So, I've got 2 ideas. I like both ideas, but for entirely different reasons. One is, mechanically, simpler than the other, but it's flavor is a little light( as in humor/joking ). I guess my question is: Do people think it is more important to be simple or serious?
Past comments have suggested humor has to be universal to work. If you are making a Monty Python, Gamers, Order of the Stick or even a DnD reference, your audience is too small. If you (inadvertently even) leave someone out of the joke, it could hurt you. However sitting around the table with friends should be FUN. Fine line to walk, but something for you to chew on.
** runs off to stat up a misplacer beast ... **I just can't shake the image of a placid cow-like creature with an unnaturally long tongue that attacks as a tentacle and delivers spell-like effect that causes predators to blink uncontrollably around the landscape with random distance and direction for a number of rounds, with them taking damage every time they appear in a solid object. I can see the players wandering through the landscape and seeing coyote skeletons sticking out of trees and cliff-faces and thinking WTF?
That's great! I've been thinking on how I could turn a water bear into a large herd animal, and your idea is the perfect defense for it from natural predators.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
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If you are making a Monty Python, Gamers, Order of the Stick or even a DnD reference....The proper ending for that sentence is "...you are almost certainly going to be rejected by the very first judge to read your submission."
What Vic said.
If you've looked at any of the previous years' judge responses, you will frequently see "submission is not a joke/gag" - if your idea was even skirting with the edges of joke/gag-ness, then I hope you haven't officially submitted it yet.
So what if it's grounded in well-established cultural traditions and is meant in all seriousness, but the majority will still undoubtedly chuckle? :P
Chief Technical Officer
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So what if it's grounded in well-established cultural traditions and is meant in all seriousness, but the majority will still undoubtedly chuckle? :P
Personally, I'm of the opinion that if you think something about your item is questionable, you should probably come up with something else. And that doesn't just go for humor—that goes for pretty much everything. After all, a real Superstar can come up with something just as good that isn't questionable.
So after several days of trying to figure which one of my three items (was four but the last is most deffinitly an Artifact.) I have finally submitted. now begins the fun part... the wait.
*sits and begins to roast silly goblins* so a goblin walks into a bar...
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That's great! I've been thinking on how I could turn a water bear into a large herd animal, and your idea is the perfect defense for it from natural predators.** runs off to stat up a misplacer beast ... **I just can't shake the image of a placid cow-like creature with an unnaturally long tongue that attacks as a tentacle and delivers spell-like effect that causes predators to blink uncontrollably around the landscape with random distance and direction for a number of rounds, with them taking damage every time they appear in a solid object. I can see the players wandering through the landscape and seeing coyote skeletons sticking out of trees and cliff-faces and thinking WTF?
:)
Free for use for any purpose including commercial.
That's great! I've been thinking on how I could turn a water bear into a large herd animal, and your idea is the perfect defense for it from natural predators.** runs off to stat up a misplacer beast ... **I just can't shake the image of a placid cow-like creature with an unnaturally long tongue that attacks as a tentacle and delivers spell-like effect that causes predators to blink uncontrollably around the landscape with random distance and direction for a number of rounds, with them taking damage every time they appear in a solid object. I can see the players wandering through the landscape and seeing coyote skeletons sticking out of trees and cliff-faces and thinking WTF?
Would love to see that Monster entry -- though I like the other nickname of "moss piglet" even better...
[PC] - "Sweet Desnu, NO!! Not the moss piglets! RUN!!!..."
I saw the contest and created an item within 24 hours. hopefully i didn't submit too quickly. I noticed this thread and the advise thread only after submitting. :P Still, i think I've got an honest chance of doing pretty well.
I suppose this time of year may be good for the kiddos on holiday break after exams, but for me its crazy time at home and work. I suspect if I submit anything it won't be worth a damn.
I feel for you there. Working retail as I do, I know I'm only going to get busier and more tired after work. So in the flipside of you, I had the envious position of having to post soon after the competition opened, just to ensure something went in.
Now I just have weeks of nagging worry that I've screwed my entry up...
Item submitted! I'm really happy with it - I was able to realise my previous item wasn't going to work, come up with a new idea, and write and rewrite that idea until I was proud to submit it.
Now it's all over but the waiting.... :)
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RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32
aka carborundum
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I've had an idea and I really like it. I haven't been able to find anything that does the same thing, and that's bugging me. I can't get rid of the feeling that it's already out there in some form or other, with a different name and mechanics, just waiting to make me look stupid!
You know, like when someone decided to make a dog movie, and by the time it was finished there had just been three other dog movies in the cinema. That's the feeling ;-)
I've had an idea and I really like it. I haven't been able to find anything that does the same thing, and that's bugging me. I can't get rid of the feeling that it's already out there in some form or other, with a different name and mechanics, just waiting to make me look stupid!
You know, like when someone decided to make a dog movie, and by the time it was finished there had just been three other dog movies in the cinema. That's the feeling ;-)
If you haven't already, start writing it. Once you start codifying it, and rewriting for clarity & wordcount, you might surprise yourself with a new take or new tweaks. It's been my experience that once you commit something to (e)paper, the brain is often free to consider new options... you might improve your existing idea or come up with something new and better.
You'll never know unless you try, so DOOOOOOO EEEEEEEEET!
Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7
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submitted ... how many more days until the decision is made on these? ;)
To quote Tom Petty: "The waiting is the hardest part ..."
Here's to hoping there is no other bolt of inspiration right before the deadline that makes me go "D'OH! I shoulda waited!!". ;)
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Star Voter Season 6
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submitted ... how many more days until the decision is made on these? ;)
To quote Tom Petty: "The waiting is the hardest part ..."
Here's to hoping there is no other bolt of inspiration right before the deadline that makes me go "D'OH! I shoulda waited!!". ;)
I'm taking a few days/weeks off from Pathfinder so I don't become overwhelmed by self doubt.
Like I predicted, a bolt of inspiration struck me the other night and I came up with a much better item than the three I'd already sketched out. I've sent it out to friends to proofread and it'll probably make an appearance in my game on Tuesday (as it's my turn to GM) for playtesting. I still won't send it in for another week or two, because lightning does strike twice.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Star Voter Season 6
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Well, mine's in now too. And, just like in previous years, my inspiration struck me full force in the bath. Weird.
Well, off to work now, I guess...
Not that bad, my ideas often hit in the shower. I think it's the warm water thing.
Note: When the warm water affects your bladder before your brain, it's time to stop playing. :P
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I've had an idea and I really like it. I haven't been able to find anything that does the same thing, and that's bugging me. I can't get rid of the feeling that it's already out there in some form or other, with a different name and mechanics, just waiting to make me look stupid!
You know, like when someone decided to make a dog movie, and by the time it was finished there had just been three other dog movies in the cinema. That's the feeling ;-)
I understand. I finally submitted after 2 years of procrastination. I have felt like there is another version of what I made out there somewhere, I just don't know where. But...oh well. Maybe if I can't find it the judges won't know where it is either ;)
I agree, Darkjoy. Third time is a charm. I just posted my third attempt.
If you are making a Monty Python, Gamers, Order of the Stick or even a DnD reference....The proper ending for that sentence is "...you are almost certainly going to be rejected by the very first judge to read your submission."What Vic said.
If you've looked at any of the previous years' judge responses, you will frequently see "submission is not a joke/gag" - if your idea was even skirting with the edges of joke/gag-ness, then I hope you haven't officially submitted it yet.
Well I guess that suspends my item as it was built on several factors of which good humor was a strong part of it. The item was meant to allow a DM to open up his/hers sarcastic and fun side as well as giving them a tool to provide information to the party about the world. The item has a fun feel, good role-playing hooks and entertainment value so I think by writing it off simply because it might at first appear Monty Python would be ignoring its potential value in a world setting of any D&D landscape. I can understand valueless humor directed items though for certain.
There's a difference between an item that has some humorous value and:
* an item based on something from Monty Python or a MP quote
* ditto, but for some other real-world comedy
* an item that is literally a joke, such as having a pun name
A rod of wonder is a humorous item, not a joke item. A bureau of investigation is a joke item, as is a holy hand grenade.
To paraphrase something I told one of my freelancers a few months ago: don't aim for funny, don't aim for clever... aim for cool. And if it's cool and happens to be clever and/or funny, that's ok.
The goal is to make an item that impresses the judges. If a judge says, "that's cool, I'd use that in my game," that's good. If a judge says, "that's funny, but I'd never use it in a game," you've sort of failed. Not insta-failed, but you want to impress the judges with your skill as a designer, not as a comedian.
So I should hold off on the spell canister, then?
So I should hold off on the spell canister, then?
This makes perfect sense Sean and I can completely appreciate your direction. I will certainly apply more serious themes to my future submissions. =o)
I dunno, he's never made me laugh.
No doubt! He made my 16th level Paladin character cry in Labyrinth of Madness.
I entered an item today.
I entered the contest, have you?
Perhaps.
I've entered a wonderous item. My dad helped... a little.
Very cool Wicht! And son. Heh. Wicht et Cie sounds kinda Germano-Franco-ominous. ;)
I've entered a wonderous item. My dad helped... a little.My kid.
The idea was his. I just suggested a name change and helped double check his math.
I am sure the costume version will be awesome! 0:)
Hello I'm also one of Wicht's sons, and I also just entered the contest.
Third time lucky for me, maybe. And if not - well there's always next year.
Ooh, a quantum entry :)I entered the contest, have you?Perhaps.
Nice!
Paizo Uncertainty Principle! If you see that I've entered you can't see the item but if you see the item, you can't see if its been entered!
Submitted, now for the month long wait.
Entered yesterday.
I wonder how long I can hold out before I begin to reread my item 50 thousand times to nit-pick at it.... like the last two years.
I cannot wait to read the top 32. Always such cool stuff and great ideas. Good luck to everyone.
-Dubs
Submitted,
I mean reaaally, my amulet of proof of detection from a parental figure won't work.....think of the possibilities...in an orphanage
heh
I should of made it amulet of proof of detection against siblings!!!!
Sorry Lil' Kid,
Good luck on the contest to all and to all a good night for those burning the midnight oil!