The Official Unofficial Top 32 Guildhall

[Christopher Wasko]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my first pup a couple months ago, and I'm still not 100% over it. Lots of love.

[Eric Hindley]

Anthony Adam wrote:

Hi all, Im going quiet and forum free for a few days. Please bear with me as I will be back to finish the reviews in a few days. My wonderful, gentle loving Teddy has passed at 16.

I remember the day he joined our family, wandering his new garden, yet never straying far from my feet. This amazing border collie poodle cross breed remained there for these last 16 years, my constant companion.

I am devastated right now, so just need a few days. If you PM me or email on my review circle, you won't get an immediate reply, i'm not ignoring you, i just need some time is all.

Condolences, Anthony.

[Anthony Adam]

Quicksilver gloves review is up.

Ironmorph Dust, (the half way point!) is next :)

[Mikko Kallio]

Belated condolences, Anthony. Glad to see you're back on the boards.

---

Whew, almost finished. A final round of checking and proofreading may begin! This round has been much less stressful for me than the previous one. I don't have quite as many nearly crippling self-doubts this time. Chopping off words has also been much less painful for some reason. :)

Also, I got email from Tozando in Kyoto, Japan that my order has shipped. My new sword, in other words. :P This is a glorious day. :D

[Anthony Adam]

Thanks for the kind words everyone, only now am I able to respond without tearing up. The house is very strange feeling at the moment - an empty, cold quiet at night times.

I have to keep soldiering on though, so am burying myself in as many distractions as I can - thank god for Superstar.

And the half way point is reached, Ironmorph Dust is up, one of the highest scoring reviews thus far...

Murktouch Cloak, you're next :)

I also noticed just now that there are 34 item threads in the round 1 forum section, so I will have a look at the two extra items as well - so if they are your items, you will get some feedback ;)

[Anthony Adam]

Murktouch Cloak review is now up.

Bosun's Call is next in line.

[Anthony Adam]

In the cut-to style of the blog, sharing for you finalists to enjoy - is the very, very, very early bones of what I was thinking of way back before Round 1 reveal (edited quite a bit since SKR's announcement... you might be able to spot the subtle(?) changes... :P)

The nation of customers rise up and take action...
[cut to Sean pulling up short at a misty threshold discovered on trying to exit the Paizo offices... It seems the Paizo offices have been mass teleported into a recently rediscovered fabled floating lost city of Golarion. A nation of customers flying Roc back to encircle the offices to ensure there is no escape for their greatest lore man. They shall not rest until he has enough Pathfinder freelance work for the next 50 years (about 20 full APs, 100 modules and companions and 30 novels should suffice as a starting point ;P)]

Yeah, my urban pitch would have been based on the lost floating cities of Golarion, would have had a Roc back flight, diplomacy and intrigue, negotiations to stop inter city war, set political boundaries and reestablish trade, finding a way to anchor the city rather than allowing it to wander away again (and that was just my brain dump list, so likely more would have been added).

[Tripp Elliott]

Anthony Adam wrote:

Murktouch Cloak review is now up.

Bosun's Call is next in line.

Be gentle, I have a fragile ego.

[Anthony Adam]

And Bosun's Call has whistled by :P ( Template Fu wasn't too gentle - it was the first Top 32 Template dinner for him ;), and he was very hungry! )

Next up... Horned Helm of the Wild Stag

[Robert Brookes]

So, my entry is submitted. Is anyone else still tinkering on their way to the deadline?

[Robert Brookes]

Also, if it isn't in violation of the contest rules, I think it'd be fun if we each shared one-sentence teasers about our modules after submissions close on Friday.

[Mikko Kallio]

Robert, I really like your idea about teasers, but I'm afraid it's strictly against the rules.

However, if we could persuade Sean to make an official exception to the rule... :P

I'm planning to submit mine within a few hours. :)

[Mike Kimmel]

It would be pretty cool if Paizo shared teasers, but I wouldn't think we're allowed to.

I'll also submit mine today, as soon as I'm done checking all the formatting. The wait until Tuesday will be excruciating!

[Jacob W. Michaels]

Actually, I don't think it *is* against the rules if you were just to say, for example, WHERE your modules were set (though of course, I wouldn't take the chance).

The rules say you're not allowed to elaborate on your submission, but saying "My module's set in Corentyn and features a gnomish pirate attack!" isn't elaborating on your submission and should be fine.

That said, I still wouldn't risk it if I were in your shoes. :)

Either way, I'm off to California until Tuesday. Looking forward to seeing the pitches when I get back. I think I'm due to land at about 5 p.m., so it's going to be a long drive home from the airport wondering what you've got. I'm hoping they'll all be good enough that I'll actually say "Boy, I'm glad I didn't make the Top 4, since I wouldn't have won against that great idea."

[Mikko Kallio]

Well, Sean's email about the short pitch we all sent to JJ before R3 started stated that the pitch is secret, don't show it to anybody, or something to that effect. So I'm sure we're not allowed to say which location we picked.

[Robert Brookes]

I was thinking more vague. Like if your adventure was set in Andoran and involved finding ancient Andoran artifacts and a demonic possession in a remote cabin you'd say: It's like National Treasure meets Evil Dead.

Which, in hindsight, I'd play.

[Mike Kimmel]

Robert Brookes wrote:

Which, in hindsight, I'd play.

Count me in!

[Tripp Elliott]

Anthony Adam wrote:

And Bosun's Call has whistled by :P ( Template Fu wasn't too gentle - it was the first Top 32 Template dinner for him ;), and he was very hungry! )

Next up... Horned Helm of the Wild Stag

Thanks Anthony. I'm guessing that you're not a sailor, and are unaware of who the bosun is? That his whistle is called a Bosun's call? That they are pretty much what I described? Used to call the crew to quarters, etc? I tried mimicking much of what the real whistle does aboard ship, as well as ad more game mechanics. Anyways, thanks for the review!

[Mike Kimmel]

Submission is in!

Mikko, Robert, Victoria, it's been a pleasure. I look forward to reading your module proposals on Tuesday!

[Tripp Elliott]

I too am looking forward to seeing them. Finally a round in which I can actually post on the boards during voting!!

[Mikko Kallio]

It's done! The worst is over now. :)

Though I know I'll be missing the excitement very soon.

Mike, my nemesis with eerily similar name and track record, thank you. :) It's been a pleasure to compete with you, Robert and Victoria! (And everyone in the top 16, top 32, top 100 and everyone who entered. :) )

I hope to see you all in Gen Con (if I make it there)!

(And now my workday shall begin, after which I'll go on a cruise to Sweden, woohoo, a well-deserved 2-day vacation!)

THANK YOU!

[Anthony Adam]

Tripp Elliott wrote:

Anthony Adam wrote:

And Bosun's Call has whistled by :P ( Template Fu wasn't too gentle - it was the first Top 32 Template dinner for him ;), and he was very hungry! )

Next up... Horned Helm of the Wild Stag

Thanks Anthony. I'm guessing that you're not a sailor, and are unaware of who the bosun is? That his whistle is called a Bosun's call? That they are pretty much what I described? Used to call the crew to quarters, etc? I tried mimicking much of what the real whistle does aboard ship, as well as ad more game mechanics. Anyways, thanks for the review!

Grin - heh heh, your feedback is good advice to yourself - try to avoid assuming knowledge of the reader if you can :P

[Tripp Elliott]

Anthony Adam wrote:

Tripp Elliott wrote:

Anthony Adam wrote:

And Bosun's Call has whistled by :P ( Template Fu wasn't too gentle - it was the first Top 32 Template dinner for him ;), and he was very hungry! )

Next up... Horned Helm of the Wild Stag

Thanks Anthony. I'm guessing that you're not a sailor, and are unaware of who the bosun is? That his whistle is called a Bosun's call? That they are pretty much what I described? Used to call the crew to quarters, etc? I tried mimicking much of what the real whistle does aboard ship, as well as ad more game mechanics. Anyways, thanks for the review!

Grin - heh heh, your feedback is good advice to yourself - try to avoid assuming knowledge of the reader if you can :P

Haha, yes, your point is well made!

[Tripp Elliott]

Mikko Kallio wrote:

It's done! The worst is over now. :)

Though I know I'll be missing the excitement very soon.

Mike, my nemesis with eerily similar name and track record, thank you. :) It's been a pleasure to compete with you, Robert and Victoria! (And everyone in the top 16, top 32, top 100 and everyone who entered. :) )

I hope to see you all in Gen Con (if I make it there)!

(And now my workday shall begin, after which I'll go on a cruise to Sweden, woohoo, a well-deserved 2-day vacation!)

THANK YOU!

I'll be at GenCon, if you're coming, definitely let's meet.

[Anthony Adam]

A good week this week for my reviewing, well over half way now. :D

Horned Helm of the Wild Stag is up.

Bog Boots are next under the Fu microscope...

[Mike Kimmel]

Mikko Kallio wrote:

Mike, my nemesis with eerily similar name and track record, thank you. :)

Even our voter tags are the same!

[Robert Brookes]

And I've never seen either of you in the same place before...

My god. Mike/Mikko is BATMAN. D:

[Anthony Adam]

Robert Brookes wrote:

And I've never seen either of you in the same place before...

My god. Mike/Mikko is BATMAN. D:

Or Bruce Banner and Hulk

Or Donald Blake and Thor
Or Peter Parker and Spiderman
Or Clark Kent and Superman

The tricky part is working out which is which :P

[Tripp Elliott]

Diana Prince and Wonder Woman?

[Tripp Elliott]

Anthony Adam wrote:

Stuff

Anthony,

Upon further review, I may have violated Wheaton's Law.

I apologize profusely.

[Mike Kimmel]

A little while back, Adam Daigle said...

Adam Daigle wrote:

Another thing that can be super helpful is becoming friends with other freelancers. When I first started freelancing I was lucky enough to have a few friends that were already doing it, and then I got invited into a freelancers guild called the WereCabbages. Having a group of people to review work, act as fresh eyes, be sanity-checkers, and just the pool of experience was absolutely one of the most helpful things I could have ever had. A lot of our freelancers are friendly with one another and bounce things off each other pretty often. I always encourage that kind of shared learning.

I like the idea of having what I'll call a "critical freelance group." Any fellow freelancers interested in starting a group like that? Maybe on a private web forum or Google group?

[Victoria Jaczko]

If my noobishness can be tolerated, I'd sure be interested, Mike.

My entry is in, last of the lot, but not as down-to-the-wire as usual. My week took an unexpected turn courtesy of the worst-timed stomach virus, and now I look forward to taking a nap, finding my kids, and deciding whether or not to call the laundry that's been sitting in the washer for three days a total loss. (Would rather be on that 2-day cruise!)

Mike, Robert, Mikko, I'm looking forward to seeing your entries and rooting for all three of you. Don't care if that's possible or not.

Anthony, I'm late in offering my condolences for your sweet pup, but you have them.

Don't know what else I've missed between feverishly working and just... being feverish, but I'll catch up as I can.

[Mike Kimmel]

Victoria Jaczko wrote:

If my noobishness can be tolerated, I'd sure be interested, Mike.

Of course!

[Anthony Adam]

Mike Kimmel wrote:

A little while back, Adam Daigle said...

Adam Daigle wrote:

Another thing that can be super helpful is becoming friends with other freelancers. When I first started freelancing I was lucky enough to have a few friends that were already doing it, and then I got invited into a freelancers guild called the WereCabbages. Having a group of people to review work, act as fresh eyes, be sanity-checkers, and just the pool of experience was absolutely one of the most helpful things I could have ever had. A lot of our freelancers are friendly with one another and bounce things off each other pretty often. I always encourage that kind of shared learning.

I like the idea of having what I'll call a "critical freelance group." Any fellow freelancers interested in starting a group like that? Maybe on a private web forum or Google group?

Template Fu is available to anyone who PMs me, whether freelancer, top 32/100 or regular contestant. PM me with your email address and i will mail it with mine.

[Anthony Adam]

Tripp Elliott wrote:

Anthony Adam wrote:

Stuff

Anthony,

Upon further review, I may have violated Wheaton's Law.

I apologize profusely.

Lol, I thought of wonder woman too but noticed the entrants concerned were not the correct gender.

[Andrew Marlowe]

Victoria Jaczko wrote:

If my noobishness can be tolerated, I'd sure be interested, Mike.

Mike Kimmel wrote:

Of course!

I'd be interested too.

[Mikael Sebag]

Adam Daigle wrote:

I like the idea of having what I'll call a "critical freelance group." Any fellow freelancers interested in starting a group like that? Maybe on a private web forum or Google group?

If Top 16ers are allowed in, I'd definitely be interested. :)

Also, SO SO JAZZED about seeing the Top 4 entries and for (eventually) getting Template Fu'd.

Mmmm...fu'd...

[Mike Kimmel]

Mikael Sebag wrote:

If Top 16ers are allowed in, I'd definitely be interested. :)

The offer is intended for anyone who is (or would like to be) a freelance Pathfinder writer. Presumably that's you! :)

I am hoping that such a group would be a place for freelancers to network in addition to getting advice and critiques.

[Mikael Sebag]

Mike Kimmel wrote:

The offer is intended for anyone who is (or would like to be) a freelance Pathfinder writer. Presumably that's you! :)

I am hoping that such a group would be a place for freelancers to network in addition to getting advice and critiques.

I initially read your response as saying that "such a group would be a palace for freelancers..." You can imagine my current disappointment. ;)

Sounds perfect, keep us posted!

[Jacob Trier]

Mike Kimmel wrote:

Mikael Sebag wrote:

If Top 16ers are allowed in, I'd definitely be interested. :)

The offer is intended for anyone who is (or would like to be) a freelance Pathfinder writer. Presumably that's you! :)

I am hoping that such a group would be a place for freelancers to network in addition to getting advice and critiques.

I'm interested.

[Mikko Kallio]

Anthony Adam wrote:

Tripp Elliott wrote:

Anthony Adam wrote:

Stuff

Anthony,

Upon further review, I may have violated Wheaton's Law.

I apologize profusely.

Lol, I thought of wonder woman too but noticed the entrants concerned were not the correct gender.

Haha yeah, don't let the avatar fool you. Though "Iomedae by day, black dragon" at night would be an interesting variation on the secret identity theme. :D

If I do make it to GenCon (still very uncertain), we can prove we're actually two different persons. (Though Batman, Spiderman, etc. have used this trick so many times that it probably won't convince anyone.)

Anyway, the critical freelance group sounds like a very good idea. I'll definitely join.

Victoria, get well soon!

[James Casey]

If/when we play our PBP post RPGSS I respectfully request we do a mythoc campaign if others are open.

[Mike Kimmel]

James Casey wrote:

If/when we play our PBP post RPGSS I respectfully request we do a mythoc campaign if others are open.

I'd be up for running a mythic game. Sometime soon after the contest is over I'll start a thread for discussing the game and making characters.

I was thinking it would be cool (and appropriate!) to play a former RPGSS winner's module, but I'm open to ideas.

[James Casey]

Mike Kimmel wrote:

James Casey wrote:

If/when we play our PBP post RPGSS I respectfully request we do a mythoc campaign if others are open.

I'd be up for running a mythic game. Sometime soon after the contest is over I'll start a thread for discussing the game and making characters.

I was thinking it would be cool (and appropriate!) to play a former RPGSS winner's module, but I'm open to ideas.

Awesome! And I think it would be a great idea to play a former RPGSS adventure!

[Kalervo Oikarinen]

I'm interested in the freelance group as well.

[Jacob W. Michaels]

Add me to the list of those interested in the group. I've found my critique circle invaluable.

Also I'd say don't forget the Blazing Nine thread, which will begin soon and is a very useful Superstar-oriented practice thread/critique circle.

[Jacob Trier]

Regarding PbP: I'm in the final stages of my Realm of the Fellnight Queen PbP (note - this being a PbP, the actual end may easily be months away). Once it is done, I plan on starting up a homebrew game and use it to hone my design skills.

I'll be sure to post a link to the recruitment thread here and in the new Freelance Forge cummunity, and give preference to anyone with a RPG Superstar tag, including alternates, Marathon and Champion voters and MVPs.

[Mike Kimmel]

Invites to the "Freelance Forge" forums are out to everyone who has voiced interest. (Let me know if I missed you.) The community is in its early stages right now, with only a few members. If you are a current or former RPG Superstar contestant and you're interested in checking it out, please let me know.

[Adam Daigle]

It's cool that y'all are setting up a group. I hope it's helpful for everyone involved!

[Christopher Wasko]

Agreed! I'm definitely interested!