Just curious and wanted to change the subject of the hottest debate.
I have kind of started on round two in hopes of advancing, thinking positive :) Any way I have several ideas and kind of started working through the process which I am finding rather entertaining and enlightening.
So how many others have started and how is it going so far?
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Just curious and wanted to change the subject of the hottest debate.
I have kind of started on round two in hopes of advancing, thinking positive :) Any way I have several ideas and kind of started working through the process which I am finding rather entertaining and enlightening.
So how many others have started and how is it going so far?
Have not even thought about it. Letting my brain rest for the holidays and not stress. Besides, you don't even know the rules. You could come up with something great and then "bam!" all that work down the drain. It says to come up with an arch-type. But, what if they threw in a curve-ball and said "it has to be a sci-fi arch-type for an existing class". It's just better to forget about it until they release the next round rules.
I understand where you are coming from. But never hurts to get some practice in since we have the time to try our hands at creating a archetype even if they throw a curve ball at us later down the line.
I'm curious to see the word count limit for round 2. A low count wouldn't be a problem if you were aiming for a rogue archetype (they're all pretty short), but if you were trying a bard or monk...
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I'm curious to see the word count limit for round 2. A low count wouldn't be a problem if you were aiming for a rogue archetype (they're all pretty short), but if you were trying a bard or monk...
That, in my opinion, would be the mark of a Superstar. Can you take something that should be longer and make it smaller, yet still viable as an Arch-type. So, my suggestion? Don't give them ideas. :P lol
So true Lachlan, by the way did you read your post? Just saying...
I think that doing something original here will be a real challenge; this isn't like previous years, where you're trying to pull something totally new out of the aether. The top 32 are going to be riffing on archetypes which other writers and designers have also been riffing on for the last, what, 35 years?
One can certainly come up with totally-original takes on "rogue" or "monk", but there's danger of trying too hard at "originality" and just coming across as screwy. Meanwhile the temptation is there to harness the force of old archetypes (the pirate, the witch-hunter, the wushu sword-monk), but also the danger of just rehashing a 2e kit or Unearthed Arcana variant.
Maybe I'm looking at this wrong; after all, it's not like the same dangers aren't there when trying to come up with an original monster, original villain, original nation, etc. But it certainly feels different to me.
So how many others have started and how is it going so far?
I haven't written a word yet, but I've been DREAMING about it...
I hate it when I DREAM about a problem. Especially if I don't make the top 32 and it's all wasted mental incubation.
When I am stuck dreaming about a problem like this, every night of sleep is like a tortured romp through the looking glass into a world where paragraph justification, word count, and style are all living enemies that must be slain... and they are all bigger and tougher than I am. Oh... and the world has been painted by Pablo Picasso.
Grrr.
And I know there is no antidote for it until I see the final round 2 submission guidelines, even if I already know I'm out.
Hopefully Christmas will overwhelm me. Or large quatities of spiked egg-nog. Whatever.
I actually wrote up a couple of ideas to get a feel for it. I personally probably won't go with either of them but at least I have a general idea on how to go about it.
I have some rough concepts myself, but nothing on paper.
One of those rough concepts is something I'm actually very happy with, but a curveball-rule could always rule it out (assuming my item makes muster in the first place).
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I have some rough concepts myself, but nothing on paper.
One of those rough concepts is something I'm actually very happy with, but a curveball-rule could always rule it out (assuming my item makes muster in the first place).
I think that is the other key. I hope I make it through to the next round. But, I'd hate to work on a bunch of great ideas and find out that I didn't make the cut. Disappointed and wasted a bunch of my time for nothing. I'd rather enjoy the holidays.
I'm never good at planning. I just make stuff up on the fly.
So how many others have started and how is it going so far?
Well, I haven't finished all the polishes on my Round 1 submission, but I've been toying with Round 2 in the back of my head for a day or so. As Hydro says, it looks like a very challenging, ummm, challenge.
I've hit upon an idea I'm fond of, even excited about. I'm not sure it'll pan out well mechanically, but if it does I think it has a lot of potential. And if it doesn't... well, the first idea is only the first of many.
I guess I am a little spoiled in the fact that I have tons of time being unemployed and all. Add to that the fact any chance I have to work on my writing skills is a big plus in my book. So working on the 2nd round is not a waste of my time for I am working on improving my writing skills. Also never hurts to think positive in situations like this.
Then again getting away from it all and enjoying the holidays isn't a bad use of time either. So either way is a win win situation in my book. So Lachlan just think positive for I am cheering you on and hope you make it to the next round. Also enjoy the holidays everyone.
Somebody somewhere mentioned the fact there are no "true" archetypes for the Cleric and Wizard classes. There's a 27.6% chance that will be the twist on Round 2 -- to come up with an archetype for one of those two classes.
Ponder... ponder...
Somebody somewhere mentioned the fact there are no "true" archetypes for the Cleric and Wizard classes. There's a 27.6% chance that will be the twist on Round 2 -- to come up with an archetype for one of those two classes.
Ponder... ponder...
I hope not ... usually the rounds are a bit more creative than "hey, come up with a cleric archetype."
Marathon Voter Season 7
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So how many others have started and how is it going so far?
I've an idea for an idea. But its on the backburner of my mind, well behind writing about kami, oni, reincarnation, soulless monstrosities and adventure planning. I'll wait until I know more about what is needed and whether or not I actually make it in to worry too much about it.
I'm never good at planning. I just make stuff up on the fly.
Thats the way to do it.
I have been playing around with ideas but no real planning. I doubt there will be anything on paper till I know what the twist is going to be. I think I have spent more time thinking on what the twist is likely to be.
Well, I haven't finished all the polishes on my Round 1 submission, but I've been toying with Round 2 in the back of my head for a day or so. As Hydro says, it looks like a very challenging, ummm, challenge.
I've hit upon an idea I'm fond of, even excited about. I'm not sure it'll pan out well mechanically, but if it does I think it has a lot of potential. And if it doesn't... well, the first idea is only the first of many.
That is about where I am at. I have the names of 20 or archetypes written down (more than half already exist though :(. I have two that I have outlined, but anything other than outline can wait until I know the rules.
And after I finish polishing my items :)
Oh... and after I decide which item :)
Slicing. Chopping. Excising. Polishing. Sanding. Bleaching. Drilling. Replacing. Unreplacing. Replacing. Cursing violently. Burning. Stomping on (to extinguish). Stomping on (in hate). Dousing in water. Dousing in tequila. Showing to palm reader/mystical advisor. Reading to Miss Cleo over phone. Erasing. Re-editing. Starting over. Splicing. Weeping uncontrollably. Just a little self-mutilation; nothing too serious, just a few self-inflicted paper cuts. Drinking self stupid, passing out on paper. Drooling on. Attempting to salvage. Taking to work to lather-rinse-repeat.
You know, the usual.
I personally would relax on double guessing what the task will be and look to make sure you have the time free during the 3 days for round 2. Definitely let your subconscious brew up some ideas, but be loose with the concepts, because you know there is always a 'twist'. Perhaps do some work on the round you know the exact details for: Round 5 :-)
Of course, each to their own, whatever works for your process.
I'm allmost done with my archetype but I guess it will end in an imaginary trash bin once the extra task is set.
Still as Noteleks said it can't hurt to have some practice.
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Star Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8
aka ugly child
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I have run through a few concepts. It's a fun brain excercise and I'm sure my players will get some use out the archetypes I finish at some point. I'll wait until I know one way or another in January before going with one in ernest, if I have the chance. :) In the meantime I have other projects to keep the brain fresh (that and the fluid in my jar). :)
I personally would relax on double guessing what the task will be and look to make sure you have the time free during the 3 days for round 2. Definitely let your subconscious brew up some ideas, but be loose with the concepts, because you know there is always a 'twist'. Perhaps do some work on the round you know the exact details for: Round 5 :-)
That's the one I would be working on if I thought I had a chance.
I've almost completed two Archtypes. I just have to write the flare description and test them out by creating a character (Min/Max it out to find to test the powers).
If they throw a curveball and say "space oriented" I will add "in Space" to the title and throw in some garble about planets :-)
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 32
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I haven't really thought through any ideas yet, but I'm getting acquainted with Pathfinder's archetypes, as well as the ones that inspired them. I think that at least looking at the various archetypes that exist and comparing them to each other and to classes and prc's is useful no matter what the actual rules end up being.
Also, Matt's advice to free up time is really important. I was swamped with a major work project in the evenings when round 2 came around. I tried to pull an all-nighter, which resulted in an unrefined monster (though work certainly isn't all that is to blame). This year I'm taking a vacation day, just in case. And if my item doesn't make the cut, I can at least kick back and follow along at home. :)
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Star Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8
aka ugly child
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I've almost completed two Archtypes. I just have to write the flare description and test them out by creating a character (Min/Max it out to find to test the powers).
If they throw a curveball and say "space oriented" I will add "in Space" to the title and throw in some garble about planets :-)
If Spelljammer taught me anything it's that things are always more acceptable "in Space", often with an echo and exclamation marks.
Try flicking through the Bestiary picking a random monster and adding
" In SPAAaaccee!!"
Having seen the previous years second rounds, I'm thinking that even if it's as simple as an archetype for an existing base class, it'll be something that's targeted for DMs, not players. Like, an archetype for a monster taking class levels, or for villians, or for an NPC class or something like that. That would be an interesting twist not too far in left field.
But, I still have a few cool ideas, just in case. ;)
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Having seen the previous years second rounds, I'm thinking that even if it's as simple as an archetype for an existing base class, it'll be something that's targeted for DMs, not players. Like, an archetype for a monster taking class levels, or for villians, or for an NPC class or something like that. That would be an interesting twist not too far in left field.
But, I still have a few cool ideas, just in case. ;)
Again. You guys are giving them ideas. Stop it! :p rofl
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I personally would relax on double guessing what the task will be and look to make sure you have the time free during the 3 days for round 2.
But that's a big part of the problem -- you have 3 days for each of rounds 2,3, and 4; and in each case it's Tue-Fri. Most people work all day during the week, and many will only have a couple of hours free in the evening. The majority of most people's spare time is at the weekend.
Presumably this was done to test how well people work to short, inconvenient dealines, but it does mean that those who can't free up time mid-week probably do need to plan a little ahead and hope the the brief isn't too left-field, otherwise they'll have to cram a lot into the last few hours on Friday night.
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I personally would relax on double guessing what the task will be and look to make sure you have the time free during the 3 days for round 2.But that's a big part of the problem -- you have 3 days for each of rounds 2,3, and 4; and in each case it's Tue-Fri. Most people work all day during the week, and many will only have a couple of hours free in the evening. The majority of most people's spare time is at the weekend.
Presumably this was done to test how well people work to short, inconvenient dealines, but it does mean that those who can't free up time mid-week probably do need to plan a little ahead and hope the the brief isn't too left-field, otherwise they'll have to cram a lot into the last few hours on Friday night.
Well, that's why it's called "Super"star and not "Average"star. You should be able to come up with a great concept with only a few days to do it in.
Well, that's why it's called "Super"star and not "Average"star. You should be able to come up with a great concept with only a few days to do it in.I personally would relax on double guessing what the task will be and look to make sure you have the time free during the 3 days for round 2.But that's a big part of the problem -- you have 3 days for each of rounds 2,3, and 4; and in each case it's Tue-Fri. Most people work all day during the week, and many will only have a couple of hours free in the evening. The majority of most people's spare time is at the weekend.
Presumably this was done to test how well people work to short, inconvenient dealines, but it does mean that those who can't free up time mid-week probably do need to plan a little ahead and hope the the brief isn't too left-field, otherwise they'll have to cram a lot into the last few hours on Friday night.
Out of curiousity, do you have children? :)
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If Spelljammer taught me anything it's that things are always more acceptable "in Space", often with an echo and exclamation marks.
Try flicking through the Bestiary picking a random monster and adding
" In SPAAaaccee!!"
I personally would relax on double guessing what the task will be and look to make sure you have the time free during the 3 days for round 2.But that's a big part of the problem -- you have 3 days for each of rounds 2,3, and 4; and in each case it's Tue-Fri. Most people work all day during the week, and many will only have a couple of hours free in the evening. The majority of most people's spare time is at the weekend.
Presumably this was done to test how well people work to short, inconvenient dealines, but it does mean that those who can't free up time mid-week probably do need to plan a little ahead and hope the the brief isn't too left-field, otherwise they'll have to cram a lot into the last few hours on Friday night.
Testing the speed of contestants and abilities to meet deadlines are two of the reasons for the short turnaround. More often we have been told it is because the contestants are freelancers, while the judges, techs, and all of Paizo are professionals and need to time to work this into their schedule. If you can schedule a day or even an afternoon off, you should.
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Out of curiousity, do you have children? :)Well, that's why it's called "Super"star and not "Average"star. You should be able to come up with a great concept with only a few days to do it in.I personally would relax on double guessing what the task will be and look to make sure you have the time free during the 3 days for round 2.But that's a big part of the problem -- you have 3 days for each of rounds 2,3, and 4; and in each case it's Tue-Fri. Most people work all day during the week, and many will only have a couple of hours free in the evening. The majority of most people's spare time is at the weekend.
Presumably this was done to test how well people work to short, inconvenient dealines, but it does mean that those who can't free up time mid-week probably do need to plan a little ahead and hope the the brief isn't too left-field, otherwise they'll have to cram a lot into the last few hours on Friday night.
Yes I do. A daughter who is 17 months old and a wonderful wife. They both go to bed at 8 and I have 4 hours before I go to bed. I've played RPGs for 23 years and have Game Mastered for most of that time across multiple Genres. I read books all the time, play RPG video games and write stories in my head all the time (I really need to sit down and put those to paper :P).
So, I know where your rhetorical question is going. But, I stand by my statement. I like to think of the Superstar competition like Iron Chef America. A lot of great chefs go in there thinking they have what it takes to compete. But, that hour flies by. They have to think quick and come up with a beautiful, unique masterpiece (well, 5 actually) knowing what the secret ingredient just before they start their hour.
This competition is the same way. They want to see who has the creative juices and the RPG knowledge to think quickly and produce quality work. Several days should be more than enough time to come up with something.
This competition is the same way. They want to see who has the creative juices and the RPG knowledge to think quickly and produce quality work. Several days should be more...
Fair enough. I think what I'm getting at is: I could foresee someone being too busy (for whatever reason) in a given 3-day period to get much done. Woe be to the entrant who scheduled a family vacation in January.
But I could also see the angle that busy people typically aren't your best resources for freelance writers, and announcing the rough tasks round-by-round does give an opportunity to start thinking about what you'd make, even if the twist on a given round might force you to punt a bit.
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This competition is the same way. They want to see who has the creative juices and the RPG knowledge to think quickly and produce quality work. Several days should be more...Fair enough. I think what I'm getting at is: I could foresee someone being too busy (for whatever reason) in a given 3-day period to get much done. Woe be to the entrant who scheduled a family vacation in January.
But I could also see the angle that busy people typically aren't your best resources for freelance writers, and announcing the rough tasks round-by-round does give an opportunity to start thinking about what you'd make, even if the twist on a given round might force you to punt a bit.
Agreed. They give you the dates for the beginning and end of each round. So, if you want to participate, then you need to schedule your life accordingly.
I haven't really thought through any ideas yet, but I'm getting acquainted with Pathfinder's archetypes, as well as the ones that inspired them. I think that at least looking at the various archetypes that exist and comparing them to each other and to classes and prc's is useful no matter what the actual rules end up being.
Also, Matt's advice to free up time is really important. I was swamped with a major work project in the evenings when round 2 came around. I tried to pull an all-nighter, which resulted in an unrefined monster (though work certainly isn't all that is to blame). This year I'm taking a vacation day, just in case. And if my item doesn't make the cut, I can at least kick back and follow along at home. :)
Last year I had all three days free, but was deliriously ill for two of them. I'd like to say that my fevered insights were responsible for how my monster turned out, but really, I'm pretty sure I was just trying too hard to make something creative rather than something functional (and not paying enough attention to mistakes made in previous monster/villain rounds).
Which, by the way, is a luxury no one will have here; there hasn't been much player-end game design in RPGS.
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Marathon Voter Season 6
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...But I could also see the angle that busy people typically aren't your best resources for freelance writers...
Quite possibly, although I have also seen strong evidence at my work of the maxim: if you want something done, give it to a busy person. They know how to organise their time and they don't procrastinate.
Best Regards
Herremann the Wise
this is honestly the round I am MOST worried about because it is the most "vague".
I feel reaaalllly confident about my item though I know odds are I won't make the top 32. But if I do, I'm worried about the archetype...
and only having 3 days......whew!!
I've had a couple of archetypes since the day the APG came out (reading thru it at borders - hoping to get a copy from Santa this year) and noticed what were, to me at least, some glaring omissions in the published ones.
In fact i also already have my villian finished. My big stumbling block is the location. Take the daunting task of finding a cool location that hasn't already been covered in one of the gazillion published Paizo products, and combine it with the fact that i suck at drawning maps that are legible to anyone but me, and that's the stage that frightens me the most.
...assuming i even make the top 32 in the first place.
this is honestly the round I am MOST worried about because it is the most "vague".
I feel reaaalllly confident about my item though I know odds are I won't make the top 32. But if I do, I'm worried about the archetype...
and only having 3 days......whew!!
I felt pretty confident about my item last year too. And then I DID make the top 32. Sometimes you just have a great idea and you know it. :)
On the other hand, I also thought I was doing great in Wizard's "Great Design Search", but then I got destroyed in the multiple choice exam. Wasn't even close to being in the running. Heck, last year the "exit poles" put me in the top 8 for round 2; I spent all morning bouncing ideas for villains and encounters and monster stats around in my head, and then didn't make the top 16.
To very roughly quote Orson Scott Card (because I can't find the book with the proper quote in it), being an author means constantly telling yourself that you're awesome yet also constantly expecting rejection. You MUST accept that sometimes you're going to fully commit yourself to your work and still fail, and CAN'T let that stop you from fully committing yourself to your work just the same. If you're serious about writing or game design, then the last thing you want to do is let fear tie you up; i.e, not brainstorming for round 2 because "You'll probably be rejected anyway".
You set yourself up for a lot of disappointment in cases like this, especially if you go into it with all confidence and pour a lot of effort into future rounds, but if you really want to write then that's probably good for you. Might as well get used to it now, yea?
That's how I look at it at least.
Also, Matt's advice to free up time is really important. I was swamped with a major work project in the evenings when round 2 came around. I tried to pull an all-nighter, which resulted in an unrefined monster (though work certainly isn't all that is to blame). This year I'm taking a vacation day, just in case. And if my item doesn't make the cut, I can at least kick back and follow along at home. :)
Thanks Seth, good luck for this year.
I'm sure most of you have read Neil's advice post, it's great advice, and the one piece that I really want to emphasize is:
I had time off work for most rounds in the competition, for the final round I took the entire week off. If you need to book your leave ahead of time, even tentatively, now is the time to do it.
Perhaps you can guess the round I couldn’t get any time off in last year's competition?
If you are serious about putting in your best work, you need time to polish it. 72 hours is not a lot of time.
I hope that helps everyone.
Thanks Matt, that is why this community is the best. Helpful, polite, and always willing to come forward with advice. I appreciate it as I am sure everyone else does.
So thank you Matt, Neil, Sean, and all the others far to numerous to mention. I enjoyed lurking last year, was a bit to late to actually enter.
Never a shortage of helpful advice and friendly commentary by the judges and the community as a whole. I really am looking forward to actually being included this year even if I don't make it to the next round.
I had time off work for most rounds in the competition, for the final round I took the entire week off. If you need to book your leave ahead of time, even tentatively, now is the time to do it.
That's seriously hardcore. I could never do that, but it obviously paid off for you. It's definitely something to consider for those in a position to make it happen.
Well... as far as how far I am on the Round Two challenge... I've got a couple ideas... one I've started to put to paper... but it's "challenging" (pun intended) and I'd like to get it right (of course I still need to make it to Top 32). :P
I may go back to a prior thought for the archetype I'm working on now. My new idea doesn't seem to be working as well as I'd like it to. :(
Or... I could start writing up my second archetype idea instead. :P
Decisions, decisions.
There is only one thing I can currently think of that is not technically covered in it's entirety or at least majority.
Mine has the feeling of, "Hey, isn't that what that was always supposed to be?" At least, it does for me.