Questions

[Zaister]

Just a quick question... what does "gonzo" mean in the earlier posts in this thread?

[James MacKenzie]

Zaister wrote:

Just a quick question... what does "gonzo" mean in the earlier posts in this thread?

One of the lands submitted was a realm ruled by blink dogs. An item gave control of a mummified cat.

Gonzo posts were original, but bizarre.

[Erik Anderson]

Gary Teter wrote:

I can answer the second question: Former RPG Superstar contestants keep their bling.

I'm glad I get to keep my bling. And I'm glad people are still talking about the Ghosthound Kinships of the Rolling Plains!

[Trevor Gulliver]

I just want to verify something. It says "one entry per person" not "one entry per household." My son and I both want to enter. That's cool, right?

[Steven Helt]

amusingsn wrote:

Gary Teter wrote:

I can answer the second question: Former RPG Superstar contestants keep their bling.

I'm glad I get to keep my bling. And I'm glad people are still talking about the Ghosthound Kinships of the Rolling Plains!

Dude - whatever happened to you running a PbP for that...I got a paladin ranger drooling if you ever roll.

[Lipto the Shiv]

Oka-ley dok-aley... I have a few questions about some of the rules that if someone could clarify for me, would be just great...

First off, the rule about no hardcover cover credits. This is probably going to win the Duh Award, but does cover credit mean the name had to appear on the outer cover? I've had some submissions accepted for Relics and Rituals and Creature Compendiums that White Wolf had open calls for back when they published Scarred Lands, and my name appears in teensy-tiny little print along with about sixty other people on the credits page. Will this keep me from entering?

Second, does the word count include the title and creation requirements? I'm thinking it does, but I just want to make sure.

Third, as far as the creation requirements go, will it be counted against us if it's not immediately obvious how one arrived at the final figures? The item I've got in mind isn't completely off the wall as far as what it does, but it doesn't exactly conform to the "spell times level divided by charges" type formula. Basically what I'm getting at is will the judges take an extremely critical eye at the prices, or will they more or less eyeball it and say "yeah, that seems right" Note that I do intend to work out a price according to the rules, it's just that I might have to take a few interperative liberties with some of the modifiers.

Fourth, Um...

Uh.. I got nothin'... Just three, then.

[Erik Anderson]

Steven T. Helt wrote:

Dude - whatever happened to you running a PbP for that...I got a paladin ranger drooling if you ever roll.

Allowing the momentary conceit that it wasn't a rhetorical question . . .

When my last game wrapped up my crew convinced me to try running a 4th Edition campaign using the nifty Maptool program.

Blame it on the nefarious Goblin King and his piratical Phase Spider allies.

[The_Minstrel_Wyrm]

This may seem like a silly question, but I'm just wondering if punctuation counts against our 200 word limit?

If it does, I'm cool with like 9 words to spare. If it doesn't I might add a final sentence to the item description.

Thanks, in advance for any help you can provide.
PS: Sorry if I missed this sort of question earlier, I skimmed and didn't notice it.

Regards,
The Minstrel Wyrm

[Mike Welham]

The_Minstrel_Wyrm wrote:

This may seem like a silly question, but I'm just wondering if punctuation counts against our 200 word limit?

If it does, I'm cool with like 9 words to spare. If it doesn't I might add a final sentence to the item description.

Thanks, in advance for any help you can provide.
PS: Sorry if I missed this sort of question earlier, I skimmed and didn't notice it.

Regards,
The Minstrel Wyrm

My word processor (MSWord 2000) does not count punctuation as separate words, and I doubt the judges will count punctuation. I'd say go for that final sentence!

[Jacob Manley]

taig wrote:

My word processor (MSWord 2000) does not count punctuation as separate words, and I doubt the judges will count punctuation.

Of course, it's best not to push your luck too far.

[Mike Welham]

eotbeholder wrote:

taig wrote:

My word processor (MSWord 2000) does not count punctuation as separate words, and I doubt the judges will count punctuation.

Of course, it's best not to push your luck too far.

Neat! And good point.

[James Jacobs]

I believe what we're using in the office to judge word counts (and it's CERTAINLY what I use to judge them from authors for products) is the number that Microsoft Word gives you when you ask it to do a word count. We certainly aren't going through each entry and counting the words by hand. At least... I hope not!

[Steven Helt]

amusingsn wrote:

Allowing the momentary conceit that it wasn't a rhetorical question . . .

Dude, you know that wasn't a rhetorical question! When you're ready to make me a blink dog (with a friendly level adjustment), you just let me know!

Before superstar last year, my wife's first dnd character was given a blink dog animal companion - of sorts. I made her pay through the nose for it, but it lived through Return to the Tomb of Horrors! I got to role-play him for a while, and developed a healthy dislike for thorciasids.

Note, I didn't say anything about Tabby's character living through it. Best character death EVER!

[The_Minstrel_Wyrm]

Thanks Taig, eotbeholder, and of course Mr. James Jacobs for the advice and insight. I may err on the side of caution and leave my description as is. I'm pretty pleased with it, and I hope the judges will be too.

Thanks again,

The Minstrel Wyrm

[Gerald Andrews]

Does the cost of creating gauntlets & gloves refer to a pair? If so if my item is only a single gauntlet or glove how should I reduce the cost?

[Steven Helt]

A single gauntlet still takes up a slot. A pair requires both gauntlets. As a DM, I would price any new gauntlet as a pair regardless, and ixnay on the idea of two separate magical gauntlets.

I'm not official, but I know magic items across the game pretty well, and I've never seen two single gauntlets used together.

In fact, a hundred eeps to anyone who finds an exception from a major 3.5 publisher. If there's one in the War book by AEG, it doesn't count.

[Erik Anderson]

Steven T. Helt wrote:

A single gauntlet still takes up a slot. A pair requires both gauntlets. As a DM, I would price any new gauntlet as a pair regardless, and ixnay on the idea of two separate magical gauntlets.

I'm not official, but I know magic items across the game pretty well, and I've never seen two single gauntlets used together.

In fact, a hundred eeps to anyone who finds an exception from a major 3.5 publisher. If there's one in the War book by AEG, it doesn't count.

I think the official 3.5 rule is that one may use "one glove, pair of gloves, or pair of gauntlets." Which would seem to me to disallow the use of two different one glove sets.

One could use two gloves of storing together, I'd think, and claim they were a pair. At least, they'd have a good argument to do so.

[Starglim]

Zaister wrote:

Just a quick question... what does "gonzo" mean in the earlier posts in this thread?

Wikipedia: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas wrote:

The basic synopsis revolves around journalist Raoul Duke and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo, as they arrive in 70's Las Vegas to report on the Mint 400 motorcycle race. However, they soon abandon their work and begin experimenting with a variety of recreational drugs, such as LSD, cocaine, mescaline and cannabis. This leads to a series of bizarre hallucinogenic trips, during which they destroy hotel rooms, wreck cars and have visions of anthropomorphic desert animals, all the while ruminating on the decline of American culture.

The instructions for the contest would be the Mint 400. Hope that helps.

[Vic Wertz]

Set wrote:

I'm pretty sure that even if you could accidentally submit the same item more than once, it wouldn't count as submitting more than one item for disqualification purposes...

You are correct, sir.

[Russ Taylor]

amusingsn wrote:

I think the official 3.5 rule is that one may use "one glove, pair of gloves, or pair of gauntlets." Which would seem to me to disallow the use of two different one glove sets.

One could use two gloves of storing together, I'd think, and claim they were a pair. At least, they'd have a good argument to do so.

Nope. One glove of storing. That's why it says "one glove" - because some gloves/gauntlets don't come in pairs (glove of storing, gauntlet of rust, caster's glove from MIC). You can house rule it all you want, of course.

[Vic Wertz]

Mystendanian wrote:

taig is correct - the words in the table are not my concern. just the characters needed to format the words to align them into columns

I've read through several threads and haven't seen this question addressed. If possible, i'd like an official ruling on this. My item is ready for submission but I'd hate to be DQ'd for something lame - if anything lame is going to stand in the way of my success, it will be my item!

All I can say is that Clark has told you what he'll be using to do word counts, and warned you that other judges may use different tools. We all know that different tools calculate word count differently, and so a word count of 205 *probably* won't get you booted. On the other hand, if you're evenly matched against an item that's clearly *not* over the word count, and your word count is questionable... well, I'd suggest you do what it takes to ensure that it's not going to be an issue.

[Vic Wertz]

Tarren Dei wrote:

I just want to verify something. It says "one entry per person" not "one entry per household." My son and I both want to enter. That's cool, right?

Yes, please.

[Vic Wertz]

Lipto the Shiv wrote:

...does cover credit mean the name had to appear on the outer cover?..."

Yes.

Lipto the Shiv wrote:

Second, does the word count include the title and creation requirements? I'm thinking it does, but I just want to make sure.

You get two fields: title and description. Everything in the description field counts. (And if you try to sneak 400 words into the title, we'll have a problem with that.)

Lipto the Shiv wrote:

Basically what I'm getting at is will the judges take an extremely critical eye at the prices, or will they more or less eyeball it and say "yeah, that seems right" Note that I do intend to work out a price according to the rules, it's just that I might have to take a few interperative liberties with some of the modifiers.

It's hard to predict what judges will do. But it is safe to say that if it becomes an issue, and the three of them agree that you've priced your item incorrectly, well, it probably won't end up very well for you.

Lipto the Shiv wrote:

Fourth, Um...

Uh.. I got nothin'... Just three, then.

Let it be known, then, that three shalt be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three.

[Godsdog10]

Oh, the Title doesn't count towards the 200 words??? I'm officially removing my earlier hug from you Mr. Wertz! *chuckles maniacally as the pressure of the contest builds* Though I am rather fond of Holy Hand Grenade references...

[Erik Anderson]

Russ Taylor wrote:

Nope. One glove of storing. That's why it says "one glove" - because some gloves/gauntlets don't come in pairs (glove of storing, gauntlet of rust, caster's glove from MIC). You can house rule it all you want, of course.

Well, two gloves of the same type would technically be a "pair." At least, one could make that argument.

[Gerald Andrews]

Russ Taylor wrote:

Nope. One glove of storing. That's why it says "one glove" - because some gloves/gauntlets don't come in pairs (glove of storing, gauntlet of rust, caster's glove from MIC). You can house rule it all you want, of course.

Russ, what does the caster's glove do? I don't own a copy of the Magic Items Compendium.

[Russ Taylor]

Madness Follows wrote:

Russ, what does the caster's glove do? I don't own a copy of the Magic Items Compendium.

Glove of storing, but you can use the item stored inside without retrieving it. Same item as in the DMG 2, but cheaper price.

[Gerald Andrews]

Russ, would you be willing to taking a look at my item before I submit it? I put my email into my profile if you are. Sorry, if this gets a flood other hopefuls messaging your to ask for your comments on their item.

[Gerald Andrews]

Vic, what what happened to round 5? It jumps from 4 to 6.

[Lipto the Shiv]

Vic Wertz wrote:

Lost of stuff

Rockin'! Thanks much for the info.

[Clark Peterson]

I'll get Vic to post an official comment, but I have a funny feeling that it wouldnt be appropriate for prior contestants to review your submissions before you submit. But that is Vic's call...

[Sean K Reynolds]

Or to put it a different way: any prior contestant who agrees to review others' works before submission is probably going to be SWAMPED with similar requests and will commit seppuku out of stress and fear.

[Vic Wertz]

Madness Follows wrote:

Vic, what what happened to round 5? It jumps from 4 to 6.

Fixed. (That's a leftover from last year, when we did have 6 rounds...)

[Vic Wertz]

Clark Peterson wrote:

I'll get Vic to post an official comment, but I have a funny feeling that it wouldnt be appropriate for prior contestants to review your submissions before you submit. But that is Vic's call...

Well, given that it could easily happen without our knowledge, it's impossible to police.

But if I were Russ, I sure wouldn't say yes!

[Joshua Stevens]

Blah.

Totally unsolicited opinion here - but I feel the entire point of RPG Superstar is to try and make it and shine on your own.

Sure, you can share your ideas with your spouse, best friend, gaming group, whatever.

But the idea of having a former finalist review your submission before you submit it to help you polish it leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. It seems very unsportsman-like and against the grain of what this contest is about.

You either design an item that cuts it, or you don't. Your ideas are either voted for, or they aren't. You are either a "Superstar" (for purposes of this contest) or you aren't.

True, there's no way to police this, but seriously? Is that really how you want to make the top 32? Do you really want people to place a little mental asterisk next to your name, noting that you made it, but only with editorial help?

[Blackdirge]

Sean K Reynolds wrote:

Or to put it a different way: any prior contestant who agrees to review others' works before submission is probably going to be SWAMPED with similar requests and will commit seppuku out of stress and fear.

Even worse, there's another problem with having a former contestant or professional game designer review your submission. If said former contestant or game designer helps you produce a submission that is beyond your ability to produce on your own, then you are in serious trouble for the rest of the competition. You will be expected to repeat the same level of design ability in later rounds, and if your subsequent submissions are well below the standard of your first, it might become obvious that you had help with your wondrous item.

Is there an official rule on this, by the way?

BD

[Clark Peterson]

Eyebite wrote:

Blah.

Totally unsolicited opinion here - but I feel the entire point of RPG Superstar is to try and make it and shine on your own.

Sure, you can share your ideas with your spouse, best friend, gaming group, whatever.

But the idea of having a former finalist review your submission before you submit it to help you polish it leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. It seems very unsportsman-like and against the grain of what this contest is about.

You either design an item that cuts it, or you don't. Your ideas are either voted for, or they aren't. You are either a "Superstar" (for purposes of this contest) or you aren't.

True, there's no way to police this, but seriously? Is that really how you want to make the top 32? Do you really want people to place a little mental asterisk next to your name, noting that you made it, but only with editorial help?

I happen to whole-heartedly agree with this.

That said...

I'm not trying to bash Madness. I'm sure it was just a simple post made quickly without fully thinking through all angles. I'm sure he regrets asking. I believe it is 100% innocent on his part. I dont want to scare him off from submitting. No one will hold it against you, Madness. It was an innocent question you probably didnt think through all the way. This is a fair community.

Clark

[Russ Taylor]

There's been some very good reasons listed to not comment on a person's submission pre-contest, so I'll go with the thread and decline the offer. Agree with Clark - there's no harm in asking.

[Joshua Stevens]

Clark Peterson wrote:

I happen to whole-heartedly agree with this.

That said...

I'm not trying to bash Madness. I'm sure it was just a simple post made quickly without fully thinking through all angles. I'm sure he regrets asking. I believe it is 100% innocent on his part. I dont want to scare him off from submitting. No one will hold it against you, Madness. It was an innocent question you probably didnt think through all the way. This is a fair community.

Clark

Oh absolutely. I didn't intend to single out Madness or anyone else. I fully believe it was an innocent post as well.

Just making the blanket point that I think one should really go it on their own, for better or worse.

[Steven Helt]

Eyebite wrote:

Just making the blanket point that I think one should really go it on their own, for better or worse.

Having said that, I wouldn't blame anyone for trying to get any help they could for their first round. I felt like last year the first round was the hardest one to break into - that the contest was more fun and esier to perform for if you could just get into the top 32. So I think there's pressure to get in, and then shine on your own after that.

I know no one has reviewed any of my items, but I sent friends a list of just names to see which of mine were dynamic and which weren't. I think that kind of request is fair. Though the Superstars on that list haven't said much, I wouldn't have felt guilty about it if they had.

Given the opinion on the thread though, when it comes time to review my final three or four finished items, I will be sure to keep those fellas off the list.

[Vic Wertz]

While I do believe that it's best to avoid making rules that can't be enforced, I also feel pretty strongly that if you *do* enlist somebody's help looking over your entry, you better make sure that they're willing to do the same for every entry if you advance, and for the finished adventure manuscript should you win. Because if it turns out that they're your secret weapon, and your secret weapon becomes unavailable while people are watching, it could be pretty embarrassing for you.

(This is the advice we gave out for this question last year.)

[Set]

Such modesty on this thread! There are people out there who would allow other people to edit their work?

Bah. Genius is never understood in it's own time. They laughed at me when I told them about my Orbital Kitten Impeller, but we'll see how they laugh when I'm securely ensconced at LaGrange Point 4, raining fiery hypervelocity feline *death* upon them!

[Steven Helt]

Whoah. Edit? Getting an opinion which is better: my item a, my item b, my item c - that's not the same as having someone else help write your stuff. If you think you can show well in Superstar (or just want the experience and feedback), I don't recommend co-writing anything. There's no way to know if the judges would have liked your stuff more than someone else's.

Just a little feedback from your friends never hurts, is all I'm saying.

[The Earl of Sandwich]

I'm sitting here looking over last year's winners for wondrous items, and the thought pops in my head,"Why is it the top 32?"

Was it ever asked or explained why this was chosen as the magic number last year? Was it someone's favorite hockey player? Someone's child born on March 3rd? Favorable in numerology?

It just seems to my Nick Hornby-High Fidelityesque mind that a Top 40, then 20, 10 & 5 is so round and meaty. Even a top 30 seems...neater...(Maybe my not-so-latent case of OCD is showing here). If this was addressed last year, my apologies, I haven't seen any thread or post that has asked or answered this question.

[Gary Teter]

Vic or Lisa will probably have a much better answer, but as a programmer, I have to say that powers of two are pretty much awesome.

[The Earl of Sandwich]

The PostMonster General wrote:

Vic or Lisa will probably have a much better answer, but as a programmer, I have to say that powers of two are pretty much awesome.

Ahhh, Master Oogwai, thank you. You have enlightened my non-programming mind! My OCD is satisfied.

[Starglim]

The Earl of Sandwich wrote:

I'm sitting here looking over last year's winners for wondrous items, and the thought pops in my head,"Why is it the top 32?"

32 or 64 is an appropriate starting number for a knockout-style tournament where the loser of each pair is eliminated each round.

It isn't really necessary where we vote for an arbitrary number advancing out of all the contestants, or where the last few rounds go Top 8, Top 6, Top 4, Winner, but by the same token, it's as good a starting number as any.

[Neil Spicer]

The Earl of Sandwich wrote:

I'm sitting here looking over last year's winners for wondrous items, and the thought pops in my head,"Why is it the top 32?"

If you intend to have 4 finalists...i.e., the editors eventually want to have 4 final adventure proposals to review and choose from...then you can just back up from there and double the numbers for elimination on each preceding round. Hence, 4 in the final round, 8 in the round before that, 16 in the round before that, and 32 is a nice cut-off point because bringing 64 or 50 or 40 is really too many. If you can make the Top 32, that's enough. And then you eliminate half of the competition each round thereafter.

Other than that, eh...it's arbitrary. :-D

--Neil