The Official Unofficial Top 32 Guildhall

[Joseph Kellogg]

So, everybody's hard at work on their encounters? I've got a couple I'm excited about, and just finished up an NPC stat block.

[Tyler Beck]

Joseph Kellogg wrote:

So, everybody's hard at work on their encounters? I've got a couple I'm excited about, and just finished up an NPC stat block.

Joseph,

If you look at last year's rules for it, they didn't really allow for full stat blocks. Last year's rules
It seems we can really only do short-hand stuff like this:

3 goblins CR 1/3
XP 135 each
hp 6 each (Bestiary XX)

Unless I'm reading something completely incorrectly...
Especially given this line in rule #3: "Do not use customized monsters or hazards that do not already have a stat block from a Paizo source if the effects of the variation cannot be summed up by adding one line to the stat block (such as a half-fiend troll, a goblin rogue 5, or an advanced spectre)—normally you would include a complete stat block for such a monster, and you won't have room to do so within the 1,500 word limit for your entry."

[Joseph Kellogg]

Tyler Beck wrote:

Joseph Kellogg wrote:

So, everybody's hard at work on their encounters? I've got a couple I'm excited about, and just finished up an NPC stat block.

Joseph,

If you look at last year's rules for it, they didn't really allow for full stat blocks. Last year's rules
It seems we can really only do short-hand stuff like this:

3 goblins CR 1/3
XP 135 each
hp 6 each (Bestiary XX)

Unless I'm reading something completely incorrectly...
Especially given this line in rule #3: "Do not use customized monsters or hazards that do not already have a stat block from a Paizo source if the effects of the variation cannot be summed up by adding one line to the stat block (such as a half-fiend troll, a goblin rogue 5, or an advanced spectre)—normally you would include a complete stat block for such a monster, and you won't have room to do so within the 1,500 word limit for your entry."

Well, I, uh... meant I was just doing it for fun, of course!

[Jacob W. Michaels]

LOL. Because what's more fun than making up a stat block you can't use? :)

My problem is it's too fricking cold to walk the dog, which is when I like to really dig deep a lot of my designs. I took a quick stroll around the block this morning and my fingers went numb! I don't know how you deal with it in Minnesota, Andrew A.

That said, I just took a bath to warm up, and think I've got some good stuff to get down on "paper." Just taking a quick look at the boards and then back to the grind.

[Anthony Adam]

Jacob W. Michaels wrote:

LOL. Because what's more fun than making up a stat block you can't use? :)

My problem is it's too fricking cold to walk the dog, which is when I like to really dig deep a lot of my designs. I took a quick stroll around the block this morning and my fingers went numb! I don't know how you deal with it in Minnesota, Andrew A.

That said, I just took a bath to warm up, and think I've got some good stuff to get down on "paper." Just taking a quick look at the boards and then back to the grind.

You designing on steamy windows again? grin.

[Jacob Trier]

He obviously means toilet paper, Anthony.

[Tyler Beck]

Joseph Kellogg wrote:

Tyler Beck wrote:

Joseph Kellogg wrote:

So, everybody's hard at work on their encounters? I've got a couple I'm excited about, and just finished up an NPC stat block.

Joseph,

If you look at last year's rules for it, they didn't really allow for full stat blocks. Last year's rules
It seems we can really only do short-hand stuff like this:

3 goblins CR 1/3
XP 135 each
hp 6 each (Bestiary XX)

Unless I'm reading something completely incorrectly...
Especially given this line in rule #3: "Do not use customized monsters or hazards that do not already have a stat block from a Paizo source if the effects of the variation cannot be summed up by adding one line to the stat block (such as a half-fiend troll, a goblin rogue 5, or an advanced spectre)—normally you would include a complete stat block for such a monster, and you won't have room to do so within the 1,500 word limit for your entry."

Well, I, uh... meant I was just doing it for fun, of course!

:) Just wanna make sure we're all doing it right, cuz I don't want to see anyone else DQ'd... that would be terrible. I think we've all done an excellent job so far, and I look forward to seeing who makes it through this round!

[gmpathfinder]

James R. Casey wrote:

I wonder what happened to Brian. I hope it was nothing serious.

Thank you.

I had a series of bad luck last week which led to me making final revisions at the last minute. I had copied over a change and left off an important line of my entry- which if added would have put me over the limit by two words. So I'm greatly disappointed with myself for missing the error and being disqualified.

Nevertheless, I want to wish all of the contestants luck on the next round. Now that I'm no longer a threat, if anyone needs to bounce ideas off someone or anything, please feel free to PM me.

The best thing I can do is try to help others. (link)

In the meantime, I'll be starting next years entry!

[Tyler Beck]

I've hit refresh way too many times today. I need the rules!

[Andrew Marlowe]

I am assuming you've seen this, but I'm sharing in case you (or someone else) hadn't.

*edit* It would be nice if the official rules were released soon though.

[Tyler Beck]

Andrew Marlowe wrote:

I am assuming you've seen this, but I'm sharing in case you (or someone else) hadn't.

*edit* It would be nice if the official rules were released soon though.

Oh yes, but thank you. I just really want to see the official rules. :)

[Anthony Adam]

Working through Clay's entry now, which will complete everyone reviews who's name starts with A, B or C. Sorry it's taking a while, I am trying to be equally thorough on every entry this year, so it is taking a bit longer than I anticipated.

I will continue to plod along, so even if you don't move into the forthcoming rounds, stick around, your items will all get done eventually :)

[James Casey]

Thank you for your time, good sir! I am not sure how you manage to scrape the time together, but it is much appreciated. I wanted a lot more feedback on my item. I believe my making it to the round of 32 has limited the amount of feedback I would have normally received, as well as the rest of my compatriots here in the guildhall.

Hopefully people will be open to coming back after the fact and giving their opinions. I would have posted it in the critique my item thread, but I thought that would be crass and possibly break one of the competition rules.

[Clay Clouser]

Thank you sir! I'm looking forward to it.

[Jesse Southwick]

James R. Casey wrote:

Thank you for your time, good sir! I am not sure how you manage to scrape the time together, but it is much appreciated. I wanted a lot more feedback on my item. I believe my making it to the round of 32 has limited the amount of feedback I would have normally received, as well as the rest of my compatriots here in the guildhall.

Hopefully people will be open to coming back after the fact and giving their opinions. I would have posted it in the critique my item thread, but I thought that would be crass and possibly break one of the competition rules.

I feel the same way. This is my first attempt, any and all feedback is helpful. More is definitely better. :)

[James Casey]

devilfluff wrote:

I feel the same way. This is my first attempt, any and all feedback is helpful. More is definitely better. :)

This is my first year as well. In fact this is my first time ever submitting my writing/rpg design ideas for a competition as an adult. The last time I submitted my writing to a competition was the Scholastic Writing competition in High School! And of course that is an entirely different kind of writing competition.

[Tripp Elliott]

James R. Casey wrote:

devilfluff wrote:

I feel the same way. This is my first attempt, any and all feedback is helpful. More is definitely better. :)

This is my first year as well. In fact this is my first time ever submitting my writing/rpg design ideas for a competition as an adult. The last time I submitted my writing to a competition was the Scholastic Writing competition in High School! And of course that is an entirely different kind of writing competition.

I hope you're not implying we might have matured since those days? They can force me to grow older, they can not force me to mature!

[Robert Brookes]

Hey everyone!

I just finished an interview for my blog with freelance writer Jim Groves. Among some of the topics discussed, he gives some excellent pointers for map-making and encounter design, which is very timely given that we're about to head into Round 3!

You can check it out at The Encounter Table!

[Sam Harris]

Very cool. Thanks, Robert!

[Jacob W. Michaels]

Robert Brookes wrote:

I just finished an interview for my blog with freelance writer Jim Groves. Among some of the topics discussed, he gives some excellent pointers for map-making and encounter design, which is very timely given that we're about to head into Round 3!

Milles Bornes! Man, I thought I was the only person who played that game! I remember loving it, though I have no recollection at all of the rules, other than shouting "Coup-fourre!" (which I had to just look up to see what the heck I was actually yelling).

Really interesting interview. Thanks, Robert (and Jim).

[Jesse Southwick]

Nope. Used to play it with my parents.

[Tripp Elliott]

We used to play it on road trips all the time when I was a kid.

[Anthony Adam]

Hi all - Wayfinder 10 is out!

Now why would Template Fu be saying this to people deep in encounter designs - why, 'tis because he has an encounter in that very issue!

Now, I will admit, I had a lot more words to play with, but if you take away some of the history/backdrop, the introductory encounter, getting into the genies bottle, it's a little closer to what you might be aiming for on your entries.

Now the reason I am suggesting you take a look is I developed this side trek, trying to think of all the salient encounter design advice found over previous years of the competition. Trying to build some of that sage advice into the encounter design.

Take a look, it might provide thoughts and ideas you hadn't considered. The encounter is the main encounter of the side trek Pairi-Daeza’s Abode starting on page 12, the encounter in particular to look at is part 2 - Bottled! - the rest is all padding and getting the PC's into the story.

In particular, have a look at what I did to provide interesting/unusual elements of the encounter design...

a) A well defined entry to the encounter that isn't just "open the door"/"walk in"
b) Environmental impacts on the encounter - immediate effects and environmental hazards that could be brought into play by PC actions
c) Doing something different or unexpected as the encounter centerpiece
d) In this case, a visible tension builder as the rounds progress.
e) Staged introduction of encounter participants

I won't say it's a perfect encounter design because it's not, but I am hoping it might help you look back at your entries and maybe give them some unexpected polish, or an extra twist or turn that it may have inspired.

If all I achieve is that you think about these elements of encounter design then my job is done! ;)

Good luck all.

[Pedro Coelho]

Robert Brookes wrote:

[Jim Groves] gives some excellent pointers for map-making and encounter design [...]

I can attest that Jim's map turnovers are really good. :)

[Joseph Kellogg]

That's a good interview. I like his advice about avoiding boxy encounter maps, but that's going to be an extra challenge for an urban encounter.

[Fern Herold]

I started making detailed critiques for the top 32 entries, but unfortunately I do not have the time to finish them by the end of the contest. I apologize.

If any of you want to specifically request a critique, either before or after the round ends, shoot me a PM or respond to this post and I'll see what I can do. I can send your critique privately or post it in your monster's thread, whichever you prefer.

[Tyler Beck]

Still have to wait another day and a half to find out which of us advance!!! ARRGH it's killing me!

In other news, I'm playtesting my encounter tonight with my group. I hope it goes well... it's very hard to fit everything I'd like the encounter to have into 1500 words.

[Tripp Elliott]

Phew! What a week, huh guys? Great monsters all. I really enjoyed reading them, but it totally sucked not being able to comment!

If forced to answer, I'd say my favorite was the Chimney Troll, awesome job Mike!

Best of luck to the 16 that advance!

[Mikko Kallio]

Wow, what a week! I was thrilled to see so many well designed monsters. :) There are a few I want to comment on, but I guess I'll wait until the top 16 is revealed. Based on this round, I fully expect to see 16 awesome encounters next round. Good luck everyone!

[Mike Kimmel]

Zahir ibn Mahmoud ibn Jothan wrote:

If forced to answer, I'd say my favorite was the Chimney Troll, awesome job Mike!

You're too kind!

Good luck once again, everyone. I hope you're all working hard on your encounters!

[Kalervo Oikarinen]

Yes, and I'll continue for about another 23 hours (well I guess I must sleep and go to work as well). Then I'll either stop or start working like mad on my encounter. :)

[Sam Harris]

Good luck, everyone! There were some fantastic monsters this round, and I'm excited to see what the top 16 come up with!

[Mike Kimmel]

I agree that there were some spectacular monsters this round. Nice work everyone! There were many that I felt I would use in my own games.

[Andrew Marlowe]

Congratulations to everyone! I was very impressed with the quality of monsters this round! It only makes me expect next round to be absolutely brutal and not just because we'll be watching the field shrink from 16 to 4 but because I suspect next round will be brilliant.

Best of luck to everyone.

[Victoria Jaczko]

The biggest problem I've had with composing an encounter has not been figuring out what monster to use, but selecting just one. Every time I thought I'd settled, I got another great idea for a different monster. So thanks for making my life harder by making the monster pool too damned interesting. ;)

Whether or not my name is on the Top 16 list tomorrow, it's been a pleasure competing alongside you guys.

[Mike Welham]

Excellent monsters, everyone! It was extremely difficult to narrow my choice down to eight.

[Robert Brookes]

I'm completely full of butterflies once more. The wait through tomorrow is going to be killer!

[Rich Malena]

This wait is brutal! Tentative encounter playtest is set for tomorrow, and now I just have to wait to see if I'll need it or not.

You all made picking a monster to use a very, very fun process. Thanks!

[Robert Brookes]

I'll be really, really excited to see who (if anyone) uses the disir in their encounter! :)

[Tripp Elliott]

It's a shame the rules prohibit two round 2 monsters in an encounter!

[Mike Kimmel]

Robert Brookes wrote:

I'll be really, really excited to see who (if anyone) uses the disir in their encounter! :)

As long as it's not you ;)

[Christopher Wasko]

Really wonderful submissions, across the board. Best of luck to everyone, it's been an honor to be cast alongside you fine designers whether we advance or not!

[Jacob W. Michaels]

Robert, I think we're all probably excited to see if anyone uses our monsters. I think that's as high praise as you can get if you've inspired someone else in the contest.

Anyone have the link to SKR's old post about mapping? I think I've got all my bases covered, but figure it can't hurt to give it one more look. Except I can't seem to find it now...

Good luck to everyone tonight. Just a few more hours to go...

[Mikko Kallio]

Yeah, I'm also very curious to see if anyone uses my monster. We all are, I'm sure. :)

[Andrew Marlowe]

Jacob W. Michaels wrote:

Robert, I think we're all probably excited to see if anyone uses our monsters. I think that's as high praise as you can get if you've inspired someone else in the contest.

Anyone have the link to SKR's old post about mapping? I think I've got all my bases covered, but figure it can't hurt to give it one more look. Except I can't seem to find it now...

Good luck to everyone tonight. Just a few more hours to go...

There's a link to Quick and dirty map making in here.

Direct Link.

But my search fu hasn't found the SKR post yet...It would be a useful read.

[Andrew Marlowe]

I think this is what you were looking for.

[Anthony Adam]

A few more thoughts and things to check mentioned here courtesy of the Map Fu. :P

[Jacob W. Michaels]

Thanks, Andrew. That last link is the one I was looking for. I knew I remembered seeing it somewhere. (Sean, you may want to make that one a sticky, along with some of the other advice threads.)

And, thanks as well, Andrew. Very helpful.

[Tripp Elliott]

Mikko Kallio wrote:

Yeah, I'm also very curious to see if anyone uses my monster. We all are, I'm sure. :)

I know whose monster I intend to use, now if only 1700 would come and I can find out if I need to keep polishing this encounter!

[Andrew Umphrey]

If I am lucky enough to advance to the top-16, I was wondering if it would be a mark against our encounter if we used a monster that got 3 downvotes from the judges?
Should we wait and make sure the monster we use made the top 16, so we know that at least we are using a monster that the voting public liked?

any thoughts would be appreciated-

-AU