The Unofficial Top 32 Guildhall and Armory

[Mikko Kallio]

Congrats to the Top 4! I think we have an excellent Top 4 this year.

The Top 5-8 should also be proud; you did well.

And remember, regardless of whether you made the top 4 or not, everyone is still a bit of a rough diamond at this stage. The real Superstars are those who go on to do great things after RPGSS, regardless of which tag you get.

[Dana Huber]

Woooooo, fantastic job, Monica, Brian, Christopher, and Kalervo! This is so exciting to watch. I hope it's as much excitement to be one of the top 4. ;)

Such big congratulations all around though. The top 8 had so much good stuff there, and like Mikko says, I expect great things from all of you!

[Jensen Toperzer]

Hey guys,, sorry I haven't been around. HUGE congrats to the top 4, hot damn.

I'm popping in to say that I'm going to be at PAX East this weekend, so if anyone wants to say hi, please do! I'm an Enforcer; I'll be in the big queue room every morning wrangling the huge line for Expo hall. I'm the small ginger in the leather vest yelling real loud. I'll be busy working but you're welcome to say hi, and later I'm ALWAYS up for tabletop games.

[Jeff Hazuka]

Big congratulations to the top 4. (And hell, to the rest of the top 8, too. Really damn impressive last round).

For what it's worth, I'll be pressing to play the scenarios written by #s 2-4 just as much as I'd hope to play the winner's module. (PFS is kind of my bread and butter, as far as Pathfinder goes).

So, in so many words, "kick ass!"

[Scott LaBarge]

Perhaps it's inevitable that things have gotten so quiet since the top 4 are all presumably working hard on their adventure pitches, but know that I at least think of you all often and hope you're doing well! Still looking forward to seeing what you come up with; I know all the pitches are going to be great. I hope you're managing the stress well.

Meanwhile, anyone planning on backing the new Dwarven Forge kickstarter? I haven't decided yet whether I'd rather get the new city stuff or buy more caverns pieces instead.

[David H]

City stuff would be cool, but still working off Bones credit <_<

[R Pickard]

I could have sworn I replied earlier. Huh.

Anyway, yeah, I am really hoping the Four are plugging along nicely.

If I had a giant house and gobs of money and time, I would get all the Dwarven Forge ever. As I have a tiny apartment, a moderate income, and little time, I have to pass on their products. I barely have room for the minis I own! Speaking of, I should get back to some painting....

[Scott LaBarge]

R Pickard wrote:

Speaking of, I should get back to some painting....

I hear that, sister. Once I get these student papers out of the way....

[Chris Lambertz]

Paging Top 4! Paging Top 4! Please check your email regarding the submission bug :)

[Christopher Wasko]

And just like that, with one click of a button, my experience as an RPG Superstar contestant ends permanently.

I have to say, these past two years have been a heck of a ride. I feel so privileged to have competed and worked alongside two seasons' worth of outstanding creative talent, and am deeply honored to have made it this far in such a fun, meaningful competition. I am super proud of everyone in the top 4, and I sincerely wish everybody the best of luck! I firmly believe that everyone in this contest—even going back to the top 32—has proven their ability as designers. At this point, it simply boils down to which adventure the voters want to see developed the most.

My most earnest thanks to the entire RPG Superstar staff—Owen, James, Nicole, Steven, John, Mikko, Adam, Crystal, Rob, Mark, Liz, and Chris—and to all of the voters and commenters in the messageboards! I have learned so much from all of you, and intend to put that learning to work by producing the best Paizo product (hopefully products) as possible.

May the best proposal win!

[Monica Marlowe]

Chris Lambertz wrote:

Paging Top 4! Paging Top 4! Please check your email regarding the submission bug :)

Nothing like a minor stroke to get the creative juices flowing.

[Monica Marlowe]

I would also like to thank everyone at Paizo, my wickedly awesome fellow contestants, the voters and everyone who has assisted me in any way on my run of RPG SS, whether through criticism or praise. I have had an awesome time. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to entertain you.

Tags out

[Wren Brown]

Congrats Top 4 peoples.

I look forward to seeing the adventure proposals next week!

[Scott LaBarge]

Really looking forward to the big reveal tomorrow!!!

[GM_Beernorg]

5.5 hours till reveal here in the Eastern US, should be an interesting final round, and as they are due, another congrats to the final four, hang in there, the clock is NOT out to get you, it just seems that way :)

[Christopher Wasko]

Because this is how my mind works:

My final proposal was my only title that did not use the letter "D"
Monica's final proposal was her only title that did not use the letter "R"
Brian's final proposal was his only title that did not use the letter "A"
All of Kalervo's titles used the letter "E"

Put them all together, and it spells "READ." Or "DARE." Or "DEAR."

So many meanings from such little significance...

o.O

[Monica Marlowe]

Christopher Wasko wrote:

Because this is how my mind works:

My final proposal was my only title that did not use the letter "D"
Monica's final proposal was her only title that did not use the letter "R"
Brian's final proposal was his only title that did not use the letter "A"
All of Kalervo's titles used the letter "E"

Put them all together, and it spells "READ." Or "DARE." Or "DEAR."

So many meanings from such little significance...

o.O

Chris, you need a hobby. ;-)

[Christopher Wasko]

Monica Marlowe wrote:

Christopher Wasko wrote:

Because this is how my mind works:

My final proposal was my only title that did not use the letter "D"
Monica's final proposal was her only title that did not use the letter "R"
Brian's final proposal was his only title that did not use the letter "A"
All of Kalervo's titles used the letter "E"

Put them all together, and it spells "READ." Or "DARE." Or "DEAR."

So many meanings from such little significance...

o.O

Chris, you need a hobby, man. ;-)

Actually this is what happens when I don't hobby enough

[Monica Marlowe]

Now that the last voting period of Paizo's 2015 RPG SS is over, I want to thank Chris Wasko​, Brian J. Fruzen​ and Kalervo Oikarinen​ for bringing their best game to Round 5, your pitches were amazing. I really don't want to think of you as my "competition" because I see you (and all of the other Top 32+4) as talented individuals who have a lot to offer the gaming community. I hope that you are all as proud of what you accomplished these past three months as I am, and that you take a moment to look back at what you did with amazement. We made these things with our minds! Monsters, villains, NPCs, spaces and locations, they all sprang from our imaginations. Please don't let this be the only thing you do with your beautifully fertile minds.

[R Pickard]

What a lovely post, Monica.

And all four of you... whatever happens next... take a moment and BREATHE..... relax.... pat yourselves on the back. Well done all.

[Kalervo Oikarinen]

Congrats Monica! A well deserved win. :)

[GM_Beernorg]

Very well done Monica, I hope to be running or playing your adventure soon, you deserve the lime light, enjoy it!

[Brian J. Fruzen]

Congratulations Monica!

[Scott LaBarge]

Yay Monica! That's fabulous. I hope you have an epic celebration planned!

[GM_Beernorg]

Can't go wrong with a good quality adult beverage and putting the feet up in victory :)

[Monica Marlowe]

Thank you everyone!

Tonight will be more like GM_Beernorg's suggestion, because tomorrow is a school/work day but this weekend might involve dinner out and some fun!

[Pedro Coelho]

Congratulations, Monica! Very well done! That will be one fun module (and a ton of work, so brace yourself).

Chris, Kalervo, Brian, writing a PFS Scenario is also awesome, with the caveat that you'll get to see less illustrations of the cool stuff you write than Monica will (but hey, you still get to create wicked NPCs and get them on the cover of your PFS Scenario! Really, it's superfun). There's something about contributing to the continuity of organized play that is really stimulating, so you can start doing some research about that... right now.

In any case, the 4 of you got one foot in; apply the same level of creativity and dedication you've shown here to your upcoming assignments and I guarantee others will follow.

The Top 32 have all done well, and I wouldn't be surprised if you guys strated getting some mail from 3rd party publishers or Paizo about doing some freelance work. Grab those opportunities! There is some really great 3rd party stuff out there. If you got bit by the freelance bug, you'll surely want to keep an eye on the market and what people are doing.

Anyway, another RPGSS comes to an end, as it must; and it seems once again it has been quite successful in revealing new and fine talent. Kuddos to all!

[Scott LaBarge]

Monica Marlowe wrote:

Thank you everyone!

Tonight will be more like GM_Beernorg's suggestion, because tomorrow is a school/work day but this weekend might involve dinner out and some fun!

Well, if nothing else, I think you definitely ought to level up :-)

[Monica Marlowe]

Scott LaBarge wrote:

Monica Marlowe wrote:

Thank you everyone!

Tonight will be more like GM_Beernorg's suggestion, because tomorrow is a school/work day but this weekend might involve dinner out and some fun!

Well, if nothing else, I think you definitely ought to level up :-)

I think you're right. Let me know if you figure it out :-)

[Scott LaBarge]

I don't know, multi-classing is a dangerous business....Maybe just a few skill points in Craft (Pathfinder adventure) or Profession (game designer)?

[Owen K. C. Stephens]

A note, which is especially aimed at the top 32 + 4, but also applies to everyone in the guildhall.

This is a tough industry to break into. There aren't a lot of guidance councilors who can tell you the normal pathway into RPG writing, and a big part of that is because there's no "normal" route.

I remember the years after I have a few Dragon articles published, but before I was hired by Wizards of the Coast, and I was very much adrift career-wise. I didn't know who to talk to, what to try for, how to expand my skills and visibility to increase my odds of making a solid full-time living, or even good sideline income, over the long term.

I really could have used someone to talk to, ask questions of, and run ideas by.

Of course things have changed a lot since then. There are fewer print magazines, and more online venues. The OGL and online/pdf sales have changed what a person can do on their own. Social media has become a major method of outreach.

I've been doing this for a couple of decades now, and while I can't claim to have found the "one true way," I do have a lot of experience and opinions. Anyone who wants to keep working on a career in rpg writing, who thinks they could use some advice or feedback, feel free to drop me a line. If it's Paizo-realted, just IM me. If you have broader questions, IM me for my private email or hunt me down on Facebook. I'm happy to try to help.

While I'll obviously be limited by things like scheduling and getting my own work done, and I may end up having to say "I honestly don't know," I'm happy to try to give some guidance to anyone who wants to be part of the industry.

Thanks to everyone for helping make this a great first year as host of RPG Superstar.

[Owen K. C. Stephens]

Scott LaBarge wrote:

I don't know, multi-classing is a dangerous business....Maybe just a few skill points in Craft (Pathfinder adventure) or Profession (game designer)?

Designer is a prestige class. I'm not saying that doesn't have it's own risks but... prestige!

[Jacob W. Michaels]

That's an incredible offer, Owen.

I don't know if Pedro's experience was different than my own, but no one reached out to me, at least not initially. I really didn't know *how* to get started (there are so many 3PPs, I didn't know who to approach or even how).

My strong suggestion is go check out Paizo's 3PP forum, especially now that it's got the sticky Freelancer Open Call thread. That's where I found my first post-Superstar opportunities to write -- via Adventureaweek.com and Raging Swan contests -- and once you get started, if you do good work, it'll build on itself. No one's going to hand you a game-design career/work, but it's out there for those who make the effort.

[Monica Marlowe]

So now that all compelling reasons not to have been resolved, I wanted to let everyone know that Andrew and I will be coming to Seattle for PaizoCon this year.

[Neil Spicer]

Monica Marlowe wrote:

So now that all compelling reasons not to have been resolved, I wanted to let everyone know that Andrew and I will be coming to Seattle for PaizoCon this year.

A wise choice.

[Adam Daigle]

Yay! It'll be nice to see y'all again.

[GM_Beernorg]

If I were not mostly broke and working the equivalent of three jobs I would most definitely go to PaizoCon this year if nothing else but to provide Monica a firm handshake and a actual in person congrats.

[GM_Beernorg]

Just have to hang in there a year or two more till the house is renovated and can be sold and then I to can flee west to northern California and be much closer to awesomeness, like PaizoCon!

[R Pickard]

Frustratingly, in past years, PaizoCon was held on 4th of July weekend, which never worked out because I had family (or other) obligations.

This year they moved it!

... to Memorial Day weekend, when this year and this year only, I have a family obligation that if I miss I'm pretty sure the ghost of my mother will haunt me forever.

And to add icing on the cake, this year, I'm free on 4th of July weekend.

*bangs head against wall*

[GM_Beernorg]

Familial obligations daemons, annoying but strangely comforting...

[Monica Marlowe]

I don't know how often I'll be flying from Cincinnati to Seattle for any reason, but this year is too important to me personally to pass on PaizoCon. I promised Andrew if he won we would go and I feel like it is the place to be this year. I've met the fine folks from Paizo at GenCon and Origins before, but I would love to see the city and the people in their native environment :-)

And I have friends in Seattle who do not work for Paizo, so it's going to be a packed few days.

[Monica Marlowe]

R Pickard wrote:

Frustratingly, in past years, PaizoCon was held on 4th of July weekend, which never worked out because I had family (or other) obligations.

This year they moved it!

... to Memorial Day weekend, when this year and this year only, I have a family obligation that if I miss I'm pretty sure the ghost of my mother will haunt me forever.

And to add icing on the cake, this year, I'm free on 4th of July weekend.

*bangs head against wall*

Rep, if I recall correctly you and I live within a reasonable driving distance, we should hook up one weekend and have coffee.

[Wren Brown]

Congratulations Monica! Well done on your adventure proposal.

I look forward to meeting other contestants at PaizoCon this year. We should definitely arrange for everyone to meet up at some point.

DQ, we will post lots of forum updates at least! :(

[R Pickard]

Monica Marlowe wrote:

R Pickard wrote:

Frustratingly, in past years, PaizoCon was held on 4th of July weekend, which never worked out because I had family (or other) obligations.

This year they moved it!

... to Memorial Day weekend, when this year and this year only, I have a family obligation that if I miss I'm pretty sure the ghost of my mother will haunt me forever.

And to add icing on the cake, this year, I'm free on 4th of July weekend.

*bangs head against wall*

Rep, if I recall correctly you and I live within a reasonable driving distance, we should hook up one weekend and have coffee.

I live a little far away enough to drive for coffee but certainly if it ever is convenient, I'd love to do that.

I do hope to get to Paizocon at some point, and was really hoping this would be the year, it just didn't work out.

Russ Brown wrote:

DQ, we will post lots of forum updates at least! :(

Thanks! :)

And yeah, a meetup would be fun.

[GM_Beernorg]

Perhaps we of the Northeastern US and close midwest (Ohio, etc) should push for a Rustbelt Con! Host in abandoned industrial complex somewhere, give out tetanus shots, and let the fun commence. ;)

[Monica Marlowe]

We are at 995 posts on this thread and by gum, we need to leave this thread at 1000.

It looks like there may be a plan for an unofficial get together at PaizoCon. I would also love to hear from anyone planning to go to GenCon, because we can do something there as well, time permitting.

[Christopher Wasko]

I'll be at PaizoCon this year as well!

...996

[Ghost of Beardforge]

997 undead dwarves on the wall...

[Monica Marlowe]

Ghost of Beardforge wrote:

997 undead dwarves on the wall...

Hey! I'm going to write about undead dwarves! Coincidence? I think not!

[Monica Marlowe]

And 1000! YAY!!!

Meet you all back here in December! Same bat time, same bat channel! ;-)