RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16
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Star Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
aka JoelF847
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Sorry, but I have to agree, this is a hazard, not a monster. However, I do have one more constructive bit of criticism based on what you submitted, which is I didn't like the mention of the canvas sack covering. I thought a more general mention that protective head covering would prevent the marrow worm from burrowing would be better. In a game where many characters have full plate helms, mage armor, etc, a canvas sack as protection seems a bit redundant.
Does it grab me visually: Something dropping from the ceiling and burrowing into my skin is one of my phobias. You’ve managed to creep me out from the start.
Would I use it in game: No. It seems way to heavy handed to drop one of these near-impossible to see beasts on a PC and tell them, “Now it’s eating you from the inside. You can’t fight it.”
Would my players enjoy an encounter with it: No. They would be very mad at me if I threw these at them and there was no way to get it out because they don't have magic.
you're totally screwed, and your friends don't even have time to drag you back to town before you're dead.
I am actually quite disappointed with the judging on this entry.
Where does it say the adventurer is immediately dead? I quite see the possibility that this is a swarm that is hard to kill and then once it takes over the hero it becomes almost like a "heal-able" zombie. Sure it sucks having to subdue your companion and then drag them to the village to be healed but it certainly makes for an interesting encounter with a MONSTER.
What is the old saying about assumptions and all that?
I'm disappointed that a lot of voters think this is not a monster and dismiss this creative and well written entry.
I'm not disappointed with the judging. It's the way the contest works. Judges are judges *because* they're professional RPG designers. Their opinion counts and is supposed to influence voters. Sometimes it means certain contestants float to the top, sometimes it doesn't.
The judges have a strong opinion on this entry and voiced it. The thing is, everyone learns (or should learn) from their feedback. Entries get better because of it. Not just during each year's contest, but also over the years.
I voted for Jeff because I liked this entry and the amulet before it. I would love to see what else he has in store for us and hope he gets a chance to show it.
I'm disappointed that a lot of voters think this is not a monster and dismiss this creative and well written entry.
Come on now.... where would the voters have gotten that idea?
I honestly didn't vote for this but I certainly didn't lump it into the brown mold/green slime side of the spectrum. I think the first couple of judges had the right idea. Having a mechanic where the adventurer fights for control of his body (probably becoming an oppenent, although that isn't spelled out) as his party tries to subdue him really appeals to me and no where does this come across as a disease, poison, or hazard, unless you are making assumptions.
As a note, I loved the prose. However, as a DM, this fell too squarely outside of what I need. As a voter, I was a little more interested in something new that didn't expand an already filled niche. Granted, I would rather use these than piercers (stupid critters), but I stopped using piercers long ago.
And the Dutch Curse strikes again!
When will we see someone from the Netherlands advance to round 3?
Sorry to see you go, Jeff.
And the Dutch Curse strikes again!
When will we see someone from the Netherlands advance to round 3?
My thinking: when more of us enter.
Sorry to see you go, Jeff.
+1
And the Dutch Curse strikes again!
When will we see someone from the Netherlands advance to round 3?
Sorry to see you go, Jeff.
Indeed.
A Flying Dutchman monster would have been fun. Wrath of the seas.Edit: as dutchy I voted for you ofcourse. :P
And the Dutch Curse strikes again!
When will we see someone from the Netherlands advance to round 3?
My thinking: when more of us enter.
Sorry to see you go, Jeff.+1
I would have liked to join this year, but between being sick and exams I missed it. There is always next year ^_^
Hey Jeff, I admire your guts for aiming right for the edge of the concept of what a monster is. I wonder if making it a swarm would have helped. Hope that you enter next year (and convince others from the Netherlands to enter). Pathfinder is a truly international game.