Busy day today, as I've made plans for tonight weeks ago, but still want to do a few more touch-ups before finalizing the submission. I'm hoping there are no technical hiccups in the final hours.
I'm also wondering if all judges will comment on all Top 36 this year, or if they're splitting it between them.
Isaac V is as well, but he's currently stateside, if I recall correctly. He may reveal is true name to us yet.I seem to be the only entrant, as far as I can tell, to be living outside the US.Ah, Europeans!
** spoiler omitted **
I've lived in the US most of my life, so I probably don't have access to the cool European club anymore. I do speak Russian though.
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*Yawns and stretches, awoken by Template Fu's gentle snores*
Ahhh, it must be time for Maps soon! I smell fresh scanning in the air!
*Takes his leave to the bathroom to refresh for the reviewing ahead*
(ETA: I realize it is far more important at this point to focus on the new season, not old news. I'm just being a drama queen (with a far amount of silliness to boot).)
No worries, I'll get to them, I have just been ubah busy with freelance work - all of which will start seeing the light of day over the next year.
So much so, I think I won't be eligible for Season 10 when it comes around! >.<
I'll still vote each year though, cant keep me away from that!
I also have a creature ethos design article coming out in the next Wayfinder, so if any of you want the unedited version, I will be happy to mail it to you if you think it will help you start on your creature feature ideas.
All I ask is you don't share it on as it will soon be available in shiny edited form for free in Wayfinder - I'm just letting you finalists have first dibs ;) PM me your email if you would like this (it's word docx format so should be easy to read in most readers)
Reading over the rules again, it's odd that the maps must all have the same scale (1 square = 5 feet), but the scale still must be specified on the map. Weird.
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Maps should always have the scale included so that a viewer can make sense of them when read out of context.
Developer
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Reading over the rules again, it's odd that the maps must all have the same scale (1 square = 5 feet), but the scale still must be specified on the map. Weird.
The first is because I want all maps to be judged on the same basis.
The second is because if you are a freelance designer, you should always put a scale on your map. Always. In every case. Even if we just told you what that scale should be.Start these habits early.
And Submitted.
With that submission, I want to say Good Luck everyone. I'm looking forward to the competition. I can't wait to see the maps everyone came up with!
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Submitted about an hour ago. Spending time with the daughter and pregnant wife now!
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Let the second-guessing commence!
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Let the second-guessing commence!
No kidding, the dead space between voting and writing periods is the worst. Best find another project to occupy the time, since idle hands do the devil's work (in this case, amplify self-doubt).
It looks like Kiel has the best idea for how to fill the time!
:) And I fortunately have large work projects to occupy. But I'm not looking forward to the Exit Poll threads...that'll definitely get me stressed. And I just know I don't have the willpower NOT to click into it.
Exit poll threads?
Yeah, I recall someone starting an Exit Poll thread for various rounds of voting (R2 comes to mind the most) to get people's votes and then they start tallying. Granted it is a subset, and the numbers in those threads didn't always match up to those who went on...but it was very stress inducing for competitors while they waited to see the official results.
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*wanders into the room, sees Eric jealously guarding the other half of his loveseat, smiles and proceeds to address the room at large*
Hiya!
Well, better late to the party than never (just now finished my submission). I'm Kalyna Conrad, or as some of you may know me, Eric Hindley's wife. So far it appears I'm the oddball Canadian in this year's group... Woo Canada! I was born in Ottawa, traveled the country with my air force parents, earned a BFA in Theatrical Set and Lighting Design in Toronto and eventually settled in southern Alberta (Banff, then Calgary) where I work as a full time entertainment lighting technician, designer, and advocate for educating the next generation of technicians. No kids yet, but four very affectionate (and needy!) cats.
My DnD adventure began in University when I met this big handsome hairy guy who wanted to teach me... Then he proposed to me on our 3.5 anniversary and I knew I was lost forever. We moved into Pathfinder not long after that, starting up Pathfinder groups wherever we went.
I have some experience writing for Fat Goblin and a longstanding relationship with Wayfinder, first as an author and now as an editor. I also dabble in fiction and romance writing. Flash fiction is a particular favorite of mine.
I'm super excited to be here, and to see so many other names I know having made it as well. I love maps, and I can't wait to see what everyone came up with! (=
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I hate maps.
I hate maps, and anyone who has ever made or looked a map.
... sorry for being MIA. >:(
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I have finally submitted my entry, and so I would like to go to bed now. First I guess it is customary that I introduce myself.
I live in Philadelphia with my wife and infant son, and I work as a software developer for a mid-sized company you've never heard of.
While I've played video game RPGs for probably more than 20 years, I only started playing tabletop RPGs in the last 3-4 years. Fortunately I love to read rulebooks and campaign books so in a short time I've managed to absorb a lot of pathfinder knowledge. I also play or DM in 2-3 games at a time, including pathfinder, 5E and Dungeon World. On top of that I have an absurd board game collection and am fortunate enough to work at a place with board game lunch club.
No writing credits to speak of, but I'm always working on something. A book, a game, a dungeon, I love projects of all kinds.
Anyway, I'm starting to ramble, which means it's time to rest this tired brain. Good luck everyone!
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Hi folks!
I just submitted a map, so now I can commence second-guessing. Introductions: I'm a graduate student studying physics and astronomy in upstate NY, though I'm originally from St. Louis. As of 19 days ago, I am a married man! It has been a wonderful month and I just returned from honeymooning in Ireland yesterday.
I have enjoyed playing fantasy RPGs on tabletop and on video games for many years, and also love reading and watching movies. I also play an Irish sport called hurling. I enjoy camping and going to the park with my wife and adorable chow-chow. I am typically a night owl, but after the effort of this map and fretting over breaking a rule or overlooking a requirement... I think I'll enjoy some rest!
RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 32
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Marathon Voter Season 9
aka Thrawn007
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Let the second-guessing commence!
I already did my second guessing. Got some feedback from several people, then did some major revisions on my map tonight before submitting. I thought I was done with my map last night...I was wrong.
Now it's out of my hands and I will try to not think about RPGSS for a few days...yeah right, like that will happen.
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I hate maps.
I hate maps, and anyone who has ever made or looked a map.
... sorry for being MIA. >:(
We saw your map last year, Chris. I think you failed your Bluff check on this one. :-p
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Guys, while you want to give yourselves some breaks and breathing/sleeping space, remember this is several months that can make your gaming life. One misstep and you can end up hoping you get in next year ... or the next few years.
You're done with your maps? Great, start thinking about the next three rounds. Now's the time you have to do your research.
If you haven't done it before, go look at previous monsters -- all of them -- and all of the comments. See what's been done before; see what voters like. Start thinking of ideas. You don't know what the twist will be -- but that doesn't mean you can't think of a few possibilities at various CRs.
Then start thinking about adventures. If you get past Round 3, you'll be surprised how quickly you need to have your basic idea in for approval even before you write up the larger pitch. I'd try to get a few ideas together that could work with whatever twist you get and at various CRs and outline them. Again, look at what people -- both judges and voters -- have said about previous adventure pitches and make sure you heed them. We've all likely done our research on item templating, but have you done the same for adventures/encounters? Does Paizo ever use EL? Do modules have acts or chapters or parts? All of those details can factor into the judges' comments, and they hold a lot of sway with voters. Look around Paizo's forums. I liked checking into threads about what part of Golarion voters want to know more about and comments on the What's the next AP? thread for ideas of areas I could try playing around in. If you don't know Golarion well (or maybe even if you do), start rereading the Inner Sea guide.
If you want to win, now's the time to set yourself up for it.
Hi, everyone, I'm William (usually go by Bill, though) and I'm glad to meet all of you!
Hmm, that sounded much more chipper than I actually feel right now...
I submitted my map about an hour ago and my 50-word description a few minutes ago--boy, am I exhausted! Not gonna think about that now, though.
So, my introduction will be pretty brief since I desperately need sleep ;)
I was born and raised in Douglasville, Georgia (west of Atlanta, kinda near Six Flags) and have lived in Georgia my entire life. Currently, I attend the University of North Georgia—my major is Studio Art—and live with my boyfriend, who is also a student.
RPGs, whether in tabletop or video game form, as part of a group or played solo, have been an important part of my life since I was little. It didn't (and still doesn't) matter if I was actually playing or just filling a notebook with ideas. My introduction to gaming came from my Uncle Bill (yes, same name) in the form of AD&D books and computer games such as The Bard's Tale. He also introduced me to The Chronicles of Prydain, a series of books that I still love today; they remind me of him every time I revisit them.
Whew! My brain is flickering off and on, so I'd better call it a night while I'm still moderately coherent...
I snuck off a few hours ago from an event I was hosting to submit my map. It is out of my hands now.
I actually forgot that Wednesday existed when I found out I was in Top 32, and did most of the work by ignoring sleep on Tuesday, thinking it was due the next night.
I hate maps.
I hate maps, and anyone who has ever made or looked a map.
... sorry for being MIA. >:(
Don't pull that. Your map last year was amazing.
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Aaaannd submitted. Jeebus, that was close.
Hello, everyone.
I just realized this thread existed. Man...I submitted Round 2 map a little while ago. I don't know what I'm going to do until they announce. I feel like I'm on a reality TV show and every time I think about something other than RPG SS my mind gets sucked right back.
I'm wondering why I don't have a Forum title though? Anyone know the reason?
Hm, that is strange Brian. Maybe it's because you're not a member of the Cult of 9 (no season 9 voter tag)?
Honestly, not sure. May they bequeath unto you your earned glory.
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Busy day at work ahead, so I will be emailing the creature ethos design to those who PM'd me their email address in about 4 hours from this post - a.k.a. UK lunchtime ;)
I hope it helps.
Well, I've got my map all drawn up, which leaves me the whole evening after work to get it scanned and fiddle with the digital end of things to get it submitted.
How's everyone else doing?
Bit late to reply, but nonetheless, map submitted 36 hours ahead of the deadline (I really don't like leaving things to the last minute). Just in case my name gets pulled up.
Spent the time since then worrying that if my name got pulled up, that the map was too dull.
Par for the course I suspect. :P
I guess I forgot to introduce myself. There is some info in this profile about my background.
It's reassuring to see that I'm not the only one barely holding back a nervous breakdown ;)
Yeah, I recall someone starting an Exit Poll thread for various rounds of voting (R2 comes to mind the most) to get people's votes and then they start tallying. Granted it is a subset, and the numbers in those threads didn't always match up to those who went on...but it was very stress inducing for competitors while they waited to see the official results.
This sounds like it will be...fun. (X_X)
If someone does an exit poll, I don't think I could bring myself to look at it until after the final results are announced.
If someone does an exit poll, I don't I could bring myself to look at it until after the final results are announced.
I am too weak to resist.
How does advancement happen in the subsequent rounds? Is it still solely by public vote? Do the judges act as tie-breakers? Or the judges are the ones deciding and the votes are the tie-breakers?
Also, will I be notified if my entry gets DQ'ed?
Public vote, judges give comments and recommendations on who people should vote for. I suppose they can vote as well but their vote counts just as much as anyone else's.
I don't think they notify you if you get DQ'ed. You'll find out during the reveal. Exception is if you get DQ'ed due to your actions during the competition, expanding on your entry etc. Then everyone is notified, not sure if they send an email to the person in question as well.
Does anybody know if the judges will post Round 3 rules early like they did for Round 2? Or do they make the reveal when the winners are announced?
Possibly? Owen might be kind enough to post the rules early but there's no guarantee. Maybe if we offer an acceptable snackrifice to him?
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Does anybody know if the judges will post Round 3 rules early like they did for Round 2? Or do they make the reveal when the winners are announced?
They will probably post the rules before the winners are announced, but exactly when I couldn't say. It's almost certainly going to be a monster, but the rules will provide a twist on the kind of monster they'd like. They may say the monster has to be found in a certain terrain type, they may specify a number of monster types that are off limits, they will almost certainly give us a CR range. Either way, start looking at the rules for monster creation now, and spit-balling a varied bunch of ideas in hopes that one of them will fit the criteria.
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This page will certainly come in handy
That page is worth its weight in gold. Or Bitcoins. Or... hmm.
CP, since it takes more to make gold value...they will weigh more! Just hope you're playing a dwarf...
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RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32
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Marathon Voter Season 7, Marathon Voter Season 8, Marathon Voter Season 9
aka ChesterCopperpot
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I live in Philadelphia with my wife and infant son, and I work as a software developer for a mid-sized company you've never heard of.
Philly represent!
It looks like a lot of people (not just this year but overall) have backgrounds in tech or in history/writing/theatre.
But we're missing some important demographic information.
Are you a cat person (correct answer) or a dog person?
And that last parenthetical just cost you my vote in any subsequent rounds, Isaac. :D
Dogs rule, cats drool!
RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 32
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Dedicated Voter Season 8, Star Voter Season 9
aka mechaPoet
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Got my map in last night and now I can sleep without feeling guilty. Good luck everyone! You should definitely start your research and brainstorming for the next rounds (I was certainly less prepared for the map round than I would have liked to be, but I wasn't expecting to actually have to do it!), but also make sure to take the time to rest when you can. I don't want anyone to burn out before the end!
And that last parenthetical just cost you my vote in any subsequent rounds, Isaac. :D
Dogs rule, cats drool!
Harsh lessons being learned about having strong opinions.
Dogs > cats but kittens > puppies
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Hey Top 32 (and alternates)! I can confirm that I have 36 entries in the contest inbox (all submitted before the deadline, woot!), so hopefully this brings some ease. I'm working on hooking them up to the text portion of your entries today, and judges will be looking at them over the long weekend. As I'm not a judge, this isn't an official quality comment, but as a person who sees these things come across my desk: awesome job during this super short deadline! We know the unanticipated delay in announcement was a curve ball for many, so you should be proud of yourselves :)
Welcome everyone! Great work all around to the top 36. If anyone is looking to add a member to their pit crew or would just like another pair of eyes on their submissions send me a buzz I'm always happy to help.
Hey Top 32 (and alternates)! I can confirm that I have 36 entries in the contest inbox (all submitted before the deadline, woot!), so hopefully this brings some ease. I'm working on hooking them up to the text portion of your entries today, and judges will be looking at them over the long weekend. As I'm not a judge, this isn't an official quality comment, but as a person who sees these things come across my desk: awesome job during this super short deadline! We know the unanticipated delay in announcement was a curve ball for many, so you should be proud of yourselves :)
Chris confirmed...the delay was the actual R2 twist ;)
P.S. Thanks for all your hard work Chris!
It looks like a lot of people (not just this year but overall) have backgrounds in tech or in history/writing/theatre.
But we're missing some important demographic information.
Are you a cat person (correct answer) or a dog person?
In our house we refer to cats as the C-words, as our dog barks at them constantly.
Not only are we dog-people, we are worshippers at the temple of the mighty Basset Hound. ;)
Dogs only please. The bigger the better. Ideally though I would like a riding ram or a dragon. I just want something I can ride.