It's a bit late to ask this, but I'm trying to decide which wondrous item should I send to the contest. So, here is my question:
Is it okay for an item to require an ability check, skill check, caster level check or a whatever check in order to activate it's abilities?
For example, an item requires you to succeed in a Wisdom check to unleash a magical effect. Or an item requires your to succeed in a Swim check to obtain the powers of an aquatic creature. Or in a caster level check to gain the benefits of a metamagic feat. Or something like that.
There are CRB items that do this (for example: Lyre of Building or Marvelous Pigments) so I'd say yes - but I'm not a judge.
There are CRB items that do this (for example: Lyre of Building or Marvelous Pigments) so I'd say yes - but I'm not a judge.
LOL. I was thinking "No item requires a check! Even Marvelous Pigments doesn't require a skill check!"
Back to RPG Superstar 101 and the "Read the Core Items" class.
This is allowed, just remember that the judges will be very strict when it comes to syntax. For example, literally speaking, you cannot "make a Will save" nor can you "succeed a DC 10 Disguise roll."
It's a bit late to ask this, but I'm trying to decide which wondrous item should I send to the contest.
Don't decide from this - find the cooler, smoother, neater, more awesome - whatever sets one above the other.
Now as for the question, just be careful, a check to activate should probably not be too prohibiting, as that will just make less people interested in the item.
And do be careful to avoid anything that feel like a spell-completion check. That will probably be something any wand could replace or a siac.
Apart from that, best of luck. Don't send it too late.
Judges also tend to look at the user appeal of an item. If the check is discouraging or carries a high probability of failure then even PC's in the target market are going to be turned off and shop somewhere else. If the risk of the item prevents its purchase then it's not worth printing, which is ultimately what the judges are looking for.