It stands for Miniscule Atlas Projection and refers to a visual representation of an area in two dimensions, often used for navigation of local regions by noting positions of key points relative to each other.
I think that violates at least two of te SKR auto reject files.
RPG Superstar 2015
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Marathon Voter Season 6, Marathon Voter Season 7, Marathon Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
aka mamaursula
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Can I withdraw my submission? After reading a bit more on the board, I realize that I misunderstood virtually every element of this challenge.
You can't really, unless you are chosen as a Top 32 and if you get in the Top 32 well...isn't that why you entered in the first place?
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Can I withdraw my submission? After reading a bit more on the board, I realize that I misunderstood virtually every element of this challenge.You can't really, unless you are chosen as a Top 32 and if you get in the Top 32 well...isn't that why you entered in the first place?
Some people enter to learn and never expect to advance. I seem to recall that Garrett Guillotte did that and made Top 32 the year of his wedding and his first year of learning Pathfinder and, showing wisdom in knowing his own limits, resigned his spot since he knew he couldn't keep up with the further challenges.
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RPG Superstar 2015
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Marathon Voter Season 6, Marathon Voter Season 7, Marathon Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
aka mamaursula
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Some people enter to learn and never expect to advance. I seem to recall that Garrett Guillotte did that and made Top 32 the year of his wedding and his first year of learning Pathfinder and, showing wisdom in knowing his own limits, resigned his spot since he knew he couldn't keep up with the further challenges.Can I withdraw my submission? After reading a bit more on the board, I realize that I misunderstood virtually every element of this challenge.You can't really, unless you are chosen as a Top 32 and if you get in the Top 32 well...isn't that why you entered in the first place?
That's exactly who I was thinking about as well.
Developer
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Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8
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3. Make a map! No, we don’t have the rules posted for that yet, and you likely won’t be making a map you’ll submit. But the experience is good for you! Look at what was turned over for various “Encounter” rounds in previous years, and use those as your guides for now.
I recommend practicing cartography to many of my freelancers even when they aren't currently working on a project. Each map is another opportunity to experiment with interesting features like curves, diagonals, elevated areas, tunnels, shading, and more.
It can be just as valuable to pick a few favorite maps from published adventures and try to reproduce those accurately. Having to draw a feature forces one to really focus on what the feature is, where it is placed, why it exists, and how the cartographer depicted it. These mental exercises help a freelancer to internalize these mapping techniques and wield them later when drafting the final turnover.
Just be careful that your submission doesn't imitate the maps you practice redrawing too closely; we want to see your work in this contest and not the redrawn work of another cartographer.
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The map is not an encounter map: it's a magic map. Yup, that's right, round 2 is a wondrous magic item. :)
I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.
You can only see the moon runes and manage your mischief when the thrush knocks and you wave your wand over it.
I submitted mine yesterday. The last major change I made to it cut out half its functionality in order to better focus it and reduce word count.. and I just now spotted a glaringly obvious something that I forgot to update in the process. Went from feeling cautiously hopeful to completely crushed in half a second... I just know it'll be enough to knock me out of contention. :(
I am hearing different people talk about a word count, and don't remember seeing anything about it. I'm also slightly freaking out, because my item isn't the greatest, mind blowing item that deserves to be in the top to continue onto the next round. But, it is what it is, and I can't do a thing about it.
Oh, well. Maybe next year. I still want to design my M.A.P (mind altering proverb), and hope that I can use that in the future.
Misplaced Area of Perception?
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Many Attacking Pugwampis! >:D
Design an encounter with the intention of maximizing the abilities of the loveable scamps! Everybody wins!
RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32
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Star Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
aka CalebTGordan
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Looks like I made a good choice subscibing to a fantasy map group that shares maps and talks tips and tricks.
Now to find that binder full of my old maps and fantasy atlases.
Minotaur Assault Paraphernalia?
Can I withdraw my submission? After reading a bit more on the board, I realize that I misunderstood virtually every element of this challenge.If you really wish to withdraw, we can do that. Email contest@paizo.com, and we'll help you with that.Le Petite Mort, if I were you, I wouldn't withdraw.
a) if you're item is "bad" because its out of category, etc. -- it will be DQ'd and no one will ever know.
b) if its really bad and you don't think it reflects your ability to write, unless you post that it was your item, Paizo never releases that bit of information.
c) if you "think" your item is bad because of what you read, this round is totally new and it's anyone's guess what will be Superstar quality.
so
You may still just make it to the Top 100, or Top 32, and be smothered in praise for your "bad" idea.So that said, I'd leave it in because you can't lose really as far as I can tell.
Gracious. And on top of that, MAGFest is the day the thing's due, which is quite a huge gaming convention in my local area... one which I've promised to DM a few things for. Sigh.
best get cracking on those maps, I suppose. Will be a nice way to procrastinate on learning Ubuntu and Python I guess.
Being able to make a halfway decent map is indeed a valuable skill. For instance, you never know if someone might some day ask you to make a village, and you suddenly realize that the turnover has to include a map sketch.
[/shameless plug]
That is a a darn fine product, sir. Well done.
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That is a a darn fine product, sir. Well done.Being able to make a halfway decent map is indeed a valuable skill. For instance, you never know if someone might some day ask you to make a village, and you suddenly realize that the turnover has to include a map sketch.
[/shameless plug]
Why thank you. I'm thrilled that you like it.
I'm currently working on another village which will have ties to Fulhurst Moors. Keep an eye on Raging Swan Press's website for details.
Misdirect All Pathfinders?
How fun you mention the map thing. I've been drawing one for my homebrewed game for the last hours :-)
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If our item is DQ'd, how will we find out?
This gets asked over and over every year. The answer is:
If you don't know the rules for disqualification, then you should read the rules for disqualification!
If you know the rules for disqualification, but you're not sure whether or not your item merits disqualification, then either:
(A) you should be more careful to keep away from DQ with your submissions!
and/or,
(B) you do not actually know the rules for disqualification!
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What items will we see/can I see my item again?
After submitting, the only items your will ever see again are...
a) The random item selections you get to vote on each time you vote.
b) The top 32 for definite.
c) You *might* get to see the alternates items.
d) And that's it ... until - writers choose to post their item in the annual voluntary critique my item thread.
The chances of seeing every item is tiny, even those voting 1,000s of times in prior years found there were items they never saw when sharing their lists.
Worried about DQ?
If you're item was in danger of DQ, the only way you will find out if it was DQ'd is by
1) not being a Top 32 or alternate
2) sharing your item for feedback once voting closes - the reviewers working through the items in that thread will soon tell you if you have broached DQ or not.
Voting and feedback etiquette
During voting, AND AFTER, do not make posts like...
Did you see ITEM NAME. Did anyone else think it was dingo do do?
or
Wow, a bazillion gold piece price? Somebody made a solid gold and diamond encrusted head slot artifact!
Names and identifying specifics should never be used during or after voting - wait for the writer to request feedback.
If you do ramble, ramble in such a way that it is very general - last year one of the judges said something like (I can't find the original so am paraphrasing)...
So many cloaks made of cloud and mist. But. One of them. Was really good!
Every wispy cloak writer went "Arrrrgh!" (I was one) followed by "Phew, please be mine!" (it wasn't >.<)
When rambling if you want to post a negative ensure it ends with a positive - keep every entrant guessing right to the reveal.
ONLY feedback on items for writers that have requested feedback by sharing their item publicly for such.
Do not "volunteer" your feedback for those items that were not selected. If an item you saw and are desperate to feedback on does not get shared publicly, then that writer does not solicit the feedback and that choice should be respected.
YOU MADE TOP 32?
Well done indeed!
a) be prepared for hard work, short time scales and really evil twists and requirements for each round
b) know and accept that every submission for every round you take part in will be commented on publicly by the voting public.
c) be aware that the first posts on your submissions as finalists will be the feedback from the judges themselves and will be seen by all the voters too!
Learn the mantra...
Feedback is Good. I learn from feedback.
Repeat as often as necessary ;)
Your feedback
Although you are encouraged to feedback on entries, be they finalist entries or voluntary requests for feedback, be HONEST with your feedback and be SPECIFIC about what you like and don't like. Being specific forces your feedback to be about the item and not the entrant. It objectifies the feedback making it easier to take and digest. Examples of feedback...
"Wow this item is amazing" - although it boosts ego's, it's not very useful in helping identify how to do things even better next time.
"You description has a propensity to ramble to over half of your word count, however, when we do get to the actual effect at line 37 the rule content is accurate and worded perfectly" - now that we can learn from!
Better yet, it started with a gentle "too much description" BUT ended on a positive note which encourages the entrant to accept your feedback and not be upset by it. It also makes you look real classy too ;)
So when you feedback, always try to end with something you liked about the submission.
I think that lot covers most questions for this round. :)
I'm not worried about the *rules* for disqualification, as I compared my submission against them twice before hitting submit, and I assume my rather more-seasoned pit-crew did, as well. I'm interested in the *notification* of disqualification. Totally different animal. As such, Anthony's was the more useful answer. Long answer short - "you won't, really."
I asked, because I'd seen a few comments by submitters saying, effectively, "aaaaand, I'm DQ'd." I assumed there was an official channel by which submitters were notified if it was found they'd inadvertently breached the DQ-list and was interested in knowing what that was.
I'm not worried about the *rules* for disqualification, as I compared my submission against them twice before hitting submit, and I assume my rather more-seasoned pit-crew did, as well. I'm interested in the *notification* of disqualification. Totally different animal. As such, Anthony's was the more useful answer. Long answer short - "you won't, really."
I asked, because I'd seen a few comments by submitters saying, effectively, "aaaaand, I'm DQ'd." I assumed there was an official channel by which submitters were notified if it was found they'd inadvertently breached the DQ-list and was interested in knowing what that was.
Indeed, you got it.
You can never know for sure unless ask for feedback and someone says "I flagged that for DQ because...", but even then you may not have been DQ'd - the judges review all the DQ flagging and may decide the entry doesn't warrant DQ. It's rare, but it does happen.
The only reasons for DQ that you can be 100% positive of at this stage are
a) it was the wrong type of item
b) it wasn't for pathfinder
c) it was 301 words or more
d) it wasn't submitted in English.
I get the feeling your worry is not any of those.
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Worried about DQ?
Stop worrying, I'll be fine!
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Worried about DQ?Stop worrying, I'll be fine!
It's funny every time. Also Death Quaker Oats needs a Kickstarter!
The wait until tomorrow (30 hours from now, still) is burning... :)
Praise the gods! I was under the 300 word count!!! Now to worry about something else.
RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16
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Dedicated Voter Season 6, Star Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 8
aka Black Powder Chocobo
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True story: I once designed an encounter featuring bad guys carrying pugwampis around in backpacks.Many Attacking Pugwampis! >:D
Design an encounter with the intention of maximizing the abilities of the loveable scamps! Everybody wins!
You're an evil little man. Don't ever change.
Modules Overlord
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We're like to DQ an item if it's word count, the wrong item type (by which I mean it is actually not a suit of armor, shield, ring, rod, or staff, rather than WIiABM- Wondrous Item in All But Name), or some other amazingly obvious problem (if it violated our community standard for example, which I haven't seen yet but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen) or written for the wrong game system (or so badly formatted that there's no evidence that is isn't written for a different game system, and we have had one or two of those).
We might decide to DQ a WIiABN if a consensus of round 1 judges agreed it was a violation -- a magic sword with no magic sword abilities that happens to turn into a flying carpet, for example -- but that's more rare.
But no, there is no formal DQ notification process, at least in part because we're doing blind judging, and maybe a little because sadly that is also often part of the freelancing experience.
Probably don't need to officially DQ WIiABMs. The voters will very likely punish those pretty harshly.
Praise the gods! I was under the 300 word count!!! Now to worry about something else.Personally, I've decided to worry that I didn't put my item name in the subject line.
When you hit "preview," did you see a word count for your item? If you did, then you put the item name in the subject line. Word count doesn't show up otherwise.
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Dedicated Voter Season 7, Dedicated Voter Season 8, Dedicated Voter Season 9
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When you hit "preview," did you see a word count for your item? If you did, then you put the item name in the subject line. Word count doesn't show up otherwise.Praise the gods! I was under the 300 word count!!! Now to worry about something else.Personally, I've decided to worry that I didn't put my item name in the subject line.
I honestly can't remember...which is why I have decided to obsess about it.
Heh, I was at 28something when I finished. Cut it very close.
There's a reason I chose this username...
I honestly can't remember...which is why I have decided to obsess about it.When you hit "preview," did you see a word count for your item? If you did, then you put the item name in the subject line. Word count doesn't show up otherwise.Praise the gods! I was under the 300 word count!!! Now to worry about something else.Personally, I've decided to worry that I didn't put my item name in the subject line.
Ugh, sorry. I'm pretty sure I forgot to put my item name in the subject line myself one year. This year my obsession was spent hitting the preview button about 30 times, making microedits and rereading until I finally hit "submit."
RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16
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Star Voter Season 6, Dedicated Voter Season 7, Dedicated Voter Season 8
aka FaxCelestis
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Heh, I was at 28something when I finished. Cut it very close.
There's a reason I chose this username...
I gotcha beat by at least 10. My item is wordy, but I eked under the word count by the grace of Aroden.
Naturally, we're being asked to submit a Microwave Anisotropy Probe.
I've never had word count issues. Dust of darkness was around 150 I think and my submission this year was close to that.
Whew.
I was worried it was time to draw a Maddened Ant Patriarch. I'm terrible at insects.
But no, there is no formal DQ notification process, at least in part because we're doing blind judging, and maybe a little because sadly that is also often part of the freelancing experience.
And there's the answer I was looking for - there is no formal notification process for DQ.
I get the feeling your worry is not any of those.
Correct.
My widget is in the wind, now, and the voters shall have their way with it, regardless of my rational or irrational fears. It shall stand or fall on its own.
Or so I tell myself! ;)
I'm not worried about the *rules* for disqualification, as I compared my submission against them twice before hitting submit, and I assume my rather more-seasoned pit-crew did, as well. I'm interested in the *notification* of disqualification. Totally different animal. As such, Anthony's was the more useful answer. Long answer short - "you won't, really."
I asked, because I'd seen a few comments by submitters saying, effectively, "aaaaand, I'm DQ'd." I assumed there was an official channel by which submitters were notified if it was found they'd inadvertently breached the DQ-list and was interested in knowing what that was.
Indeed, you got it.
You can never know for sure unless ask for feedback and someone says "I flagged that for DQ because...", but even then you may not have been DQ'd - the judges review all the DQ flagging and may decide the entry doesn't warrant DQ. It's rare, but it does happen.
The only reasons for DQ that you can be 100% positive of at this stage are
a) it was the wrong type of item
b) it wasn't for pathfinder
c) it was 301 words or more
d) it wasn't submitted in English.I get the feeling your worry is not any of those.
and b) might not always do it... the first year of public voting there was an item that had obviously been designed for AD&D rather than pathfinder, to the point of producing spell effects and using spells that do not exist in Pathfinder (for example continual light), and after I flagged it for DQ Sean sent me an IM letting me know that they were allowing it to continue on... of course I didn't see it again after the first cull, so perhaps they just decided that it was doing poorly enough that they didn't need to worry about it.
I did wonder about that - but as it was a clear round rules requirement, it didn't hurt to highlight it :)
