WotC Seeking Your Setting Proposals (was "Big Wizard announcement")

[tabrumj]

Technology Question

Mr. Valterra,

When designing this setting what level of technology is too high? One of the ideas I have had involves a setting where the use of Muskets and other early firearms has just begun. Is it acceptable to have some early clockwork items such as watches or clocks in the setting.

Or in more concise terms what year in European history would you consider as too advanced.

Jeff Tabrum
Gamer 6/ Gamemaster 5/Rules Lawyer 2

 

[Lady Dragon]

I feel there are several reasons they are doing this.

1."A star is born" A lot of very talented people out there have never even attempted to get there works published this might inspire them to try.

2.This is a good way to get most of the industry professional to submit their best stuff.Including other publishers and former industry greats who have moved on to more lucrative careers.

3.This is good way to learn what kind of campaigns their readers like to create.Yes they will read most of them.

4.FR is 15 years old and has been covered in extensive detail.All they can do know is re-cover areas they have covered befored.They are looking for something new and fresh.

 

[teitan]

Marvel got Wolverine from some kid for nothing more than a single issue of noteriety and probably a signed comic book.

That isn't how Marvel got Wolverine, they got Wolverine from Len Wein. He was the current writer of the Incredible Hulk and he was visually designed by John ROmita Sr. and Herb Trempe. He was then redesigned by Dave Cockrum when they revived the X-men in 1974.

The character that won the create a character contest appeared in the Thunderbolts sometime in the last year, though exactly when I am not sure. Aside from that the character never appeared outside of a blurb in the Bullpen Bulletins.

Jason

 

[Hand of Evil]

MMMMM, I wonder if my Plateu World is DQ'd because I have posting basic information about it here? (at least the old boards)

Not that I could come up with a 100 pages for it in that time frame.

 

[merc]

Anyone want to hazard a guess as to how many entries there will be? I'm guessing something like 2500 to 7500 entries.

~Derek

Well, they are only giving themselves 8 business days to narrow it down to ten entries. Less if people send them right at the deadline. Even if it's only one page a setting, that's a lot of pages to thoughtfully consider. All the more reason to make them professional.

 

[River]

I agree. Somewhere else, I suggested that WoTC publish the other two 100-page bibles as OGC (since they own all rights to the last three).

I'd much rather see some of the 10 pagers!

River

 

[River]

Interesting thought, here...

Consider the amount of thought and attention this competition will generate. Considered as an advertisement, might that attention alone be worth the $160K in prize money?

I think if that is what they wanted it would be splashed all over the WOTC website. I don't think they want submissions from minors. The word is getting out on boards like this filled with hardcore gamers. Older gamers.

Also the contest would run for longer and accept e-mail submissions.... No I suspect this may very well be legit. The pay-day is crazy. A good idea buys you a lottery ticket with a 1% chance of winning $100,000.00 Although you have to wonder about the criteria of the judges....

River

 

[sunstaff]

basically, I think this is great.

It shows how the RPG industry has done a U-turn since WoTC bought TSR.

I have to admit, I wasn't sure at the time that was a "good" thing.

I know I'm going to get slammed for this comment, but I know its better then a question about font size.

Basically, this is like a "Popstars" contest ( there I said it). everyone has about 1/4 page to grab the attention of one of the judges. It has to be orginial, but that the same time, MARKETABLE.

Too much like FR, such as the main wizard named Minsterel, and you're out, too orginal, and thus, appealing to only a few players and you're out.

I think its great because now players can say and maybe even publish worlds that have eveything we hated in FR and DL left out, and Everything we loved expanded.

Good luck to all.

 

[mirzabah]

Part of me REALLY likes the idea of being up against Monte, Bruce, Sean, or Chris or any of the other award-winning professionals who may be sending in their own little one-page proposals. It's making me take the time to thoroughly polish and prepare my proposal.

I don't know why so many people are wetting their pants about Monte et al submitting proposals, or puffing up their chests at the thought they may be up against the big boys and girls. A professional writer wouldn't sell anything they thought was halfway decent for USD$120,000. 120K plus royalties, maybe.

Like Eric or someone said, this would be a great way for someone to get a leg up into publishing. However, that doesn't make it a good deal for an established writer.

 

[Darklone]

Huh, Monte, you wouldn't write a little pager for 160K bucks?