Hi there,
I did a few class act queries last year and got some positive responses. After sending them back in I got a response from Mike McArtor whom encouraged me to further develop some ideas. However he gave me a few instructions that I was a bit uncertain of. So instead of sending an email that would undoubtedly become clogged up in his daily inbox, I'll post here and hopefully either attract his attention or gain the insights of you fine people.
On with the show:
Idea 1 development:
"I really like this idea, even though it's an alternative class. Expand it to 1400 words and send it back to me. Include a full 20-level table."
Idea 2 development:
"This is a really neat idea. If you're interested, take what you have here and rework it a bit to do the following:
• Change the abilities into alternative class abilities (rather than an entire alternative class).
• Make demonic alternative abilities for all of the divine classes (or at the very least for the ones in the Player's Handbook—cleric, druid, paladin, ranger; fit in Complete Divine classes if you can).
• Expand it to 1400 words."
Okay so I guess my question would be what is an alternative class exactly? And upon defining this how could I "change the abilities into alternate class abilities and not an alternate class?"
I hope this makes sense as I haven't posted the idea's themselves.
Thanks
An example of an alternative class is the Urban Ranger from Unearthed Arcana. It's pretty darn close to the standard, but it's tweaked slightly to have a slightly different theme and flavor.
Alternate class abilities are similar. But rather than making the changes for the entire class, you just tweak class abilities. Those abilities take on a slgihtly new twist, while the rest of the class remains unchanged.
Hope that helped. :)
Contributor
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An example of an alternative class is the Urban Ranger from Unearthed Arcana. It's pretty darn close to the standard, but it's tweaked slightly to have a slightly different theme and flavor.
Alternate class abilities are similar. But rather than making the changes for the entire class, you just tweak class abilities. Those abilities take on a slgihtly new twist, while the rest of the class remains unchanged.
Hope that helped. :)
What Zherog said. If you have further questions about my sometimes mysterious notations feel free to drop me an email. Put something like "FEEDBACK QUESTIONS" in the subject line so I get to the email right away. I usually prioritize my emails like this: questions about feedback I gave, general questions about CA or BotB, queries, submissions.
But sometimes I just get to the emails chronologically.
The joys of dealing with a chaotic editor. ;D
Thanks guys. I felt pretty silly even making this thread so thanks for the understanding and help. Plus the email advice is v. helpful too ;)
Don't feel silly in the least. If you check the archives, a lot of us got information from Mike the same way when we were doing our first submissions. Heck, a lot of us STILL get info that way.
We also use the boards to tweak Mike, whenever possible, cuz he's a fun guy who doesn't mind being tweaked, a little anyway.
(It's all in good natured fun. Just keep in mind that Mike is a truck-drivin', ninja-lovin', anime-watchin' dude.)
But the cool thing is that Mike keeps all the contributors informed on these boards. If you want news about any changes in the submission guidelines for Class Acts or Bazaar of the Bizarre, there's no better place to be than on these boards. And if you post questions, he answers them.
Now, how cool is that?
...Just keep in mind that Mike is a truck-drivin', ninja-lovin', anime-watchin' dude.)
But we don't hold that against him. :D
Well, the truck-lovin', anime watchin' part, anyhow.
The pirate in me's still got issues with the whole ninja thing. Ahhrrrrgh. :)
Yeah, well, {insert clever comeback}.
Ha!
Vyth doth not speak -- again.
Silly ninja.
"If yer gonna wear black, at least puts a skull and crossbones on yer clothes, matey."
Well, the truck-lovin', anime watchin' part, anyhow.
The pirate in me's still got issues with the whole ninja thing. Ahhrrrrgh. :)
Yeah, well, {insert clever comeback}.
Ha!
Wow, Mike. That's the sort of witty retort which demonstrates why you're the editor and Troy & I are the lowly writers. ;)
Wow, Mike. That's the sort of witty retort which demonstrates why you're the editor and Troy & I are the lowly writers. ;)
Actually, I laughed out loud when I first read {insert clever comeback}, but I didn't want to admit it at first and, thus, ecourage more Vythness.
It was petty of me not to admit to an LOL, but then, "us pirates not be known for our'n social graces, being the complete scoundrels that we are'n."
Heh, I guess I'll brave Mike's mighty wrath and ask if he's anywhere near looking at any queries at the moment *ducks and covers*
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Heh, I guess I'll brave Mike's mighty wrath and ask if he's anywhere near looking at any queries at the moment *ducks and covers*
Wait, when did I acquire a reputation for a mighty wrath?
I've been churning through queries for the past few weeks. I'm caught up almost to May now, so if you sent me something before April 27th and haven't heard back from me about it I don't have it. Resend it.
What if we've heard back, but didn't like your response? :P :P :P Can we resend it, and hope you have a senior moment and forget the original query? :)
Wow - you went from "mighty" wrath to "fiery" wrath in just a few posts? Isn't that awfully fast for levelling up? :P
Hmmm, I might be totally wrong with which query goes to whom then. I sent in a number of Divine Inspiration queries over the last 6 month or so, along with a few monster and bazaar of the bizarre. Silly me.
Hey Mike I got your back.
Ninjas Rule!!!!! Hiaypacha! Pachapachop (SouthPark Quote!)
By Thunder, I do believe I be outnumbered on d'es here boards.
By Thunder, I do believe I be outnumbered on d'es here boards.
Don't be getting yer hopes down yet, matey! By Blackbeard's gunpowder brew, we'll be gettin' them black-clothed silent good-fer-nothins and be showin' them the ways of the sea!
Quit jumpin' around, ya squirmy little devils!
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Hmmm, I might be totally wrong with which query goes to whom then. I sent in a number of Divine Inspiration queries over the last 6 month or so, along with a few monster and bazaar of the bizarre. Silly me.
Lemme break it down for you.
Wes
• Divine Inspiration
• Spellcraft
• Ecology
Mike
• Bazaar of the Bizarre
• Class Acts
Jason
• Features
• Everything else
Thanks Mike. Should those names be mentioned in the email title (if I be using the typical gatekeeper email address)?
Sorry if this a stupid question, but what is divine inspiration?
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Thanks Mike. Should those names be mentioned in the email title (if I be using the typical gatekeeper email address)?
Well, first off, you don't want to email anything for Dragon to the gatekeeper email address. Second, yes, it's a good idea to mention what department you're talking about in your subject heading. :)
What's Dragon's policy on rules invoked in articles that are not from the core? If -- hypothetically -- I were writing a CA article and discussed a template from a non-core book, would I need to include said template details in my article or is a reference sufficient? Does it matter if that template is located is 3 or so non-core books? If it needs to be included, can it be an abridged version or is the full thing required?
Thanks.
The precedent seems to be that you don't have to include it. For example, articles about the base classes from the Complete books don't include a reprint of that class.
If you're writing a query, ask Mike his opinion in the e-mail. If you're writing an article Mike has already approved, I'd shoot him an e-mail asking for editorial assistance. If it's the latter, say so in your subject. In theory, Mike gets to those a little quicker. *cough*
Isn't he informative and helpful? And cute, too! :D
-Amber
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If you're writing a query, ask Mike his opinion in the e-mail. If you're writing an article Mike has already approved, I'd shoot him an e-mail asking for editorial assistance. If it's the latter, say so in your subject. In theory, Mike gets to those a little quicker. *cough*
That's all correct. And yes, that's the theory, and as theories go it's pretty decent. But then, so is communism. ;P
The precedent seems to be that you don't have to include it. For example, articles about the base classes from the Complete books don't include a reprint of that class.
*Good* call! I like to think that if I hadn't been so tired I would have realized the precedent. ^_^;
Thanks!
If you're writing a query, ask Mike his opinion in the e-mail. If you're writing an article Mike has already approved, I'd shoot him an e-mail asking for editorial assistance. If it's the latter, say so in your subject. In theory, Mike gets to those a little quicker. *cough*
Ah, he's busy shredding my manuscripts, so I didn't want to bother him.
Isn't he informative and helpful? And cute, too! :D
-Amber
Check...
check...
umm... ^_^;
That's all correct. And yes, that's the theory, and as theories go it's pretty decent. But then, so is communism. ;P
Thank you much comrade. Just remember that the goose only flies south on a full stomach. ^_~
Isn't he informative and helpful? And cute, too! :D
-Amber
Check...
check...
umm... ^_^;
Yeah, I'm not so sure abuot that last one, either. I think Amber needs to get her eyes checked. ;)
Cute?
(thinks about this for about a minute)
Uh .... well, if it get my queries answered quicker ...
Mike's not just cute. He's hot! Unbelievably hot!
Hot! Hot! Hot!
--------
"Give us a kiss you little cutie!"
I was talking about Zherog (and complimenting him probably won't get your queries answered faster). But yes, Mike is also very cute.
I would have said so earlier, but I was afraid his girlfriend might smite me.
-Amber
Hm, since Mr. McArtor seems to be paying special attention to this thread... I'll post an inquiry for him here. It's probably been answered already on the Dungeon "Black Hole" thread, between you and Mr Sutter, but I can't find the specifics.
Do Class Acts get submitted as a completed article vis-a-vis Campaign Workbooks given their similar small size, or do they intially get posed as a query? If the latter, can I send a completed article? When I look back on it, the charm may reside more in the execution than the concept.
As well, would something about stylized NPCs and their usage, but involving player-accessible Feats be sent to CWs, or does the addition of Feats and that related player orientation make it more of a CA? Can I just send something in without knowing where it's supposed to go? "Here, you guys sort them out." Actually... that sounds like a bad idea. So, since it pertains to what will be my first four submissions; formatted as NPC information, but with player backstory tips and Feats. CW or CA?
you need to query for class acts, as far as I know Dragon doesn't accept any unsolicited submissions (ie only after you have queried and been given the go a head will they even view your article).
the no need to query thing is special to dungeons CW articles.
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you need to query for class acts, as far as I know Dragon doesn't accept any unsolicited submissions (ie only after you have queried and been given the go a head will they even view your article).
the no need to query thing is special to dungeons CW articles.
That is all correct. Never send any complete manuscript to Dragon unless we've asked for it first.
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Hm, since Mr. McArtor seems to be paying special attention to this thread... I'll post an inquiry for him here. It's probably been answered already on the Dungeon "Black Hole" thread, between you and Mr Sutter, but I can't find the specifics.
Well I'd better pay special attention to this thread. Erik might be very cross with me if I didn't. ;)
As well, would something about stylized NPCs and their usage, but involving player-accessible Feats be sent to CWs, or does the addition of Feats and that related player orientation make it more of a CA? Can I just send something in without knowing where it's supposed to go? "Here, you guys sort them out." Actually... that sounds like a bad idea. So, since it pertains to what will be my first four submissions; formatted as NPC information, but with player backstory tips and Feats. CW or CA?
A good rule of thumb would be: If it pertains mostly to NPCs or has an NPC stat block, send it as a Campaign Workbook. The guys at Dungeon can sort out what to do with the feats.
Also, you're right: sending in a manuscript and letting us sort out where it goes is a very bad idea. Oh, we'll sort it out all right... we'll sort it right into the circular file. You need to know where an article ought to go when you pitch it. :)
Duly noted. I'll use NPC-related content as an preliminary determinant for choosing which to forward to.
Hopefully expecting them to sort out what to do with the Feats doesn't have them sort it into the circular file... "Feats?!? LOL WTF!?! BINNED!"
*goes in search of more copies fo Dungeon to reference*
I was talking about Zherog ...
-Amber
Either Amber's talking about a different Zherog, or she desperately needs to get her eyes checked. :P
I would have said so earlier, but I was afraid his girlfriend might smite me.Fear not. My girlfriend is not the jealousy-enraged smiting type. :)
Unlike Amber's husband... :D
Hey, he never once smote anyone while we were in Seattle. It must just be you, babe. :p
I feel so special!