Guys, I know exactly what some of you are going through. Last year, when I was struck by the idea for the vampire Kaltia (The Haunter of the Hills), I dropped the villain idea that I had worked on up to that point. Unfortunately, the judges soon made it clear that I'd have been wiser to finish my first idea: There was a resounding chorus of "she's just a monster". Additionally, I rushed to finish the piece (two minutes before the deadline...), so my writing and stat block suffered from my haste.
I learned a few valuable lessons from last year's defeat:
* Don't let criticism knock you down. If a critic's goal isn't to help you improve, then ignore him or her. Wherever you go, you will encounter those who want to tear you down to boost their own egos. They aren't significant.
* Do as much work ahead of time as possible. If you don't use it for one thing, you'll find another use for it later.
* Have your friends and fellow gamers give you editorial feedback: It's hard to see your own errors, so don't try to be a one-man show.
... The greatest and most feared villain of the real world and the RPG world is probably Public Speaking. Anyone brave enough to stat that as a villain or creature? ...
I did! But alas you will not get to see him O:) At least not until the 32 become 16.
you may wish for a strike of good luck, or small miracle.
If you believe the opinions of the judges and forumites so far, there are so many bad entries, some of them will have to move on to the next round!
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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Star Voter Season 6
aka TerraNova
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Snowed in, but here's my feelings on it.
Last night. My ego failed a save vs massive damage, resulting in gaining the majorly depressed condition.
After a night's sleep (and anti-depressants) take from it, learn from it, move on.
That's really horrible, and my sympathies go out to you.
Not much more to say to that without sounding cheap. Ah well. To take my mind off the "is it going to be enough", I'll prepare my "designer notes", and start working on the statblock in earnest on the weekend.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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Star Voter Season 6
aka TerraNova
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Thanks Stefan, it's just part of who I am. *shrug*
Though I've learned. Must do all creative work while in the shower *laugh*
Funny you mention that, I finally hit upon Gale while in the tub for one of my "screw the world, just me, foam and cocoa" baths. Works miracles for me when it comes to just throwing out heaps and heaps of stress.
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
aka KissMeDarkly
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Here I am. Late for the party. Again.
I had the forethought to check my email after failing to get on the site. Immediately upon seeing it, I shouted "[explative] yeah!" and scared my 18 month old niece. Then I went to bed, cause I had to go to work. Actual sleep took another 2 hours to arrive as I though about the next round.
So how many villain ideas did I go through? I scribbles 12 concepts, worked through what was possible and then I had four villains I wanted to write up, BUT two would require new rules/mechanics of some kind so they had to go. Of the two I had left, I felt that the one I submitted was working better as an actual villain. The other one still needs work.
Schemes/Plots/Hooks: My brain was mush the entire time I was working on these. They are definately a weakness of mine that I will need to work on.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
aka flash_cxxi
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you may wish for a strike of good luck, or small miracle.If you believe the opinions of the judges and forumites so far, there are so many bad entries, some of them will have to move on to the next round!
That's my only consolation at the moment, but judging from what people are writing nobody likes mine either, so I'm dubious I'll advance.
Out of curiosity, we don't get a vote do we?
That's my only consolation at the moment, but judging from what people are writing nobody likes mine either, so I'm dubious I'll advance.
There are only 6-8 that are "locks" as far as I can tell. That leaves 8-10 openings for those of us getting less than great reviews. Of course, there's still a lot of voting left to go!
Out of curiosity, we don't get a vote do we?
I'm pretty sure EVERYONE gets 4 votes for their four favorite! So pick 'em out!
I learned a few valuable lessons from last year's defeat:
* Don't let criticism knock you down. If a critic's goal isn't to help you improve, then ignore him or her. Wherever you go, you will encounter those who want to tear you down to boost their own egos. They aren't significant.
* Do as much work ahead of time as possible. If you don't use it for one thing, you'll find another use for it later.
* Have your friends and fellow gamers give you editorial feedback: It's hard to see your own errors, so don't try to be a one-man show.
Excellent advice, and thank you for the injection of sanity :)
I just finished reading all the entries. There's so much to comment on, I have no idea if I'll have the time! :)
Even if I don't, rest assured that I wish luck to you all. May the best men win!
Out of curiosity, we don't get a vote do we?
Absolutely we get to vote. I already did.
...rest assured that I wish luck to you all. May the best men win!
Hey, now! There's someone of the female persuasion (Elizabeth) in the competition, too, you know? :-)
--Neil
I stand corrected, and rightfully so! Ahem... May the best villains advance!
Much better. :)
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
aka Tarren Dei
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There are only 6-8 "locks" as far as I can tell. That leaves 8-10 openings for those of us getting less than great reviews. Of course, there's still a lot of voting left to go!I get this troubling feeling that Neil Spicer's margin of victory alone is going to exceed the total number of votes earned by those of us in the second tier.
At the moment, I feel as though I'm fighting hobos for loose change in an alley behind the wealthiest bank in town. Niel's going to win by a couple grand and I'm going to lose by a buck fifty.
Bah, humbug.
The fans are fickle and 16 RPG Superstars are going to be in the next round. Most of us did not suspect we'd end up here at all and weren't prepared but we are here now. I know a stat block doesn't sound like the place to impress them but if you look at a Paizo stat block, there are things to do and say with it that could merit praise from the judges. A success there, puts you back in the game with a round that provides lots of opportunities to impress.
I entered this contest as a writing exercise and to have a little fun. Now, I'm going to get writing and having fun.
At the moment, I feel as though I'm fighting hobos for loose change in an alley behind the wealthiest bank in town. Niel's going to win by a couple grand and I'm going to lose by a buck fifty.
Hey! I am one of the hobos you are fighting with over that dropped quarter! Now cough it up!
The other thing to remember, Neil won the round, he hasn't yet won the game.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
aka Tarren Dei
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At the moment, I feel as though I'm fighting hobos for loose change in an alley behind the wealthiest bank in town. Niel's going to win by a couple grand and I'm going to lose by a buck fifty.Hey! I am one of the hobos you are fighting with over that dropped quarter! Now cough it up!
The other thing to remember, Neil won the round, he hasn't yet won the game.
Hear, hear!
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
aka Tarren Dei
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I'm going to get writing and having fun.In fairness, I had immense fun coming up with my hobo metaphor. I don't consider it sour grapes if I'm chuckling the whole time I'm writing it.
Edit: I just tried to edit an emoticon into my previous post, to no avail. The edit option was already gone.
Okay! ;-) I couldn't hear the chuckle.
Here's something that is making me chuckle.
My nine year old keeps saying, "My dad's a Superstar!"
My 3 and 1/2 year old keeps saying, "My dad's a Stupidstar!"
I get this troubling feeling that Neil Spicer's margin of victory alone is going to exceed the total number of votes earned by those of us in the second tier....At the moment, I feel as though I'm fighting hobos for loose change in an alley behind the wealthiest bank in town. Niel's going to win by a couple grand and I'm going to lose by a buck fifty.
I know you indicated you were chuckling as you put this together...and that you wanted an emoticon for your hobo analogy. But I must admit that comments like this...and some others in a few more forum threads...are starting to slowly bleed away some of my enthusiasm for the fun I hoped to have over the course of RPG Superstar 2009. It makes me feel like any success my entries might be having, are coming at the expense of everyone else. And that sucks...because I want to support everyone's success and enjoyment of the competition...which includes the fans as much as the other competitors.
My nine year old keeps saying, "My dad's a Superstar!"....My 3 and 1/2 year old keeps saying, "My dad's a Stupidstar!"
But at least this made me smile again...
...are starting to slowly bleed away some of my enthusiasm for the fun I hoped to have over the course of RPG Superstar 2009.
Don't let them. Your entry is top-notch, and you've got a nice early lead, but it could all come crashing down fast in the later rounds. Anyway, I think Trevor's Flesh Peddler is doing just as well as your entry. It was my first choice. It should be fun watching you two battle it out while the rest of us try to keep up. Engage Rivalry Mode!
Don't let them. Your entry is top-notch, and you've got a nice early lead, but it could all come crashing down fast in the later rounds. Anyway, I think Trevor's Flesh Peddler is doing just as well as your entry. It was my first choice. It should be fun watching you two battle it out while the rest of us try to keep up. Engage Rivalry Mode!
That too is a little difficult to summon up for me. Because Tarren/Trevor and I are actually good friends. I'm not his rival. I'm one of his supporters.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
aka Tarren Dei
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My nine year old keeps saying, "My dad's a Superstar!"....My 3 and 1/2 year old keeps saying, "My dad's a Stupidstar!"But at least this made me smile again...
I'm glad.
My younger one is now able to open up our browser, find Paizo in the drop down menu, click on 'RPG Stupidstar,' find my name, and scroll to the bottom of the page to see if there have been any new comments.
I'm training her well. I think she'll be ready for RPG Superstar 2015.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
aka Tarren Dei
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Don't let them. Your entry is top-notch, and you've got a nice early lead, but it could all come crashing down fast in the later rounds. Anyway, I think Trevor's Flesh Peddler is doing just as well as your entry. It was my first choice. It should be fun watching you two battle it out while the rest of us try to keep up. Engage Rivalry Mode!That too is a little difficult to summon up for me. Because Tarren/Trevor and I are actually good friends.
Ummm. Neil, have you checked the game thread? ... I just killed your mount.
;-)
Ummm. Neil, have you checked the game thread? ... I just killed your mount.
:-O
Well then...
...ahem...
...I shall have to trounce you soundly, sir. ;-)
--Neil
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Star Voter Season 6
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But I must admit that comments like this...and some others in a few more forum threads...are starting to slowly bleed away some of my enthusiasm for the fun I hoped to have over the course of RPG Superstar 2009. It makes me feel like any success my entries might be having, are coming at the expense of everyone else. And that sucks...because I want to support everyone's success and enjoyment of the competition...which includes the fans as much as the other competitors.
Hope I'm not a cause of your discontent. I wasn't expecting top 62, let alone top 32. It's been a learning experience and whomever goes on I wish the best of luck.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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Star Voter Season 6
aka TerraNova
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Neil, in all honesty: You deserve to win this round in flying colors, since you (in my honest opinion) have just simply the best entry. There are no sour grapes (at least from where I stand), and no hard feelings.
I'm sure everyone in the top 32 would like to advance. At least to me, that does not preclude you still raking in a clear and decisive victory.
There are only 6-8 "locks" as far as I can tell. That leaves 8-10 openings for those of us getting less than great reviews. Of course, there's still a lot of voting left to go!I get this troubling feeling that Neil Spicer's margin of victory alone is going to exceed the total number of votes earned by those of us in the second tier.
At the moment, I feel as though I'm fighting hobos for loose change in an alley behind the wealthiest bank in town. Niel's going to win by a couple grand and I'm going to lose by a buck fifty.
ROFL!
I'll have you know I don't throw down for anything less than soup AND a sandwich.
But my comment was meant to imply that your entry totally rocked the house!....We're all giving you a pat on the back for a job well done.
Neil, in all honesty: You deserve to win this round in flying colors....I'm sure everyone in the top 32 would like to advance. At least to me, that does not preclude you still raking in a clear and decisive victory.
I hear what you're saying...and I appreciate the pat on the back. But there are others who did well, too. Trevor's villain should easily garner as much attention as mine. And I had no trouble finding four entries to support with my vote. So, it just makes me feel uncomfortable to be singled out as the "clear winner" when I don't perceive it that way.
But don't get me wrong. I appreciate lots of folks liked my villain. And I appreciate you guys liked it and voted for it, too. I'm just saying the contest is far from over. It's only one round. Everything resets with the next assignment. And it feels...odd?...stressful?...to be singled out quite so starkly. It also heaps a lot more pressure to somehow meet a higher set of expectations...
That's all,
--Neil
...everyone who is trailing you in votes is still voting for you!I'd just like to point out that none of you actually know who has more votes than whom. Maybe you're guessing right, and maybe you're not!
I have been wondering where the polls were being shown... :)
It makes me feel like any success my entries might be having, are coming at the expense of everyone else. And that sucks...because I want to support everyone's success and enjoyment of the competition...which includes the fans as much as the other competitors.
Let me take a bit of stress off your shoulders, then.
*ahem*You have a lot of eyes set on you for now, master of the spell-slinging otygh... But you've got a burning barbarian breathing down your neck, one that does not know defeat until he's battered and bloody on the ground!
*evil grin*
...That wasn't exactly stress relieving, was it?
Chief Technical Officer
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So, did anyone read that paragraph about guest judges under the calendar on the main Superstar page? Yeah, I didn't either until something caught the corner of my eye: the round three judges will comment on the finalists' "stat blocks and new rules." New rules!
Oh, no! The secret that we first put in our press release last November 25 has leaked!
So, did anyone read that paragraph about guest judges under the calendar on the main Superstar page? Yeah, I didn't either until something caught the corner of my eye: the round three judges will comment on the finalists' "stat blocks and new rules." New rules!
Last year, some people made up new rules (templates, feats, prestige classes, whatever) to go with their villains, and some didn't. When I read this, I assumed that it meant "stat blocks, along with any new rules they may need to make up in order to complete said stat blocks." I didn't think that we would be required to come up with new rules just for the sake of doing so.
New rules!Last year, some people made up new rules (templates, feats, prestige classes, whatever) to go with their villains, and some didn't. When I read this, I assumed that it meant "stat blocks, along with any new rules they may need to make up in order to complete said stat blocks." I didn't think that we would be required to come up with new rules just for the sake of doing so.
Well, round #3 is about the contestant's "rules-fu" :D