Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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Is it a little paranoid to proofread my final submission in the preview window like a dozen times?
Ahh well, it's in (I think) now. So now I can just nervously relax for a week until we find out.
Oh no, it's not that easy. We have to deal with a week of people talking trash about out critters and we can't say much other than "that's nice" and "Oh thank you". Plus we get to see people talk up other monsters all the while thinking we are doomed. Maybe I'll just stay off the forums until the 2nd...
I'm in.
Wasn't sure if I'd make it to a computer before the deadline tomorrow, so I made sure to get it in tonight.
Very happy with my monster. Probably going to stat him up this weekend for the fun of it; I know my players will get a real kick out of him.
Is it a little paranoid to proofread my final submission in the preview window like a dozen times?
About as paranoid as having someone read it to you slllllllllllloooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwllllllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyyy so you make sure that you didn't drop a random word that completely changes you meaning. :)
Good luck to all! I can't wait to read these.
TM
Eeek, I'm feeling behind. I have my three narrowed down to two, working on semifinal rewrites for both of those, even though I'm pretty sure which one I'll go with. Then I plan to sleep on them both and decide in the morning. And, hey, if I can't decide, what could be more appropriate then picking by the roll of a die?
But yeah. I am almost at the point where I'm ready to move on beyond a cold glass of milk. But I think I'll be skipping the 'cold beer' stage and head straight for the aged single malt whiskey. An entire damn bottle. That MIGHT do the trick.
Dude! Pull up a chair!
I am reminded of the Sidekick Lounge from the Tick cartoon. Good times.
By all means, the alternates are welcome. But if the Evil Midnight Bomber What Bombs at Midnight shows up, I'm outta here.
Actually, I'll add to the opinion that it would be nice to get to see the alternate's wondrous items. (And monsters.)
I suppose that once the second round starts, we might be able to post up our stuff in the 'Hey Clark' thread if none of us move on. Or do we continue posting and submitting after that point? If someone is disqualified in Round 3, does the next best from Round 2 move up, or does an alternate get a shot? What have previous years done?
As I understand it, the alternates are only asked to submit an entry for the second round. If one of the 32 falls down in some way, either through a DQ or failing to submit, then the alternates get moved into place in order of whatever rank the judges assigned them. But, if all of the top 32 do their jobs properly, then the numbers are locked down for the rest of the competition, more or less. If someone misses a deadline in round 3, for instance, they'd just be disqualified and the contest would go on with a top 15. Which, while it does kind of squelch some hopes, does mean that the alts aren't asked to submit an entry for every single round that will most likely not see the light of day. My guess as to why it's done for the first round is to establish that the top 32 are serious about this and didn't just submit on a lark.
If someone misses a deadline in round 3, for instance, they'd just be disqualified and the contest would go on with a top 15.
Has that happened before?
I just assumed that the 17th contestant (by votes) would be upgraded to slot 16.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8
aka Benchak the Nightstalker
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Dude! Pull up a chair!
I am reminded of the Sidekick Lounge from the Tick cartoon. Good times.
By all means, the alternates are welcome. But if the Evil Midnight Bomber What Bombs at Midnight shows up, I'm outta here.
Actually, I'll add to the opinion that it would be nice to get to see the alternate's wondrous items. (And monsters.)
As I understand it, the alternates are only asked to submit an entry for the second round. If one of the 32 falls down in some way, either through a DQ or failing to submit, then the alternates get moved into place in order of whatever rank the judges assigned them. But, if all of the top 32 do their jobs properly, then the numbers are locked down for the rest of the competition, more or less. If someone misses a deadline in round 3, for instance, they'd just be disqualified and the contest would go on with a top 15. Which, while it does kind of squelch some hopes, does mean that the alts aren't asked to submit an entry for every single round that will most likely not see the light of day. My guess as to why it's done for the first round is to establish that the top 32 are serious about this and didn't just submit on a lark.
I suppose that once the second round starts, we might be able to post up our stuff in the 'Hey Clark' thread if none of us move on. Or do we continue posting and submitting after that point? If someone is disqualified in Round 3, does the next best from Round 2 move up, or does an alternate get a shot? What have previous years done?
Huh, I didn't realize that. I guess I assumed alternates for subsequent rounds would be chosen based on the number of votes received (ie if one of the top 16 drops out, whoever got 17th in the vote would take their place).
Regardless, I'm all for seeing the alternate items, and as far as I'm concerned, the alternates are perfectly welcome here as well!
If someone misses a deadline in round 3, for instance, they'd just be disqualified and the contest would go on with a top 15.Has that happened before?
I just assumed that the 17th contestant (by votes) would be upgraded to slot 16.
I am almost 100% sure I've seen the question raised in previous years and that was the response Vic or the judges gave. Let me see if I can find the exact quote...
EDIT- found it. From back in the first year of the contest, in this thread:
Nope—we're no longer doing alternates after this round. If somebody fails to submit a qualified entry for (as an example) the round of 16, we'll just have 15 people to choose the top 8 from.
I'm assuming that's still the same, since I don't recall seeing otherwise. But in case Vic or a Judge or the like comes in and says different, I'll cover my butt here by saying I could be wrong. ;-)
I would really like to see the alternates' items as well. They're kind of stuck in Limbo, being unable to post their item in the feedback thread, but not getting the love of being posted singularly with the judges' comments either. I hope they're all posted after the deadline for round two passes.
As for my critter, the concept has just been banging away on the front of my brain since I learned what round two was. I haven't been able to shake it so I'm going with it, sink or swim.
One last look tomorrow morning, then into the hopper.
*Walks to the back of the bar, punches the bearded guy wearing a hood*
"He was muttering about needing someone to kill some sewer rats. I ain't no 1st level adventurer."
*Steals the old guy's seat, orders a drink, and then promptly collapses*
-------
Got my laptop, a notebook, scraps of paper I've written on throughout the last couple days with me. Return of the Jedi as background, Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft (my first D&D book, though I didn't know it had anything to do with the game at first), an AD&D Monster Manual, Reverse Dungeon, and Dungeon Magazine #149 nearby as creative 'props' to get into the zone. Oh, and an empty can of coke.
My way of saying that I just finished with what I think is 95% of my monster. Sent it out to an old player and a grammar snob to check up on it in the morning and then I'm sending my beast into the can.
Good luck everyone, I couldn't ask for a more fun and exciting competition! Gotta get some sleep, so I'll see y'all tommor...er, later today!
Round 1, I went for wondrous.
Round 2, I'm hoping to emphasize monster.
Can't wait to see the competition... and Jared, I've seen occasional glimpses your non-mechanical side. Pretty sure you've got the stuff, even if it doesn't get emphasized hereabouts. :)
282 words at last check. Time to let it simmer for 8 hours and come back to it with a Red Pen! That's the English B.A. holder in me, granted it was for criticism and not grammar. Just finished a whirlwind of creativity. I drew on an experience in a past life regression workshop this past August for the basis of my "phantastical creation".
I'm actually really excited about this round, as monsters aren't my forte as much as some other areas. I really only had ideas for one monster and some side ideas that got reworked into the main.
I really just hope that this monster lives up to the credit Clark gave me for my wondrous item. Here's to Friday at 2pm, 4 my time *Downs the last of his heather ale, and hiccups*
I, for one, cannot wait to read the "Phantastical Menagerie" that we have all worked so hard to create, it'll be like our own zoo opened up on Tuesday! "Carefuly kiddies, no petting, the last one to pet the monster lost a nose, and a foot"
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
aka Tarren Dei
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Oh no, it's not that easy. We have to deal with a week of people talking trash about out critters and we can't say much other than "that's nice" and "Oh thank you". Plus we get to see people talk up other monsters all the while thinking we are doomed. Maybe I'll just stay off the forums until the 2nd...Is it a little paranoid to proofread my final submission in the preview window like a dozen times?
Ahh well, it's in (I think) now. So now I can just nervously relax for a week until we find out.
For every person talking trash about your entries, there's another one willing to spend the time to try to figure out your thinking and defend you in some ways. Thank those helpful ones by name after the voting is done and maybe they'll be there to find the truth about your entries in the next round.
:: drops off another tray of fuzzy pink cocktails and scurries back behind the bar ::
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32
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Oh no, it's not that easy. We have to deal with a week of people talking trash about out critters and we can't say much other than "that's nice" and "Oh thank you". Plus we get to see people talk up other monsters all the while thinking we are doomed. Maybe I'll just stay off the forums until the 2nd...Is it a little paranoid to proofread my final submission in the preview window like a dozen times?
Ahh well, it's in (I think) now. So now I can just nervously relax for a week until we find out.
For every person talking trash about your entries, there's another one willing to spend the time to try to figure out your thinking and defend you in some ways. Thank those helpful ones by name after the voting is done and maybe they'll be there to find the truth about your entries in the next round.
:: drops off another tray of fuzzy pink cocktails and scurries back behind the bar ::
Yeah I like reading the comments on my wondrous item. Even seeing the criticism of those who didn't really like it is interesting. Though of course I prefer those who think it's cool.
I'm hoping that there will be more likes than dislikes in my monster entry, though I'm starting to feel uncertain about it now. I sent it to a friend who said i should switch something from the powers and abilities section to the description section, but i had already hit 'post.' So I don't know now . . .
Oh the joys of second-guessing. :-/
:: starts lining up shots for breakfast ::
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16, 2011 Top 32
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Star Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8
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Well, I think I'm in. Is there supposed to be a confirmation screen?
At any rate, this has been a great ride and if it ends this round, I had a heckuva time. Plus I got to see some darn good ideas for my game, which is priceless on an adult schedule. Either way, I am honored to get this far and proud to see any one of us win this thing. Thank you and good job!
Currahee!
BTW, I've posted my 'how we got here' notes on the Tankard if anyone wants to comment.
I broke down and did the same for Seducer's Bane. I'm terrified someone will think I'm arguing with them though, which I'm not. It's just a look underneath the hood.
Well, I'm in. (I think I'm in, at least. We'll see what Gary has to say.)
I'm not sure which part was weirder: sequestering myself in order to create a monster for a contest, or explaining to my wife why I needed to hide away in the first place. (She's a good sport and greatly amused by the whole thing.)
Anyway, good luck to everyone! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's beastie. The "If I was in the Top 32..." thread should be interesting too.
Well, I certainly HOPE I just submitted. In any case, I'm ready to move on to the hard stuff. Who says you can't drink before noon? Bourbon, tequila shots, Jägerbombs; it's all good.
:: drops off another tray of fuzzy pink cocktails and scurries back behind the bar ::
SQUEEEEEAL!!!!!!!!!!!! Ohh, Pink Pussycats!!!!!!!
..aw crap, I just lost all cred around here, didn't I.
BTW, I've posted my 'how we got here' notes on the Tankard if anyone wants to comment.I broke down and did the same for Seducer's Bane. I'm terrified someone will think I'm arguing with them though, which I'm not. It's just a look underneath the hood.
I don't think you were argumentative at all; you just clarified your thought process in a polite fashion. I'm glad to see that too, because it seemed like you were taking a 'my entry should stand or fall on its own merits' approach earlier. Which, while admirably stoic, isn't terribly interesting for me as a voter. (Yes, I'm still thinking as a voter. Which isn't totally off base, seeing as we all still get to vote and I might well wind up being a mere spectator by round 3 anyhow.) I highly appreciate those who can lay out their thoughts in an objective (i.e., non-defensive) manner. It wouldn't do anything to clarify an entry for the round it's being voted in, obviously, but it gives promise that this is an author who'll go the extra mile even after the fact. Which, in a case where everything else is equal, might be enough to want me to see that contestant advance.
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RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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(nods) I spent a little time explaining my thought processes, which gave at least one fellow room to argue. (shrug)
You know, one surprising aspect of being on this side of the contest is a changed perspective towards the Paizo messageboard regulars. In previous years, I read the comments that people as an agglutative whole were giving the contest entries, but I never paid attention to who was saying what. This time around, I can't help but notice who's been generally enthusiastic, who's been crabby or nit-picky to everybody, who asks good questions, etc.
So the submissions are in and the second guessing can begin. I'm already convinced I chose the wrong monster to showcase. Anyone else getting neurotic about this already?
I'm actually feeling relatively good about mine. But I've got four days to go, so I'm sure that will change.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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So the submissions are in and the second guessing can begin. I'm already convinced I chose the wrong monster to showcase. Anyone else getting neurotic about this already?
That depends, did you submit a half pony half monkey monster?
The recent KotM contest on KQ makes this even stranger. So a lot of really good ideas are fresh in people's minds.
Anyone else getting neurotic about this already?
I started off neurotic about it. I tried to set mine aside and come up with an alternate or two, but it didn't happen for me.
Chris: I'm working on Sun, unfortunately. Did you grow up around here? "Where did you go do high school?" /kidding
Everyone is welcome to hit me on the back-channel at:
joewells -at- joewells \dot\ org
KotM contest on KQ
Shoot, thanks for reminding me. I thought I had a killer concept for that and it didn't make the cut. NOW I'm second-guessing.
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RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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That depends, did you submit a half pony half monkey monster?
Maybe I used too many monkeys.
The recent KotM contest on KQ makes this even stranger. So a lot of really good ideas are fresh in people's minds.
Agreed. After my first draft, I took a look at the KQ board and realized that I was describing something very similar to one of those ten finalists. So, I turned the entry around and came at the idea from a different direction.
EDIT: Woo hoo. 3000th post.
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RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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I'm working on Sun, unfortunately. Did you grow up around here? "Where did you go to high school?"
Yep. I was graduated from Chaminade College Prep (on Lyndale, between Ladue and Manchester) in 1980. After my undergraduate degree, I came back for a year to take courses at St. Louis University to shore up a math background for graduate school.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8
aka Benchak the Nightstalker
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I'm hoping that there will be more likes than dislikes in my monster entry, though I'm starting to feel uncertain about it now. I sent it to a friend who said i should switch something from the powers and abilities section to the description section, but i had already hit 'post.' So I don't know now . . .Oh the joys of second-guessing. :-/
:: starts lining up shots for breakfast ::
I had the same thought about my own critter just prior to posting, and ended up moving a big chunk. I did a semi-hefty rewrite to try and make it flow well, but I still fear it might be a littler clunkier than it was before. Still, I think I'm better off having all the proper pieces in the proper places. Wish I could have gotten another proofread before I sent it though :\
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Three rewrites, and agonizing over word count and weighing adjectives to fluff out and make my monster visceral and visual was a huge challenge. Especially since it has multiple forms..
/wringshands
Then again. All 32 of you could submit on time and without being disqualified for any reason and all my worry and strange dreams could be for nought.. :P
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8
aka Benchak the Nightstalker
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Three rewrites, and agonizing over word count and weighing adjectives to fluff out and make my moster visceral and visual was a huge challenge. Especially since it has multiple forms..
/wringshands
Then again. All 32 of you could submit on time and without being disqualified for any reason and all my worry and strange dreams could be for nought.. :P
Not for naught Bill, you still have a b%!!+in' monster concept to show for it, right?
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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I had the same thought about my own critter just prior to posting, and ended up moving a big chunk. I did a semi-hefty rewrite to try and make it flow well, but I still fear it might be a littler clunkier than it was before. Still, I think I'm better off having all the proper pieces in the proper places. Wish I could have gotten another proofread before I sent it though :\
I'm hoping that there will be more likes than dislikes in my monster entry, though I'm starting to feel uncertain about it now. I sent it to a friend who said i should switch something from the powers and abilities section to the description section, but i had already hit 'post.' So I don't know now . . .Oh the joys of second-guessing. :-/
:: starts lining up shots for breakfast ::
I had the same kind of issues with deciding what bits to put in which sections. This is sort of a power but it is really party of the creatures identity... GAH
Wound up rewriting half of the creature, hopefully I didn't spoil the original mojo by trying to fix it.
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8
aka Benchak the Nightstalker
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If I don't get in, I'll post it here along with my sketches for you fine fellows to critique.
Not for naught Bill, you still have a b~!!!in' monster concept to show for it, right?
Awesome, I'm looking forward to seeing what everyones been working on.
This has been a fun round, but boy am I glad to be done with it (for now!). I tend to overwrite, cut back, rewrite/overwrite cut back and more of the same, and that last cut I had to take about 150 words out.
All the contestants this year seem to be very friendly, I feel bad for not having commented on anyone else's item but I haven't had the time. I think I'll finally get around to it now that the round's up.
Good luck everyone!
I don't think you were argumentative at all; you just clarified your thought process in a polite fashion. I'm glad to see that too, because it seemed like you were taking a 'my entry should stand or fall on its own merits' approach earlier. Which, while admirably stoic, isn't terribly interesting for me as a voter. (Yes, I'm still thinking as a voter. Which isn't totally off base, seeing as we all still get to vote and I might well wind up being a mere spectator by round 3 anyhow.) I highly appreciate those who can lay out their thoughts in an objective (i.e., non-defensive) manner. It wouldn't do anything to clarify an entry for the round it's being voted in, obviously, but it gives promise that this is an author who'll go the extra mile even after the fact. Which, in a case where everything else is equal, might be enough to want me to see that contestant advance.
Much appreciated Sean! In a way it's easy to get afraid of making anybody angry by disagreeing with them. Yet on the other hand you want to talk to them and exchange ideas. I've thought its a shame if you can't have a dialogue with people (when its the appropriate time, i.e. after voting), because that's when the would-be designer and the voter can learn something together.
I guess I finally decided that I was going listen to the great advice given by Neil, and also be my own contestant. I do think he's right though, caution is definitely advised, but the forums are also there for a reason.
Anyone else getting neurotic about this already?
Yes and no.
I really hammered at the feedback that the Judges gave me. I think my concept is rock solid. I can't see anything wrong with it. Nevertheless, I can help but worry they won't like it just because they don't.
Of course, I have no basis in reality to think that until the entries are posted and they offer their feedback. Maybe a sense that if it seems great to me, it must actually suck. That's a little neurotic, or at least the product of low self-esteem. ;-)
We'll find out. I worked hard and did the very best I could.
Not to change the subject, but I was just wondering if anyone's running any games this weekend. I was also wondering what you guys are running, if I may ask? :)
Monday evening.. Rise of the Runelords, the second half of Chapter 4, with the Pathfinder Core Rules. On MapTools with voip support through Ventrilo.