Round 2 Exit Poll - Create an Organizaton

[Caedwyr]

Starting this thread off, my votes this year.

Chad Bartlett — Steelhawks
Bob Drouin — Fear, Fist and Flame
Joshua Murphy — Artisans of Obscura
Andrew Newton — The Grandbridge Squires
Sam Polak — Riders of the Black Steppe
Chris Shaeffer — The Pure Line
Ian Studebaker-Grey — Hands of the Harridans
Mike Welham — Monster Reformation Alliance

[Seabyrn]

I only voted for six this round, that really grabbed me in one way or another -

Bob Drouin - Fear, Fist and Flame
Sam Polak - Riders of the Black Steppe
James Raine - Besmara's Chosen
Tom Phillips - Sisters of Chana-Zhol
Jacob Michaels - The Unfettered
Russell Vaneekhoven - The Foulgrip Rangers

[Taliesin Hoyle]

Sam Polak — Riders of the Black Steppe
Russell Vaneekhoven - The Foulgrip Rangers

I only voted for the two I liked.

[Jerall Toi]

Jacob Trier wrote:

Only competitors are prohibited from trying to influence the vote. The voting public are free to post to their hearts content.

Yip, the exit polls are a Superstar tradition. I think they exist to make the contestants nervous. I remember checking the polls regularly last year, trying to guess if I had won enough voters to progress from one round to the next.

[Neil Spicer]

Sean edit: This is in response to posts that have since been removed.

Chad, Andrew, and Jacob. I'm going to make this abundantly clear. Stop posting. Now. You guys need to back away from your keyboards and refrain from saying anything else. What the voters choose to do (in terms of crafting an exit poll thread, etc.) is their own choice. You're not allowed to say anything about it. You're not allowed to urge people to vote for designers who they feel can bring the awesome in a 32-page module. You're not allowed to sway their votes! So. Shut. Up!

Get out of these threads and wait until the voting is over. My advice: If you need something to occupy yourselves, do it somewhere other than these boards. Because the manner in which all of you are posting is going to lead to a disqualification. I can assure you.

Now, let me soften the rhetoric here a little bit. I understand how hard it is to let go at this stage. You see people commenting on your stuff, and you want to thank them while injecting some humor and levity to win people over with your personality. You see people make comments that you disagree with, and you want to correct them and point out stuff they might have missed. And you perceive you're down in the voting and the judges' panned your submission, and you want to appeal to the voters to look past that and give you a chance by considering a whole host of other other factors no one brought up.

Don't do it.

If you want to thank someone, stick to the scripted response made available in the Round 2 rules and FAQ. Don't elaborate. Don't get cute with it. If you can't follow these directions, you're not cut out to be a freelancer.

[Kradlum]

I'm afraid I only voted for 2 based on their organisations. In no particular order:

Sam Polak - Riders of the Black Steppe
Daniel Rust - Anointed Choir of the Rapture

Sam's organisation had a head start as I'm deeply immersed in the Lovecraftian world at the moment, reading The Complete Works of H P Lovecraft. It also happened to be the first organisation that I read.

Daniel's organisation felt like something that a whole campaign could be built around, and I was glad to be able to vote for my local entrant based on merit and not just regional bias.

I voted for 2 more based on their wondrous items, simply because I think they deserve a chance at the next round.

In general I found the entries a bit of a let down. There seemed to be a lot of clichés, and a lot of organisations that I couldn't see as being interesting enough to build a campaign around and keep a party interested. The 2 I have picked are the only ones that rose above that.

I don't mean to denigrate any of the hard work of the entrants. What it has taught me is that it takes a lot of work to create an original and exciting organisation that captures the imagination of the GM and the players, and even more hard work to make sure it fits in with the lore and the expectations of the judges.

I'd suggest all entrants stay off the boards and start working on their monster stat blocks now. Even if you don't get through it's good practise for next year.

[Salama]

Here's my votes (no order)

Sam Polak - Riders of the Black Steppe
Mikko Kallio - Verdant Dawn
Russel Vaneekhoven - The Foulgrip Rangers
Bob Drouin - Fear, Fist and Flame
Tom Philips - Sisters of Chana-Zhol
Adam Donald - Red Bastards
Daniel Rust - Anointed Choir of the Rapture
David Ross - Dreamstitchers

I think this was a lot harder assignment than designing an archetype or monster or what have you. I tried to see the person behind the organization and also checked the Wondrous items before voting. I hope everyone from my list advances, and good luck to all!

[Pedro Coelho]

My votes went to:

Alexander Bennett — Backbreaker's Hunt
Adam Donald — The Red Bastards
Mikko Kallio — Verdant Dawn
James Olchak — Cold Hearth Lodge
Sam Polak — Riders of the Black Steppe
David Ross — Dreamstitchers
Chris Shaeffer — The Pure Line
Russell Vaneekhoven — The Foulgrip Rangers

Mikko Kallio and James Olchak got my vote thanks to their round 1 submissions.

[R D Ramsey]

My votes, based on a combination of rounds 1 & 2

Adam Donald — The Red Bastards
Eric Morton — The Six-Hundred Geisha
Andrew Newton — The Grandbridge Squires
Sam Polak — Riders of the Black Steppe
Daniel Rust — Anointed Choir of the Rapture
Ian Studebaker-Grey — Hands of the Harridans
Jacob Trier — The Maidens of Veiled Vengeance
Russell Vaneekhoven — The Foulgrip Rangers

Some were better in round 1, some in round 2. I think that the strongest based on both rounds together are Sam, Daniel, and Ian.

[Garrett Guillotte]

Sam Polak - Riders of the Black Steppe
Jacob Michaels - The Unfettered
Will Cooper - Stormsworn Company
Andrew Newton - The Grandbridge Squires
James Raine - Besmara's Chosen
Russell Vaneekhoven - The Foulgrip Rangers
Tom Phillips - Sisters of Chana-Zhol
David Ross - Dreamstitchers

[Ross Byers]

I retitled this thread to avoid confusion with the actual voting booth.

[Pedro Coelho]

Partial results for the exit poll are compiled here.

[EDIT] The spreadsheet is now public.

[KestlerGunner]

I voted for:
-The Unfettered.
-Foulgrip Rangers.

[thunderspirit]

I thought three were head-and-shoulders above the rest: Tom Phillips (Sisters of Chana-Zhol), Sam Polak (Riders of the Black Steppe), and Russell Vaneekhoven (The Foulgrip Rangers).

I also voted for Adam Donald (The Red Bastards) and David Ross (Dreamstitchers), which I thought were quality submissions though there were large elements I didn't like, and Mikko Kallio (Verdant Dawn) on the strength of his Round 1 submission.

[Lukas Klausner]

I voted for:

FIRST TIER
Sam Polak — Riders of the Black Steppe
Daniel Rust — Anointed Choir of the Rapture

SECOND TIER
Russell Vaneekhoven — The Foulgrip Rangers
Jacob Michaels — The Unfettered

GOOD IDEAS
David Ross — Dreamstitchers
Chris Shaeffer — The Pure Line

STILL BETTER THAN THE REST
Tom Phillips — Sisters of Chana-Zhol
Andrew Marlowe — Andoran Mercantile League

Overall, I was surprised with how few of the submissions really excited me, but maybe that's just me.

[Andrew Christian]

Jim Callaghan – The Bargemen’s Union
Will Cooper – Stormsworn Company
Bob Drouin – Fear, Fist and Flame
Thomas LeBlanc – Forsaken Librarians
Sam Polak – Riders of the Black Steppe (my favorite)
David Ross – Dream Stitchers
Daniel Rust – Anointed Choir of the Rapture
Russell Vaneekhoven – The Foulgrip Rangers

[cwslyclgh]

My votes this round:
Bob D. Fear Fist and Flame
Dan J. Aegis Praxis
Thomas L. Forsaken Librarians
Benjamin M. Seers of Phasasma
Eric M. The Six Hundred Geisha
Tom P. Sisters of Channa-Zhol
Sam P. Riders of the Black Steppes
Russel V. The Foulgrip Rangers

Only three of them got votes because I really liked the organization and thought it was presented well, the rest were a combination of good round 1 items and/or fondness for the individual poster.

[Pedro Coelho]

I'm keeping it updated, but here's the link again.

Although there are some clear favorites, something like half the spots are still pretty open according to the exit poll.

[Aspertix]

I voted based on how I felt about the Round 2 submissions only. I did not bring Round 1 into it.

Foulgrip Rangers
Riders of the Black Steppe
Red Bastards
The Pure Line
Anointed Choir of the Rapture
The Unfettered
Stormsworn Company
Steelhawks

[Sly Boots]

I voted for eight, it bums me out to not use all of my votes:

Adam Donald - The Red Bastards
Bob Drouin - Fear, Fist and Flame
Steve Miller - Arcadian Interceptors
Eric Morton - The Six-Hundred Geisha
James Olchak - Cold Hearth Lodge
Sam Polak - Riders of the Black Steppe
James Raine - Besmara's Chosen
Russell Vaneekhoven - Foulgrip Rangers

[Nickolas Floyd]

Like many others I was underwhelmed by the submissions overall. Here are the eight I voted for based on the round 2 submission with bonus points if I really liked their round 1 item. I took a top 8 approach instead of voting only for the few I really thought deserved advancement. In no particular order:

Foulgrip Rangers
Riders of the Black Steppe
The Pure Line
Anointed Choir of the Rapture
The Unfettered
Dreamstitchers
Cold Hearth Lodge
The Maidens of Veiled Vengeance

[Deidre Tiriel]

I considered both rounds when voting:

Adam Donald — The Red Bastards
Bob Drouin — Fear, Fist and Flame
Jacob Michaels — The Unfettered
Tom Phillips — Sisters of Chana-Zhol
Sam Polak — Riders of the Black Steppe
Daniel Rust — Anointed Choir of the Rapture
Russell Vaneekhoven — The Foulgrip Rangers

[Jeremiziah]

Daniel Rust — Anointed Choir of the Rapture
Russell Vaneekhoven — The Foulgrip Rangers
Mike Welham — Monster Reformation Alliance (Yeah, it's because he's a FAWTLy)
Eric Morton - The Six-Hundred Geisha (again, thanks to the goodwill he's built up here on the boards)

Truth be told, only the Anointed Choir really grabbed me. I voted for Russell on the basis that all four judges suggested that I do so. The other two - well, I'd have felt bad just voting for two, and I know that those two can do better (I've seen it).

[Ian Eastmond]

Just finished voting, but I haven't posted all of my comments on each contestant's item and organization yet so I am going to post my "exit poll" here just for the heck of it.

My choices are listed in alphabetical order of the contestant's last names just like they are listed on the main page. I took into account 3 things when voting (in order of impact):

1. The contestant's Round 2 organization submission.
2. The contestant's Round 1 wondrous item submission.
3. The contestant's apparent behavior in the forums since the Round 2 submissions were released. In my opinion, any contestant who lambastes their opponent's item or organization doesn't seem Superstar to me, and any contestant who blatantly did this did not get a vote from me (this was usually also justified by the quality of said contestant's Round 2 submission). I am grateful that there weren't many contestants who did this, but there was enough of this going on for me to feel like posting about it.

Stormsworn Company - Will Cooper
The Red Bastards - Adam Donald
Fear, Fist and Flame - Bob Drouin
Verdant Dawn - Mikko Kallio
The Grandbridge Squires - Andrew Newton
Sisters of Chana-Zhol - Tom Phillips
Riders of the Black Steppe - Sam Polak
Dreamstitchers - David Ross

[benjover]

In alphabetical order.

Michaels
Miller
Morton
Phillips
Polak
Ross
Rust
Vaneekhoven

[Pedro Coelho]

Partial results.

[Curaigh]

I had four 'Keeps' (seemed fun, AND well written)
Dan Jones,Aegis Praxis
Jacob Michaels, The Unfettered
Russell Vaneekhoven, Foulgrip Rangers
Tom Phillips, Sisters of Chana Zhol

and eight 'Weak Keeps' (fun OR well written) from which I drew these four

Adam Donald, Red Bastards
Bob Drouin, Fear, Fist, Flame
Thomas LeBlanc, Forsaken Librarians
James Raine, Besmara's Chosen

Good Luck everyone.

[Ziv Wities]

In alphabetical order:

Alexander Bennett — Backbreaker's Hunt
Benjamin Medrano — Seers of Pharasma
Jacob Michaels — The Unfettered
Steve Miller — Arcadian Interceptors
James Olchak — Cold Hearth Lodge
Sam Polak — Riders of the Black Steppe
James Raine — Besmara's Chosen
Ian Studebaker-Grey — Hands of the Harridans

I voted primarily based on (A) innovative ideas for organizations, and/or uses thereof in-game, and (B) solid presentation with sufficient scope and detail.

My sincere regrets to Mr. Cooper, whose Stormsworn Company I quite liked, but whom I have no votes left for. You've got a spark of color and presentation I'd really like to see rewarded and tested further. But really, yet another themed mercenary company? Tsk tsk. If I'd had the votes, you'd have been next in line, but alas, the folks who excited me more get precedence...

[Sean McGowan]

Adam Donald- The Red Bastards
Thomas LeBlanc- The Forsaken Librarians
Benjamin Medrano- Seers of Pharasma
Jacob Michaels- The Unfettered
Joshua Murphy- Artisans of Obscura
Sam Polak- Riders of the Black Steppe
Daniel Rust- Annointed Choir of the Rapture
Chris Shaffer- The Pure Line

I know it's cold comfort, but the 'almost got my vote' award goes to James Raine's Besmara's Chosen & David Ross's Dreamstitchers.

[Pedro Coelho]

Updated.

[I'M INCREDIBLE!]

Bargeman's Union
Red Bastards
Fear, Fist and Flame
Riders of the Black Steppe
Besmara's Chosen
Foulgrip Rangers

There was just something so elegantly simple about the Bargeman's Union that I really liked it. I liked the Spellbreaker Gauntlets so much that I just had to vote for his organization.

[Starglim]

I voted for the Foulgrip Rangers, Artisans of Obscura and Stormsworn Company.

[Jerall Toi]

I voted for:

Bob Drouin — Fear, Fist and Flame
Jacob Michaels — The Unfettered
Tom Phillips — Sisters of Chana-Zhol
Sam Polak — Riders of the Black Steppe
Daniel Rust — Anointed Choir of the Rapture
Chris Shaeffer — The Pure Line
Jacob Trier — The Maidens of Veiled Vengeance
Russell Vaneekhoven — The Foulgrip Rangers

[Monica Marlowe]

Now that my votes won't be construed as attempting to sway others:

Andrew Marlowe - Andoran Mercantile League

[James Raine]

Sean McGowan wrote:

I know it's cold comfort, but the 'almost got my vote' award goes to James Raine's Besmara's Chosen & David Ross's Dreamstitchers.

It helps. I made some pretty big missteps, so if you still feel my organization was good enough for an almost-vote (or my item was good enough you'd give me a pass), that makes me feel better.

[Kradlum]

My other 2 votes went to Andrews Marlowe and Newton. Although I wasn't gripped by their organisations, their first round entries were my 2 favourites so I want to see them continue in the competition.

[Seth White]

I've never liked the exit poll thread. I know why it exists, but I feel like it sways voters to rally around the front-runners. I know it's a tradition in this contest, but I've never been a huge fan.

Of course it may be sour grapes because my Round 2 entry didn't too so hot years back. :)

[Paul Brown]

It looks like everyone with at least 6 votes in the exit poll made it. The exit poll successfully predicted 12 of the top 16.

Eric Morton (6), Andrew Newton (5), Mikko Kallio (4), and Thomas LeBlanc (4) did not make it. Steve Miller (3), Andrew Marlowe (3), Jacob Trier (3), and Mike Welham (2) did make it.

[Pedro Coelho]

Isaac Duplechain wrote:

It looks like everyone with at least 6 votes in the exit poll made it. The exit poll successfully predicted 12 of the top 16.

A 2 vote margin of error up or down seems reasonable given the small sample size. I was thinking the top 8 in the exit poll were relatively safe, but the rest could still go either way.

As a spectator, I really dig the exit poll thread for the first rounds. It allows us to root for the underdogs and still be surprised when results are announced. The exit poll for the last round doesn't excite me much, though.

All in all, I'm a little disappointed Mikko Kallio didn't advance; I understand his round 2 entry was a bit on the weak side but based on his item I'd like to see a little more of his work. Plus, I really appreciate non-U.S. nationals faring well in the contest, it gives a global vibe to the contest (though I admit I'm biased ;) )

[Chad Bartlett]

Six of the eight I voted for advanced to the next round. Not bad! :)

I voted for:
Steelhawks (What can I say? You woulda done it, too!)
Stormsworn Company
The Unfettered
Verdant Dawn
Besmara's Chosen
Foulgrip Rangers
Cold Hearth Lodge
Fear, Fist, and Flame

I wonder if Paizo will ever tell us how many votes each entry got. I'm curious to know how close I came, lol!

Although, as a contestant, I know those numbers really don't matter. Better for the slate to be wiped clean each round, allowing the creators to do their best work without that particular hindsight.

I wish the remaining 16 the best of luck!!! :)

[Jacob Trier]

Pedro Coelho wrote:

All in all, I'm a little disappointed Mikko Kallio didn't advance; I understand his round 2 entry was a bit on the weak side but based on his item I'd like to see a little more of his work. Plus, I really appreciate non-U.S. nationals faring well in the contest, it gives a global vibe to the contest (though I admit I'm biased ;) )

Don't worry, there are still a few of us non-U.S. guys around. Between us, we represent New Zealand, Canada, UK and of course Denmark. *waves Dannebrog around*

[Mikko Kallio]

Pedro Coelho wrote:

All in all, I'm a little disappointed Mikko Kallio didn't advance; I understand his round 2 entry was a bit on the weak side but based on his item I'd like to see a little more of his work. Plus, I really appreciate non-U.S. nationals faring well in the contest, it gives a global vibe to the contest (though I admit I'm biased ;) )

I'm also a little disappointed he didn't advance; I also admit I'm biased. ;)

Thanks for your support, Pedro! As for seeing a little more of my work, I guess I'll polish my unfinished round 3 entry a bit and post it somewhere later.

Also, you can see my last year's entry for round 2 (I was an alternate but didn't advance) and my round 3 play-at-home entry in this thread.

With the benefit of hindsight I know I cannot play safe in round 2 if I make it that far again. Last year I made bold design choices in round 2, this time I didn't.

Chad, thanks for your vote! I wish us both better luck next year! :)

[Chad Bartlett]

Mikko wrote:

Chad, thanks for your vote!

You're welcome, Mikko! :)