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So! We're switching to the longer magic item format, as you might know. If you're interested in sending me a query for Bazaar of the Bizarre, I have some advice here that will help all of us. :)
There are three item design philosophies running through Wizards of the Coast right now that also run through Dragon.
1) Cheaper items that do 1-2 cool things are better than expensive items that do 3+ cool things.
2) All magic items should be useful to PCs in their adventures. (No magic plows!)
3) Fewer cooler items heavily detailed are better than lots of less cool items.
So I've been told to be a lot more stingy with the Bazaar of the Bizarre articles I accept.
Thus, a Bazaar of the Bizarre query should include a list of 9-20 items with a name (placeholder or "final") and a sentence describing its function for each one. I will then take your list and number the items. When you're writing your final article, after you do your intro, start with the item numbered #1 and work your way down through the list until you hit ~2,000 words.
Speaking of intros: I've allowed a couple bazaars to begin with a short story. This is not a practice I want to continue. Make your introduction as short as possible (to leave more words for items), but make sure it covers the important stuff—namely, how the items are connected. The intro can still run as long as 300 words if you need that much space, but in general I'd like to aim for less than 200 words.
That's it for now. Please feel free to add comments, questions, or "bump" posts to the thread. :)
What about BotB queries already sitting in your inbox, waiting for you to look at? Should those be resent, or not until you actually get to them and specifically ask for it to be resent? I'll assume the latter, but figured I should check just in case...
All the items have to have some central theme, right?
...a Bazaar of the Bizarre query should include a list of 9-20 items with a name (placeholder or "final") and a sentence describing its function for each one.
Does your preference remain to have a variety of magic items for each of the body slots/affinities (as listed in the DMG)? Or, is it okay to try and interest you in a group of magic items related to one another, but not necessarily covering each of the body slots?
1) Cheaper items that do 1-2 cool things are better than expensive items that do 3+ cool things.
I learned this the hard way a year or two ago when I made a magic item for an army of demons granting three spell-like abilities and an armor bonus. The item ended up costing 47,000 gp! (In retrospect, I should have just created a variant demon.)
2) All magic items should be useful to PCs in their adventures. (No magic plows!)
Bah. There goes my "Magic Items For Commoners" article.
3) Fewer cooler items heavily detailed are better than lots of less cool items.
At first I disliked longer articles, feeling that I was getting cheated out of my items, but when you put it that way I think it opens up the opportunity for some really cool items that can inspire a player or DM instead of merely handing them some raw magic items.
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What about BotB queries already sitting in your inbox, waiting for you to look at? Should those be resent, or not until you actually get to them and specifically ask for it to be resent? I'll assume the latter, but figured I should check just in case...
If you have something already in to me, just wait until you hear back from me personally. :)
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Does your preference remain to have a variety of magic items for each of the body slots/affinities (as listed in the DMG)?
Oh my no! Our writers guidelines are way outdated on this point. I want a number of good items, and I don't care how they're distributed across the body slots.
Or, is it okay to try and interest you in a group of magic items related to one another, but not necessarily covering each of the body slots?
That is far superior. :)
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Bah. There goes my "Magic Items For Commoners" article.
I saw an ENWorld thread about wanting to see more items that would be useful for commoners and whatnot. One of the items proposed was a magic plow. Ugh.
At first I disliked longer articles, feeling that I was getting cheated out of my items, but when you put it that way I think it opens up the opportunity for some really cool items that can inspire a player or DM instead of merely handing them some raw magic items.
It's the inspiration part we're aiming for. :)
What about BotB queries already sitting in your inbox, waiting for you to look at? Should those be resent, or not until you actually get to them and specifically ask for it to be resent? I'll assume the latter, but figured I should check just in case...If you have something already in to me, just wait until you hear back from me personally. :)
Yeah, I heard back from you. It's a moot point now. :(
It's the inspiration part we're aiming for. :)
But what if I'm a lazy bastard who wants things handed to me on a silver platter? :D
I remember a while back there was an article all about rings that multiple writeres contributed too. I believe it was mentioned that in the coming months there might be another, but with rods instead. Just wondering if this was still on, or if it passed me by.
Thanks.
Every time I see these guidelines, they inspire me to write something (or try to and fail horribly), but lately I haven't had much time.
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What if I want to send you a BotB article set in the Forgotten Realms, with nice juicy back-story and some new 'rules', but given the 2k word limit I have only three, thematically linked items to be showcased - would you still be interested?
Articles directly tied to a particular campaign setting are far more appropriate to features than Bazaar of the Bizarre. Propose it to Jason (dragon@paizo.com) as a feature (which also opens up your wordcount limit). :)
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I remember a while back there was an article all about rings that multiple writeres contributed too. I believe it was mentioned that in the coming months there might be another, but with rods instead. Just wondering if this was still on, or if it passed me by.
Thanks.
Every time I see these guidelines, they inspire me to write something (or try to and fail horribly), but lately I haven't had much time.
I have the rings sitting on my desktop. I need to update them to the new format and find a perfect opening for them and then I'll run 'em.
After that happens I'll do the request for rods. :)
So no, you haven't missed anything yet. :)
I also thank you. I'll have to keep my eye open for it when it comes.
Should queries for these be sent directly to you, like for Class Acts?
I remember a while back there was an article all about rings that multiple writeres contributed too. I believe it was mentioned that in the coming months there might be another, but with rods instead. Just wondering if this was still on, or if it passed me by.
Thanks.
Every time I see these guidelines, they inspire me to write something (or try to and fail horribly), but lately I haven't had much time.I have the rings sitting on my desktop. I need to update them to the new format and find a perfect opening for them and then I'll run 'em.
After that happens I'll do the request for rods. :)
So no, you haven't missed anything yet. :)
Well, just blow me away. Two years ago I sent Dragon a query on a Bazarre of the Bizarre article for rods, and was rejected because Dragon didn't focus on one type of magic item for an entire article (that's my warped read on the rejection anyway). ;) Now you are doing a backflip. I guess my way of thinking was just too advanced for you guys way back then, and you have finally caught up. ;) Of course, the points now moot since you have probably got about 20 queries for rod articles sitting on your desk. Drats... the world just aint fair!
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I've got a new idea that would introduce a new type of magic item. Would that be better suited for a Bazaar or a feature article.
On a related note, how do you guys feel about querries that say and idea could be either a feature or a Bazaar of the Bizarre? What if the querry included different estimated word counts? (i.e. "The article would be work best as a 3,000 word feature, but could be cut down to 2,000 words for BotB.")
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I've got a new idea that would introduce a new type of magic item. Would that be better suited for a Bazaar or a feature article.
Without seeing the article or what the item is, I'd say a feature article. :)
On a related note, how do you guys feel about querries that say and idea could be either a feature or a Bazaar of the Bizarre? What if the querry included different estimated word counts? (i.e. "The article would be work best as a 3,000 word feature, but could be cut down to 2,000 words for BotB.")
That last line actually probably works out okay. Send all that stuff to Jason. :)
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In the queries, would you like us to include an estimated cost for the item?
If so, do you want to see our calculations, and exactly how much "play room" are we allowed. That is, we calculate XXXX cost, but we make note of the fact that Y item is similar and Y item only costs YYYY amount, so we reduce our item's cost to Z.
Thank you Greatly.
-DC.
Yes. Yes.
Andy Collins just announced a "new" new magic item format (to be unvield in the upcoming Magic Item Compendium) in a thread over on the WotC message boards (here: http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=676003)... I wonder how long before dragon abandondons the "old" new magic item format in favor of the "new" new magic item format ;oP
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Andy Collins just announced a "new" new magic item format (to be unvield in the upcoming Magic Item Compendium) in a thread over on the WotC message boards (here: http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=676003)... I wonder how long before dragon abandondons the "old" new magic item format in favor of the "new" new magic item format ;oP
Well, considering that 1) a number of Paizo staff members equal to more than one worked on the Magic Item Compendium, and 2) thus we had advanced warning of the new format, and 3) one of the staffers might have some influence over Bazaar of the Bizarre, and 4) said staffer likes the new MIC format...
I'd guess it won't be long after the MIC comes out that we make the switch. ;)
But that's just a guess.
Is this the same one as the "longer" format now in use? The one that describes the item more and includes a section on the item's lore?
..and hey, Mike...real "subtle" on the hint dropping there about "certain staffers." If the magic item compendium is half as useful as the Spell Compendium was, I'll definitely be buying it right away.
I'd guess it won't be long after the MIC comes out that we make the switch. ;)
But that's just a guess.
(huddles in the corner and weeps quietly)
two previously written BotB using old style DMG format revised to comply with format found in DMG 2, now DMG 2 format must be revised to comply with new format coming out in as yet unreleased MIC.
(maybe I should have washed your truck... :) )
Does the "one item per slot or one item per creation feat" rule still apply? Does the latter include such bland things as scrolls, potions, and wands (how can you submit something original with only one spell effect?)? What about the new "craft construct" feat?
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Is this the same one as the "longer" format now in use? The one that describes the item more and includes a section on the item's lore?
No, man. That's the current new format. ;)
..and hey, Mike...real "subtle" on the hint dropping there about "certain staffers." If the magic item compendium is half as useful as the Spell Compendium was, I'll definitely be buying it right away.
I'm hoping it's as useful and cool. Since, you know, I helped with it. ;D
(maybe I should have washed your truck... :) )
Or sent donuts/zingers/twinkies with your submission!
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Or sent donuts/zingers/twinkies with your submission!
Donuts give you a +10 bonus on your submission. The problem with zingers and twinkies is they're made by Hostess, which uses animal parts in its pastries, which makes its otherwise yummy pastries not vegetarian, which conflicts with my vegetarianism. Alas. Thus, Hostess goodies, while delicious, give you a –10 penalty on your submissions.
Oh, and for no particular reason at all, I suddenly feel compelled to remind you that you can find Paizo's physical address at our contact us page.
;)
Is this a bad time to mention I make homemade donuts? :)
Oh no. There's never a bad time to mention donuts. :D
Being near Seattle, you might try Mighty O's -- they're vegan. Now they're no Top Pot, but when you're feeling extra penitent over the dairy and lard...
Or sent donuts/zingers/twinkies with your submission!Donuts give you a +10 bonus on your submission. The problem with zingers and twinkies is they're made by Hostess, which uses animal parts in its pastries, which makes its otherwise yummy pastries not vegetarian, which conflicts with my vegetarianism. Alas. Thus, Hostess goodies, while delicious, give you a –10 penalty on your submissions.
;)
Just curious: are writers currently working on BotB articles going to be receiving the new and improved magic item guidelines? Also, can you tell us anything about this cool new book that’s coming out? Specifically, if items from past issues of Dragon are going to be featured within?
Also, do hostess cupcakes and their other assorted goodies really contain animal parts? That’s just gross. What sort of “parts” are we talking about? I just had to make a will save to keep my horrible imaginings from making me sick.
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Just curious: are writers currently working on BotB articles going to be receiving the new and improved magic item guidelines? Also, can you tell us anything about this cool new book that’s coming out? Specifically, if items from past issues of Dragon are going to be featured within?
Umm... possibly... although that's more up to Wizards of the Coast than me.
I don't really know much about the book, really. Wes did more work on it than I did. I was basically told "update and develop these items," which I did. I believe my credit in it is "Additional Development." The only thing I know more than what isn't already known on the internet is what the format looks like. Sorry. :(
Also, do hostess cupcakes and their other assorted goodies really contain animal parts? That’s just gross. What sort of “parts” are we talking about? I just had to make a will save to keep my horrible imaginings from making me sick.
I think it's mostly lard and being cooked in animal grease, although I heard there are actual parts (maybe bone meal or something?). The mass production of foodstuffs is not vegetarian safe, in most cases. :\
Just curious: are writers currently working on BotB articles going to be receiving the new and improved magic item guidelines?
Well Andy Collins actually posted an item from the DMG written up in the new "new format" on the thread on the WotC boards where he announced it... so anybody who wanted to create an item in that format should have no trouble doing so... although whether Mike accepts items in the new format yet is another question... other then the format I am not aware of any changes to the magic item creation guidelines, there did not seem to be any indicated in the thread I read from Andy (although admitadly I stopped following it after it degenerated into a b+@%+fest by certain posters)...
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Well Andy Collins actually posted an item from the DMG written up in the new "new format" on the thread on the WotC boards where he announced it... so anybody who wanted to create an item in that format should have no trouble doing so...
That's great info, thanks CW!
although whether Mike accepts items in the new format yet is another question...
The book is due in March or April, IIRC, so we'll probably start printing items in the new format beginning next April or May. Or maybe later. ;D So for now, keep doing items in the "current" new format. I'll let contributors know when we need them to switch to the "new" new format.
other then the format I am not aware of any changes to the magic item creation guidelines, there did not seem to be any indicated in the thread I read from Andy (although admitadly I stopped following it after it degenerated into a b%#~#fest by certain posters)...
Gee, I can't imagine that happening on nonPaizo messageboards. ;D There were no other changes to magic item creation in that book. Or rather, if there were any changes they didn't tell me, which would have been very silly on their part. :)
Or sent donuts/zingers/twinkies with your submission!Donuts give you a +10 bonus on your submission. The problem with zingers and twinkies is they're made by Hostess, which uses animal parts in its pastries, which makes its otherwise yummy pastries not vegetarian, which conflicts with my vegetarianism.
Gather Information check scores again! :D
I'm sure my wife the cook who once worked in a donut shop could figure out a way to make a homemade vegetarian-friendly pseudo-twinkie! (no, not a pseudonatural twinkie!) I've made donuts before, myself. Quite yummy - assuming one is okay with torturing peanuts to glean cooking oil, that is.
Just curious: are writers currently working on BotB articles going to be receiving the new and improved magic item guidelines?
Well Andy Collins actually posted an item from the DMG written up in the new "new format" on the thread on the WotC boards where he announced it... so anybody who wanted to create an item in that format should have no trouble doing so... although whether Mike accepts items in the new format yet is another question... other then the format I am not aware of any changes to the magic item creation guidelines, there did not seem to be any indicated in the thread I read from Andy (although admitadly I stopped following it after it degenerated into a b!@@%fest by certain posters)...
Cool! Thanks for the updates guys!
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I'm sure my wife the cook who once worked in a donut shop could figure out a way to make a homemade vegetarian-friendly pseudo-twinkie! (no, not a pseudonatural twinkie!) I've made donuts before, myself. Quite yummy - assuming one is okay with torturing peanuts to glean cooking oil, that is.
Oh don't worry, I take great pleasure in finding new and delicious ways of eating peanuts. ;D
a homemade vegetarian-friendly pseudo-twinkie! (no, not a pseudonatural twinkie!)
I guess a were-twinkie would have animal byparts, so it would have to be plane-touched....
*MMMMMmmmmmm* half-celestial angel food cake *arhahrhrhr*
of course it would still be susceptible to a craft: cuisine intimidate check *wink*
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So I've been catching up a bit on my emails and decided I could ignore Bazaar of the Bizarre queries and submissions no longer!
So now I'm caught up on both Class Acts and Bazaar of the Bizarre through the beginning of this month. If you sent me something before August 1st and have not yet received an answer, I don't have it. It would behoove you to resend it.