuel) that's easily turned into a nickname, too. For the longest time, I called him Mikey Sam - specifically because it annoyed him to no end. It was so bad, my kids started calling him Uncle Mikey Sam. :D That's when I stopped.
Given the expanded nature of each Class Act article, would an article that focused on a Prestige Class be accepted? Just as an example, would an article that focused on Archmages (while still be somewhat useful to arcane casters without the PrC) be acceptable?But to answer your real question, there are currently no plans to support prestige classes in Class Acts. To be honest, I had never even given it any thought. Now you've put it in my brain, though, so let me chew on the idea a bit. :)
If anything changes, it will be announced here. :)
Too bad I don't have a solid idea to run past you, to give you a little more to chew on. The question was just something that popped into my head as a sort of meta idea, so I thought it was worth finding out.
I'll let the concept percolate in the back of my mind while you ponder the idea. Maybe I can come with an idea that helps you make up your mind. :) Given my luck lately, though, I doubt it. :(
For future reference, I am of the perfect age to have gone through all of elementary school being told how much I "like it." Like many other Mikes of my age bracket (and we are legion), I despise Life cereal for that damnable ad campaign, and I do not like being called Mikey.
You see, the LIFE cereal thing popped into my head, but it seemed A) too easy and too obvious, and B) just plain cruel, and I try very hard to avoid cruelty.
But to answer your real question, there are currently no plans to support prestige classes in Class Acts.
I vote you keep it that way.
We have barely scratched the surface on all of the non-core classes, and there is a lot of good stuff out there for the core ones, that presitge would muck it up.
Also, I have less ideas for presitge classes. This could hurt me.
Mike,
Are the new core classes in the Player's Handbook II fair game? If so, where do they fit in? I'm assuming...
• Arcane: Beguiler, duskblade.
• Warrior: Knight.
• Fiver: Dragon shaman.
Also, are you interested in alternate class features for the existing core classes like the book includes (assuming you're allowed to by WOTC)?
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Are the new core classes in the Player's Handbook II fair game? If so, where do they fit in? I'm assuming...
• Arcane: Beguiler, duskblade.
• Warrior: Knight.
• Fiver: Dragon shaman.Also, are you interested in alternate class features for the existing core classes like the book includes (assuming you're allowed to by WOTC)?
To answer your first question: Uh... it sure would be nice to get our office copies of that book, so I could answer your question. ;D
To answer your second question: Yes I am, and yes they'd better! :)
To answer your first question: Uh... it sure would be nice to get our office copies of that book, so I could answer your question. ;D
To answer your second question: Yes I am, and yes they'd better! :)
Wow, so much for the perks of being "on the inside"! I believe Erik Mona even said that Alzrius over on the ENWorld boards gets his copy of Dragon before Erik does! ;)
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I'm looking to start sending in queries (my first ones), but I'm worried that writing a stupid sounding query of a good idea will get me a quick rejection. Does an experienced queryer (sp?) have a quick example so I could see how the typical Class Act query sounds (one for the new style of Class Acts would be appreciated)?
I'm looking to start sending in queries (my first ones), but I'm worried that writing a stupid sounding query of a good idea will get me a quick rejection. Does an experienced queryer (sp?) have a quick example so I could see how the typical Class Act query sounds (one for the new style of Class Acts would be appreciated)?
I haven't received issued #344 yet but according to the contract it's supposed to be in there :) I called it "Out of the Shadows", I don't know if the title survived.
Four different classes have sneak attack or something very similar (i.e. bonus damage dice that increase with level and requires specific circumstances to activate). This article will offer up some new abilities keyed to these varieties of sneak attack. Each ability would have assorted preregs and would give a character new options when making a sneak attack. Each ability would impose a cost of one or more damage dice, a decision the character must make prior to launching the attack.
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I haven't received issued #344 yet but according to the contract it's supposed to be in there :) I called it "Out of the Shadows", I don't know if the title survived.
Four different classes have sneak attack or something very similar (i.e. bonus damage dice that increase with level and requires specific circumstances to activate). This article will offer up some new abilities keyed to these varieties of sneak attack. Each ability would have assorted preregs and would give a character new options when making a sneak attack. Each ability would impose a cost of one or more damage dice, a decision the character must make prior to launching the attack.
Thanks for the help. Also, the article sounds really interesting... I can't wait to read it :)
alternative classes are out.
Sucky...
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Class Acts, Player's Handbook II, and You
Let it be known!From this day forth, variant class features are in, alternative classes are out.
I'm going through articles I've already received and will be sending back comments supporting that statement.
Hmm, I've just recently submitted something that I dubbed "an alternative class," but it could very easily be a "variant class feature" instead. Should I resubmit my query with this alteration made or is that taken into consideration when you look at it and, if you liked the idea, you'd tell me to change it to a variant class feature?
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Hmm, I've just recently submitted something that I dubbed "an alternative class," but it could very easily be a "variant class feature" instead. Should I resubmit my query with this alteration made or is that taken into consideration when you look at it and, if you liked the idea, you'd tell me to change it to a variant class feature?
I'll let you know if I want you to redo it as variant class features or if I'll do it myself. :)
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Hi again everyone!
My soft moratorium on Class Acts articles featuring only feats is, as of right now, a hard moratorium. I accepted a couple more earlier today and that's it until further notice. If you have a CA query in my inbox that's for feats, expect it to be rejected when I get to it. If you have a CA query brewing that is all feats, don't bother sending it in. I have enough, thanks.
That doesn't mean having a feat or two in your article will get it killed. That only means that an article that is all feats will be rejected.
In other news, I need more Adventurer Class Acts articles. (Not collections of feats, obviously.) I'm trying to find some in my Inbox, but so far I'm not having much luck. If you want a better-than-usual chance of getting into Class Acts, now is your chance!
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Mike, I guess that means my article for accountancy-related rogue feats is out. (Special abilities: Audit giant skunks and fluff out of existence. Special Vulnerability: Raiding barbarians play havoc with stock taking).
Only joking… :-)
I was kinda thinking about accepting that one, but it was that whole annuity feat that was the deal breaker. ;)
Hmm, I've just recently submitted something that I dubbed "an alternative class," but it could very easily be a "variant class feature" instead.
Indeed, what is the difference between an alternative class and (a class with) variant class features?
Does a class feature need to be a one-for-one replacement for an existing ability, while alternative classes are more of a package deal?
For example, a monk that doesn't get flurry but gets rage would be fine, right?
What about a monk that doesn't get flurry or fast movement or slow fall but gets +1 to attack with a chosen weapon every four levels and the ability to use Stunning Fist with that weapon? Would that be OK, or is that an alternative class?
I'd also expect that anything that changes the HD, BAB or saves is an alternative class. Correct? Would variations in class skills be OK?
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Indeed, what is the difference between an alternative class and (a class with) variant class features?
The difference is simple: An alternative class changes multiple class abilities and maybe even where a class gains said abilities, resulting every time in a whole new 20-level class progression chart. A variant class feature provides a single new ability that replaces one or more existing abilities. For examples of the difference, see the various alternative classes we've run in the past versus the variant class features we're running now (and that appear in Player's Handbook II.
Does a class feature need to be a one-for-one replacement for an existing ability, while alternative classes are more of a package deal?
For example, a monk that doesn't get flurry but gets rage would be fine, right?
That's right. A variant class feature can be a one-for-two replacement if need be, but you are essentially correct.
What about a monk that doesn't get flurry or fast movement or slow fall but gets +1 to attack with a chosen weapon every four levels and the ability to use Stunning Fist with that weapon? Would that be OK, or is that an alternative class?
Alternative class.
I'd also expect that anything that changes the HD, BAB or saves is an alternative class. Correct? Would variations in class skills be OK?
That is correct.
Changing class skills is okay as part of a variant class feature, but only if it's a variant class feature that can only be taken at 1st level.
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The never-ending editorial tweaking that keeps Class Acts fresh, interesting, and useful continues unabated. ...
Hello Mike,
referrig to your original posting:
apart from Class Acts: Is there an official WotC list of "undesired" topics in Dragon? If the answer is yes, which other topics are "off topic"?
Thank you for your answer,
Günther
Is it just me, or is the terminology "variant class feature" essentially the same as "substitution level," and the former has officially replaced the latter?
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Is it just me, or is the terminology "variant class feature" essentially the same as "substitution level," and the former has officially replaced the latter?
Oh no, they're completely different. Completely.
I actually prefer the variant class feature format over the substitution level format, as much as I resisted the change a few months back.
Dang - I tend to like those "outlawed" alternate classes a lot!
Me too. Just remember the Sidhe scholar!
It's the best format as far as alternate class thingies are concerned, IMO, since it lets you create balance and flavour for the whole package, spreading over 20 levels, instead of finding just picking up one specific thing and replacing it with another.
Still, you work with what you've got. :)
Hi again everyone!
My soft moratorium on Class Acts articles featuring only feats is, as of right now, a hard moratorium. I accepted a couple more earlier today and that's it until further notice. If you have a CA query in my inbox that's for feats, expect it to be rejected when I get to it. If you have a CA query brewing that is all feats, don't bother sending it in. I have enough, thanks.
Yay! Boys and girls, research works! *shelving that CA idea for later*
Jay - instead of shelving the idea completely, why not try to rework it a little? Try to think of something else to include in the article along with the feats; once you have that idea, you should be good to go.
--John
Jay - instead of shelving the idea completely, why not try to rework it a little? Try to think of something else to include in the article along with the feats; once you have that idea, you should be good to go.
--John
I wasn't saying I'll never work on it, but knowing that submitting it "as is" for my first query will likely not get a positive reply saves us all some time and trouble. :)
Mike is good at trouble. :D
I've got it! I know how to make EVERYONE happy (we are here using a solipsist's definition of "everyone").
The NEW Class Acts:
*Psionics -- You must've seen that one coming.
*Ninja -- Some very vocally bemoan the ninja, but those people are simply unsavable. Besides, the over-Ninja has plans for them.
*Planar Potpourri/Tentacles -- The planes are cool, and potpourri can make a room smell fresh. These sweet-smelling planar articles, of course, will be interspersed with tentacles.
*Humor -- Because it's good for you damnit!
*Psionics II -- Until a suitable relacment can be found for "the Fifth", psionics gets a second column.
Yup, that *IS* very cool. Well, my work here is done... for now.
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Heh, I like how you included ninja. Good call. ;)
I'm sure I'm going to break your heart when I tell you that I've edited the first post of this thread to better reflect the Class Act outlook as it stands right now. I say it'll break your heart because, frankly, I've got all the psionics articles I'm going to need for more than a year.
Heh, I like how you included ninja. Good call. ;)
I'm sure I'm going to break your heart when I tell you that I've edited the first post of this thread to better reflect the Class Act outlook as it stands right now. I say it'll break your heart because, frankly, I've got all the psionics articles I'm going to need for more than a year.
Guh! Wha? ACK! Ugg.
Did you just hear that? That's all the psi-fans' (all "handful" of us :P) hearts breaking as one. That really hurts man. ;_;
But wait! The first post reads, "[u]nless you knock my socks off with a cool idea." OK everyone, aim for Mike's socks! Go ahead and take the penalty to hit for the called shot. ^_^
Well, that's saturation I guess. Time to branch out! Watch out Jason and Wes, here comes the psi-fun. Dungeon, I'm looking at you too. ^_^
At least the ninja's still in good standing. Are psionic ninjas out Mike?
I have to go mourn.
I love psionics :'( Don't kill it. They took a hard beating already when Complete Psionics came out.
And feats, I mainly look at Class Acts for new feats. I don't mind all feats for a section or two of Class Acts, or even a mixture of some feats and something else. Personally, the other stuff bores me, interesting read, but bores me. Second best of CA would be the alternate class features, substitution levels, or altered class but then again I really don't use those in my games. I have PrC for that.
What I'd really like to see is Epic material...one fateful day... :(
He could have said "Due to lack of demand we're never publishing Psionic CAs ever again."
Thats a great idea!
More space for the stuff the rest of us want ;-)
Razz - a few things.
1) Mike didn't say feats would stop appearing completely; just that there wouldn't be articles of nothing but feats. All this really does is forces us writers to not be so damned lazy and come up with ideas to add to our feats. :)
2) Substitution levels are, unfortunately, dead.
First off, let me say that this thread has been amazingly helpful. I've been interested in submitting to dragon for a while now, but its kind of scary. I think submitting to class acts would be a good start.
Just a quick question. The articles should be about 1400 words according to Mike. I imagine thats to fill up the page. Mike, however said that he likes the articles that come with charts that can be easily photocoped. I had an idea for one of these "game-ready" articles. Should i still aim for it being around 1400 words? or should i shoot for less since alotta page space would be used by the charts?
Ok sorry I lied that was not a quick question at all. Sorry guys. By the way I am submittign a query soon but just thought I'd start crafting the actual articles too so if Mike likes the query I can respond swiftly.
Haha I am postingback to back. I thought of a new question to add to my old one.
So new feats are out, how do we feel about new skill uses. I just thought "hey you need aventurer articles". I see the thing that sets adventurers apart from aother classes are skills and skill points. So how do you feel about new uses for existign skills. hate it? like it? Love it? Wanna marry it and have like 5,000 of its babies? (j/k)
OK - charts and word counts first. Ready for a sucky answer? I think it's going to depend on the article. I've done an article that's a giant chart, and I worked to keep the word count a little lower, just because of the space. Even something as simple as a sidebar reduces your word count a little, because the graphics take up space.
Generally, though, Mike will tell you if you should shoot under (or over) the 1400 limit. If he doesn't say anything, assume you have close to that number to work with.
So new feats are out,
I also wanted to address this one. New feats definitely aren't out; you just need something else in the article besides new feats. If you have an idea that is perfect for new feats, think up something else to go with it, mix in some super cool flavor, and you have a rocktastic article!
I'll let Mike answer the skill use thing - since I'm not completely sure. ;)
Be careful, Jay, Mike is a gateway drug. If you start submitting to him, you'll soon want to submit to everyone. ^^
Regarding your questions, I would would simply write-up a query and send it off to Mike. Just add to what you wrote here to the length of about a paragraph for each idea and polish it up and you've got a query. I would advise against asking about specific ideas on the boards.
As to your formatting questions, I don't kow, but it would likely be easiest to address that in said query and let Mike consider it within proper context. That way if it's not accepted you haven't wasted a butt-load of time.
Good luck! ^_^
Oh I know that new feats aren't entirely out, in fact in alot of my ideas I like to add a feat or two. I just meant submitting a list of feats is out for the time being.
I'm currently writing my first query. I was just wondering Zherog, since you seem to be the expert. How many queries do you throw in an email?
BTW, Zherog your advice coupled with mike's in this thread is amazingly helpful, thank you for being the board scout that you are and for takign the time to help.
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Wow. Just wow. Every time I bring up psionics I get the same kind of reaction. I never said I wasn't going to run more psionics. I said I have SO MANY psionic articles right now that I don't need any more right now. I meant that as a positive thing. Strangely enough, whenever I talk about psionics I always get the same reaction: "OMG he's never going to run psionics again!" I have never said that. I will never say that. I'm not a big psionics fan, but I'm NOT anti-psionics. I do and will continue to support psionics in Class Acts, as time, space, and availability permit. So to everyone who is a psionics fan: Peace and smiles. You're going to continue to see psionics support in Class Acts.
Now then, on to the little firestorm I've created...
Look on the bright side. He could have said "Due to lack of demand we're never publishing Psionic CAs ever again."
It's true. I could say that with honesty. The limited demand for psionics doesn't really make publishing psionics material worthwhile, but we include psionics coverage as we can because we understand the joys of seeing a favorite part of D&D being covered.
What I'd really like to see is Epic material...one fateful day... :(
Me too. I have never received a decent proposal for an Epic Class Act. I'm not even sure I've received a bad proposal for an Epic Class Act. I feel the same way about Epic as I do about psionics: supportive neutrality. It's not something I'd ever do in my campaign, but I don't do every Class Act article based solely on what I love best about the game. (Believe it or not!)
More space for the stuff the rest of us want ;-)
Like more ninja articles! :D
1) Mike didn't say feats would stop appearing completely; just that there wouldn't be articles of nothing but feats. All this really does is forces us writers to not be so damned lazy and come up with ideas to add to our feats. :)
That is almost completely correct. I am no longer accepting all-feats articles, but I have enough in my queue that I'll probably have enough to print one every other month for a year (or longer).
2) Substitution levels are, unfortunately, dead.
That is completely correct. Sub levels were a good idea supplanted by a better idea (variant class features).
Just a quick question. The articles should be about 1400 words according to Mike. I imagine thats to fill up the page. Mike, however said that he likes the articles that come with charts that can be easily photocoped. I had an idea for one of these "game-ready" articles. Should i still aim for it being around 1400 words? or should i shoot for less since alotta page space would be used by the charts?
You can go a little less if your article is chart heavy. Figure around 1000 words if you have lots of charts.
So how do you feel about new uses for existign skills. hate it? like it?
Despise it. Don't bother querying that to me. ;)
I meant existing skills. Sorry i was excited and typed fast. Great now i've embarrassed myself to an editor. I like my new skill use idea though so you are getting it anyway. Take that.
I'm currently writing my first query. I was just wondering Zherog, since you seem to be the expert. How many queries do you throw in an email?
It varies wildly - I'm chaotic by nature. I've sent Mike one idea in an e-mail before, usually when I think it's such an awesome idea that it can't wait. I've sent as many as 22 ideas in one e-mail as well (though a chunk of that - 11 articles - was the same article idea for each of the original 11 class act articles). And I've had queries anywhere between those two extremes. If I had to guess what a "typical" query from me was like, though, I'd wager it's somewhere between 5 and 10. Each idea typically gets 3-5 sentences - though I've gone much longer when I felt it was necessary to get the idea across.
BTW, Zherog your advice coupled with mike's in this thread is amazingly helpful, thank you for being the board scout that you are and for takign the time to help.
Hanging out here on the message boards is far superior to getting my actual work done. :D
--John, who often forgets to sign his posts.