I probably better just wait. I still have about 350 more actual entries to do. I am really cranking! Though to be honest Wolfgang is the review machine. He is amazing.
I probably better just wait. I still have about 350 more actual entries to do. I am really cranking! Though to be honest Wolfgang is the review machine. He is amazing.
Go, go, go.
By the way how does the review process actually work? From the various posts I've deduced that there is a reject button, so if one of the reviewers pushes the reject button is the item automatically cut? Or does an item need 2 rejections to become rejected?
An idea I came up with after I had already submitted my Skateboard of Wounding (just kidding)was some sort of "Mask of the Lycanthrope". While wearing the mask a character would have all the powers and weaknesses of a transitional-form lycanthrope (minus the ability to spread the disease). There could have been different variations for different were-types, each resembling a mask of the appropriate animal.
I did a Google search and saw no similar items in existence. In hindsight, it would have been much more popular than the idea I actually submitted. Too bad for me, I suppose.
An idea I came up with after I had already submitted my Skateboard of Wounding (just kidding)was some sort of "Mask of the Lycanthrope". While wearing the mask a character would have all the powers and weaknesses of a transitional-form lycanthrope (minus the ability to spread the disease). There could have been different variations for different were-types, each resembling a mask of the appropriate animal.
I did a Google search and saw no similar items in existence. In hindsight, it would have been much more popular than the idea I actually submitted. Too bad for me, I suppose.
In another thread, I saw this called a "monster in a box" type item, and while not rejected outright, it seemed these items really had to shine to be liked. Probably just as well that you did not submit it. My own item looks is a monster in a box, I just hoped I get noticed for picking something other than undead or lycanthropes.
Note, this is no way meant to imply that these would be bad items. I'm actually having thoughts of slapping them on a bunch of cultists or priests of Malar or something like that.
Chad
I'd be delighted to have Clark Peterson (or the other two judges) drop comments on my items. After their other work is done of course. :)
An idea I came up with after I had already submitted my Skateboard of Wounding (just kidding)was some sort of "Mask of the Lycanthrope". While wearing the mask a character would have all the powers and weaknesses of a transitional-form lycanthrope (minus the ability to spread the disease). There could have been different variations for different were-types, each resembling a mask of the appropriate animal.
I did a Google search and saw no similar items in existence. In hindsight, it would have been much more popular than the idea I actually submitted. Too bad for me, I suppose.
Actually I was just skimming through Relics and Rituals and there is a section on Tattoo magic that includes one that provides just this benefit. If I am not mistaken..after all I just got to work and don't have the book with me to peruse to be sure...that is. I like this one better as it provides a way for the ability to be removed at a dramatically appropriate moment by a PC or NPC.
Well, I'm happy with the little item that I did submit.
I probably better just wait. I still have about 350 more actual entries to do. I am really cranking! Though to be honest Wolfgang is the review machine. He is amazing.
Whenever you have time I would certainly benefit from a critique. But get your homework done first, mister!!
Chief Technical Officer
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By the way how does the review process actually work? From the various posts I've deduced that there is a reject button, so if one of the reviewers pushes the reject button is the item automatically cut? Or does an item need 2 rejections to become rejected?
Only one judge actually has to press the button, but usually one judge expresses a desire to reject and another agrees before they actually do it. But if you really offend one judge, or clearly violate the rules, it might not get past the first judge.
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...if you really offend one judge, or clearly violate the rules, it might not get past the first judge.
Offend a judge? Like how? Does that mean my Clark Peterson Little Pony Saddle of Animal Empathy +2 or my Wolfgang Baur Tome of Ghoul Turning Tips or my Erik Mona Amulet of Knowledge(Greyhawk) -5 was a bad idea?
Offend a judge? Like how? Does that mean my Clark Peterson Little Pony Saddle of Animal Empathy +2 or my Wolfgang Baur Tome of Ghoul Turning Tips or my Erik Mona Amulet of Knowledge(Greyhawk) -5 was a bad idea?
If it were me I would have bought the +5 amulet. ;)
(Just kidding. I know it's a typo, but I couldn't resist.)
Only one judge actually has to press the button, but usually one judge expresses a desire to reject and another agrees before they actually do it. But if you really offend one judge, or clearly violate the rules, it might not get past the first judge.By the way how does the review process actually work? From the various posts I've deduced that there is a reject button, so if one of the reviewers pushes the reject button is the item automatically cut? Or does an item need 2 rejections to become rejected?
With great power come great responsibility, eh?
Yeah, we have a keep button and a reject button.
Even if I really dont like an item I will just note that I dont like it and post a reason why. We almost always wait for a second one of us to agree the item doesnt make the cut before it gets rejected (unless it is an auto-reject: over word count, uses content that we dont have access to, insulting or offensive, etc). If one of us really really likes an item we can shuffle it into the keep pile for now for later consideration even if the other two of us initially dont like it.
So it only takes one of us to keep it for further consideration, but it takes two of us to reject it (presuming the third doesnt chime in and really really want to keep it, which is very rare).
(unless it is an auto-reject: over word count, uses content that we dont have access to, insulting or offensive, etc)
Any chance you can elaborate on the "insulting or offensive" part?
I dont really want to elaborate on that. There were a couple that were auto-rejects just because the content wasnt appropriate or was an obvious joke. Joke items are not superstar.
Porcine Pinions
Carved of jade, the piece looks like a feather with bristles. One end has a hole through which a piece of leather or red silk--large enough to wrap around one’s wrist--is tied.
When sealing a deal two parties will often shake with one of these items between their palms. The item allows both parties to detect a falsehood about the terms of the agreement and seals the deal with a magical bond. This bond is unbreakable until both parties agree the terms have been met. Although meant as a merchant’s device, paladins often use Porcine Pinions to exact certain conduct from some of their less ‘honorable’ companions. Ironically it is used by these same companions to ‘reign in’ their lawful partner’s sense of right.
Minor enchantment; market price 1400 caster level 5, craft wondrous item, lesser geas, zone of truth.
Seem to have lost my other other item, but I ended dropping it on account of finding something really similar (draught vs amulet) in the DMG II This one started tongue in cheek, but I guess my players hated having to pull the BA barackas (sp?) anytime they wanted the paladin to play along and it got an 8/10 with them.
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I dont really want to elaborate on that. There were a couple that were auto-rejects just because the content wasnt appropriate or was an obvious joke. Joke items are not superstar.
How would you define a joke item?
a) Does a rather humorous effectb) isn't one that would be used in combat but more for a characters amusement
c) references something real life and in a small or big way parodies it or uses elements from it.
Because if those criteria are used than all comedians aren't superstar material.
I don't think he's saying that comedians can't be superstars, just that they can't be RPG Superstars. The contest was meant for serious submissions so anything based on comedy was not accepted.
Arcane symbols can be used individually or in an upgrade tree. I included several variations or possible upgrades. This is not a complete list, but should spark some alternative ideas. Sorry if it's a bit long. My actual submission wasn't anything along these lines. I have a third-stringer (much shorter) I may post later after I flesh it out.
Arcane Symbol
This foot long finely carved wooden stick bears the resemblance of a standard charged wand. It is instead used fluidly with the somatic portion of a spell. Arcane symbols can be made in unique shapes and sizes, possibly in the shape of the creator's arcane mark, that are easily held in one hand. This is the foundation for multiple variations of this item. Arcane symbols bear the arcane mark of the creator. This item does not take up a body slot, but must be held in hand to have affect. Divine symbol variations are known to exist.Faint Universal; CL 1st; arcane mark; Price 1 gp.
Concept: This is an alternative to consumable wands that are meant to stay throughout the character's career, upgrading it as desired.
Cost analysis: Similar costing to a holy symbol. No cost for arcane mark, since the user casts the spell.
Reasons I rejected the item: Breaks the standard concept of a wand if that part of the description is used. Utilizes an upgrade tree. No benefit is given at this time and there is nothing wondrous about it. Resembles a cleric holy symbol too much at this point.
Arcane Symbol, Concentration
This arcane symbol focuses the user's thoughts despite distraction. It gives the user a competence bonus on concentration checks equal to the bonus.Faint Transmutation; CL 1st; Craft Wondrous Item, guidance or bear's endurance; Price 100 gp (+1), Price 400 gp (+2), Price 900 gp (+3), Price 1600 gp (+4), Price 2500 gp (+5).
Cost analysis: The orison guidance seems the most appropriate spell. Since the like is not on wizard list, I chose bear's endurance as a supplement. Follows skill bonus estimates.
Reasons I rejected the item: Didn't have the cool factor.
Arcane Symbol, Material
This arcane symbol acts as a supplement to common material components, following the limitations of the eschew materials feat.Faint Universal; CL 1st; Craft Wondrous Item, prestidigitation; Price 900 gp.
Cost analysis: Prestidigitation can't create spell components normally, but as a wondrous item could probably substitute for the material components that are less than 1gp in value. I debated about using conjuration instead of universal for the school, but I went with the spells actual school. Follows command word estimates, since it is used with the casting of a spell.
Reasons I rejected the item: Neuters the eschew materials feat. I'm not sure the cost of the item is worth it.
Arcane Symbol, Spell Focus
This arcane symbol increases the chances of your spells from a specific school to take effect. It gives the user an enhancement bonus on the DC of the spells from the specified school equal to the bonus.Faint Universal; CL 5th; Craft Wondrous Item, resistance, creator’s caster level must be at least three times the arcane symbol's bonus; Price 2,000 gp (+1), 8,000 gp (+2), 18,000 gp (+3), 32,000 gp (+4), 50,000 gp (+5); Weight 1 lb.
Concept: Arcane and divine magic weapons of a sort.
Cost analysis: Save bonus (other); enhancement bonus in this case. Note that bonuses stack with the feats spell focus and greater spell focus.
Reasons I rejected the item: May break magic system mechanics. Feels more like a magic weapon.
Arcane Symbol, Spell Penetration
This arcane symbol increases the chances of your spells to overcome a creature's spell resistance. It gives the user an enhancement bonus on caster level checks (1d20 + caster level) made to overcome a creature's spell resistance equal to the bonus.Faint Universal; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, spell resistance, creator’s caster level must be at least three times half the arcane symbol's bonus; Price 2,000 gp (+2), 8,000 gp (+4), 18,000 gp (+6), 32,000 gp (+8), 50,000 gp (+10); Weight 1 lb.
Cost analysis: Save bonus (other); enhancement bonus in this case. Note that bonuses stack with the feats spell penetration and greater spell penetration. I used the corresponding bonuses of +2 as comparable to the spell focus +1.
Alternate costing:
Faint Universal; CL 1st; Craft Wondrous Item, spell resistance, creator’s caster level must be at least equal to the arcane symbol's bonus - 12; Price 10,000 gp (+13), 20,000 gp (+14), 30,000 gp (+15), 40,000 gp (+16), 50,000 gp (+17); Weight 1 lb.
Cost analysis: Spell resistance; enhancement bonus in this case. Note that bonuses stack with the feats spell penetration and greater spell penetration. These bonuses seem extraordinarily high.
Alternate costing:
Faint Universal; CL 1st; Craft Wondrous Item, spell resistance, creator’s caster level must be at least equal to the arcane symbol's bonus - 12; Price 20,000 gp (+13), 40,000 gp (+14), 60,000 gp (+15), 80,000 gp (+16), 100,000 gp (+17); Weight 1 lb.
Cost analysis: Use-activated; 20,000 gp = 5 (spell's level) x 1 (caster level) * 2000 gp * 2 (spell's duration is 1 min./level)
Concept: Arcane and divine magic weapons of a sort.
Reasons I rejected the item: May break magic system mechanics. Feels more like a magic weapon. I couldn't decide which method was correct, though I prefer the method included with the item. I rarely include creatures with spell resistance in my games, so I'm not sure if the alternate bonuses and costing methods are way off, though I'm pretty sure they're wrong.