The Official Unofficial Top 32 Guildhall

[Mikko Kallio]

John, thanks for the offer! All feedback is appreciated, especially when it's coming from someone with lots of experience in encounter design. :)

GM_Solspiral, thanks for the comments! If you don't mind, I'll send you a pm to discuss some things you mentioned and also about your 3pp?

[Jacob W. Michaels]

So anyone do anything for Valentine's Day? It's also my fiancee Laura's birthday, so I took the day off work and spent the afternoon cooking.

Started with French onion soup, then the main entree was barbecue spareribs, Brussels sprouts (her favorite) and sweet potato fries. We'll finish it off later tonight with a no-bake Nutella cheesecake.

[Rich Malena]

So much to reply to!

Thanks to John for an amazing offer of feedback. I'll certainly take an opportunity for some extra critique.

I would love to be part of a game, but these days I'd prefer a G+ hangout over a PBEM or a pbp. I see there's a lot of interested folks, so I'd be up for the conversation, but would have to see how it fits into my schedule.

To Jacob, we spend Valentine's day being intentionally unromantic. Last year was a heart shaped pizza and bad movies. The year before was bowling. Tonight will either be black light mini golf, or head out to whatever concert seems least appropriate!

[frank gori]

Mikko Kallio wrote:

GM_Solspiral, thanks for the comments! If you don't mind, I'll send you a pm to discuss some things you mentioned and also about your 3pp?

Feel free to PM me. I'm a small start up but we've got a few books under our belt with training wheel and we've ironed out the process to lose those suckers.

[Orcus Of Undeath]

After two weeks of exams I'm back. And what do I see? Jacob in the top 16.

I applaud you sir, as well as the rest of the people who made it to top 16 (I recognize some of you as well :) )

[Joseph Kellogg]

Tyler Beck wrote:

Yeah mine are also in my profile, but I'd be happy to contribute to a "database" of sorts. How's about I just make a Google Spreadsheet right now:

Share link for Contributor publications spreadsheet

Just post here or PM me with info on what you guys have published in the past, and I'll add it to the list (please include the name, publisher, and a link!)

A bit slow on the draw here. I don't have any RPG publications, but here's a list of some of my short stories:

Fare-Weather Friends (online)

"Billy O'Bannon's Time Travel Dating Service" (online)

Damnation and Dames anthology ("The Awakened Adventure of Rick Candle")

A Generous Scoop of Klataxian Spice Double Fudge Ripple

When Consumer Electronics Last in the Dooryard Bloomed (Issue 9)

[Jacob W. Michaels]

Speaking of publications, here's another contest that may be of interest to some of you, considering the quality of maps in this round.

I worked with Adventure a Week on my module and was really pleased with how it went. Certainly would recommend giving this a shot for anyone who's interested.

[cartmanbeck]

Joseph Kellogg wrote:

Tyler Beck wrote:

Yeah mine are also in my profile, but I'd be happy to contribute to a "database" of sorts. How's about I just make a Google Spreadsheet right now:

Share link for Contributor publications spreadsheet

Just post here or PM me with info on what you guys have published in the past, and I'll add it to the list (please include the name, publisher, and a link!)

A bit slow on the draw here. I don't have any RPG publications, but here's a list of some of my short stories:

Fare-Weather Friends (online)

"Billy O'Bannon's Time Travel Dating Service" (online)

Damnation and Dames anthology ("The Awakened Adventure of Rick Candle")

A Generous Scoop of Klataxian Spice Double Fudge Ripple

When Consumer Electronics Last in the Dooryard Bloomed (Issue 9)

I added your publications to the Google Spreadsheet, Joseph.

Who else has things they'd like me to add??

[Mike Kimmel]

Here's some links to products I wrote for LPJ Design:

as Michael R. Kimmel
as Mike Kimmel

Also, I just purchased my badge for PaizoCon 2014! Hope to see many of you folks there. We should make plans to game together.

[Clay Clouser]

Anyone else going to Gencon this year?

[Tripp Elliott]

Ixxix wrote:

Anyone else going to Gencon this year?

Sure am. I'll play a bunch of PFS there, mostly with my home group, but in some slots I'll play a pickup table. I'd love to play with some folks!

[Mikko Kallio]

I've sadly yet to publish any RPG related material. I've written lots of homebrew stuff and adventures though. I've designed a number of games (for no profit), a few of which have actually gained something of a following on GitP and other sites.

I've also published dozens upon dozens upon dozens of user manuals and other "information products" of a more technical nature. They have surprisingly much in common with RPG design. Clarity, conciseness, consistency, etc. are virtues in both fields. More recently I've been working with information architectures and information design, both of which involve the art/science/magic of keeping sets of information modules organized and maximize their utility for the reader/user.

And I know quite a bit about PDF and print publishing, layouts, etc. I've also worked with illustrators in many projects, which I guess isn't all that different from working with cartographers. And quite often, I have to design and edit pictures myself. I think a lot of things that make technical drawings clear and easy to figure out also apply to maps.

So yeah, I'm a professional writer and designer, just in a slightly different field. :)

If you guys are starting a PbP, I'll certainly join. I'd love to go to Gencon or some of the other bigger RPG conventions you have in the US, but not sure if I'll be able to travel since I'd prefer a longer stay than just a weekend, but I may not be able to take a longer leave. But I'll consider, especially if I make the top 4. :)

[Andrew Marlowe]

Ixxix wrote:

Anyone else going to Gencon this year?

Yeah. I'm going to GenCon I'll be there the whole con. Which for me is a first I usually only make it up for the weekend and last year we only went for Saturday.

[Andrew Marlowe]

As for PbP count me interested as well. I'd prefer to open the game to content beyond PFS but it's not make or break.

[Tripp Elliott]

Andrew Marlowe wrote:

Ixxix wrote:

Anyone else going to Gencon this year?

Yeah. I'm going to GenCon I'll be there the whole con. Which for me is a first I usually only make it up for the weekend and last year we only went for Saturday.

Love to break out my "Paladin of Asmodeus" character and play some PFS with people at GenCon!

[Adam Daigle]

To inject further stress to some and to alleviate stress in others, I'm gonna deliver some vague statistics.
I apologize to those affected with the negative aspects.

When the Top 16 Encounters were revealed and voting began on Tuesday, that evening the top four were counted.

****

The difference between the 4th and 5th was 8 votes.

Friday, the difference between the 4th and 5th was 14 votes.

Saturday, the difference between the 4th and 5th was 18 votes.

I find it interesting and strange that the leaders get locked in early. I've never been this behind-the-scenes before, so it's interesting to see the same results Sean has mentioned before. I'm curious of these patterns that don't break when more votes are applied. This is especially valuable, because it helps me realize more of what the core fan base is after.

[Mikko Kallio]

Thanks for the statistics! It's surprising that people are able to decide so quickly, considering that there are 16 entries, most of which are over 1400 words long. Kudos to our eager voters!

Tripp, I'm curious, how did you build your "paladin of Asmodeus"? :) I remember there was some discussion about the Council of Thieves and a later retcon that removed them from Golarion lore, but I find the idea very compelling. Though I know what James Jacobs thinks about it... :D

[cartmanbeck]

Adam Daigle wrote:

To inject further stress to some and to alleviate stress in others, I'm gonna deliver some vague statistics.

I apologize to those affected with the negative aspects.

When the Top 16 Encounters were revealed and voting began on Tuesday, that evening the top four were counted.

****

The difference between the 4th and 5th was 8 votes.

Friday, the difference between the 4th and 5th was 14 votes.

Saturday, the difference between the 4th and 5th was 18 votes.

I find it interesting and strange that the leaders get locked in early. I've never been this behind-the-scenes before, so it's interesting to see the same results Sean has mentioned before. I'm curious of these patterns that don't break when more votes are applied. This is especially valuable, because it helps me realize more of what the core fan base is after.

My theory on why the top four get locked in so early: I had one friend message me after I posted a link to the voting. He said that he only skimmed each of the entries, and if the judges gave the entry three negative votes, he just closed the window. Then he said "I came across yours and almost did the same. Tough luck, man."

I think the judges' comments really make a HUGE difference in where the votes go, if my buddy was any indication of how a portion of voters make their decisions.

[Tripp Elliott]

Mikko Kallio wrote:

Tripp, I'm curious, how did you build your "paladin of Asmodeus"? :) I remember there was some discussion about the Council of Thieves and a later retcon that removed them from Golarion lore, but I find the idea very compelling. Though I know what James Jacobs thinks about it... :D

Mikko, check out my Milton Smithson alias, I have his statblock posted there. I had a picture of Milton drawn up as well that I'd love to show you, but alas, no place to post it. Drop me your email if you'd like me to send you Milton's picture.

I've mentioned him in other threads, but when I was starting him, here is the thread where I fished for ideas.

[Joseph Kellogg]

I'll be going to GenCon as well, with my brother Jiggy. And I might be up for a PbP, but last year's Top 32 PbP didn't get very far.

[Christopher Wasko]

Tyler Beck wrote:

Adam Daigle wrote:

To inject further stress to some and to alleviate stress in others, I'm gonna deliver some vague statistics.

I apologize to those affected with the negative aspects.

When the Top 16 Encounters were revealed and voting began on Tuesday, that evening the top four were counted.

****

The difference between the 4th and 5th was 8 votes.

Friday, the difference between the 4th and 5th was 14 votes.

Saturday, the difference between the 4th and 5th was 18 votes.

I find it interesting and strange that the leaders get locked in early. I've never been this behind-the-scenes before, so it's interesting to see the same results Sean has mentioned before. I'm curious of these patterns that don't break when more votes are applied. This is especially valuable, because it helps me realize more of what the core fan base is after.

My theory on why the top four get locked in so early: I had one friend message me after I posted a link to the voting. He said that he only skimmed each of the entries, and if the judges gave the entry three negative votes, he just closed the window. Then he said "I came across yours and almost did the same. Tough luck, man."

I think the judges' comments really make a HUGE difference in where the votes go, if my buddy was any indication of how a portion of voters make their decisions.

I completely agree, especially concerning lengthy submissions such as monsters and encounters. As a voter with a busy life of my own, why should I sift through sixteen 1,500 word entries if I can just scroll down to the recommendations of the professionals and go with that? Having followed the contest for a while, I've always found Sean K Reynolds's judging to be the most effective: general comments about what works and what doesn't work for the entry without vocally recommending or not recommending. It gives great insight into good design practice and what goes through a designer's head, but it still calls upon the voters to do their homework and read each entry to decide whether they do or do not like it for their own reasons or those identified by the professionals.

[Mikko Kallio]

Tripp Elliott wrote:

Mikko Kallio wrote:

Tripp, I'm curious, how did you build your "paladin of Asmodeus"? :) I remember there was some discussion about the Council of Thieves and a later retcon that removed them from Golarion lore, but I find the idea very compelling. Though I know what James Jacobs thinks about it... :D

Mikko, check out my Milton Smithson alias, I have his statblock posted there. I had a picture of Milton drawn up as well that I'd love to show you, but alas, no place to post it. Drop me your email if you'd like me to send you Milton's picture.

I've mentioned him in other threads, but when I was starting him, here is the thread where I fished for ideas.

Thanks for the link! I checked out the statblock -- I think that's an excellent way to build this type of character. Inquisitors do indeed have a lot of paladin-like abilities but it's a more flexible class so it fits this concept perfectly. The ilfiltrator archetype + misdirection sp is a nice touch. I'll definitely be re-using this concept, sooner or later.

[Emmanuel Greene]

Tyler Beck wrote:

Adam Daigle wrote:

To inject further stress to some and to alleviate stress in others, I'm gonna deliver some vague statistics.

I apologize to those affected with the negative aspects.

When the Top 16 Encounters were revealed and voting began on Tuesday, that evening the top four were counted.

****

The difference between the 4th and 5th was 8 votes.

Friday, the difference between the 4th and 5th was 14 votes.

Saturday, the difference between the 4th and 5th was 18 votes.

I find it interesting and strange that the leaders get locked in early. I've never been this behind-the-scenes before, so it's interesting to see the same results Sean has mentioned before. I'm curious of these patterns that don't break when more votes are applied. This is especially valuable, because it helps me realize more of what the core fan base is after.

My theory on why the top four get locked in so early: I had one friend message me after I posted a link to the voting. He said that he only skimmed each of the entries, and if the judges gave the entry three negative votes, he just closed the window. Then he said "I came across yours and almost did the same. Tough luck, man."

I think the judges' comments really make a HUGE difference in where the votes go, if my buddy was any indication of how a portion of voters make their decisions.

I think you're probably right. I also think the judges' comments make a bigger difference when there are 16 entries as opposed to only eight. It takes a really dedicated fan to read through all 16 entries and make up their own mind!

[Christopher Wasko]

Christopher Wasko wrote:

Tyler Beck wrote:

Adam Daigle wrote:

To inject further stress to some and to alleviate stress in others, I'm gonna deliver some vague statistics.

I apologize to those affected with the negative aspects.

When the Top 16 Encounters were revealed and voting began on Tuesday, that evening the top four were counted.

****

The difference between the 4th and 5th was 8 votes.

Friday, the difference between the 4th and 5th was 14 votes.

Saturday, the difference between the 4th and 5th was 18 votes.

I find it interesting and strange that the leaders get locked in early. I've never been this behind-the-scenes before, so it's interesting to see the same results Sean has mentioned before. I'm curious of these patterns that don't break when more votes are applied. This is especially valuable, because it helps me realize more of what the core fan base is after.

My theory on why the top four get locked in so early: I had one friend message me after I posted a link to the voting. He said that he only skimmed each of the entries, and if the judges gave the entry three negative votes, he just closed the window. Then he said "I came across yours and almost did the same. Tough luck, man."

I think the judges' comments really make a HUGE difference in where the votes go, if my buddy was any indication of how a portion of voters make their decisions.

I completely agree, especially concerning lengthy submissions such as monsters and encounters. As a voter with a busy life of my own, why should I sift through sixteen 1,500 word entries if I can just scroll down to the recommendations of the professionals and go with that? Having followed the contest for a while, I've always found Sean K Reynolds's judging to be the most effective: general comments about what works and what doesn't work for the entry without vocally recommending or not recommending. It gives great insight into good design practice and what goes through a designer's head, but it still calls upon the voters to do...

Of course, this might also be by design, since the judges are all Paizo staff and they want their say in what they're going to have to publish, which is quite understandable from a marketing perspective. I've just always had issues with the recommend/don't recommend system, since one of my education theses was on how to most effectively use competition for pedagogical purposes, and this method doesn't really fit the bill, I'm afraid :(

[Robert Brookes]

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who used a disir in their encounter! It is very flattering and makes me proud to see my weird little Norse kami being all tragic! :)

[Brian Duckwitz]

Ixxix wrote:

Anyone else going to Gencon this year?

I'll be there for sure.

How about GaryCon in March? Anyone headed there? It's wonderful!

[Tripp Elliott]

Robert Brookes wrote:

I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who used a disir in their encounter! It is very flattering and makes me proud to see my weird little Norse kami being all tragic! :)

Likewise for the two that used the grymp!

[Jacob W. Michaels]

A couple minutes to go. John's PM inbox should be filling up in 3-2-1...

[Tripp Elliott]

Voting is over for round 3. Ok, great job all. My picks are Mikko, Mike, and Victoria. I'm conflicted on the fourth, but there are some good ones in there.

Safe to say I'm not advancing, but I've enjoyed this immensely, and I wish whoever advances the best of luck.

[cartmanbeck]

Same from me as from Tripp. I really enjoyed the ride, and I would like to wish good luck to the four that do continue on. Keep me informed about the PbP, guys!

[Rich Malena]

Jacob W. Michaels wrote:

A couple minutes to go. John's PM inbox should be filling up in 3-2-1...

I need to work on some changes sometime this week before I look for more feedback. I told myself before the Top 32 was ever announced that I would complete every round alongside the competition, including the module pitch. Never did I think I'd actually be submitting almost all of them! So as soon as I finish up my first module draft tomorrow, I can spend some time on encounters again!

[Rich Malena]

Also, good luck to the final four! You've all made this a competition that I've been proud to be a part of. I'll definitely be in for a meetup at PaizoCon!

[Mike Kimmel]

Rich Malena wrote:

I'll definitely be in for a meetup at PaizoCon!

See you there!

Tripp Elliott wrote:

My picks are Mikko, Mike, and Victoria.

Thanks Tripp!

Nice work everybody. There are several encounters this round that I'm sure I'll use in a game someday, and I count myself lucky to be in the ranks of such an excellent group of writers. You rock!

[Mikko Kallio]

Less than 8 hours left...

[Robert Brookes]

3 hours!

I say this every time, but-- I am so bloody nervous!

[Jacob W. Michaels]

I was doing pretty well until I just read that, Robert. :)

I find my nerves start getting bad for me as I drive to work around 3:30 p.m. (Eastern), and then I'm just next to useless for the first 90 minutes of work. And I just realized that if I do advance, I'll be on an airplane flying home from California when the module pitches are revealed -- that's going to be the longest flight ever, but I suppose fear about Superstar could distract me from my fear of flying.

[Robert Brookes]

Yeah, I'm in my office until 5:00 but I usually hang around on reveal days to see who advanced. During the hour and a half leading up to 5:00 I'm pretty much obsessed with thinking about RPGSS.

[Joseph Kellogg]

We who are about to die salute you!

[Tripp Elliott]

Joseph Kellogg wrote:

We who are about to die salute you!

That's old school dude! Not at all how AC/DC has interpreted it!

As for being nervous, nope, no nerves. Accepting the finality of my run this year is pretty easy.

Four of you will need to carry the torch for the other 12, and I'm in the 12, this much is certain.

So press on, you fearless four, press on and show them what the Class of 2014 can do!

[Jacob W. Michaels]

Oooh, exciting. The upcoming project I contributed to that I wasn't able to talk about was released today: Treasury of the Sands from Jon Brazer Enterprises!

I contributed a couple items but there are also lots of other Superstar contributions inside, with items from Jacob 3, Joel Flank, Scott Janke, Maurice De Mare, Sean McGowan and Marie Small that I recognize (a couple other names look familiar, but I can't remember if I know them from Superstar; sorry!).

[Andrew Marlowe]

Jacob W. Michaels wrote:

Oooh, exciting. The upcoming project I contributed to that I wasn't able to talk about was released today: Treasury of the Sands from Jon Brazer Enterprises!

I contributed a couple items but there are also lots of other Superstar contributions inside, with items from Jacob 3, Joel Flank, Scott Janke, Maurice De Mare, Sean McGowan and Marie Small that I recognize (a couple other names look familiar, but I can't remember if I know them from Superstar; sorry!).

Congrats! To you and all who contributed.

[Tripp Elliott]

Jacob W. Michaels wrote:

Oooh, exciting. The upcoming project I contributed to that I wasn't able to talk about was released today: Treasury of the Sands from Jon Brazer Enterprises!

I contributed a couple items but there are also lots of other Superstar contributions inside, with items from Jacob 3, Joel Flank, Scott Janke, Maurice De Mare, Sean McGowan and Marie Small that I recognize (a couple other names look familiar, but I can't remember if I know them from Superstar; sorry!).

That's awesome dude, congrats!

[Victoria Jaczko]

About to head out on errands, so I'll see the reveal later.

(I asked my husband to get the baby dressed. Little bit later, he comes to me:

Him: There, he looks like a little person now.

Me: ... He IS a little person.

Him: I mean like a little... human... person.

Me: What is he normally? A goblin?)

On that note, enjoy the nail-biting countdown, guys. :)

[Tripp Elliott]

Victoria Jaczko wrote:

About to head out on errands, so I'll see the reveal later.

(I asked my husband to get the baby dressed. Little bit later, he comes to me:

Him: There, he looks like a little person now.

Me: ... He IS a little person.

Him: I mean like a little... human... person.

Me: What is he normally? A goblin?)

On that note, enjoy the nail-biting countdown, guys. :)

I have pictures of my little man in one of these.

My wife didn't get it, but my gaming buddies loved it!

[Jacob W. Michaels]

Congrats to the Top Four. Looking forward to seeing your module pitches.

[Emmanuel Greene]

Congratulations to the top 4! I'm sad that I'm not a part of that illustrious group (until next year, anyway), but I think you all have done a fantastic job!

[Mikael Sebag]

Congratulations to the Top 4!

I'm very glad to see the strongest among us rise to their rightful place in the final round.

Now go start writing if you haven't begun already!

[Christopher Wasko]

Wow, what a run. Naturally I'm bummed but I can't even say I'm disappointed. Four exceptional designers with excellent track records and bright futures ahead of them! Though I may not have any right to say so, I'm very proud of you folks and all you've accomplished, and I wish you each the very best of luck!

As for me, time to go back to the drawing board with everything I've learned this year so I can come back swinging in 2015! Looking forward to seeing you all again then!

[Tripp Elliott]

Great job you guys! Tear it up in the Module round!

[Joseph Kellogg]

Congrats to everyone who made it!