Chief Technical Officer
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As an observation, the rules splitting up into three different groups (general rules, FAQ, and round rules (including round FAQ)) makes it easier to miss things.
Well, rules are rules, and FAQs are FAQs... and the stuff in the individual round rules don't necessarily apply to the entire contest and may change from round to round.
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Chief Technical Officer
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New question: How 'concerned parent' friendly must entries be? Must we avoid subjects such as Sex, Drugs and Rock'n'roll to avoid cries of 'think of the children' or can we deal with the sinister and strange roots of fantasy.
Specificially can we reference sacred protitution or the use of arcane narcotics to achieve altered states?
I would suggest that you don't cross any lines we don't cross in our Pathfinder products... but that's just a suggestion.
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Chief Technical Officer
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14. Contestants are prohibited from posting in their own entry threads beyond asking for feedback and requesting your vote. Such discussion may not add to, expand upon, or clarify the content of the submission. Doing so may result in disqualification, in the sole discretion of the judges and/or Paizo.In the first RPGSuperstar contest, contestants were allowed to respond to comments about their own entries once voting for those entries had concluded and the result for that round announced.
Will that be permitted this time, or owing to the 'connected' themes where one round builds on a previous one, will it be forbidden whilst the contest continues and that contestant continues to participate?
That's still permitted. We'll clarify that in the rules. (And your assumption about the rounds being connected in the way you suggest may or may not be true....)
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Chief Technical Officer
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My question is simple. Am I excluded from participating in RPG Superstar 2009?Hey, Doyle. I asked a similar question last year. I have a cover credit to my name on a softcover book that was a compilation of 3 PDF releases through The Game Mechanics and Green Ronin. Since it wasn't a hardcover credit, the Paizo crew indicated I was still eligible to enter. Alas, my magic item never made it past the first cut. But I would assume I'm still eligible to participate this year. At least, I hope so...and since your cover credit is also a softcover, I would think you'd be in as well.
Regardless, don't take my word for it. One of the judges or rules wranglers should be along to confirm or deny...
--Neil
Anyone with a cover credit on a hardcover RPG book is ineligible. Designers who have cover credits on print editions of Paizo's Pathfinder or GameMastery products are ineligible.
So long as that book's a softcover, you're fine.
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
aka flash_cxxi
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Anyone with a cover credit on a hardcover RPG book is ineligible. Designers who have cover credits on print editions of Paizo's Pathfinder or GameMastery products are ineligible.So long as that book's a softcover, you're fine.
I don't have credit anywhere but I am just curious Vic.
Why allow softcover and not hardcover? What is the distinction between the two?|
Chief Technical Officer
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I don't have credit anywhere but I am just curious Vic.
Why allow softcover and not hardcover? What is the distinction between the two?
The goal here is to discover new talent. Thus, we want to exclude truly established writers—that is, the ones who have made a substantial contribution to their income from game design. We don't want to have to check everybody's income tax records, so we need an easy-to-understand, easy-to-police rule that divides potential entrants along similar lines. We chose hardcover credits because most hardcovers are relatively big deals for publishers, so they usually only tap established authors to write them.
The goal here is to discover new talent. Thus, we want to exclude truly established writers—that is, the ones who have made a substantial contribution to their income from game design. We don't want to have to check everybody's income tax records, so we need an easy-to-understand, easy-to-police rule that divides potential entrants along similar lines. We chose hardcover credits because most hardcovers are relatively big deals for publishers, so they usually only tap established authors to write them.I don't have credit anywhere but I am just curious Vic.
Why allow softcover and not hardcover? What is the distinction between the two?
Makes sense to me. I may have a go myself, as I've been lucky enough to be published a few times but never in hardback.
I have a feeling that everyone who followed this last year will go gonzo, so the judges will probably go the other direction, looking for good, solid entries. I don't think they're looking for gonzo this time, but definitely creative, "outside-the-box" type of entries.I am also wondering if this year I should go gonzo, or because everyone will be going gonzo again will I have to go non-gonzo?
Ah decisions, decisions.
Luckily, the wondrous item came to me a few hours ago ;>
We werent looking for gonzo last time either. In fact, if you read our comments to the items and countries and other rounds, it is clear that we prefer great design and workmanlike execution.
I think the feeling about our love for gonzo came from Boomer. He was BOTH gonzo AND amazingly talented. His stuff was so crazy over the top that, but for his incredible talent and design, it would never have worked. That is not an endorsement of gonzo.
Go read the threads on the top items from last year. You can see that what we wanted then was spark--creativitiy and great design, even if the mechanics werent perfect. The Migrus Locker. The Crown of the Breaching Legion. The Deadstring Shears. Those were real cool. But we also LOVED very simple non-gonzo items: The Bodyguard Vest. The Goblin Strand of Ears. The Stirring Rod. The Beacon of Hope. Thieve's Cowl. Seer's Tea. Lantern of Selective Perception. Reread those threads.
Clark
Go read the threads on the top items from last year. You can see that what we wanted then was spark--creativitiy and great design, even if the mechanics werent perfect. The Migrus Locker. The Crown of the Breaching Legion. The Deadstring Shears. Those were real cool. But we also LOVED very simple non-gonzo items: The Bodyguard Vest. The Goblin Strand of Ears. The Stirring Rod. The Beacon of Hope. Thieve's Cowl. Seer's Tea. Lantern of Selective Perception. Reread those threads.Clark
Clark I remember your advice to me from last year: it needed more spark. It has been a very good creative year for me, I am sure I can squeeze out a 'sparkling' item ;>
Darkjoy
I look forward to this year's entry from you.
You know, last year the judges and I compiled a "list" if you will of what we called "bad submission stereotypes." I think we might have posted that list to the boards here but I cant seem to find it.
People would do well to review that list before submitting.
If we didnt post it, I'll see if I can get general approval to post an edited version.
Clark
Darkjoy
I look forward to this year's entry from you.
You know, last year the judges and I compiled a "list" if you will of what we called "bad submission stereotypes." I think we might have posted that list to the boards here but I cant seem to find it.
People would do well to review that list before submitting.
If we didnt post it, I'll see if I can get general approval to post an edited version.
Clark
I remember that list, can't find it on the blog though. Maybe it was a messageboard post?
Oh and Clark, if you review an entry and it is called "Darkjoy's wondrous entry' just push that accept button, otherwise you'll only know if I made it when I thank you.
People would do well to review that list before submitting.
If we didnt post it, I'll see if I can get general approval to post an edited version.
Found it: Bad Items
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Found it: Bad Items
People would do well to review that list before submitting.
If we didnt post it, I'll see if I can get general approval to post an edited version.
Dammit...I thought I had an interesting item, but it violates several of those rules....back to the drawing board I guess.
So I have been thinking about this "the judges love gonzo!" critique. I went and reviewed my reviews of the wondrous items from last year. Here are some of the relevant comments that might help guide people.
As you can see, the judges werent always in agreement. Heck, we disagreed on items from people who went really far in the competition.
We liked things with a theme, that were focused to that theme in their design, that didnt try to do too much, that werent swiss-army-knife style items that did everything, that were common items with uncommon magic, that had great evocative names. Also, in the first round, it was clear that we were looking for potential and who might deliver in subsequent rounds and we picked a few with potential even if they had a few flaws.
Now, that said, I cant predict what we will do this year. But for me, a good wondrous item last year will be a good wondrous item this year. I made myself really search deep to figure out what I thought a good wondrous item was. Hopefully these snippets help you understand my thinking. In the end, I think it is clear that gonzo is not the answer.
Talisman of Whispering Souls
And, for the record, great name. That counts for something. I want, as a player, to have that written on my character sheet. I want, as a DM or designer, to put that in the text of a treasure trove.
Goblin Strand of Ears
Now this is a sound item with some spark to it. It is more interesting than the earhorn I was just capping on.
However, while I like the idea that the owner can, essentially, recharge the item by adding ears I'm not sure that is a mechanic that we should embrace. I'd love everyone's thoughts on that. This mechanic needs more detail.
In the end, I'd rather keep an item like this with some spark and coolness that has a mechanical flaw than one that is mechanically there but blah.
Deadstring Shears
Oh man this really is a super cool item, if I am understanding it right--it severs control of animated undead from its controller one undead creature at a time. Just imagine facing down a necromancer and his batch of evil undead servants, whip these out and round by round snip them and destroy them. Oh that is sooooo coool!!!!
I am not sure that it has no save, but i will agree it needs more detailed mechanics. When it says it works like undeath to death, i would use the mechanics from that spell--in other words it grants a will save. And 48 hd per day seems fine to me, since you can only do them one undead at a time.
I really really really like this item. BIG keep from me.
[As a side note, Erik hated these.]
Arcane Anvil (by Christine, who went on to win the competition)
This is pretty neat. And it does something new without being too munchkin-y. I like it. It is interesting and seems balanced. I want to check the price. My question is, do you think it is priced right? How about the requirements to make it?
I personally like it. I understand Wolfgang's reservations. This could be a top 32 for me.
[Note: Wolfgang initially hated this item, and she went on to win.]
Crown of the Breaching Legion
A little munchkin-y, but not bad. Could be a bad guy magic item or a good guy magic item.
Yeah, the name rules. And a good name is important.
Gloves of Adaptive Combat
You guys want to keep it, I'll hit the button. But I am lukewarm at best. I think we have rejected a few better "bubble" items than this one.
Frankly, this one isn’t even honorable mention in my book. But I do agree with Erik it is a good low level item. I like the necromantic gloves and the elemental mecha better.
Nausea Pill
I absolutely cannot believe I like this. It is a real creative solution to behirs and purple worms and things that like to swallow whole. Its fun. I hated the name though. I surprisingly vote keep.
Leash of the Shadowhound
Oh ho ho! I love this item! I have been looking for a good "bad guy" item. This one is finally it. Frankly, I may use this in my home campaign regardless of whether or not it makes the cut :)
This is a huge keeper for me. But I will bow to the will of my esteemed fellow judges.
[Erik did not like this item. I think I “golden ticketed” it and I’m glad I did. The next round brought us James’ Stained Peaks, which was one of the best submissions of any round in my view. In fact, I said this in my review of his country: “James, you got my golden ticket for the Leash of the Shadowhound. You almost didn't make it into the top 32. I am sure glad we used that golden ticket method. I didn’t realize this submission was yours until I finished my review. You didn’t disappoint. Keep this up. You’ve got the mojo working for sure. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this submission. Pure Superstar stuff here.” Erik even wrote: “I had serious problems with the leash, but I am so glad Clark kept you in the competition. I think this entry definitely puts you in the top tier of contestants, and I can't wait to see what you do in future rounds.”]
Phial of Ebon Flame
I really like it too. But it is basically a quench scroll. But it is a very well written quench scroll. A quench scroll is 350 gp. But this item goes beyond the spell by healing fire damage (thus the cure moderate) and it works on creatures in the way that quench works on magic items. I think that is a really a nifty power. It is much more than a quench scroll. I see the cost as being right.
This is a good keeper for me. Sometimes “spell in a box” works. This is an example.
[As you can see, we judges really dug into the mechanics of the item in our review. We didnt just say, “hey, that’s cool!”]
Torch of Solidity
This is a super rad item. BUT way undercosted. It is even better than a ghost touch item. This thing doesnt just make incorporeal undead touchable in the radius of the light, it actually goes further and makes them NOT incorporeal, meaning they cant go into solid items, etc. That is way too much.
Now a ghost touch torch would be rad. But even that would cost more than listed. This is an "I cant believe no one thought of this before" kind of item.
[after some discussion...]
Ok, I am revising my position on this. It is still way undercosted (I think it should be around 9000 to 18,000). But I really love its effect. It essentially removes the incorporeal template within its radius. I also like it uses wall of force in its description. This is a damn good item.
Wolfgang wrote: The Top 32 items definitely aren't perfect. But we were judging on talent potential as well as mechanics, flavor, and adherence to the rules.
Bodyguard’s Vest
I'm with Wolfgang. The name leaves alot to be desired. But the item is definately cool. No ifs ands or buts, this one is a keeper. This has the right power--useful and focused, not trying to do it all and not uber.
Elemental Quiver
Simple, focused, limited, not a swiss army knife. My players would like it. Creation and pricing look right.
Orb of the Ocean
It isn’t uber, it is focused and tied to a theme and pretty tightly designed. I'd keep it.
Folding Instructions of Master Mo
I cant believe it. I actually like this item. I thought I was going to hate it. I dont mind the +8 competence bonus to SoH, since other manuals can give up to +5s to ability scores. And the 25 pages and the folding and effects are cool.
Great theme, tight design, good mechanics, good design.
Tinnil’s Stirring Rod
Simple. Good low level item. The mechanic is solid. Well written.
Elemental Glyphstone
This, frankly, is the kind of thing I am looking for. Suggestive, yet brief, fluff text. Cool effect. Not too uber, but still useful. Flexible. Limited, but attractive to players.
The Shroud of Old Souls
I think that is a really really neat item. That is a wondrous item. Limited, focused, tight theme, doesnt try to do it all but what it does do is unique and useful. That is a great solution to a pretty common (in my game anyway, mooohaaaahaaaahahaaaha!) situation--PC death and the problem getting the body out. I like the text, it is well written. The mechanics are good. And I like the creation and costing info.
Beacon of Hope
All the people griping about word count take note: A name, two sentences and a line of crafting info. That's it. And this thing is a slam dunk keeper in my opinion. Its fresh and new, its interesting, useful without being uber. This is a great wondrous item.
Seer’s Tea
It is truly a wondrous item--something common with special abilities. It is focused and interesting and players would want it--bumping an augury to a divination is great. Plus, its a good low level item that also retains its relevance at higher levels. I think this is pretty good.
Gloves of Force Shaping
I really really like these. Yes, they are specialized, but that is good. I would mark it off a tick for not addressing the most common force effect more specifically(MMs) but I think enough is there to adjudicate it.
I dont want to downgrade them for practicality in this case. I mean, do you really need to manipulate force effects 3/day? BUT on the flip side, you can make a temporary cube of force 3/day which is one of my favorite items--which I am hesitant to give out because it is so powerful. These gloves let me play with CoF without giving out a real one.
I also think this is a riff on what is, for me, one of the real iconic wondrous items--the cube of force (along with the helm of brilliance, boots of speed, bag of holding, etc, the true classics). I want to reward that.
These are keepers for me.
Blindspot Orb
Now that is a superstar item. Totally unique. Great mechanic. A truly wondrous item. Very good writing--all except for that last bit of fluff which I totally HATE. This would be a near perfect entry if it werent for that lame fluff. Why cant people resist that? Despite that key weakness, which drags the item down, this is a HUGE keeper.
The Chiurgeon’s Chest
I'm normally not a fan of the swiss army knife item, but this one is cool. PCs would love it. I like the Sanctuary effect.
Dammit...I thought I had an interesting item, but it violates several of those rules....back to the drawing board I guess.
Hey, these arent rules. They just happened to be ways that bad submissions tended to repeat themselves.
The judges all felt that the good items were unique and interesting and that the bad items tended to be so alike.
That doesnt mean all boot or augury items are bad. Heck, we had an augury item in the top 32.
Dont treat these as rules. They just show what our thought process was and hopefully you can apply that thought process to your item.
Find a theme and design tightly to that theme. Dont let your item do too much. Wondrous items dont do that. Resist the urge to just submit your best home campaign item or the item your players love.
Clark
Star Voter Season 6
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The rules to create magic items that we're using are the ones in the SRD, or have they been updated?
I searched for those rules in the Beta and didn't find them, so I guess we go by the SRD...am I right?
EDIT: I am talking about the "Estimating Magic Item Gold Piece Values" table. Just in case.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
aka flash_cxxi
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The rules to create magic items that we're using are the ones in the SRD, or have they been updated?
I searched for those rules in the Beta and didn't find them, so I guess we go by the SRD...am I right?
Item Creation rules for the Pathfinder RPG will be released on December 2nd to coincide with the start of the Contest on December 5th.
erik or anyone else for that matter two more quick questions:
1. How are we for referencing real world mythology?
2. Are we for using the same base item as one of last years entries. if the concept and mechanics are different. For instance(not what i have in mind, but a good example), is a box of medicial supplies okay, if what it does is substantially different from the Chiurgeon's Chest
New question: How 'concerned parent' friendly must entries be? Must we avoid subjects such as Sex, Drugs and Rock'n'roll to avoid cries of 'think of the children' or can we deal with the sinister and strange roots of fantasy.
Specificially can we reference sacred protitution or the use of arcane narcotics to achieve altered states?
Zombie, let me tell you a story about a great item from last year. An item that was so well-written it moved me to tears. Literally. But it was also way too disturbing and got rejected for that reason. It was called the sorrow box and I thought it was an amazing item. Here is part of its description:
"These eerie music boxes are usually contained inside of small, ornate iron chests. Upon opening the lid, whirring pins on a revolving cylinder strike the tuned teeth of a stamped metal plate inside. A long forgotten and melancholy tune often sounds from the box. Without warning however, the disturbing sounds of some recorded tragedy - a mother drowning her infant, the last gasps of an innocent man swinging from the gallows, etc., are replayed along with the melody to the unwitting audience. A permeating sadness inevitably creeps into the souls of those that listen."
Here are my comments: "Creepy. But inappropriate. I love the writing. Man, it affected me. I just cant see my D&D, which is decidedly PG13, appropriately having an item that references a mom drowning her babies. That is just too sick. Reject for that reason, but not for design. It is a good item otherwise from a design standpoint. Real good, in fact."
The other judges had some additional problems with the design and mechanics. While Erik and Wolfgang didnt disapprove of the content to the same degree I did, there was general agreement that it was not appropriate for PG13 D&D.
Keep that in mind as a reference.
Clark
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RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
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Dedicated Voter Season 6
aka Eyebite
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Zombie, let me tell you a story about a great item from last year. An item that was so well-written it moved me to tears. Literally. But it was also way too disturbing and got rejected for that reason. It was called the sorrow box and I thought it was an amazing item. Here is part of its description:"These eerie music boxes are usually contained inside of small, ornate iron chests. Upon opening the lid, whirring pins on a revolving cylinder strike the tuned teeth of a stamped metal plate inside. A long forgotten and melancholy tune often sounds from the box. Without warning however, the disturbing sounds of some recorded tragedy - a mother drowning her infant, the last gasps of an innocent man swinging from the gallows, etc., are replayed along with the melody to the unwitting audience. A permeating sadness inevitably creeps into the souls of those that listen."
Here are my comments: "Creepy. But inappropriate. I love the writing. Man, it affected me. I just cant see my D&D, which is decidedly PG13, appropriately having an item that references a mom drowning her babies. That is just too sick. Reject for that reason, but not for design. It is a good item otherwise from a design standpoint. Real good, in fact."
The other judges had some additional problems with the design and mechanics. While Erik and Wolfgang didnt disapprove of the content to the same degree I did, there was general agreement that it was not appropriate for PG13 D&D.
Keep that in mind as a reference.
Clark
Hah! That was my item. Glad to see you still remember it a year later Clark. (Or, sorry you still remember it, as the case may be.)
I went for a moving description, but I saw (after you were kind enough to divulge the judges' opinions on my item) that it was inappropriate for Paizo. I wanted a gritty item with a lot of RP potential (and figured, hey, after Hook Mountain and the Skinsaw Man I could get away with it), but I quickly saw how inappropriate it was for the contest. Mechanically, it tried to do too much for the price as well.
My item this year is nowhere near as R rated. I can't wait to see how it fares. Hopefully, folks can learn something from my Sorrow Box, and establish some boundaries from it when submitting their items.
Thanks again Clark for coming back for RPG Superstar 2! I look forward to another awesome contest.
Zombie, let me tell you a story about a great item from last year. An item that was so well-written it moved me to tears. Literally. But it was also way too disturbing and got rejected for that reason. It was called the sorrow box and I thought it was an amazing item. Here is part of its description:"These eerie music boxes are usually contained inside of small, ornate iron chests. Upon opening the lid, whirring pins on a revolving cylinder strike the tuned teeth of a stamped metal plate inside. A long forgotten and melancholy tune often sounds from the box. Without warning however, the disturbing sounds of some recorded tragedy - a mother drowning her infant, the last gasps of an innocent man swinging from the gallows, etc., are replayed along with the melody to the unwitting audience. A permeating sadness inevitably creeps into the souls of those that listen."
Here are my comments: "Creepy. But inappropriate. I love the writing. Man, it affected me. I just cant see my D&D, which is decidedly PG13, appropriately having an item that references a mom drowning her babies. That is just too sick. Reject for that reason, but not for design. It is a good item otherwise from a design standpoint. Real good, in fact."
The other judges had some additional problems with the design and mechanics. While Erik and Wolfgang didnt disapprove of the content to the same degree I did, there was general agreement that it was not appropriate for PG13 D&D.
Keep that in mind as a reference.
Clark
Hah! That was my item. Glad to see you still remember it a year later Clark. (Or, sorry you still remember it, as the case may be.)
I went for a moving description, but I saw (after you were kind enough to divulge the judges' opinions on my item) that it was inappropriate for Paizo. I wanted a gritty item with a lot of RP potential (and figured, hey, after Hook Mountain and the Skinsaw Man I could get away with it), but I quickly saw how inappropriate it was for the contest....
For the record, having just read that discription, i have to say it was awesome. I can see where you crossed the line with it, but even so i think its cool. You probably should have gone with another type of drowning.
If you've got a good idea for an item now, I'd build it with the SRD rules and then confirm your math and stuff when the PDF comes out next week. No use waiting before you get started, and chances are the changes will be pretty minor.
Lets try this again now i have slept ;)
If we use a base item with only limited number of possible functions, and the same base item was used last year will be be marked down.
Example: If last year there had been a music box which produced its effect by playing its tune, would we be damaging our entries prospects by using a music box which plays a tune this year, even if the effects and themes of item are very different.
Another thing...is it possible to enter the contest by giving my real name only in private communication? I would prefer not having it float around in the net.
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Creative Director
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Another thing...is it possible to enter the contest by giving my real name only in private communication? I would prefer not having it float around in the net.
I'm not sure, but I suspect not. Part of the goal of RPG Superstar is to do just that; get your name out there on the net. To turn someone into a Superstar. To get famous in the RPG scene. Not having a name to attach to that makes it a little weird...
If we use a base item with only limited number of possible functions, and the same base item was used last year will be be marked down.
Example: If last year there had been a music box which produced its effect by playing its tune, would we be damaging our entries prospects by using a music box which plays a tune this year, even if the effects and themes of item are very different.
Zombie
We got 800+ entries last year. Only 32 were made public as winning entries to move to the next round. You guys didnt get to see all 800+. There will be some duplication and that is unavoidable. I wont hold it against an item if it is the same base type as one that was submitted last year, unless it seems to be a rip off or an obvious attempt to build off someone else's succes from last year. It will likely depend on the item. Another quiver or orb or lantern or gloves or crown or book wont be a problem. Now, a string of ears may be. I think you see where I am going.
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Found it: Bad Items
People would do well to review that list before submitting.
If we didnt post it, I'll see if I can get general approval to post an edited version.
Thanks!
The Bad Item Stereotypes link only takes me to the RPG Superstar archives, and I can't find any post with "stereotypes" in the title in those archives. Would someone be so kind as to at least post the headings here?
I think that the new posts altered the URL.
Marathon Voter Season 6
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You may use material from the SRD, but your entry also must conform to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Beta Release. So if you want to reference SRD mechanics that aren't in the Pathfinder Beta, you'd need to include those mechanics in your entry, and I don't think that would go over so well with the judges.Important quesion; what about psionics? I recall it being said (a while back, so things may have changed) that Pathfinder RPG wasn't going to be supporting (e.g. updating) psionics for the immediate future; does that mean that we can't use the SRD/OGL Psionics at all, or are they still acceptable?
I ask because I do like to sprinkle a bit of psionics in with my magic but most importantly, I like cover all my bases with rules so that magic-users and psions alike can benefit - or not - from them.
(I'm already working on my item, I must add...)
So if our Villain is a level 20 Psion we have to include the descriptions for ALL his powers and et cetera?
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RPG Superstar 2013
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Dedicated Voter Season 6, Dedicated Voter Season 7, Dedicated Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
aka Steven T. Helt
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The villain round, and subsequent stat block round, will have their own set of rules. And we are promised some twists. One of those rules could be a range of ECL or CR. If they say 8-12, you don't have to worry about a 20th level build.
I dig the higher level play, so I hope the range is high, but some designers and fans prefer low or mid-level play, so I also hope the range is broad.
Another thing to prepare yourself for: new rules. Some rounds we might be asked to only use material from the SRD and Golarion. Some rounds we might be invited to design something new. As you look ahead to future rounds (I advise only once you are happy with your item submission), keep that stuff in mind.
Can't wait to throw the new design rules at my magic items!
So if our Villain is a level 20 Psion we have to include the descriptions for ALL his powers and et cetera?
Lets worry about items first. There will be rules for villains for the next round.
If I was entering the contest this year, I would do the following:
1. Read and understand the rules. Dont goof up something that gets your item insta-kicked.
2. Read the winning items from last year. They are great examples.
3. Read the relevant discussion threads from last year, not just this year. I GUARANTEE you that last year's contestants would have LOVED to have had these threads as sources of information. If you fail to use them you have really passed up a huge resource.
Clark
Another thing...is it possible to enter the contest by giving my real name only in private communication? I would prefer not having it float around in the net.I'm not sure, but I suspect not. Part of the goal of RPG Superstar is to do just that; get your name out there on the net. To turn someone into a Superstar. To get famous in the RPG scene. Not having a name to attach to that makes it a little weird...
Well, that's what established pseudonyms are for, from Marilyn Monroe to Mark Twain.
Frankly, looking at the entries of the last year I'd say I'm far out of my league, but it would be nice to give some competition on the early rounds and maybe get that nifty "Top 32" note next to the name...but I am quite hesitant to do that and give my real name here in public...and would I go to win the whole thingamajig and get into writing RPG products, I would still prefer doing it under pen name, like this one I am using now here :)
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I don't know if the officials are answering the questions in here or not, I have glanced through the thread since its been a busy weekend here but I need to know about weapons. Are magic weapons not Wonderous Items? I have been using some interesting items in my campaign this year and I thought of submitting one of my favorites just to see what happens, but I gather its not any magic item. I am missing a key definition someewhere i think. Any enlightenment...thanks
Jamie
When the DM is smiling, it's already too late
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Are magic weapons not Wonderous Items?
No. Magic Weapons are Magic Weapons. Wondrous Items are Wondrous Items.
http://www.d20srd.org/indexes/feats.htm
Look under item creation feats - a Wondrous Item is not a Potion, or a Magic Armament, or Magic Armor, or a Rod, or a Staff, or a Wand, or Ring, or a Scroll, or a Construct (Craft Construct is, for some reason, listed under Monster Feats at the Hypertext SRD).
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Chief Technical Officer
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But are we allowed to reference spells from the Web Enhancement in a submission or not?
Yes—you can use the three PDF web enhancements (the one that's bundled with the main Beta PDF, and the Prestige Classes and Magic Items PDFs). You may not, however, use stuff that's only been posted on the messageboards.
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Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Dedicated Voter Season 8
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In the new magic item creation guidelines, completing each item requires a skill check against Spellcraft or (in the case of a Wondrous Item) any suitable Craft or Profession check.
The magic items web enhancement doesn't include any example stat blocks for ordinary magic items. Magic item stat blocks in the Beta rulebook and spells/magic items web enhancement don't include any notation for the required skills to create.
For Round 1, are we expected to state the skill required to construct the item? If so, where should it go in the stat block?
See, now I want to make an item that breaks *all* of these rules.
(Some sort of bladed coin-decorated boot of augury that creates food and teleports you around?)
With a really bad name and heaps of useless backstory. Oh, and make sure your entry begins with a poem. The judges frickin' love poetry. =]
BD
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With a really bad name and heaps of useless backstory. Oh, and make sure your entry begins with a poem. The judges frickin' love poetry. =] BD
It will be a humorous limirick, because they also love joke items.
I think I'll also devote some space to an ascii art 'drawing' of the item. I wonder how many 'words' that would count as?
Also, some sentences with prepositions, end I will. To talk like Yoda, I must.
With a really bad name and heaps of useless backstory. Oh, and make sure your entry begins with a poem. The judges frickin' love poetry. =] BDIt will be a humorous limirick, because they also love joke items.
I think I'll also devote some space to an ascii art 'drawing' of the item. I wonder how many 'words' that would count as?
Also, some sentences with prepositions, end I will. To talk like Yoda, I must.
Alos remembre, speling an grammer is impotent. Wach out for tipoes to.
BD
Alos remembre, speling an grammer is impotent. Wach out for tipoes to.
BDThx! LOL.
No problem; I'm here to help. =]
Seriously, though, good luck!
BD