So, I've decided to take the plunge and submit a query. However, I have a couple of questions to ask first, if someone on the Paizo staff would be willing to take the time.
Do NOT: Create a feat or a magic item that allows a nonspellcasting character (of a nonspellcasting class) to
cast a spell
Does this include an item that has a property similar to spell storing?
For maps, would a single .psd with the maps on individual layers work, or is there a specific format wanted?
We do not accept
adventures that ... ask the PCs to slay good characters or monsters.
What about a creature using a compulsion effect to force good (or neutral) npcs to obstruct/fight the party?
Asked in the order they came to me. Any comment is welcome.
I'm in no way a member of the staff, but I occasionally play one on TV.
Do NOT: Create a feat or a magic item that allows a nonspellcasting character (of a nonspellcasting class) to
cast a spell
This strikes me as a game balance issue. If it can be balanced somehow (via Use Magic Item check or what have you) I think it would be okay.
For maps, would a single .psd with the maps on individual layers work, or is there a specific format wanted?
They re-draw these anyway, but I would suggest just including them at the end of the manuscript/word file as inserted mid-resolution jpgs. That way the editors can see your maps with the printed file and don't have to go in and print individual layers in a completely different program. It's just a time saver.
We do not accept
adventures that ... ask the PCs to slay good characters or monsters.
So long as it isn't overused, I think your compulsed NPC idea is fine. There's nothing that says the characters can't cast sleep, use dispel, grapple, Tumble past or take another path to get to the real bad guys.
The views expressed are purely imaginary. This post will self-destruct in ::POOF::
GGG
Creative Director
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Do NOT: Create a feat or a magic item that allows a nonspellcasting character (of a nonspellcasting class) to
cast a spellDoes this include an item that has a property similar to spell storing?
This should probably be a little more clear. The point is that we don't want magic items or feats that grant spellcasting to a non-spellcasting class. A ring of spell storing type item is fine, since it still requires a spellcaster to charge it up and the ring itself is technically what's casting the spell. What we don't want are feats and spells that give the character these powers that continue to work once the item is gone.
For maps, would a single .psd with the maps on individual layers work, or is there a specific format wanted?
As long as map turnovers are in a format that Adobe Photoshop can read, it's all good. If we can't read a file, we'll certainly let you know! :-)
We do not accept
adventures that ... ask the PCs to slay good characters or monsters.What about a creature using a compulsion effect to force good (or neutral) npcs to obstruct/fight the party?
This could work, but it's thin ice. In a scenario like this, make sure that killing the mind-controlled good guys isn't the only (or even the best) option to finish the adventure.
In closing, all of the guidelines are just that; guidelines. In many cases they can be broken, but keep in mind that the more guidelines you go against in a proposal, the less likely we'll accept it for publication.
Thanks, James! I'll keep your words in mind.
Ah, great! [i]Another[i/] writer to compete with ;)
This should probably be a little more clear. The point is that we don't want magic items or feats that grant spellcasting to a non-spellcasting class. ... What we don't want are feats and spells that give the character these powers that continue to work once the item is gone.
I'd also imagine that items like, "Once per day the wielder of this rod can cast fireball" are suggested against on the grounds that they make spellcasters less special and are generally boring items that anyone could make. Right?
I'd also imagine that items like, "Once per day the wielder of this rod can cast fireball" are suggested against on the grounds that they make spellcasters less special and are generally boring items that anyone could make. Right?
Plus, the guy in plate mail, who just cast a fireball, can skin his two-handed greatsword and whup your $#@ with impunity.
And why really bother with giving a non-spellcaster the ability to cast spells? Just let him multiclass for crying out loud.
Yes, and good luck Thanis. I don't really want the competition, but it might just serve to bring the best out in me if it doesn't screw me up first