Gloves of Reconnaissance
Aura faint divination; CL 3rd
Slot hands; Price 2,000 gp (lesser), 5,000 gp (greater); Weight --
Description
Also called casing gloves by thieves scouting a location they intend to rob, these leather gloves have designs embroidered on the palms in thick silver thread, one depicting an eye, the other an ear. Once per day, the wearer’s sight and/or hearing may bypass any material in a 30’ cone as if it wasn’t there. To begin the effect, the wearer presses one or both palms to an object (the eye for sight; the ear for hearing) as a standard action. The wearer may then maintain the effect for the remainder of that round and up to four additional rounds. Contact with the initial object must be maintained with at least one glove, or the effect immediately ends. As per the spell clairaudience/clairvoyance, lesser Gloves of Reconnaissance do not allow magically or supernaturally enhanced senses to work through them. Greater Gloves of Reconnaissance, however, do allow this.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, Clairaudience/Clairvoyance; Cost 1,000 gp (lesser), 2,500 gp (greater)
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Seems kind of powerful for what this item costs. It's mostly a SIAC effect, though they've attempted to interpret it in a different way akin to how boots of speed work. I'm not sure I'm a fan of this one...
Weak Keep...for now.
Well, clairaudience/clairvoyance 1/day would just be 2,160gp, and this is limited to just 30 feet--you basically use it to look through a door or wall. It's 5 rounds.
It's not bad, actually. I like the eye and ear patterns, it's a glove (which is a valuable slot, so you'll have to swap out your fighting gloves to use these and risk being attacked when looking through a door). Nice theme, and I think it's a useful item.
Keep.
The slot is meaningless because you'll never use this in combat. The effect means that you never have to go through a door unprepared for the beholder on the other side. The cost is low enough that high level characters will have dozens in their bags of holding, ready to use on any door the GM notes as being unusual.
Also works for mysterious chests, dead ends that are likely secret doors, and other things that GMs use to confuse and confound players.
Makes adventuring easy.
I recommend that you do not vote for this designer.
I agree with Ryan. Part of the fun is not knowing what is on the other side of the door. This takes that away too easily. Yes, we have spells that do that, but PCs have to use resources to do that.
These are the kind of items that need the "you have to wear it for a day to attune it to you" to prevent people from just buying 5 of these and swaping them out as needed. Of course, even with that, you could buy one for every PC and just take turns.
This mechanic is better left to scrolls of clairaudience/clairvoyance. That is what they are for. Simple disposable spell effects should be scrolls and potions, not wondrous items.
Reject
I like your description and the visual it creates. We have a number of flavourful gloves this year and I'm going to have a tough time choosing my favourite set of gloves based on description.
Yes, your gloves make adventuring safer and easier. That's something you should try to avoid. I think you tried to work around it with the once per day limit, but an attunement period or other incentive to constantly wear the gloves would have been far better.
However, I have to acknowledge that you've taken a rather visually boring spell and made it into something more. Some may point out that the effect is very similar to the exploration subdomain's door sight. However, door sight simply grants clairvoyance. Your gloves changes how the spell works, including a range limit, making it far more exciting.
Welcome to the Top 32 and good luck during round 2.
What I like:
Interesting; second sensory related glove item to show up here. I think this one justifies that somewhat odd conjunction a little bit more, though, since you're not actually using your eyes or ears in any case.
What I love:
I do like that you alter the clairaudience/clairvoyance effect by allowing enhanced senses to function through it (at least in the greater version of the item), since that helps make the item unique. I do wish that was how the item simply worked, though, instead of being an option. (More on that below)
What needs a little sumptin' sumptin'...
These seem to do everything a ring of x-ray vision does, and more, at a fraction of the cost. Though maybe that's justified, since these operate for a few rounds per day as opposed to unlimited use.
While I mentioned above I don't mind the hand slot/sensory organ combination too much with this one, I'd have preferred to see this as a slotless item. Since Ryan's been pretty consistent about calling these kinds of items out, I just glanced up to see if he did it here as well; he has, so I probably don't need to elaborate there. But yeah, this would sit better with me if they didn't have a slot and the cost was thus doubled.
Also, as a personal preference, I don't care much for items that squeeze in greater/lesser variations into the writeup. I think you'd have been fine just sticking with the greater version as the default. Or else, if you were going with two versions in one, making that clear from the start of the item instead of tucking it into one line at the end- you had plenty of words to spare on that, if you really needed to go that direction.
All in all...
A nice little low level item, albeit one that maybe shouldn't be quite as low level & inexpensive as it is. Useful, certainly, to a player, though a DM might really want to tweak an item of this nature to make it a little less disposable for a character. But pretty good overall. Congratulations and welcome to RPG Superstar!
Kind of a spell-in-a-can, but at least it’s a very good one. Great writing/description/theme. Cheap and handy for low-level non-casters. Cool enhancement for the greater gloves. I’m not really bothered by the possibility of powerful characters abusing this – if a mid-high level PC wants to look behind a door, I’m sure he can find a way. Overall I like this.
Thematically I think these are pretty cool, but functionally I agree with the bulk of the judges. This item seems to do little more than make adventuring less adventurous.
I like the idea, but I think it should cost more, and it is a saic, but the flavor is nice. Approved if had approval power.
Gotta say, I love this item. It's a way for a low level rogue to invoke clairaudience/clairvoyance without a mage. I think it's priced appropriately for the levels of the spells, and it's cool...
About "every character in the party having a pair" or "he carries a dozen or so in a bag of holding"... okay, as a long time DM, I have NEVER allowed two of the same wondrous item in a single party. Not even bags of holding! That is a really slippery slope. The once per day limitation keeps it from making adventuring safe, and the chances are the one time the PC does use it to look through the next closed door, the good DM will tell him, "You see a goblin taking a crap." and get a laugh. If used properly, could be a big game boost. If used stupidly, it's easy to smack down.
I agree that this item is a slippery slope. It could make something too easy, but it doesn't do that automatically. It could be abused, but not easily.
Ultimately, I'm not sure if I like it or not. It's not bad by a long shot, but you've got a bit of a tough road ahead of you.
This item is pretty good for the cost. Really, I'd buy a pair of these for my rogue ASAP. Or just have one if I don't have a rogue. Heck, for the low-low price of 4k, you could have these items be slotless and throw 'em on everyone.
At will see things on the other side of the wall power.
Still, I like the theme. Seeing and hearing through your hands. I was a big fan of...
Huzzah! :) Thanks, everyone! I appreciate all the constructive feedback. I have to admit, it's accurate--both the positive and the negative. I'm glad people picked up on some of the things I was trying to do with my wondrous item. I was going for something that would be useful at all levels, especially for non-casters. I knew it violated the SIAC and "makes adventuring easy" auto-reject rules, but I still felt it was a cool idea (see Sean's Wondrous Item advice #27). I should have considered the whole multiple sets/multiple characters angle. That just shows I have things to learn from RPG Superstar, which is refreshing. The cost was by far the hardest thing for me to calculate. I wanted the item's limitations (compared to the spell) to keep the cost down. I hope I came even remotely close! :)
I am truly honored. I have been playing D&D for a long time. I love Paizo, and I LOVE Pathfinder! It's a very surreal fanboy moment for me to have people I admire who work in the industry critiquing my item. I appreciate the opportunity to advance. Thank you!!! ~Chad
P.S. I'll try to respond to more comments here in this thread, but my main focus right now will obviously be working on my submission for Round 2. My work schedule's going to make that hard enough as it is. So, if I ignore any fellow Paizonians, fret not! Rest assured: I love you guys! :)
Righto, my "in depth" item by item this year begins.
Ant Health Warning: this year, I really worked hard on technical execution of my item, so these reviews will likely reflect template use. Brace yourselves for the template fu - it can sting.
Template Use: 7.5/10
Double dashing the weight cost you half a point. I did warn you about the template fu :)
You lost a point for not italicising your spells in Requirements.
I docked a second point as the same spells list implies an "either - or" by the use of a slash - I havent seen this elsewhere, it it's valid to do this then I accept my error and apologise in advance.
Slot affinity: 6/10
Lost points for using head based sensory in a non head item. hearing and seeing through something not attached to ear and eye felt wrong to me. Can't help it, it just does.
Abuseability: 7/10
I knocked a few points here because it could also be used to remove the need for the "locksmith" from checking for traps before opening things which kind of removes one of the thrills of that skill set. A personal thing, but that was my gut reaction.
Desirability: 9/10
Yeah power gamers would love this, especially the "locksmith" players.
Originality: 8/10
Kind of agree with previous posts that its bordering on spell in a can, so I docked a couple points.
Ant Score: 37.5/50 (75%)
This is a cool item, and it's certainly useful. I like that it's about an interesting effect, not just about flavor.
I'm unclear on why this is a cone effect. All of the flavor points in the direction of "ignore this obstacle you're touching." RAW, though, I don't see why I wouldn't just put a rubber ball in my hand as the "object" and get my 30' cone that way to look beyond the door/wall/whatever that I'm interested in. That would be much less conspicuous than lovingly caressing the king's shuttered bedroom window, for example.
And is this cone movable as long as I maintain contact with the initial object? Most detect cones are, and the sensor from clairaudience/clairvoyance rotates too, but I honestly don't know whether that was the intent here. If so, combine with rubber ball for 30' radius x-ray vision.
Congratulations. As a PC, I'd craft this item, so Mission Accomplished.
Gloves of Reconnaissance
Aura faint divination; CL 3rd
Slot hands; Price 2,000 gp (lesser), 5,000 gp (greater); Weight --
Description
Also called casing gloves by thieves scouting a location they intend to rob, these leather gloves have designs embroidered on the palms in thick silver thread, one depicting an eye, the other an ear. Once per day, the wearer’s sight and/or hearing may bypass any material in a 30’ cone as if it wasn’t there. To begin the effect, the wearer presses one or both palms to an object (the eye for sight; the ear for hearing) as a standard action. The wearer may then maintain the effect for the remainder of that round and up to four additional rounds. Contact with the initial object must be maintained with at least one glove, or the effect immediately ends. As per the spell clairaudience/clairvoyance, lesser Gloves of Reconnaissance do not allow magically or supernaturally enhanced senses to work through them. Greater Gloves of Reconnaissance, however, do allow this.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, Clairaudience/Clairvoyance; Cost 1,000 gp (lesser), 2,500 gp (greater)
Disclaimer:
Note:
Fair is foul and foul is fair supposedly . Basically, though, does this item have any useful application in a spa?
Ooh, at first impression a sneaky item handy for 'eavesdropping' through walls warded against ethereal intrusions, but although they are gloves, not gauntlets, (which is important from the point of view of appropriate attire for most ladies) the whole silver thread embroidery of an eye and an ear basically lack subtlety. And upon further reflection, let's face it, most places in a spa, it's going to look odd if you're a client but wearing gloves.
Assuming for a moment that it’s more convenient to pay taxes than to circumvent the system, does this item look likely to be a tax-deductible business expense for a succubus art-dealer?
Yes. Although the embroidery thing means they lack subtlety, the low price tag means they can be itemised as 'disposables' meaning nobody is likely to examine the claim sufficiently to embarrass a succubus art-dealer who lists them.
Is the item useful in a strawberries-and-cream-tea context?
No. Not unless one is dating a paladin of Most Unholy Ogrilob of the Eye and Ear. (Demon Lord about as Abyssally inclined as they come, but has paladin followers - long story; too long to give here.)
Other Comments?
A variant with the words 'ear' and 'eye' embroidered in runes in an obscure script that looks appropriately mystic might go over better on the subtlety front, if you're looking to market this item to a broader audience.
Gollum Rating:
I would like to add that in order to not make it the 'everyone must have' item, add a user prerequisite like rogues only or must have perception +5 to use. Must be worn for x amount of hours before use is another way.these Wil help to justify the Lowe price
They're like x-ray glasses but for your hands! Very cool visual. They do have the "detect thoughts" bummer thing going on though. I think they need a chance to go wrong. 15% chance you go temporarily blind (or deaf) every time you use them. Either that or the dm has to get creative and start putting naked old orc women sponge bathing behind a couple doors (complete with printed out visual handouts for the entire group).
Good luck.
I docked a second point as the same spells list implies an "either - or" by the use of a slash - I havent seen this elsewhere, it it's valid to do this then I accept my error and apologise in advance.
Clairaudience/clairyoyance is a single spell, slash and all. Give that point back!
Clairaudience/clairyoyance is a single spell, slash and all. Give that point back!
I docked a second point as the same spells list implies an "either - or" by the use of a slash - I havent seen this elsewhere, it it's valid to do this then I accept my error and apologise in advance.
Template fu puts on his "Pussss in Boooots" costume, dons big round eyes, holds hat and give back point.
Then when your back is turned, he removes costume revealing the gremlin within and says "minus 1 for cheek!" :P
Firstly, congratulations on the top 32 spot, good luck further on.
Okay, time go through my careful assessment of every item 8I'm doing this partly to check myself on my for impression based reaction to the item, partly to really look at the details for myself and partly to give feedback)
Basic reaction:
The Bad first:
[inner GM voice]Uh-oh, this will be no end of trouble if my players see it? Will they want this? For this price, they'd be retards not to! Bye, bye, element of surprise. You'll be missed.[/inner GM voice] No, serious, this has me concerned that if I should allow a player near it, I'll never have peace of mind again. I, of course, have paranoid players, who'll make it standard approach to any and all surfaces to touch them with this item. So I'll need to know what is beyond every single, even slightly suspicious looking surface - even those that only my paranoid players think are suspicious. And for this price, this item will be all over by level 5 or so. At least, by level 10, the greater version will be so distributed among my players, that even the chance of hoping they don't think to check if there's something invisible in the room, before entering, at that, is just next to 0. That, I can't reasonably approve. Normally, I'm not opposed to letting my players figure out the trick and spot the invisible/hidden opponent - but there is limits to how easy it should be.
And then the Good:
Well, it is something loads of players will want. I, sincerely, do think it's a little underpriced, but the price is low enough that it's definitely worth its value to a buyer. The idea is neat enough really. I like the name, even if it's simple. The slot baffles me, but it does work well with the description. I can see where you get it.
Analysis
Originality: Not huge, really. It's not like these gloves are miles from a SiaC. And, I notice you only apply one, if somewhat rarely used (in my campaigns, anyhow) spell, still one from the Core book. Now that's not negative, but it does show less daring than it could.
Price: Definitely too low. I'd, without thought, double it before letting my players near this. They won't use it in combat, or even when combat is near. They'll use it outside every room, probably letting the most stealthy player sneak the last part up the door, minimizing the chance of discovery. They might use invisibility on the player using the gloves.
Slot: Okay I'll give you this much, you give me a reason why this is not the slot I expect. And, let me be honest, you make me like that description. That said, it does make me wonder if you are aware that it's quite unusual to put sight oriented things in the hand slot.
Template: Worst point is obviously the lack of cursive on the spells. Don't like that. Else I don't see anything which has me overly annoyed, but that said, it could look loads better.
Name: I don't mind the name. It's not hugely original, following the x of y formula, but the fact that it messes with slot already there gets my attention. Not sure if it's good or bad attention, but it has been said that negative attention is better than no attention, and I guess, when you need to stand out from thousands of items, that's somewhat true.
Description:
That critical, first impression: Oh, you upset me badly spending the first line telling me an alternate name. First, it tells me you aren't really sure what to call your item. Second, it's a waste of words. I'm sure someone using it will make up a different name, if they want to. Don't waste my attention like this.
Looks: Good, simple. You're pretty much were you want to be, though it could be more evocative. I can imagine how they look, though, and that's the essence of it. You explain why you're messing with the slot, which makes me inclined to like this.
Clarity: Decent. I understand what you want. Avoid things like "and/or". As my writing teachers in basic school always told me, when I used to do that: Even if you aren't sure, act sure. Make a decision. I don't care to guess at what I really get out of this. Do I always get both or only sometimes? Look, if I can get both, I will choose it all the time, and there's only one use per day, so it's not like using both sight and hearing costs me more than only using one of them. More waste of valuable words. I guess it's neat enough that I can choose to use only one hand to get only some information, if I really need the other hand for something. But no, I think I'd rather get all the info, thank you very much. Basically, that effect is sort of needless. Just tell me I need to use both hands to get full information, or something. Don't spend that many words on something that will in close to every case be irrelevant.
Crafting requirements: Seems appropriate, no further comment, though.
Other: I don't really like the normal/greater version thing. It's not all that interesting. The greater ones give far too much, compared to the normal (true seeing through walls, doors, etc., yes please). I'd rather have one, single, and more solid item. That's just me though.
Overall: I'm not impressed. I see your idea. I like the idea. I don't like the price, and the execution is not good enough to wauw me. It's not a bad item. But it's not really over-super-awesome, either. I'll be watching, and I hope to see something more WAUW for the organization.
Good luck.
Template: Worst point is obviously the lack of cursive on the spells. Don't like that.
Luthia, only mentioning this because you've mentioned you're not a native English speaker in other threads, but you mean "italics" on the spells. Cursive is a more scriptive form of writing, where all the letters are connected.
Congratulations Chad,
I like these. I shouldn’t. They are: SiaC, start with directions to use them, in the wrong slot, a poor trade for gloves of dexterity, and makes adventuring easier. But I like them in spite of all that. I WANT a pair. And THAT is superstar. Your visuals are strong and concrete. Good luck I hope you go far! :)
The visual of having someone press a hand against the door and close his eyes to see beyond is nifty, something I could see in a movie.
Given the effect only functions once per day, it would basically give the party one shot at preempting a surprise on the other side of a door or wall, which seems useful but not too powerful (much like what Chris Jackson said).
The visual of having someone press a hand against the door and close his eyes to see beyond is nifty, something I could see in a movie.
Isn't it a class feature in a can?
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Congrats on Top 32!
I think this would be better as only the "greater" version, about 1.5 times total cost/price, with Clark's idea of "must wear for 24 hrs before it works" stipulation. That balances out the kinks a bit, and makes it so it's not something every character has but more than one person in the PC adventuring party would want if found in a treasure hoard (that's where I usually put most of my wondrous items in the games I GM, as my players usually spend gold on ~weapons ~armor ~belts ~headbands when they can shop in town, which isn't often).
Also, not to nitpick, but you will probably want to italicize what needs to be and make sure you don't capitalize things that aren't supposed to be.
However, those are just my opinions, and regardless of those details I really like the general concept you came up with. Kudos!
This is very nicely written. Good, clear visuals. I like that you've tied the gloves in to rogue lingo, grounding them in the world without explicitly saying these are rogue items. Anyone would benefit from them.
I really like the image of placing the hands on the door. It's nice and mystical.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2012
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Star Voter Season 6, Marathon Voter Season 7, Star Voter Season 9
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I like the touch of the eye and ear on each glove--that is a great visual. This is another terrific item which is available to low-level characters, but is useful at any level. You made an excellent decision limiting it to one use per day, otherwise, you'd have a lot of GMs tearing their hair out.
Congratulations, Chad, and good luck in the next round!
Sean K. Reynolds, Sean McGowan, Sam Zeitlin, Mr. Swagger, Chris A Jackson, OwlbearRepublic, Curaigh, Mark Hart, Ian Eastmond, Daniel Rust, and Mike Welham: Thank you all so much! I'm glad you liked my item!!! :) And Sean McGowan thanks for defending my honor about the clairaudience/clairvoyance thing. ;p It means a lot that my fellow winners (Mark, Daniel, and Mike) would chime in with their support. That shows a lot of class! Thanks, guys! The one that means the most to me personally, however, is Sean K. Reynolds. Sean, the gods and goddesses you've created over the years have always inspired me! Thanks!
Anthony Adam, Ask A RPGSupersuccubus, and Luthia: Er... thanks for your feedback? Sorry you guys didn't like my item. Hopefully you'll see more of what I'm capable of in Round 2. Thanks to the rest of you, including the other judges! All of the feedback on my item has been helpful, both positive and negative. I'm truly grateful for the chance to read through it all and grow as a designer. I didn't know about the Exploration Subdomain, the Ring of X-Ray Vision, or "Bahor's nifty eye in hand magic item" from Curse of the Crimson Throne. It's hard to keep track of all the material that's already produced for Pathfinder. I've purchased most of it, but only read through about half of it. I hope I don't do that again in Round 2! By the way, I didn't realize the more perverse uses of my item until after it was submitted. I guess it works as a Peeping Tom's dream come true! ;p
In any case, I'm just glad to be here with all of you enjoying something that we're all passionate about! Even if I hadn't made it into the 32 this year, I'm so glad Paizo runs the RPG Superstar contest! I know it probably takes a LOT of effort on their part. Besides acting as a talent search for good freelancers (even some full-time staff), it's just so much fun!!! Spectator, competitor, or whatever, I'm loving every minute of it! :)
Yeah, I knew I was taking a risk submitting an item that "made adventuring easier." Most of my background is as a player, though I have GM'd. This is one that the players seem to like better.
Thanks for the Threat Analysis. You've got chutzpah, Eric, and that's what I love about you! You, sir, do not suffer from a lack of confidence or passion! :)
I think you stand to do really well in the monster round. Thanks for sharing all those monsters you've designed on the messageboards, by the way. That's awesome!!
Isn't it a class feature in a can?
That was my first thought as well - esp. since I'm currently playing a Cleric/Rogue PC with this particular ability, and I've used it well.
That being said, I do like this item, even if it is a bit of a SIAC/CFIAC; the flavor is well-presented, and the fact you can use it but once a day keeps it from being overabused, I hope. I actually like the use of an alternative name by rogues, as we all know they have their own peculiar little lanquage...
Nicely done.
Thanks, Greg! :)
Chad, I know what you mean about being concerned about something already existing. I ended up downloading a pdf while I was working on my organizations because I wanted a little more research (of course, didn't even end up finishing that organization before going back to the one I eventually submitted, but I figure the fun I've gotten out of this contest so far is well worth what I paid for the pdf).
Anyway, I like your description of the mechanics of this item. I think calling out that the player must touch the item (and keep a hand on it) can add some limitations to that -- think of what'll happen the first time they try looking into a chest-shaped mimic. They might get a closer look at its innards than they wanted!
I also like how you managed to throw in the greater version so simply. Nice design touch there.
Thanks, Jacob! :)
I like the alternate name of “casing gloves” to allude to a different class of user in the description. Though I do think you could have left out "scouting a location they intend to rob" part, since that's what casing is. Let interested parties look it up if they're confused.
I could see a handful of my more roguish characters enjoying these.
That's true, David! I encourage the use of dictionaries, lol!
I'm glad you like my item. Thanks for the feedback! :)
You know, after finally finding time to read through all of the entries for Round 1, I learned some things...
The feedback on my item isn't as negative as I thought. Don't get me wrong; there are a lot of good items out there. It's just that everyone seems to have been met with fierce and uncompromising critique. I think they're treating us as they would another professional, and that's very refreshing.
I even found myself being harder in my comments on the items I like, and I figure the judges probably do that to a point too. Which is not to say they liked my item, lol! ;p But yeah, it's so fun and cool to look through all the great finalist entries this year. I'm having a fun time with all of this! :)
It's very different to be one of the 32 on the inside looking out. I've noticed things/seen them differently than when I've read through all the yearly submissions in past RPG Superstars.
As the big reveal for Round 2 looms, I hope I can get some much needed sleep tonight. I'll be right there with all of you tomorrow for the unveiling! See you then!