RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32
aka carborundum
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I've been racking my brains all year and when I reread my superstarideas.doc file it was all rubbish! Rubbish!
After two weeks of absolutely nothing I woke up yesterday morning at 4:30 with an interesting concept, squirmed out of bed, wrote it all down and couldn't get back to sleep! It's been growing on me ever since.
Working out the details, getting the word count down, covering all the things people will immediately ask - it's tricky and starting to look bloated. The key idea, though, I still like that.
So, unless I have another epiphany, it'll be all or nothing with my dream idea :-)
Star Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7
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I am glad that there is time....
My 1st item...fell short of my expectations once it hit paper.
My 2nd item...i really like...but I am not so sure that it is Superstar, but it is useful...so I may just go with it.
My 3rd item...i really like...but compelling? maybe not.
Looks like I may have to go with a 4th item.
I feel pretty confident about my item, have for a few months now. I've had it looked over by D&Ders, other gamers, non-gamers etc. So far it seems to check out. The real litmus test will come on a few weeks, when i have my monthly mega session. 11 opinions and a little round table discussion should do me some good. I look at those of you who are prep-ing multiple items, and i think "hey i should do that too!", but when i come up with something it's junk compared to what i've got. I guess i'm gonna run with it. Good luck everyone, see you on the other side!
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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Star Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 9
aka Dementrius
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I've been bouncing around a couple of mechanical ideas for the past month or so (probably 7/10's), but this morning I thought of THE ONE. It's the same "true love" tingle I got last year on the starborn seeds. Fifteen minutes later it was ready to go.
Now for twelve more rounds of editing and proof-reading.
And then the worrying.
Argh! I thought I had THE ONE, but got another sweet idea last night while in half-sleep. Dec 31 feels like a million years away! Good luck, y'all!
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32
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I HAD what I thought was a killer wondrous item -- cool theme, nice powers -- but I ended up scrapping it last night. It was cool enough as a plot device and an interesting item, but in the end it just isn't tight enough. I may rework it still, but I'm also considering tossing it. For now, I'm concentrating on another idea rattling around in my brain.
Is it just me or is it more challenging designing for Superstar after getting a taste of it? Also I think Sean's auto-reject posts have raised the bar.
Ok I know we still have a couple of weeks, but who's finished their Wondrous Items? Me me! lol I'm ready to get this puppy rolling! (and before I start getting the fatherly figures chiming in with "Well, make sure you keep refining your item and making it tight" I am. Every day I look at it and re-read it. so there :P)
Mine's finished too I'm currently working on illustrations - does anybody know, if we can/may add pictures to the description?
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Ok I know we still have a couple of weeks, but who's finished their Wondrous Items? Me me! lol I'm ready to get this puppy rolling! (and before I start getting the fatherly figures chiming in with "Well, make sure you keep refining your item and making it tight" I am. Every day I look at it and re-read it. so there :P)Mine's finished too I'm currently working on illustrations - does anybody know, if we can/may add pictures to the description?
No pictures or illustrations.
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Star Voter Season 6
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I HAD what I thought was a killer wondrous item -- cool theme, nice powers -- but I ended up scrapping it last night. It was cool enough as a plot device and an interesting item, but in the end it just isn't tight enough. I may rework it still, but I'm also considering tossing it. For now, I'm concentrating on another idea rattling around in my brain.
Is it just me or is it more challenging designing for Superstar after getting a taste of it? Also I think Sean's auto-reject posts have raised the bar.
Hopefully every year will be harder and harder. In theory any competition of this nature will a) draw new potential talent and b) the increasing pool of talent will cause more 'superstar' items to rise to the surface.
The judges on SYTYCD (one of Donna's favourites and who was I to pass on eye candy?) made the same point to several (serious) returning dancers. Some of them found that the talent to get to Vegas last year didn't carry them this year, because the bar keeps getting raised.
No pressure or anything Seth, do your best work!
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Star Voter Season 6
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No pictures or illustrations.Ok I know we still have a couple of weeks, but who's finished their Wondrous Items? Me me! lol I'm ready to get this puppy rolling! (and before I start getting the fatherly figures chiming in with "Well, make sure you keep refining your item and making it tight" I am. Every day I look at it and re-read it. so there :P)Mine's finished too I'm currently working on illustrations - does anybody know, if we can/may add pictures to the description?
Longer answer (from experience) let others draw your work. It will surprise you how others see your item from your descriptions.
Aside
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RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32
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Hopefully every year will be harder and harder. In theory any competition of this nature will a) draw new potential talent and b) the increasing pool of talent will cause more 'superstar' items to rise to the surface.
The judges on SYTYCD (one of Donna's favourites and who was I to pass on eye candy?) made the same point to several (serious) returning dancers. Some of them found that the talent to get to Vegas last year didn't carry them this year, because the bar keeps getting raised.
No pressure or anything Seth, do your best work!
Yeah I was thinking that would be the case, and that's a good thing. I'm looking forward to seeing the winning entries this year, whether I'm among them or not. Anything that improves the quality of future RPG writers can only be positive.
And I'll be very curious to see if someone manages to repeat your stellar back-to-back Top 32. It looks like there are at least a few vying for that crown this year. :)
I kind of think the "stat a villain" round this year will require using an archtype created in the previous round.
Is it just me or is it more challenging designing for Superstar after getting a taste of it? Also I think Sean's auto-reject posts have raised the bar.
Oh, yeah, big time. I'm trying very hard NOT to compare my submission from this year to last year's entry; this year's seems better crafted and more solid, but feels like it lacks the 'wow' factor of last year, but a lot of that is just second guessing myself as well.
But I definitely WANT to get in more this year than last; first of all to prove something to myself, and secondly... knowing what the rounds are in advance makes me a lot more excited for them than when they were all a mystery. I feel like I may have the most brilliant fan-created archetype in the history of archetypes (which, since the APG only came out last summer, isn't exactly a huge history, admittedly...) if I can only just get the chance to use it. So, yes, it feels like there's more pressure to make the PERFECT round one entry.
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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 definitely WANT to get in more this year than last; first of all to prove something to myself, and secondly... knowing what the rounds are in advance makes me a lot more excited for them than when they were all a mystery. I feel like I may have the most brilliant fan-created archetype in the history of archetypes (which, since the APG only came out last summer, isn't exactly a huge history, admittedly...) if I can only just get the chance to use it. So, yes, it feels like there's more pressure to make the PERFECT round one entry.
I'm biased in that I want to root for you next year. I want my status of 'back to back' remains unique ;-)
I'm biased in that I want to root for you next year. I want my status of 'back to back' remains unique ;-)
Don't rest on that, Matt. You need to be out there pitching a PFS scenario or something to Kobold Quarterly. Turn that back-to-back and Top 8 performance into a published credit. And don't look back from there! ;-)
RPG Superstar is a launching pad. It's what you do afterward that matters the most. So make the most of it!
Just my friendly two-cents,
--Neil
I'm biased in that I want to root for you next year. I want my status of 'back to back' remains unique ;-)
Oh, sure, but it would okay by you if someone snagged Alexander's non back-to-back record, huh? Well, tough, man. You set the bar; you are, as the Chicago song says, the inspiration.
ETA:
I just quoted Chicago without even consciously thinking about it. I think I need to take a shower.
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RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32
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I definitely WANT to get in more this year than last...Having made the 2009 Top 16, then nothing last year, I completely understand.
In fact, the pressure to get in is even worse because I know I can absolutely rock Round 2. (I almost wish there were an Archetype Superstar with five rounds of nothing but archetypes, because I have an army of them sitting on my computer, ready to go at a moment's notice. *Cue Ride of the Valkyries*)
Oh No! *crumples up my Valkryrie Rider Cavalier archetype*
I haven't even given any thought to round two. It looks awesome, but I'm more worried about getting in the door this time. Hopefully I can figure out a wondrous item that I feel is up to snuff and submit it in time to start thinking about archetypes.
I'm busy enough on a proposal for another Seattle-area RPG company, but I know I need to step up my game if I want another shot at Superstar.
I am REALLY excited about the potential for those later rounds this year (archetype, villain), and I hope I can scrape together an item worth the price of admission.
Go for it, guys! Bring down the awesome! I'm really hoping to see some strong, strong competition this year. There should be lots of people with prior experience submitting now. Folks have gotten a great education in item design just watching the prior competitions. And there's TONS of advice to draw from now. So this should be a really cool year for RPG Superstar. I'm really looking forward to it!
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Star Voter Season 6
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I'm biased in that I want to root for you next year. I want my status of 'back to back' remains unique ;-)Don't rest on that, Matt. You need to be out there pitching a PFS scenario or something to Kobold Quarterly. Turn that back-to-back and Top 8 performance into a published credit. And don't look back from there! ;-)
RPG Superstar is a launching pad. It's what you do afterward that matters the most. So make the most of it!
Just my friendly two-cents,
--Neil
Well I'm putting my own stuff up on google docs. My adventure-fu is weak unfortunately. I bought a bunck of PFS adventures, I need to read them to see how to best construct one.
Thanks for the friendly push though. :-)
Edit: And I'll admit, I'm jealous of you getting to look at all the items that come in.
Edit: And I'll admit, I'm jealous of you getting to look at all the items that come in.
Don't be. From what I understand, it's like looking into the abyss and having it stare back. In other words, the sheer volume of submissions will drive anyone insane. ;-)
P.S. If your adventure-fu is "less strong," pitch some monster ideas at Wes and get rolling in the back matter bestiaries of the Pathfinder APs. Or convince Wolfgang with a stellar article idea for Kobold Quarterly. Or approach Rite Publishing, LPJ Design, etc. There are plenty of options.
P.S. If you adventure-fu is "less strong," pitch some monster ideas at Wes and get rolling in the back matter bestiaries of the Pathfinder APs.
Wait, you can do that?
Wait, you can do that?
P.S. If you adventure-fu is "less strong," pitch some monster ideas at Wes and get rolling in the back matter bestiaries of the Pathfinder APs.
Only Nixon could go to China...
Ergo, if you've established a name for yourself in the Top 8 of RPG Superstar, you can certainly network and reach out to some of Paizo's freelance wranglers to let them know you're available and interested in a potential assignment. Jesse Benner is a prime example of someone from last year's RPG Superstar competition who made the Top 8 and has gone on to craft some monsters for the bestiaries of the Pathfinder APs. But, unfortunately, that doesn't mean the doors have been flung wide for everyone to submit queries as part of an open call.
Wes? I apologize in advance if I've suddenly sent a dozen misguided queries your way. I just wanted to offer some encouragement to Matthew and other past competitors who made the Top 8.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Star Voter Season 6
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Wait, you can do that?
P.S. If you adventure-fu is "less strong," pitch some monster ideas at Wes and get rolling in the back matter bestiaries of the Pathfinder APs.Only Nixon could go to China...
Ergo, if you've established a name for yourself in the Top 8 of RPG Superstar, you can certainly network and reach out to some of Paizo's freelance wranglers to let them know you're available and interested in a potential assignment. Jesse Benner is a prime example of someone from last year's RPG Superstar competition who made the Top 8 and has gone on to craft some monsters for the bestiaries of the Pathfinder APs. But, unfortunately, that doesn't mean the doors have been flung wide for everyone to submit queries as part of an open call.
I'm sure they'd be more than happy to fling the doors open, if you'd be the one to proof the submissions, Neil :P
Only Nixon could go to China...Ergo, if you've established a name for yourself in the Top 8 of RPG Superstar, you can certainly network and reach out to some of Paizo's freelance wranglers to let them know you're available and interested in a potential assignment. Jesse Benner is a prime example of someone from last year's RPG Superstar competition who made the Top 8 and has gone on to craft some monsters for the bestiaries of the Pathfinder APs. But, unfortunately, that doesn't mean the doors have been flung wide for everyone to submit queries as part of an open call.
Wes? I apologize in advance if I've suddenly sent a dozen misguided queries your way. I just wanted to offer some encouragement to Matthew and other past competitors who made the Top 8.
Yeah, that's about what I'd thought the status quo was. I was surprised, but the advice seems a lot more manageable aimed at Matthew rather than at the boards in general
Yeah, that's about what I'd thought the status quo was. I was surprised, but the advice seems a lot more manageable aimed at Matthew rather than at the boards in general
Quite right. And yet I've managed to somehow misplace Matthew's email address... ;-)
Marathon Voter Season 7
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Wait, you can do that?
I hate to be a broken record, but pitch a submission to Wolfgang at Kobold Quarterly. Another good "in" is to join a Patronage Project as a senior patron and pitch ideas. The advantage of KQ is that you get paid (if your article is accepted) whereas with the Patronage Project, you pay to play. But they're both good ways to get yourself involved in the designing/writing community and build up a little bit of a reputation. Then your work, if it is good enough, can speak for itself.
Both Open Design and Rite Publishing are good companies to look to for Patronage Projects. We're going to be getting the Kaidan project going this week at Rite and I plan on brainstorming ideas to get the Patrons involved in the design process. :-)
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Dedicated Voter Season 6
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Funny enough, I'd been thinking of ideas since I started paying attention towards the end of January 2010.
The idea I've had percolating didn't even get on paper (although it is sorta being used in my home campaign).
I'm fortunate though, that I had another cool idea, and only one idea. So I don't have to agonize over whether I chose the right one or not.
The idea is on paper, priced and stated out, and currently going through some friends for proofreading.
Already getting some good feedback.
So I expect if I was absolutely pressed to, I could submit my item on Friday the 3rd.
However, I'll probably let it sit for a couple weeks after my last revision from friends proofreading, then come back and read it fresh, and give it one last whirl for tweaking.
So I expect I'll have it officially in about a week prior to the deadline.
...Is it just me or is it more challenging designing for Superstar after getting a taste of it? Also I think Sean's auto-reject posts have raised the bar.
Actually it was less challenging for 2010 after getting an alt on 2009. The judges liked my 2009 villain (ed greenwood (and others) gave it a recommend to pass! :) Since no alternates were needed, I never got past that, but I was definitely OVERCONFIDENT for 2010. (read: if it is NOT more challenging than last year, try and take a step outside of yourself and reconsider. :)
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Star Voter Season 6
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...Is it just me or is it more challenging designing for Superstar after getting a taste of it? Also I think Sean's auto-reject posts have raised the bar.Actually it was less challenging for 2010 after getting an alt on 2009. The judges liked my 2009 villain (ed greenwood (and others) gave it a recommend to pass! :) Since no alternates were needed, I never got past that, but I was definitely OVERCONFIDENT for 2010. (read: if it is NOT more challenging than last year, try and take a step outside of yourself and reconsider. :)
That's it, male me feel *worse* my villain sucked in 2009. :P
I hate to be a broken record, but pitch a submission to Wolfgang at Kobold Quarterly. Another good "in" is to join a Patronage Project as a senior patron and pitch ideas. The advantage of KQ is that you get paid (if your article is accepted) whereas with the Patronage Project, you pay to play. But they're both good ways to get yourself involved in the designing/writing community and build up a little bit of a reputation. Then your work, if it is good enough, can speak for itself.Both Open Design and Rite Publishing are good companies to look to for Patronage Projects. We're going to be getting the Kaidan project going this week at Rite and I plan on brainstorming ideas to get the Patrons involved in the design process. :-)
And I would second this-- there is "Dark Deeds in Freeport" about to greenlight this week, with opportunities to pitch and collaborate with Mike Furlanetto, who's an Open Design veteran, Chris Pramas, Wolfgang Baur, and the rest of the patrons. Aside from Rite and Open Design, I'm not sure of another place out there that's really doing the patronage thing-- maybe Anthropos Games and their _Early Dark_ RPG, kind of, or Neuroglyph and their _Human Contact_, but those are more kickstarter projects where you'll be able to playtest. Places where you can really get in there and provide material and interact with the designer and look at what's being done while it's taking form are uncommon.
Here's the strength of the Patron environment-- you get feedback. You get a lot of feedback, from patrons, designers, the works. That's pure gold. You're not going to see that when you query KQ, and I speak as someone who's tried this contest in 2008 and 2009 (and now this coming year), worked, contributed, and led patron projects, and been published in KQ.
If you want to do this, can't just hitch the wagon to this star and hope it rockets into the sky. You've got to pursue a lot of avenues and try them all. You query KQ with a mechanics idea you had from the other night, you sign on and pitch an aspect of a patron project, you look for 3pp open calls or PFS calls. You ring all the bells and you knock on all the doors.
Sure, get your item, and rock it out, and have it ready to go. Think about your archetype and what it might be. Heck, pencil down ideas for every round, but then don't let worry get to you. You go join a project, pitch to KQ, write something for Wayfinder, ping Adventure Quarterly (in its slumber), check with some of the 3PP guys who sell here at Paizo. You pick up a couple of other games and read what makes them interesting so you can add their distinctiveness to your creative well. If you really like them, you pitch to them, too-- because establishing a reputation as someone who consistently hits deadlines is priceless. You consume some good books and comics and movies so that there's a diverse background to draw on when you want to pitch. Go forth, and carry your banner and hopefully it won't matter if you make the list in January.
-Ben.
I definitely understand where you are coming from terraleon. I for one am doing this for kicks, so am placing all my eggs in this basket and hoping to hit gold and make it at least a couple of rounds in. Suck up all the criticism I can and hoping to use that all to become a better writer.
As a guy who is currently unemployed, I know I will probably have a little more time to devote to this specific endeavor and plan to put it to good use. I know my writing is a bit on the rough side and could use some polishing therefore why not try learning from some of the best this industry has to offer.
I mean come on Ed Greenwood last year as well the slough of other past and present judges. If I can catch one of their eyes and maybe dislodge it just a bit I would consider myself lucky.
So keep the advice coming for I am soaking it all up and spitting out the unused and recycled information that is not related to this contest. As well as learning from the years of experience that past contestants and judges have so freely and graciously shared with us all this year.
I know several others have stated this but let me also say thank you to all who have shown the kindness to us new writers by being so patient and understanding. I know it isn't always easy to put up with our impatience, stupidity and our never ending questions.
I would also like to put out a special thank you, to Sean Reynolds, Neil Spicer and Mathew Morris for taking the time out of your days to help expand our knowledge of writing, the rules associated with being a good writer and helping us all be better prepared then any previous year for this contest. SO THANK YOU ALL.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Star Voter Season 6
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I definitely understand where you are coming from terraleon. I for one am doing this for kicks, so am placing all my eggs in this basket and hoping to hit gold and make it at least a couple of rounds in. Suck up all the criticism I can and hoping to use that all to become a better writer.
Just one caveat I'd add. If you make it to the top 32, play to win.
I'm not kidding in that I didn't expect to be in the top 32 in 2009. (come on, I came up with the idea while in the shower for crying out loud!) But once I got there, I tried my damnedest. I sucked, but I tried. Some people may take this *way* to seriously, but don't go to the other extreme and treat it as a lark.
I look forward to seeing the top 32 this year.
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RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32
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If you want to do this, can't just hitch the wagon to this star and hope it rockets into the sky. You've got to pursue a lot of avenues and try them all. You query KQ with a mechanics idea you had from the other night, you sign on and pitch an aspect of a patron project, you look for 3pp open calls or PFS calls. You ring all the bells and you knock on all the doors.
Really great advice terraleon.
I'm a lurker/patron on a couple Open Design projects (your streets of zobeck, lost city), just to get a feel for some of the thought processes and how the patronage model really works. Those projects are pretty awesome to see behind the scenes, but honestly, the wealth of advice game designers are handing out for free in these superstar threads is pretty awesome.
I'm just now starting to get a feel for writing for the game I love. I don't have a writing background so I know I need to work on my craft. I think Paizo and KQ are both really great for the gaming industry, and it's cool how much inside knowledge we're getting from people who have been doing this a long time, and newer designers like yourself.
Hell, I had a dream I was having dinner with SKR night before last and he was talking about the auto-reject tips. How messed up is that?
I'm gonna take your advice and double my efforts. I'd only submitted to the RPG Superstar contest and KQ's King of the Monsters so far, but yesterday I hit send on an adventure proposal to WotC. Of course there's a really good chance it won't go anywhere, but it's a big second step for me. So thanks for the awesome advice.
Well I'm down to about 4 items, even if the others are still yelling from the sidelines. in the next days I will rework all 4 and try to find out which one to submit. Then I will revise that one a few times. So theres still plenty of work ahead of me. :)
A quick question: is the description text written in second or in third person? The core rulebook uses third person, but some of last year's entries are written in second.
When in doubt, go with what appears in the Core Rulebook. That said, I don't know that we're singling that out as a mark against anyone.