Voters' Incessant Praise

[Cthulhudrew]

There are a lot of terrain altering/tactical impacting items this year that are really cool, and have great visuals. I just saw a brand new one that tops them all, though. It was short and relatively simple, but tightly written and did the same sort of thing as many of those others, but in a creative "not how you'd expect to see it" sort of way. I hope this one goes to the top 32. I'd like to see what else this writer can do.

[Victoria Jaczko]

I like upvoting the items that shoot the moon. I'll take a risky idea that oversteps above yet another item playing it safe... considering how hard it is for me to come out of a comfort zone, I respect bravery in innovation.

[Steven Helt]

There's an item that just made me smile. And I mean a wide, sadistic smile . I wonder why it hasn't been done before. It's not perfect, but I wish I'd thought of it. Delightfully disturbing.

I would say...the early going of Superstar always has a lot of chaffe to get through while newcomers learn what not to do or get pointed to the advice threads they maybe didn't know about. But this year, I have more items I enthusiastically like than last year. Maybe more than any year.

Great job, field! There's a lot of voting, so a lot of new items to discover.

[Jeff Lee]

Six items on my keep list so far.

[Jacob Trier]

I must say that even though this thread isn't growing as fast as the rambling thread, the posts over there seem to have taken a more positive note as well. People now seem to post things they like, instead of just negative comments.

[Akinra]

I am complaining a lot more than praising. Part of the reason is that the average is so very good, the bad just sticks out like a sore thumb.

[Feros]

I vote that we make these two threads a tradition every year that we get to vote. A positive thread and a general comment thread keeps the boards neat and tidy, gives a place for everyone to vent their frustrations and pleasure, and finally gives a place for people to feel encouraged throughout this stressful phase of the competition. Much better than last year with SO many threads.

Thanks to Cheapy for this thread and Drejk for the other! :D

[Feros]

I would also like to say that an item that uses blood has actually won me over and has entered my keep file, as it just a really cool item.

[Feros]

I have already spoken on the Rambling thread about gardening implements, but I think another comment is necessary. I truly believe most of these items are well designed and may very well exist in a fantasy world. It makes sense: magic as a time saving device. I may not see them as adventure worthy material, but it is good that people are trying to fill in some niches that have been left behind by the Adventure Gear.

[Drejk]

Feros wrote:

I would also like to say that an item that uses blood has actually won me over and has entered my keep file, as it just a really cool item.

I saw two or three items that utilized blood (user's or target's) and were decent and sensible.

[Shadders]

Love this thread! Great idea!

It's a bit vague, but I look for items that will be fun for everyone when played.

So rather than items which just buff characters so they overcome challenges by sheer (magically enhanced) power, items that encourage the players to be creative. The most memorable encounters are usually those where the characters have attempted something unexpected - even if it flopped spectacularly. I've seen plenty of items this year that give characters nifty little powers that will require ingenuity to utilise. Some of the terrain items others have mentioned fit into that category.

On the flip side, as a GM, I like items that will help me craft encounters which are a bit different. There's one simple, expendable, low powered evil item in this year's contest that I think is great, and might well use in the near future. Anything that will save an encounter from the routine of [hit monster with axe] - [repeat until it's dead]. As a GM, if I can keep players on their toes, that's when they are most engaged and will have most fun.

I also like things that are cinematic, so a bit of flavour text or an evocative title gets a thumbs up from me.

Over in the other thread people often complain about 200+ word counts. Quite a few items in the CRB are 200+. If that's what it takes, go for it. (Disclaimer: items I submit tend to be on the longer side. So maybe I'm biased.)

[Dave Herman]

I'm always happier to see an item that does something creative and unique, even if it isn't the best presentation or is mechanically suspect. I find myself voting for that kind of item (as long as it's errors aren't too horrifying) over a boring old SIAC or skill booster.

[Cheapy]

While I appreciate the thanks, this thread was really the brain child of Neil Spicer and Treppa. I just had the spare time to make it (and keep it alive if the thread was dying). So hats off to them for the great idea :-)

Also, Treppa volunteered me.

[Mike Welham]

Cheapy wrote:

While I appreciate the thanks, this thread was really the brain child of Neil Spicer and Treppa. I just had the spare time to make it (and keep it alive if the thread was dying). So hats off to them for the great idea :-)

Also, Treppa volunteered me.

Thanks, Treppa! :)

[Feros]

Good one Treppa!
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Oh, and thanks Neil!

[Mike Welham]

I have seen far fewer instances of items that disregard the accepted wisdom for a Superstar item, and I think that's why they stick out so much. I do have to remind myself that not everyone will see all (or any of) the advice available, and they're entering what they consider their best item.

[Jacob Trier]

Just saw a short, tightly written and well balanced one-shot item I will be highly dissapointed, if I don't see it in the Top 32

[Thomas LeBlanc]

Lots of good tactical items this year.

Also learning the names of alot of unique instruments and clothing/footwear.

[Covent]

Decided I would go over some of my favorites here, in non-specific terms of course.

-An awesome set of gauntlets that have an evocative and cool ability that has flexibility that blows me away.
Honestly not sure how the voters will treat these but I enjoy them immensely

-A slotless item that in my opinion is incredibly inventive and offers a wonderful boost to story and RP. I would love to see what this designer can do in other areas.
I believe this item will do poorly with the public, however the judges at the end may save it

-A wonderful little consumable that is just incredibly tightly done with everything being perfect, from the imagery to the price.
I think this one will most likely make top 32 but we will see

-A real world troupe item that for some reason I fell in love with, in spite of its large formatting errors and clunky presentation.
This one is just a chord-striker for me, and I think the designer has promise, but not superstar this year.

-A slotless item that is the first Humor item I have enjoyed, most others I find offensive or contemptuous of the opportunity this contest affords. This one however got the balance of humor and mechanics just right.
This one is solid and very well done but the humor aspect may hurt it both in voting and with the judges

-A Dwarven item that is extremly thematic and appropriate.
I do not know how the reactions will turn out to this item, but I would not be surprised if it was a run-away favorite.

-An eye slot item that is just right, to the point where I feel that this is a real "Hiding your light under a bushel" kind of item and think the designer has serious talent.
I hope this makes top 32 but I just do not know due to the fact of how subtle it is.

-A slotless item that at first I thought would be just another "Make Wizards Better" item, but turned out to be incredibly well written and original, with a great sense of balance.
This one may make it to top 32, if it does not I would be faintly surprised.

-A set of gloves that are just incredible in all way except, the name...
This one is my number two and if the name hurdle can be overcome I suspect will be strong in the 32.

-An item that falls into one of my most disliked categories, alliteration abuse, yet remains one of my favorites from this year.
It's excellent writing and wonderful imagery along with good sense of balance and whimsy make this a keeper but I do not know if it will make top 32.

-A class specific item which I am very wary of but which is done so well I cannot help but enjoy it.
I do not think this will make top 32 but I enjoy the imagery and style of this item very much.

-A housing item and make me safer item that avoids all of the major pitfalls of those items and remains extremely fun.
I do not expect to see this in the top 32 but it is wonderful in my opinion. Full disclosure: I did down-vote it initially but it has grown on me.

Anyway, Just thought I would share.

I am up to 8 for sure keeps and 46 possibles.

[frank gori]

My keep folder is now 21 pages in MS word.

[Taylor Hubler]

Just the overall quality of the items has been appreciated. Very few of them have had the glaring formatting errors of hue he past, people clearly proof read for spelling and punctuation, and the majority of the items are clear and easy to read.

In particular I have enjoyed the simple items that do something out of the box creatively.

[Kerney]

Enjoying the reading. I've seen some beautiful items.

[frank gori]

just saw another entry destined for the top 32... nice work

[James Raine]

First vote of the day: 80 word top 32 item.

Today will be better than yesterday, I can feel it.

[Aaron Miller 335]

I know that when some one finally reports you you will be DQed but I will up vote you over he other one everytime.

[Pedro Coelho]

There are some really neat shadow items this year.

[Kerney]

I saw someone on the other thread say how they absolutely hated this one item theme wise, but admitted to voting it up twice because the competition was weaker.

I think this is praiseworthy.

[IcedMik]

My favorite list so far

- A slotted consumable, something I've never seen, but with a fairly clever effect; if a bit wordy for what it does.

- A cartoonish container, which made me grin. Something silly that's not too silly, that I can see my party getting a kick of. Unfortunately, it's something that a smart PC could come up with using two mundane items, so it doesn't really need a magic item.

- Two really cool slotless items that lets you move around in new ways. One group based and one specifically singular. I think few characters would purchase them, but if found as treasure, would be a ton of fun for the players.

- A cool consumable way to get defensive buffs which I haven't seen before. May not make it due to pricing.

- A wearable item with amazing visual effects and a cool mechanical effect. If it's not in top 32 I'll be sorely disappointed.

- My item, which, from the hints people are giving in their lists, hasn't been favorited. Crying emoticon.

Something I've found is that I really need to sit, take a breath, and imagine each of the items in play, and to be less knee-jerkingly negative to all of them. Being quick to put stuff down might be partially to blame from the Incessant Ranting thread, partially to blame because I want my item to win, and partially because it's totally my fault, hah.

I'm glad this thread exists. It reminds me to be positive, and realize that if I look past my first immediate reaction, a lot of these items are pretty kick-ass. Sure, some might have needed a little editing or a tweak or two, but I'm learning to just enjoy seeing what a community of talented individuals come up with.

There's no reason to be angry at every item. Only some of them. Another "favored by"...ffs....

[Garrett Guillotte]

One item just broke both undead themes and gloves into my like list for the first time. Not a keeper, but a good concept with good flavor.

[Sir William]

There should definitely be a thread for people to post their favorite item that doesn't make the top 32. There are definitely some interesting items, that even if not perfect, I think the creators deserve praise on.

Most of the ones I've enjoyed most have been simpler items. There are two very unusual (at least to me, since I have not seen something similar) items that are a bit more complex as well. I've saved 6 so far for future use. Couple other items were equally interesting, but just didn't fit my game (not saved, but always up voted).

[TimsterMon]

I'm currently doing a 3.5 Faerun campaign with friends going through the hard-back trilogy (Cormyr, Shadowdale, Anarouch). We just finished the 1st book and did the 1st encounter of the 2nd. While we were playing, I was telling them about the Paizo superstar and if anyone else had looked, submitted and/or voted. Disappointedly, none had, but enthused with staring at the screen submissions, I shared some of my observations. My DM really got excited with some of them. So... morale of this story... lots of cool stuff cropping up this year! Kudos to the entrants for your work and dedication! 8')

[Lightminder]

I'm enjoying a few items that are not directly related to fight, more to story and problem solving without taking the challenge out of the game. some good dove and veil related items. were people allowed to submit multiple entries or is there a big dove related current in the meme-o-verse? most are quite useful, simple and clever. Saw a great and simple helmet that would be a great gift for a co-player buddy.

[Lightminder]

hey that gives me an idea, get a buncha pals in a room for a superstar 2015 party- everyone looking at their forced pairs and eating guacamole chips and wooping it up, end off party with everyone designing an item, or whatever the round is. folks could submit their own items too ahead of time and then goad eachother on, do some group votes on a big screen... maybe book a bar for an evening, crash their server...kinda like a superbowl party

[Jacob Trier]

Sir William wrote:

There should definitely be a thread for people to post their favorite item that doesn't make the top 32. There are definitely some interesting items, that even if not perfect, I think the creators deserve praise on.

Most of the ones I've enjoyed most have been simpler items. There are two very unusual (at least to me, since I have not seen something similar) items that are a bit more complex as well. I've saved 6 so far for future use. Couple other items were equally interesting, but just didn't fit my game (not saved, but always up voted).

Such a thread usually pops up after the Top 32 are revealed.

[IcedMik]

Ugh, really cool cloak on there. I can't tell, but it may be mathematically broken, but the theming is amazing! I would throw one in my game immediately.

God I love this contest. If I even hit top 100, I'd be honoured to be considered within such talented designers.

[Sir William]

That is a very cool item that, in a strange way, overlaps with the module pitch I've been thinking about about (submitting... in the back of my mind, while asleep, in a nice dream). Even more interesting is that it isn't a plot item.

Good job person that will have no idea that this is about their item!

[James Raine]

Amazingly elegant blood item pulling on rules from a source I was not expecting to see in this competition at all. Item, if you are not top 32, I will eat my hat, and there will be pictures.

[Andrew Marlowe]

James Raine wrote:

Amazingly elegant blood item pulling on rules from a source I was not expecting to see in this competition at all. Item, if you are not top 32, I will eat my hat, and there will be pictures.

We'll hold you to the pictures if it doesn't make it in then. :D

[Lava Child]

There is an awesomely themed one use cloak that I think should make top 32. Fun to read. I enjoy my wife voting and sharing what she likes with me, too.

[Curaigh]

Lightminder wrote:

hey that gives me an idea, get a buncha pals in a room for a superstar 2015 party- everyone looking at their forced pairs and eating guacamole chips and wooping it up, end off party with everyone designing an item, or whatever the round is. folks could submit their own items too ahead of time and then goad eachother on, do some group votes on a big screen... maybe book a bar for an evening, crash their server...kinda like a superbowl party

not a bad idea :) I plan on doing something on the Announcing of the Top 32. Invite the local PFS groups to the shop for pizza and loot-sharing. It will also be a chance brainstorm on round 2 practice threads....

[Voice Of Reason]

Evan Draughon wrote:

I would be very interested to hear the different approaches to the contest. These few weeks are going to drive me mad lol

Evan,

I'll chime in here (without being specific about my item).

I tried to submit an item that did NOT affect combat. I feel there's enough of that. I tried to go more for a utility item used in general adventuring. I think I've erred in NOT putting a sentence about possible uses, and voters will be quick to overlook it as too bland. I also think I've priced the item a bit low, but I was trying to use the approach of comparing the value of the item vs. others in the games. When I found an amount that made me think I'd take either item, I considered that the sweet spot.

When I submitted my item, I felt good about it. Now, after seeing many submissions, I'm not so sure. I'd like to post my item afterwards to hear where I could improve.

As for voting, my friend put it this way (& I tend to agree): I try to vote for the item that I'd like to see in my home game. When I see two good items, then which item would I like to see in a hardcover Paizo book. I prefer items that I can understand in 1 read, add flavor, and are consistant with game blance.

Good luck with your item. I hope you do well!

[Reckless]

The quality is superb this year.

The "Superstar" notch has gotten a lot higher, but the "keep for my campaigns" horizon has expanded exponentially.

[Jacob Trier]

James Raine wrote:

Amazingly elegant blood item pulling on rules from a source I was not expecting to see in this competition at all. Item, if you are not top 32, I will eat my hat, and there will be pictures.

I think I just got that one. It is indeed an interesting idea, even if the item itself could use a little trimming and tightening, in my opinion (provided we're talking of the same item, that is)

[Shadders]

Neil, Treppa & Cheapy - thank you!

I recently saw one oddball item which made me stop and think, "when would anyone use that?" I realised its single function could be used offensively, defensively, to help a group buff before an encounter, and probably in many other unforeseen situations. It's potentially open to abuse, but some tweaking of the mechanics could fix that. And I like the originality and quirkiness. Keep.

[Jeff Lee]

A dozen items in the keep file thus far.

[Antariuk]

Jeff Lee wrote:

A dozen items in the keep file thus far.

Same here. I already used several entries from the last years in my game, and they are the items my players love the most. I will continue this trend with fresh additions from this year's submissions.

[Andrew Marlowe]

Evan Draughon wrote:

I would be very interested to hear the different approaches to the contest. These few weeks are going to drive me mad lol

Voice Of Reason wrote:

Evan,

I'll chime in here (without being specific about my item).

Since you asked I'll chime in too.

This year I changed my approach from previous years. Following advice that can be found throughout the Superstar threads but was reiterated to me in person during Gencon, I began my design with a cinematic visual which I jotted down immediately. Then I imagined what sort of item could give me that visual and wrote down a brief description of the item. Then I tried to imagine what effect in game terms that visual would have and wrote that down.

Each of these bits was clunky and messy but I had something I could refine. So over a couple of days I slashed words, cut more words, eliminated some passive voice, cut a few more words, rearranged the order, added some words which were summarily cut and or moved, worried at the pricing, shared it with a couple friends (thanks guys!) listened to some advice ignored other advice, read it aloud, ran it through Sean's advice thread made sure it didn't have any of the "don't"s, reviewed the grammar, repeated some of those steps, changed the name a half dozen times and finally submitted.

Mostly it looks like it did even in those first moments just shinier. I'm very happy with the results even if I don't make The top 32. In fact I've never been calmer about releasing an item into the wild than I am this year.

[Taylor Hubler]

I listened, read, and learned all that I could three years ago. Since then I have created item after item for practice and asked for advice on the ones I liked the most. I also read feedback others received for their items.

Last year I had a list of ten items I was considering entering. This year I had an idea that hit hard and in an afternoon wrote it out. I then sat on it for a week, looking at it at least once a day. I showed it to a few friends, who helped me name it, and then I submitted it.

[IcedMik]

I always hesitate about items that let you cast a spell in different ways, getting around limitations of the spell, since I always worry it's begging a canny player to find the one spell that's broken without that limitation. That said, I found one such item that I really like. Its own limitations seem to stop major breakage, and has that certain special pathfinder flavor that I love.

[Nazard]

So far, I've entered this contest four times, and each time I've tried something somewhat different, on account of the differing bits of advice that have come in. My first year, I avoided the auto-reject pitfalls and got very close to making it (according to SKR), starting with a cinematic visual like mentioned above, and building an item around them. The item had several mechanical flaws and balance issues, and the advice was hugely helpful in avoiding those kinds of mistakes in the future. However, there were a few people among the peanut gallery not approving of the design space (an item that let you defend yourself when you are helpless or unconscious).

The next year, I followed the advice from one of the judges on starting with an item and building an item around that, so I made an atomizer than aerosolized potions, thinking I was being clever with the potion administration rules, but I screwed with action economy (NEVER SCREW WITH ACTION ECONOMY!!!). And again, the peanut gallery disapproved of the design space (how heroic is spritzing potions?).

Last year, I listened to the judges' advice that said that wondrous items should slightly break a rule of the game to be good, and entered an item that let a cleric swap out a single domain spell with an equal-leveled spell from another domain. Again, the peanut gallery hated the design space choices, accusing me of removing difficult choices by letting clerics swap domains whenever they feel like it (in my own defense, a lot of the people who criticized the item hadn't understood some of its basic functions, and I got confirmation from others that the language was quite clear and easily understood, so I think it suffered from TL;DR syndrome, since it pushed the 300 word limit, and people simply stopped reading it).

So far this year, looking through the raving thread, a lot of people dislike my choice of design space again (though obviously I'll say no more about it than that). My biggest challenge seems to be finding an item that deals with a design space that appeals to other players. After the top 32 are revealed, I'd love to start a thread where we can get together and discuss what areas of the game people absolutely do not want to see messed with, because no matter how well-balanced and well-written one's item is, if folks don't like your design space, they're already prejudiced against you.