RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32
aka carborundum
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By the way, I actually have my own mini.
The good people at Reaper made this for me and actually sent me the original pewter first casting of the mini. Which sits prominently by my monitor on my computer desk, unpainted in its silvery glory!
Ooooo - I'll need one of those for STAP! :-)
(In about a year)
By the way, I actually have my own mini.
You know Orcus should take some clues from his spawn from the 'Jersey Shore' especially the cast member 'the situation' and start working on those abs. He's really letting himself go with that beer belly. You know I bet he could even get some Lipo from some of his Hollywood spawn. :)
You know Orcus should take some clues from his spawn from the 'Jersey Shore' especially the cast member 'the situation' and start working on those abs. He's really letting himself go with that beer belly. You know I bet he could even get some Lipo from some of his Hollywood spawn. :)
Oh sweet merciful Thanatos you had to mention that show. My daughter watches that dreck all the time.
Oy. Feels like I am back in college with my freshman roomate and his buds watching that ...
Oh sweet merciful Thanatos you had to mention that show. My daughter watches that dreck all the time.
So I'm hoping you use the show as a tool for your daughter on how to not act. On the other hand TMZ is reporting the cast is getting around 7,500 per club appearance :/
One more week to go! :)
The suspense was killing me, so I arranged my own "Design A..." contest on my site. Anyone else waiting for the 19th should stop by and check out our "Design A Dungeon Room" contest. We've got some fun Judges and Prizes and the entries have already started to come in.
Meanwhile, I'm really looking forward to next week and seeing all the entries the made the top-32 for this year's RPG Superstar. :)
So, mad props to Clark, the RPG Superstar Juggernaut Judge!
Perhaps a titling is in order?
(Publisher, Necromancer Games, RPG Superstar Juggernaut Judge)
By the way, I actually have my own mini.
The good people at Reaper made this for me and actually sent me the original pewter first casting of the mini. Which sits prominently by my monitor on my computer desk, unpainted in its silvery glory!
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.
Oops! I just realised in the last couple of days that I left an all-important piece out of my submission. Construction Requirements,Skill craft, Cost, and the like. Clumsy cut-and-paste it seems.
Oops. Yeah. That's gonna hurt. That is likely an auto-reject. Sorry about that. In any event, I can say there are no items in our Keep folder missing that kind of information, let alone the top 32.
Sorry about that.
I realised after submitting that the boards have an italics code that I should have used for spells. It wasn't on the competition template. I'm hoping that won't hurt my item too much.
Chief Technical Officer
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I realised after submitting that the boards have an italics code that I should have used for spells. It wasn't on the competition template. I'm hoping that won't hurt my item too much.
No worries—nobody gets marked down for not using BBCode. (Not using the Wondrous Item template we provided in the Round 1 rules, on the other hand... that'll get you the stink-eye.)
We're done. Top 32, and alts. Selected. Not saying how many alts. :) That's right, we know what items made the cut and which didnt, and we arent telling. Now you just have to wait.
Wes came up with a new, more scientific and precise way for us to rank the submissions that really was great. Wes is the man!
By the way, I am really really really happy with our top 32, and there are even 2 of the alts that I really like. Good submissions this year. I cant wait for everyone to see who we chose.
Now, if you're an alt, does the public see your item?
I am really enjoying reading the Top 32! Some really strong entries this year. So far there are a ton of items I'd like to use in a campaign. Or maybe publish in a book!
that's a good idea. God knows, the 4th edition magic item compendium thingie from That Other Company is...well...crap. Ok, that's just my opinion so take it for what you will, but I don't like much of the 4th edition stuff.
i'll end the rant here before it gets underway. I don't want to start the game system wars all over again. But a big old book of magic items would greatly enhance my pathfinder games.
We're done. Top 32, and alts. Selected. Not saying how many alts. :) That's right, we know what items made the cut and which didnt, and we arent telling. Now you just have to wait.
Wes came up with a new, more scientific and precise way for us to rank the submissions that really was great. Wes is the man!
By the way, I am really really really happy with our top 32, and there are even 2 of the alts that I really like. Good submissions this year. I cant wait for everyone to see who we chose.
why must you torment us so....?
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Thanks Clark.
Now we only have to wait seven more days before we'll know if we made the grade!
This is my first year entering (I was away last year, and not ready for the first year), so I now can totally appreciate the mental anguish of having to wait for the green light.
PsionicFox's mind implodes.
BOOM!
Out of curiosity: at your end, are the items still anonymous?
Out of curiosity: at your end, are the items still anonymous?
Yes, the judges won't see the names until they're revealed to the public (though we've made our decision and it's a moot point now). Also, the guest judges (last year's Top 4) need to post their comments, which means we'll keep them anonymous a little while longer.
Its always a hard process, picking 32 from the hundreds and hundreds of submissions. Its humbling, too, because you see some really good stuff. And it is such a pleasure to work with guys like Sean and Wes. I learn something every year, that is for sure.
But what I am always reminded is how great this Paizo community is. You guys really have an amazing collection of talent here.
I know we tried our best to do justice to your creations.
I can't wait for the big reveal and to see the contest really get started!
But even if you didnt make top 32, there were a LOT of great items this year. I think all the judges agree the average quality is up. I hope that is in part to all the design discussion we have here and to the collaborative critiquing that goes on between the members here on the boards.
Nice work, everyone. And it was a pleasure to sort through them.
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But even if you didnt make top 32, there were a LOT of great items this year. I think all the judges agree the average quality is up. I hope that is in part to all the design discussion we have here and to the collaborative critiquing that goes on between the members here on the boards.
Nice work, everyone. And it was a pleasure to sort through them.
Clark, I swear, if you and Sean and Wes were any more cool, you'd need your own pocket dimensions to store all that extra coolness that the rest of us poor mortals can't handle.
Even if I don't make it into the top 32, I think entering has made me a better player, and a better DM. So thanks Paizo!
Wes came up with a new, more scientific and precise way for us to rank the submissions that really was great. Wes is the man!
Can you tell us what method you used to rate the submissions?
Wes came up with a new, more scientific and precise way for us to rank the submissions that really was great. Wes is the man!Can you tell us what method you used to rate the submissions?
It'll probably be evident from their comments, which we'll see in less than a week.
Contributor
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Star Voter Season 6, Marathon Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 9
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Thanks for all the hard work, Clark, Sean and Wes!
Clark, other than the joke item, I take it you didn't have as many "cranky" moments this year, since the quality was up. I know last year you mentioned you got in a bad mood a couple of times and had to back away from judging until your mood improved.
I know it was a fiasco last year when Clark tried to do it on his own, but it would be very educational if we could find some way for people to see what the judges thought of their item if it didn't make the cut.
I suppose there are people who want to keep that secret in case they'd like to tweak their idea for next year, but what is the rationale for keeping those comments under wraps?
Even if I don't make it, the process was very educational for me and I enjoyed that part tremendously. I even worked my wondrous item into my game session last week!
Clark, I swear, if you and Sean and Wes were any more cool, you'd need your own pocket dimensions to store all that extra coolness that the rest of us poor mortals can't handle.
Even if I don't make it into the top 32, I think entering has made me a better player, and a better DM. So thanks Paizo!
Second that! (OOh! I got an idea for next year!) <runs off to write something down> ;)
Seriously, I love the way the Paizo community works. And I think that ALL of the guys involved are obviously going way above and beyond the call of duty! Thanks again for giving me an excuse to dust off the creative brainbox!
And Psifox, nice to see you back, again! :)
Thanks for all the hard work, Clark, Sean and Wes!
Clark, other than the joke item, I take it you didn't have as many "cranky" moments this year, since the quality was up. I know last year you mentioned you got in a bad mood a couple of times and had to back away from judging until your mood improved.
Yeah, way better this year. And I probably overreacted on the joke item (wow I did get pissed at that though, but only because it seemed so disrespectful to the other people who actually tried, but no need to rehash that).
Now that you mention it, that author named "anonymous" was really prolific this year. I think he submitted hundreds and hundreds of entries. It almost wasnt fair. I dont think any other author but him/her made the top 32. Scary, huh? That is one awesome author, that anonymous.
Shouldn't that disqualify Anonymous, though?
I think he's related to Staff-Sensei. If I remember correctly, Anonymous writes all of the textbooks for the classes that Staff-Sensei teaches. A few hundred contest entries is nothing.
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Chief Technical Officer
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I suppose there are people who want to keep that secret in case they'd like to tweak their idea for next year, but what is the rationale for keeping those comments under wraps?
It's extremely important that the judges be able to communicate freely and concisely with each other. They often use shorthand, and they have the shared context of the entire submission pool, so looking at their comments without that context would often be nonsensical, or misleading. so some of their comments wouldn't make sense. More importantly, they don't pull any punches, and they're making no attempt to be diplomatic in their messaging. In all honesty, some folks would be crushed seeing the raw comments on their items, and that's not something anyone wants.
Making their comments suitable for public viewing would require each judge to spend several more days editing their own work, and frankly, they've already been quite generous with their time just getting through all those submissions in the first place.
In previous years, Clark has allowed folks to ask for the judges' comments, which he sanitizes, expands, and summarizes where appropriate before posting. If he's up to doing that again this year, he's welcome to.
If Clark does so again this year I would just like to thank him in advance. I certainly appreciated the feedback from him and from the community in general.
It's extremely important that the judges be able to communicate freely and concisely with each other. They often use shorthand, and they have the shared context of the entire submission pool, so looking at their comments without that context would often be nonsensical, or misleading. so some of their comments wouldn't make sense. More importantly, they don't pull any punches, and they're making no attempt to be diplomatic in their messaging. In all honesty, some folks would be crushed seeing the raw comments on their items, and that's not something anyone wants.
Making their comments suitable for public viewing would require each judge to spend several more days editing their own work, and frankly, they've already been quite generous with their time just getting through all those submissions in the first place.
In previous years, Clark has allowed folks to ask for the judges' comments, which he sanitizes, expands, and summarizes where appropriate before posting. If he's up to doing that again this year, he's welcome to.
I will do it again this year.
There is no way we can just open up our private comments, for a few reasons.
First, people submitted with the idea this was an anonymous, private review. They may not want anyone to know they even entered. It would be a breach of their confidence in anonymous submission to just open all the comments up. And there is no good way to have people tell us they want theirs open.
Second, like Vic said, we often speak in shorthand. Believe me, to outsiders, it would seem very short and often dismissive. It isnt, but that is how it would seem in many cases.
Third, we often can discuss other items in the discussion of a different item. There is no way to comb through all of the hundreds upon hundreds of submissions to make sure I dont talk about item 234 in item 789's discussion thread. (this is yet another reason why someone giving us permission to release their comments isnt good enough, my comments on your item might contain comments about someone else's item who doesnt want their stuff revealed. That just is too much headache).
Fourth, the forums are also a place to vent.
Its just not appropriate to open them up.
Besides, with me agreeing to share comments for those who ask, basically nearly everyone who wants their specific feedback gets it.
I will do it again this year.
Let me be the first to thank you for volunteering again. As a first-time submitter, I will be welcoming feedback from everyone but especially the judges. Of course, best case scenario is that I'm one of 32 and get to see it all anyway!
I'm not a big 'gusher' but I'd once again like to thank all of the judges for their time, help and feedback.
Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7
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I will do it again this year.
Woohoo! Thanks Clark!
If my item does not make the cut for the top 32 (which I expect, but hope otherwise), I would love to get your feedback ... and Sean's and Wes' as well (if they are willing). And anyone else for that matter.
Also, I must give you, Sean and Wes major kudos for completing the judging way in advance of the deadline. That's a great way to set an example for those who do make it to the later rounds.
Though it's killing me knowing the answer is out there and I can't access it ... 6 days of anxious waiting!
I plan on posting my feedback, too--Clark pointed out a sneaky way for me to find the comment I posted during judging so I can just C&P that! Last year I was re-reviewing them from scratch when people asked. :p
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While I so, so hope that I don't need that review, I can say that if I do, I'd more than appreciate feedback on my item and why it didn't make it. Even though my item last year almost got that feedback, I still appreciated being able to see and read the feedback that was provided on other folks items, as that helped, too.
Personally I think that RPG Superstar and its process is an excellent primer for honing design skills and craft.
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I will do it again this year.
Clark and Sean,
I'm not prone to idle flattery, but your commitment to provide feedback is admirable. I can only imagine how busy your schedules are, and how much extra time and effort it will take for you gents to contribute priceless industry experience for those seeking it.
I personally feel a great deal of relief knowing that should I have failed to reach the Top 32, I will have an opportunity to perhaps gain some insightful experience by requesting your feedback.
Thank you for your commitment above and beyond the contest.
Many of us truly appreciate it.
Yes thank you Clark and Sean for you input and for this competition. It has given me faith that my favorite, nay our favorite, hobby is in good hands.
I've made all my edits to our discussion of each of the top 32 plus alts. Sean and Wes should do so soon and then our top finishers are off to Vic and Gary and guest judges.
I do want to say, I'm sorry you guys dont get the fully unedited versions of our comments, but it really is best this way. Also, what you come to realize is taht we spend way more time talking about the faults of an item rather than its merits. As designers, Sean, Wes and I can all pretty immediately spot a great item and know what is good about it. So, strangely, what we often talk about is what is BAD about a GREAT item. Funny how that works out. But its because we all see what works and there isnt much need to discuss it.
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I'm sure others understand that, Clark.
I, for one, am a wall and floor tiler by trade, and a regular participant in theatre. If I see a tiling job, or a performance, my brain immediately starts taking it apart to see what's wrong with it.
I think it's part of the professional mindset - you know what's good with it, so you look at what's wrong.
That's one of the reasons why, even if I don't get into the top 32, I'll be submitting the item again for critique - because I can't (yet) look at an item and immediately say: "Okay, it's problems are XYZ."
Which is awesome, because a job interview where I get to LEARN as I go just doesn't happen anywhere else. And that's one of the things that makes this competition great. I think Spicer and all the other contestants can agree that while the ultimate prize is totally worth it, the learning process is the REAL prize from the Superstar experience.
The very fact that you (Clark and Sean) are willing to give feedback at all is a very precious commodity. For anyone who's ever submitted anything (novels, gaming material etc...)being able to get an Idea where their submission fell short is as valuable as the initial idea itself. We can learn more from our failures than our successes. So I'd like to add my own 'thank you' to the pile that you deserve.
Paizo (it's people and the community) is itself a rarity and while I'm not overly prolific in posting I do read often and enjoy what I see. The RPG Superstar contest itself is a perfect example of Paizo in action. Gamers are cool like that. :)
I think Spicer and all the other contestants can agree that while the ultimate prize is totally worth it, the learning process is the REAL prize from the Superstar experience.
Absolutely agree. I've said it before, but my goal in the contest last year was to advance to each of the rounds (i.e., make the Top 4) so I could have that opportunity to craft a submission for each type of challenge. That way, I'd be sure to get feedback and learn everything I possibly could.
Thus, "winning" the contest is an individual thing. It's up to you to take away from it what you can. And that goes for those who make the Top 4 and compete in every round...as well as those who don't even make the Top 32. Because, even if you're on the outside looking in, you still have a HUGE opportunity to learn by following along with each designer in the competition, reviewing the comments from both the judges and the voting public, and also by seeking Clark and Sean's feedback on why your item wasn't quite good enough to make the Top 32.
In essence, there's a learning opportunity in every phase of the RPG Superstar competition, both as a competitor and as a spectator. Those who take advantage of it...and who are serious about eventually freelancing as a professional game designer...are those who succeed in doing so.
But that's just my two-cents,
--Neil
So this competition already gave me an interesting task to accomplish, satisfaction from completing it to a level that I'm happy with and an eagerness to write more whether related to this competition or not.
+1. For the record, I'd love to be one of the top 32 and get to continue, but I already feel like I've "won" because I introduced my item into my current campaign and my players are enjoying finding all kinds of uses for it.
So this competition already gave me an interesting task to accomplish, satisfaction from completing it to a level that I'm happy with and an eagerness to write more whether related to this competition or not.+1. For the record, I'd love to be one of the top 32 and get to continue, but I already feel like I've "won" because I introduced by item into my current campaign and my players are enjoying finding all kinds of uses for it.
Nice!
Here's an idea for anyone who's more interested in the journey than the destination...
Even if you don't make it into the top 32, you could follow along and create your own "submissions" for each stage of the contest *anyway*.
Why not? :)
Weren't there several threads to that effect ("Let's play along with the previous round") last year?
Yes, that's been done before. Both years, I think.