Post/Author/DateTime	Post
WotC_Bart 09-30-05, 02:18 PM	Hi folks, We've posted the latest Design & Development column (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dd/20050930b) -- The RPG Design Test. Previously, we’ve given players the chance to take the developer test (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dd/20050902a) for fun. This time, Christopher Perkins offers the design test – to take for real. In this article, Chris details what goes into a quality adventure... and at the same time, extends the invitation to submit yours to Wizards of the Coast. Just a few reminders: -- This is an open deadline (there is no end date announced at this time). -- This is open to international submissions. -- All submissions must be sent in hard copy. For other details, please refer to the article! Thanks and best of luck to everyone interested in participating.
Lord Doombringer 09-30-05, 09:14 PM	Three quick questions: -Hard copy means printed, computer copy, correct? -Since the submission is for the official D&D website, can we use material from any official WotC published D&D supplement? -It says that we should make either a new spell, feat, or magic item. Are new monsters for the adventure allowed too? Thanks! :D
Aarcon Wintersfury 09-30-05, 10:18 PM	Is there any way the Standard Disclosure Form can be posted in an adobe format for us non-word users? And as Doombringer said, does a monster count as new material, or a prestige class?
Lenwe Luinwe 10-01-05, 12:59 AM	Can two people work on it together?
Lord Psynister 10-01-05, 01:22 AM	This is all kinds of cool. I'm definitely getting in on this thing.
Airsucker 10-01-05, 11:28 AM	Three quick questions: -Hard copy means printed, computer copy, correct? -Since the submission is for the official D&D website, can we use material from any official WotC published D&D supplement? -It says that we should make either a new spell, feat, or magic item. Are new monsters for the adventure allowed too? Thanks! :D It said on the page that only the 3 core books should be used. :)
rbrt_Spade 10-01-05, 11:42 AM	good luck to you guys. i think thats the dream of dnd fans is to work for wotc. not me though :P
OneEyedTrouserSnake 10-01-05, 12:16 PM	"Do not submit an adventure involving the destruction of children or helpless persons, cruel mistreatment of animals, excessive gore or violence, descriptions of Satan or Satanism (boo!), or game versions of real-world figures. Explicit sex, the encouragement of substance abuse, offensive language, and bathroom humor should not be used." I guess they want you to create a pokemon adventure. I mean really, please don't use the imaginary evil god named "satan", only use there made up evil gods instead.So stupid they need to even mention that. No excessive gore or violence ? Uhh like I said, pokemon. You can have drunken dwarfs as long as they drink and drive and cripple some one and spend the rest of there time in a deep depression over what they've done.If I had to Dm (or play) under these guidlines i'd quit playing.Those are probally the official wizards guidlines for designing content, and now I know why I NEVER buy adventures!
Lord Doombringer 10-01-05, 01:50 PM	"Do not submit an adventure involving the destruction of children or helpless persons, cruel mistreatment of animals, excessive gore or violence, descriptions of Satan or Satanism (boo!), or game versions of real-world figures. Explicit sex, the encouragement of substance abuse, offensive language, and bathroom humor should not be used." I guess they want you to create a pokemon adventure. I mean really, please don't use the imaginary evil god named "satan", only use there made up evil gods instead.So stupid they need to even mention that. No excessive gore or violence ? Uhh like I said, pokemon. You can have drunken dwarfs as long as they drink and drive and cripple some one and spend the rest of there time in a deep depression over what they've done.If I had to Dm (or play) under these guidlines i'd quit playing.Those are probally the official wizards guidlines for designing content, and now I know why I NEVER buy adventures! D&D can be D&D without any of the things that you said above. Just because you like your campaigns to have sex, slavery, and bathroom humor, doesn't mean that everyone does. (And that you'd ever compare D&D to Pokemon! That's like comparing a three-course meal to a bowl of Cheerios! :mad: ) P.S. Thanks for clarifying that up, Airsucker, I must have missed that part in the guidelines. :D
Lord Psynister 10-01-05, 04:14 PM	"Do not submit an adventure involving the destruction of children or helpless persons, cruel mistreatment of animals, excessive gore or violence, descriptions of Satan or Satanism (boo!), or game versions of real-world figures. Explicit sex, the encouragement of substance abuse, offensive language, and bathroom humor should not be used." I guess they want you to create a pokemon adventure. I mean really, please don't use the imaginary evil god named "satan", only use there made up evil gods instead.So stupid they need to even mention that. No excessive gore or violence ? Uhh like I said, pokemon. You can have drunken dwarfs as long as they drink and drive and cripple some one and spend the rest of there time in a deep depression over what they've done.If I had to Dm (or play) under these guidlines i'd quit playing.Those are probally the official wizards guidlines for designing content, and now I know why I NEVER buy adventures! Your response/reaction there is far more rediculous that the guidelines. If I ever played in a game that did use those things to any great extent, I'd stop playing. I would never want to put any part of my religion into a fantasy setting, so I see no reason to make an evil guy named Satan. Why would you need excessive gore/violence? If you really need to see that stuff, go rent a movie. You want to see children and/or helpless people get killed? Alright, you're sick. Never going to play in a game with you. Cruel mistreatment of animals? If you need to see that, you're a rather sad individual. My appologies. Explicit sex, substance abuse, offensive language, and bathroom humor: Do you really need this stuff? If you need sex in a game that badly, perhaps it's time to stop playing games and get out into the real world long enough to find yourself a spouse. Substance abuse? Well, that's a big enough problem in the world today, if you want to see that, why not go down town, I'm sure you'll be able to see several instances where they're used. Offensive language? You realize children play this game too, right? And that there are several religions that are offended at their use? Bathroom Humor? Perhaps it's time to grow up and get a little maturity in your life. I have no problem with the majority of this stuff popping up from time to time, it's really not that big of a deal. But, to say that you'd stop playing if these things weren't allowed is far beyond rediculous. If my DM were to use any one of these in every game he ran, or even every other game he ran, I'd find a new DM. You don't need any of these things for the game to be fun, but any one of them can take fun away from the game.
Lore333 10-01-05, 07:44 PM	Seattlefiction, Now, this is just a test, right? As in, these aren't submissions for publication, merely a gauge of our abilities? If yes, then would it be all right to send in a copy of a previously published D&D adventure if it meets the minimum requirements (e.g, at least 2,500 words in length, contains a new game design)? EDIT TO ADD: Oh yeah, and if we actually wrote the adventure? ;)
OneEyedTrouserSnake 10-01-05, 09:09 PM	Your response/reaction there is far more rediculous that the guidelines. If I ever played in a game that did use those things to any great extent, I'd stop playing. I would never want to put any part of my religion into a fantasy setting, so I see no reason to make an evil guy named Satan. Why would you need excessive gore/violence? If you really need to see that stuff, go rent a movie. You want to see children and/or helpless people get killed? Alright, you're sick. Never going to play in a game with you. Cruel mistreatment of animals? If you need to see that, you're a rather sad individual. My appologies. Explicit sex, substance abuse, offensive language, and bathroom humor: Do you really need this stuff? If you need sex in a game that badly, perhaps it's time to stop playing games and get out into the real world long enough to find yourself a spouse. Substance abuse? Well, that's a big enough problem in the world today, if you want to see that, why not go down town, I'm sure you'll be able to see several instances where they're used. Offensive language? You realize children play this game too, right? And that there are several religions that are offended at their use? Bathroom Humor? Perhaps it's time to grow up and get a little maturity in your life. I have no problem with the majority of this stuff popping up from time to time, it's really not that big of a deal. But, to say that you'd stop playing if these things weren't allowed is far beyond rediculous. If my DM were to use any one of these in every game he ran, or even every other game he ran, I'd find a new DM. You don't need any of these things for the game to be fun, but any one of them can take fun away from the game. I write campaigns that are like Greek dramas directed by Tarantino. My bad guy do BAD things like raping children (they are suppossed to be evil, how better to show it by describing things that are reprehensible).Dwarfs are happy drunks like Germans ( my lineage is German so I can say this), and its an admirable characteristic of their race.The Drunken Master prestige Class encourages over-indulgence in booze. Satan is as made up as Hextor or Nerull, who cares?If the reason is you don't want to use Satan is because you want to refrain from human mythology that's fine( even though Forgotten Realms use of egyptian gods blatently does this). But if you think some real hoodoo satantic voodoo will be invoked by writing about Satan you are an idiot.This game rewards you for killing all sorts of things and your worried about sex or naughty words? What kind of classical American puritan are you?Just like people being upset about the sex content in GTA in a game where you play by carjacking. Classical American insanity.Great writing entails juxtaposing beautiful things ( such as magic and chivalry) agains the not-so-beautiful things we find taboo. ITS FREAKIN IMAGINATION where no one is harmed.One can explore many possibilities without any moral or legal consequences.The divine intelligence gave us the ability to imagine so we can satisfy the banal whims of our primordial minds without hurting our fellow man or woman. Repressing thoughts or not finding the humor in them only make thems more dangerous. Maybe if Wizards sold "over 18" adventures with more explicit content they'd sell more than two copies each and actually profit from them.
Kirbys_Big_Fan 10-01-05, 09:30 PM	Will we get to see the best entry?
Trevor Goodchild 10-02-05, 09:31 AM	I write campaigns that are like Greek dramas directed by Tarantino. My bad guy do BAD things like raping children (they are suppossed to be evil, how better to show it by describing things that are reprehensible).Dwarfs are happy drunks like Germans ( my lineage is German so I can say this), and its an admirable characteristic of their race.The Drunken Master prestige Class encourages over-indulgence in booze. Satan is as made up as Hextor or Nerull, who cares?If the reason is you don't want to use Satan is because you want to refrain from human mythology that's fine( even though Forgotten Realms use of egyptian gods blatently does this). But if you think some real hoodoo satantic voodoo will be invoked by writing about Satan you are an idiot.This game rewards you for killing all sorts of things and your worried about sex or naughty words? What kind of classical American puritan are you?Just like people being upset about the sex content in GTA in a game where you play by carjacking. Classical American insanity.Great writing entails juxtaposing beautiful things ( such as magic and chivalry) agains the not-so-beautiful things we find taboo. ITS FREAKIN IMAGINATION where no one is harmed.One can explore many possibilities without any moral or legal consequences.The divine intelligence gave us the ability to imagine so we can satisfy the banal whims of our primordial minds without hurting our fellow man or woman. Repressing thoughts or not finding the humor in them only make thems more dangerous. Maybe if Wizards sold "over 18" adventures with more explicit content they'd sell more than two copies each and actually profit from them. You use child molestation as a way to make your villains seem evil? Seriously, that's nearly every anime (and was used in the anime segment of one of your beloved Tarantino movies) that flies under the banner of being mature. Really (Insert poorly imagined phallic reference) your just uncreative. Aside from that, on the topic of Puritan insanity, your talking about a game where you can feel free to be as mature (or immature for you, if you purposly use every stereotype for races like the drunken dwarves) as you can design it. Even if some idiots think Halo should be banned for excessive human on alien violence, they can't go back home and change the game to bunnies shooting rainbows at marshmellows. You can in Dnd, but you don't have to if it doesn't suit your gaming style. The fact is though, that if your gaming style excessivley uses sex and gore that a lot of people will just sigh in boredom as you describe your villian ******* the little boy in front of the party. Go make your Mature-Level sex games, go do whatever any rules of Dnd ever made allow you to do, or houserule what you can't. While you have your fun wasting your players time with pedophilia and other acts, I'll be fighting a dragon in the well of souls, or beating up an Illithid, or having bunnies shoot rainbows at marshmellows (Since wanting to actually adventure makes me an insane prudish Jack Chick clone).
Zanan 10-02-05, 09:50 AM	Question was answered by re-reading a printed version ... :doh:
Tarkahn 10-03-05, 12:42 AM	Gentleman, please. There is no need for such harsh language. You don't want the mods on your back for flaming. OETS, let's review the quote. "Do not submit an adventure involving the destruction of children or helpless persons, cruel mistreatment of animals, excessive gore or violence, descriptions of Satan or Satanism (boo!), or game versions of real-world figures. Explicit sex, the encouragement of substance abuse, offensive language, and bathroom humor should not be used." What they are asking is that your adventure does not FOCUS on this. If such elements are to be incorporated, it is up to the DM. In all honesty, Wizards couldn't even ask/print such elements even if they wanted, as lawsuits would follow rather rapidly. Remember, they were under scrutiny for a while because they were accused of encouraging Satanism. While it was false, it hurt their sales and rep for a while. I doubt they want to go through that again. If you wish to write an adventure that requires or focuses on these elements, that's fine. But I get the feeling that this design is supposed to be suitable for all users (aka. no age restrictions).
Sir Elton 10-03-05, 12:50 PM	:rant: You know what? I'm a nudist. You want to know something else? While I may disagree with the above restrictions being enforced on the greater d20 community [Censorship on the greater community (boo!)], I'm quite fine that Wizards decided to censor their own material since that's the real, true right that they have. You have no right to force Wizards to remove the Censorship guidelines. end :rant: Now I have a delectable idea for a blows up real good at the end Adventure that will rock Chris' socks! Too bad I can only send him half of it! :bigeyes:
GimliGloinson 10-03-05, 02:33 PM	I have a couple of questions: 1. How many submissions are allowed? I would assume one, but clarification would be nice. 2. The only guideline I wonder about is this: Please use antagonists that can be represented by official D&D miniatures. Does this mean I can't (or shouldn't) use it unless there's already a mini for it? What about using the same mini for a couple of different types of the same species (those monsters that have a couple of different stat-blocks under their heading)?
OneEyedTrouserSnake 10-03-05, 03:22 PM	You use child molestation as a way to make your villains seem evil? Seriously, that's nearly every anime (and was used in the anime segment of one of your beloved Tarantino movies) that flies under the banner of being mature. Really (Insert poorly imagined phallic reference) your just uncreative. Aside from that, on the topic of Puritan insanity, your talking about a game where you can feel free to be as mature (or immature for you, if you purposly use every stereotype for races like the drunken dwarves) as you can design it. Even if some idiots think Halo should be banned for excessive human on alien violence, they can't go back home and change the game to bunnies shooting rainbows at marshmellows. You can in Dnd, but you don't have to if it doesn't suit your gaming style. The fact is though, that if your gaming style excessivley uses sex and gore that a lot of people will just sigh in boredom as you describe your villian ******* the little boy in front of the party. Go make your Mature-Level sex games, go do whatever any rules of Dnd ever made allow you to do, or houserule what you can't. While you have your fun wasting your players time with pedophilia and other acts, I'll be fighting a dragon in the well of souls, or beating up an Illithid, or having bunnies shoot rainbows at marshmellows (Since wanting to actually adventure makes me an insane prudish Jack Chick clone). Never said Iused child molestation D'ming , I said I used things LIKE child molestation to indicate vilany. To color with drama you need to be overly dramatic, especiialy in a world where the DM is supposed to be directing the players imagination. I 've never used the "drunken dwarves" streotype but i've seen it used a billion times, in dnd literature and peoples games i've played in. I've never put much sex in my games either, that would be a stupid waste of time, we all have sex and know what sex is. The point is to experiance things you can't in the real world. I can't chop peoples heads off in real life(and get away with it), or kill dragons, or make someone's head implode with a 15d10 mind thrust. I've known a few people that turned out to be child molesters and i hope they are now getting raped daily in prison. But how awesome is it to DND to take out some violent frustration on people that do dispicable things on imaginary people that do dispicable things. Vigalante justice pleasure without the downers of prison or lawsuit. By making villians truely evil you justify the violence you are going to commit. Almost every action movie ever made has a hero killing bad guys who in the beginning of the severley wronged him or her. We rejoice in the first "Kill Bill" when Kiddo bashes the head of the orderly because we know he has been raping her and pimping out her body. Her violence would have seemed cruel or sadistic did we not know what the orderly had been doing to her. I guess what i'm saying is by making villians REALLY evil it creates an emotional response you can't get any other way. The thought of a child being violated is so disturbing that the thought of an imaginary child getting violated creates a emotional response. Then when you kill "the person that killed your family" or the person who "molested your sibling" or "infected the countryside with super-anthrax" you'll get a greater emotional satisfaction at bringing them to justise. and have a greater moral understanding of the concept of justifiable violence. From my philosphophy, for educated adults, NOTHING THAT IS IMAGINARY SHOULD BE TABOO. Things of a creative or destructive persuassion can be explored with no one being harmed, and that's the beauty of imagination. All I'm saying is Wizards could market Adults-only oriented adve ntures with more explicit, captivating content. But realize I'm not saying make pornographic adventures , that would be stupid. Sex would only work if it were presented in a really strange alien "Legend of the Overfiend" kinda way. They marketed and sold the Book of Vile Darkness and Exhalted deeds to "age 18 and over" with no ill effect and profit to boot. They should continue to sell adventures marketable to the younger gamers, but nothing is lost by targeting older gamers with more explicit fantasy which intriques our desensitised minds.
Lord Doombringer 10-03-05, 04:22 PM	Ignore this post, it was contradicted and destroyed by the good people of Killyouall Inc. :P
Dark Saber 10-03-05, 05:09 PM	So how many entries are allowed? Because they have not stated a limit, I assume there is no limit to the number of submissions but assume each adventure should be submitted separately. Official clarification would be nice...
WotC_Bart 10-03-05, 06:38 PM	Hi folks, There's been an influx of questions, and Christopher Perkins has provided the following FAQ to clarify matters: DESIGN TEST FAQ 1. Does the test have a deadline? No. 2. How long can the adventure be? No more than 4,000 words. Page count is irrelevant. 3. In what format should the adventure be written? Try to mimic the format used in either Dungeon Magazine or adventures published by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Recent examples of published adventures include Sons of Gruumsh and Grasp of the Emerald Claw. 4. Can the adventure be set in Eberron or the Forgotten Realms? No. 5. Can I design a prestige class or monster instead of a feat, spell, or magic item? No. (I had supplied a mistaken answer to this perviously; indeed, only feats, spells or magic items are allowed -- SeattleFiction) 6. Can two or more writers collaborate and submit one test? Yes, provided the first page contains contact information for all writers. 7. Do you accept international submissions? Yes. We are looking for qualified freelancers the world over. 8. May I submit my design test via email? Writers from countries other than Canada or the U.S. may submit their test via email (to christopher.perkins@wizards.com). Writers from Canada or the U.S. must submit their test in hard copy. 9. May I submit my adventure to Dungeon Magazine simultaneously? Yes. That said, we work closely with the editors at Paizo Publishing; if we think your adventure is particularly good, we will submit it to Dungeon Magazine on your behalf. 10. I do not have a copy of one or more of the core rulebooks. Can I use the SRD instead? We expect potential authors to be invested enough in the game to have (and use) the three core rulebooks. 11. How many times can I try the design test? That's up to you. Wizards of the Coast will evaluate each design test on its own merits. Multiple submissions will not improve your chances of netting a freelance project, however. We recommend that you submit one test that accurately demonstrates your creativity and writing ability. We may provide feedback in the form of a standard evaluation form, which you may use to shape future design test submissions.
Lore333 10-03-05, 06:57 PM	Would it be all right then to send in, or reference, a previously published D&D adventure for use as an example of our best work?
Lord Doombringer 10-03-05, 08:25 PM	5. Can I design a prestige class or monster instead of a feat, spell, or magic item? No. (I had supplied a mistaken answer to this perviously; indeed, only feats, spells or magic items are allowed -- SeattleFiction) Sorry to post contrary to this earlier, I'm going to get rid of that post. If anyone began making a monster, blame me, not SeattleFiction. He told me about it, and I went and told everyone. He then told me that he was wrong, and put the extended FAQ here. So once again, sorry. My bad. :embarrass
caudor 10-03-05, 10:56 PM	Hello! Thanks for offering this design contest; this is very exciting. :) I'm hard at work on my submission right now and need to ask for clarification. Initally, I had decided to introduce a new magical item in my adventure; however, the item I have in mind will also require a new spell in order to create it. Are we allowed to provide more than one game element--perhaps one spell and one magical item? The contest rules seem to indicate that only one new game element is permitted. Anyway, I'm just seeking clarification on this. If necessary, I'll simply drop the new magical item and create only one spell. Thanks in advance -Caudor
Sir Elton 10-04-05, 12:18 AM	11. How many times can I try the design test? That's up to you. Wizards of the Coast will evaluate each design test on its own merits. Multiple submissions will not improve your chances of netting a freelance project, however. We recommend that you submit one test that accurately demonstrates your creativity and writing ability. We may provide feedback in the form of a standard evaluation form, which you may use to shape future design test submissions. Just be happy all of you have it easier than me. I don't have a copy of the Revised Monster Manual, but I'm going to submit anyway! :D
caudor 10-04-05, 11:35 PM	I have resolved my previous question (just adding a spell now). Regarding formatting, I checked out the examples suggested. The free adventures online are presented with two columns per page; however, the adventures in Dungeon Magazine use three columns per page. Should we use one, two, or three columns per page for our submission? Thanks in advance. -Caudor
Lore333 10-05-05, 12:37 AM	I wouldn't think we should need to go that far; one column, double spaced, 10-12 font size is the norm. After all, the editors are in charge of the print layout. I think by "format" Chris Perkins was referring to the introduction, the background, the synopsis, and so on.
caudor 10-05-05, 12:41 AM	I wouldn't think we should need to go that far; one column, double spaced, 10-12 font size is the norm. After all, the editors are in charge of the print layout. I think by "format" Chris Perkins was referring to the introduction, the background, the synopsis, and so on. Thanks!
Lore333 10-05-05, 01:31 AM	You bet!
donteatdave 10-06-05, 09:39 PM	If we're writing up a stat block for an NPC, need we include the descriptions of thier special abilities or just the names? For example, if I stat out a rogue, do I need to include an abbreviated description of sneak attack, or just note it in his special qualities?
Lore333 10-07-05, 01:33 AM	If you follow the Dungeon Writer's Guidelines you list the name under SA or SQ, where appropriate. Check out the Guidelines pp.16-17 for NPC block examples. But don't forget to show your work!
Sir Elton 10-08-05, 12:58 AM	On different pages. ;)
gotoakira 10-08-05, 10:21 AM	I have read carefully the information provided in the submission article, and this thread thus far. "Do not submit... , or game versions of real-world figures." I search for clarity on this phrase, as I teach children in the financially challenged and more violent neighborhoods in the City of Sao Paulo, Brazil using Brazilian RPG technology developed by Luis Ricon. Our teaching strategies here with D&D are revolutionary and very sucessful, as most Drug Lords here do not get past the forth grade, hence the increasing social problems. By using RPG's such as D&D we have successfully managed to keep potential dropouts, in school long enough, to intrest in school itself rather than their neighborhood peers (Drug Lords). Most all of my games are based around "game versions of real-world figures" such as Dom Pedro Alvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil, Zumbi (brazilian revolutionary who fought slavery)... etc. etc. Along with any other pedigocical figure or situation. Even subjects such as math, portugues, english, biology, chemistry... any subject can be taught with RPG adventures here. I was planing to submit an adventure that taught "Tam Lin" the english folk tale as an example of this methodology; thus the nature of my doubt. I have sailed many times through seattle, yet, I know not any examples of RPG and education in the US. Could you please clarify this for me, as I only found referances in this thread to the negative and more controversial aspects of our art. I would understand the irrelavent nature of characters that represent people like George Bush or Michael Jackson appearing in the game world (and the controversial natures they would explore), however, if the theme of any given piece of art is to explore education (such as grade school "Christopher Columbus"), or ethical and more moral aspects that fantasy games such as our precious D&D can produce (see Bruno Bettelheim - The Uses of Enchantment), then, I would very much like to see this niche in the market explored more intensily. Thankyou ever so kindly, Márius Franchescus Lopesini PS. I mean no offense to anyone on this thread, if I have ofended in anyway, I did so ignorantly and unintentionally, please forgive...
Sir Elton 10-08-05, 01:50 PM	I have read carefully the information provided in the submission article, and this thread thus far. "Do not submit... , or game versions of real-world figures." I search for clarity on this phrase, as I teach children in the financially challenged and more violent neighborhoods in the City of Sao Paulo, Brazil using Brazilian RPG technology developed by Luis Ricon. Our teaching strategies here with D&D are revolutionary and very sucessful, as most Drug Lords here do not get past the forth grade, hence the increasing social problems. By using RPG's such as D&D we have successfully managed to keep potential dropouts, in school long enough, to intrest in school itself rather than their neighborhood peers (Drug Lords). Most all of my games are based around "game versions of real-world figures" such as Dom Pedro Alvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil, Zumbi (brazilian revolutionary who fought slavery)... etc. etc. Along with any other pedigocical figure or situation. Even subjects such as math, portugues, english, biology, chemistry... any subject can be taught with RPG adventures here. I was planing to submit an adventure that taught "Tam Lin" the english folk tale as an example of this methodology; thus the nature of my doubt. I wrote an essay on this very topic: how Roleplaying Games can be used to supplement Education. The University of Phoenix and Gary Gygax have the only copies. However, I write adventures with either a strong action oriented flair (knowing my target audience), or a strong "do anything you like" (like the old "Tales of the Loremasters" series of Rolemaster Adventures. just sites, and let the players do what they like). I have sailed many times through seattle, yet, I know not any examples of RPG and education in the US. Could you please clarify this for me, as I only found referances in this thread to the negative and more controversial aspects of our art. I would understand the irrelavent nature of characters that represent people like George Bush or Michael Jackson appearing in the game world (and the controversial natures they would explore), however, if the theme of any given piece of art is to explore education (such as grade school "Christopher Columbus"), or ethical and more moral aspects that fantasy games such as our precious D&D can produce (see Bruno Bettelheim - The Uses of Enchantment), then, I would very much like to see this niche in the market explored more intensily. I don't know how to answer this question, exactly. Adventure modules used for teaching is not what Wizards' target audience wants; since D&D in Education is generally . . . non-existent . . . because of the association of D&D to Satanism, Drugs, and other activities of a subversive and blasphemous nature during the 1980s. Because of the "Jack Chick Scare" D&D isn't as mainstream as most people would like. To try and make it more mainstream, Wizards' came up with those guidelines. Although, I think the Wiz-O can answer your question. Elton Robb
Lore333 10-08-05, 02:26 PM	I search for clarity on this phrase, as I teach children in the financially challenged and more violent neighborhoods in the City of Sao Paulo, Brazil using Brazilian RPG technology developed by Luis Ricon. Our teaching strategies here with D&D are revolutionary and very sucessful, as most Drug Lords here do not get past the forth grade, hence the increasing social problems. By using RPG's such as D&D we have successfully managed to keep potential dropouts, in school long enough, to intrest in school itself rather than their neighborhood peers (Drug Lords). Most all of my games are based around "game versions of real-world figures" such as Dom Pedro Alvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil, Zumbi (brazilian revolutionary who fought slavery)... etc. etc. Along with any other pedigocical figure or situation. Even subjects such as math, portugues, english, biology, chemistry... any subject can be taught with RPG adventures here. I was planing to submit an adventure that taught "Tam Lin" the english folk tale as an example of this methodology; thus the nature of my doubt. First of all I'd like to say that it's a noble task you are doing, not to mention innovative. Hats off to you sir! :tiphat: But as Sir Elton has pointed out, I believe most people who purchase D&D adventures are searching for entertainment above education. Don't get me wrong, I strongly believe that rpgs facilitate interests in academia by introducing them to subjects such as history, anthropology, sociology, and so on. It also helps with basic math skills for players and even statistical problems for designers. I don't believe the issue of "satanism" is nearly as a problem as it used to be; I'm sure a school wouldn't disallow rpgs in the classroom for that reason. I'm sure the idea still haunts game designers and the folks over in marketing, though. The problem for introducing rpgs here in the states would be students accepting the game. Dungeons and Dragons here in the states is seen as being synonymous with dorky losers, predominantly male, who can't get laid and have horrible social skills. Sadly, education often takes a backseat to popularity and acceptance in our public schools, so many would dismiss the game out of hand for fear of being seen as "uncool." I think most people would agree that if you could write an adventure that is educational, then that's great. However, the editors at Wizards or over at Paizo have to be faithful to what will sell, meaning that it must contain the obvious elements: a cool villain, interesting encounters, intriguing plot, unique setting, and the like. If it contains all of that and is educational, all the better. But I do think that preaching "ethical" and "moral" values is something Wizards is not prepared to do (for good reason). These subjects are best left in a philosophy class. D&D appeals to a wide demographic; from Christians to non-Christians, from kids to adults, men and women, D&D players also have a broad and conflicting range of opinions. If Wizards or Paizo were to suddenly begin "preaching" then they would run the risk of alienating some of their customers- which is bad for business. I'm not saying that certain ethical and moral values aren't already explored, but the more controversial and heavily debatable ideas should be left alone (e.g., gay marriage, abortion, right to die, etc.). But finally, I think Wizards means "controversial real world figures." I think they are primarily worried about figures that will make the adventure seem silly or facetious and thus degrade the illusion of fantasy, or figures that are controversial (Michael Jackson, as you said... or creating a foolish or even evil king named Weorge Balker Gush, that sort of thing). I'm sure Wizards does not wish to play any part in anyone's political or social agenda.
caudor 10-08-05, 09:49 PM	I'm happy to report that I'm making steady progress on my adventure. I do need seek clarifcation about the 'showing your work' requirement. I've been using Grasp of the Emerald Claw as a guide. Example: I noted the following reference is used for one monster: Surthain, Bodak: hp 58; Monster Manual page 28 Is it OK for us to do this, or should we present a basic stat block for every creature? I'm assuming all stat blocks should be included separately at the end of the adventure. Thanks in advance, caudor
Sir Elton 10-08-05, 11:31 PM	I'd like to say that I'm frustrated at the current form of adventures in Dungeon these days, and it's hard for me to come up with something short. So, I'm going the extra mile and I'm crafting an adventure in an entirely different format. Besides, I don't have the revised monstrous manual and can only refer to it by making something like: Orcs (4) 6 hp, 7 hp, 5 hp x2; see the MM. Also, I really wanted to do a roc hunting adventure but I couldn't since the current format is too linear. I just want to write what I want and submit that, and not be constrained by artificial rules and regulations. All I want is to have fun and be pleased with my work. Even if it's submitted for a test. So, I'm writing an adventure I'd love to see Wizards' publish. :) Good luck everyone!
Lore333 10-08-05, 11:31 PM	You're not going to want to include a stat block for a creature that appear in MMI, unless it's an advanced creature or creature with levels. I would think they are going to want the stat block in the encounter section... that is, something like: 3. Foyer (EL 1) *Boxed Text* You are greeted by shadows and stale air as you enter this room... blah, blah, blah... *End Boxed Text* "Blah, blah, blah..." (behind the scenes description to the DM). Creatures (EL 1): Lying in its web and cloaked in darkness in the northwest corner of the room is a medium spider. It attacks anyone who comes within five feet of it. Monstrous Spider, Medium-Size (1): hp 11; MM 210. Treasure: *If applicable* Development: *If applicable* 4. Dining Hall (EL 3) Et cetera... As far as showing your work goes, if you make an NPC or whatever you need to show the editor that you're not simply pulling the numbers out of your a**. So if you say that Lord Yakity has an AC 15, you need to say how you came to that conclusion ((10 + Dex bonus 2 + studded leather)). Whether you show your work in the stat block and change the font color, or if you show it on a different sheet it does not explicitly say... although I do believe the new Paizo Dungeon Writer's Guidelines say on another sheet...? I can't remember. Just as long as you show your work and it's not confusing, I'm sure it will be fine. EDIT TO CHANGE the order of "Development." I believe Development is always suppose to come last...
caudor 10-08-05, 11:53 PM	Thanks Lore333! I appreciate your friendly advice. :) I'm sure the competition is going to be fierce. Good luck to everyone submitting an adventure. I'll see you at the finish line ;) Best Regards, caudor
Lore333 10-09-05, 02:03 AM	You bet, and good luck to you too! But by the way it sounded, it didn't seem like this was a competition. It seemed that it is just an open call so Wizards can meet any and all new talent...
Gray Eminence 10-13-05, 07:36 AM	I know this was asked before, but I can not find an answer for this: "Please use antagonists that can be represented by official D&D miniatures." Does this mean that I can only use monsters that are from MM I and also appeared as a mini? If yes, only minis from the basic set, or in this case, from any of the expansions?
Morka 10-13-05, 01:51 PM	Are we allowed to create a new lycanthrope? The source books allowed are limited to DMG, PH and MM, and there is a set amount of lycanthrope in the MM. However, there is also guidelines to create new ones, so I'm unsure if I would be allowed to put a WereRhinoceros in my adventure.
Dark Saber 10-17-05, 12:53 AM	Can the maps be done on the computer in photoshop or other programs rather than hand-drawn? The FAQ is not clear; obviously the print-outs of the final maps/images would be in ink. Are full color tactical battle grids allowed? I hate to submit a hand-drawn map if I can submit something professional and in full color.
Lore333 10-19-05, 03:37 AM	So have any of you heard back about your test results yet...?
emmeuno 10-20-05, 11:05 AM	hi, i'm an italian guy from milan and i wrote an adventure for the test (i'm still looking for a good english translation here :P :P ) can you tell me the email adress to which i have to send it? thanks emmeuno (m1)
Oakie 10-20-05, 12:57 PM	Here Italian guy. christopher.perkins@wizards.com
Lore333 10-21-05, 04:03 AM	Still no news from anyone? I was hoping the response time wasn't going to be similar to Dungeon. :weep:
Sir Elton 10-21-05, 11:29 AM	Still no news from anyone? I was hoping the response time wasn't going to be similar to Dungeon. :weep: It probably will be.
Lore333 10-22-05, 12:45 AM	I have a sneaking suspicion that you're right...
Lore333 11-01-05, 02:01 PM	So has anyone sent one in yet? If so, anyone heard back...?
Prak, the Mad 11-07-05, 04:07 AM	I write campaigns that are like Greek dramas directed by Tarantino. My bad guy do BAD things like raping children (they are suppossed to be evil, how better to show it by describing things that are reprehensible).Dwarfs are happy drunks like Germans ( my lineage is German so I can say this), and its an admirable characteristic of their race.The Drunken Master prestige Class encourages over-indulgence in booze. Satan is as made up as Hextor or Nerull, who cares?If the reason is you don't want to use Satan is because you want to refrain from human mythology that's fine( even though Forgotten Realms use of egyptian gods blatently does this). But if you think some real hoodoo satantic voodoo will be invoked by writing about Satan you are an idiot.This game rewards you for killing all sorts of things and your worried about sex or naughty words? What kind of classical American puritan are you?Just like people being upset about the sex content in GTA in a game where you play by carjacking. Classical American insanity.Great writing entails juxtaposing beautiful things ( such as magic and chivalry) agains the not-so-beautiful things we find taboo. ITS FREAKIN IMAGINATION where no one is harmed.One can explore many possibilities without any moral or legal consequences.The divine intelligence gave us the ability to imagine so we can satisfy the banal whims of our primordial minds without hurting our fellow man or woman. Repressing thoughts or not finding the humor in them only make thems more dangerous. Maybe if Wizards sold "over 18" adventures with more explicit content they'd sell more than two copies each and actually profit from them. In my understanding, the reason they don't want anything involving satan or satanism is that they don't want these submissions to be a medium for targeting religions, nor do they want religious fanatics to look at a submission and restart the public attack on DnD based solely upon dnd being 'satanic'. I hope the people at wotc have an understanding that satanism, at least true satanism, has nothing to do with dark invocations to fallen angels. true satanists worship a prechristian force of nature that they call satan, satan meaning 'adversary' in greek. Satanism, true satanism, is about realizing man is just another animal with the same instincts as any other, and living it. If I wanted to include my religion in DnD, I'd just use something they already had that paralleled it, or make something that was named differently. If I wanted to include my religion, I'd just use Obad-hai. no fundies(no offense to level headed christians) can get angry at a game using a made up god that has nothing to do with the real world, can they? also, I generally agree with the 'it's ok to make fun of your own culture/minority/whatever', but others may not, just be aware of the humourless... and.. I know several people who own the books of exalted deeds and vile darkness, I've read them, and we all love them, what is your specific problem with them? Is necrophilia not explicit enough? just wondering, I've been dying to hear comments from other people about them, but there aren't any threads in the dedicated forums...
Prak, the Mad 11-07-05, 04:12 AM	Are we allowed to create a new lycanthrope? The source books allowed are limited to DMG, PH and MM, and there is a set amount of lycanthrope in the MM. However, there is also guidelines to create new ones, so I'm unsure if I would be allowed to put a WereRhinoceros in my adventure. you prolly could, but it would require its own specialized stat block, which would increase word count immensly, also they want to push minis throught these adventures without having to make new ones("please only use creatures that can be represented with standard miniatures"), so they'd prolly frown on it, course, I don't think they really have dedicated Lycan. minis, so maybe not.
Araes 11-16-05, 07:53 AM	In response to your question Lore, sent one in a while ago, maybe a week or two ago and haven't heard anything yet. International submission in my case, although American by birth, so I know that they at least got the materials. You're probably correct though that its going to be ages before we actually hear anything. Thinking about making up a second one for the heck of it, and also to try a different tact, as after considering it for a while, my first one had some points that I think they might have taken issue with. Lot of that just do to space constraints though (man, 4000 words is nothing when you get right down to it). Banged out the adventure in a rather productive day and then spent the next two trying to figure out how to cut it to a reasonable size. Was useful though, never written for this particular style before, and learned a number of useful things about the process, the inherent limits of the structure, and a few stylistic bits. Probably the biggest fault on the whole thing was just being overambitious and then trying to squeeze too much into too few words. Came across in both the NPCs and the maps. Lord, big maps with lots of rooms eat text like nobody's business, and one high-level, spellcasting NPC is a textual juggernaut.
Airsucker 11-16-05, 12:42 PM	I was finally struck with inspiration last weekend. I think that the flash fiction exercies that I've been diong will help me out here.
Thig 11-21-05, 10:58 AM	I have seen many references to an adventure-design template in Word format, but have not seen the actual template. I can cut and paste stuff, but was wondering if the actual template is out there somewhere. I really look forward to seeing what kinds of brilliance this thing engenders... I know there are some phenomenal writers frequenting these boards. Good luck to you all... or, should I say, to all of us?
Bambrig 11-26-05, 08:56 AM	The rules suggest that only monsters from the MM are allowed to be in the module (or templates or advanced versions of monsters in MM). Is this all that is allowed or are we allowed to include other monsters as long as we provide the stats? The instructions say that only the three core books should be needed, but (as is often done in published modules) the full stats for other monsters from other books can be provided should I choose to count the words against the 4000 word count. Any thoughts?
Araes 11-26-05, 03:41 PM	When I did mine I included a couple monsters which used material from other sources. I did include this material with the adventure and I counted any material that I used against my 4000 word count. This is one of the mistakes that I think I might correct should I do another one of these though, as the information for a single character ate up vast quantities of space. Admittedly, high level character, but still.
Bambrig 11-26-05, 04:15 PM	Mine is a lower level adventure, so I'll give it a go and see what the total word count is if I keep everything in as I want. If it's over, I'll have to switch to some MM alternatives. Thanks for the feedback. It's good to know I'm not the only one doing this. Don't get me wrong, I love the MM, but I also like variety and keeping players on their toes with both plot and villain ;)
Araes 12-01-05, 05:43 AM	Heh, looks like my suspicions as far as needs for changes were correct. Heard back and apparently need to do a rewrite and a resubmission. Not sure if they care whether we talk about this process a whole lot, as its not like there's an NDA or anything, but unfortunately they couldn't be particularly detailed in their critique of the work, so kind of have to stumble around a bit to figure out what exact sections of the adventure may have not met their initial expectations. Did provide a nice, fairly specific sheet though of everything that they look for and how they critique which should be helpful for the redo. Anyhow, one less submission in direct competition with you for the moment. Although planning on a resub here in a couple days or so.
supadupaman 01-07-06, 01:04 PM	I want to do one one these, howver due to the fact that i have played for a while and have a limited spending budget, I don't have the 3.5 core rulebooks (other than the MM). Does anyone know whether adventures using the 3.0 PH and DMG would be accepted? Thanks to whoever can answer this.
Flarestorm 01-10-06, 08:00 AM	I want to do one one these, howver due to the fact that i have played for a while and have a limited spending budget, I don't have the 3.5 core rulebooks (other than the MM). Does anyone know whether adventures using the 3.0 PH and DMG would be accepted? Thanks to whoever can answer this. I don't know the answer to your question, but perhaps you could use D&D 3.5 update booklet (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20030718a) My question is, are there any resources on grammar guidelines? I'm writing and keep running into questions like "are spells capitalized? italics? what about magic items?"
Tyler Do'Urden 01-10-06, 12:17 PM	You can infer formatting decisions like that from the rulebooks and other adventures. Spell and magic item names are always italicized and only ever get capitalized at the beginnings of sentences (staff of life, fireball). Feats are usually capitalized while class features are not (Power Attack, evasion). Class feature and feat property headers are capitalized in bold and end with a colon and a space (Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex): , Normal: ). Feat names and types in the verbose descriptions are always in all caps. (POWER ATTACK [GENERAL]) In the class tables, in the Special column, generally only the first letter of each cell is capitalized, while the rest is lowercase. Specific bonus feats such as Weapon Focus (mind blade) are an exception to this. On a Windows-based PC, you can type an em dash — by holding the Alt key and typing 0151 on the number pad. Macrons are used in typeless damage reduction, class tables for spell levels that you don't have yet, and a bunch of other places; it's a good thing to know.
tec-goblin 01-11-06, 05:19 AM	I noted the change of recipient (Gwendolynn and not Christopher), but the e-mail for us Europeans in the bottom of the page is still the old one (christopher's) - I've sent something some weeks ago to him, I suppose it won't be lost in the change of office. Or should I resend this?
Cyric2000 01-19-06, 06:02 PM	Does anyone know if the maps must be hand drawn or can we use a program like Campaign Mapper?
tec-goblin 01-23-06, 04:26 AM	I don't know - I had to make them in AutoRealm and then adjust them in Acrylic because I had no scanner. Btw, what about the email address question? Do the europeans continue to send them to Christopher?
Sulaco 02-02-06, 09:47 AM	The question "Can I design a prestige class or monster instead of a feat, spell, or magic item" has been answered, but I am curious if one may design a new monster in addition to the requisite feat, spell, or magic item? If a new creature would substantially improve the adventure module then it seems unproductive to preclude them entirely, provided the mandatory feat, spell, or magic item are als included of course.
Rory 02-02-06, 05:39 PM	I dont think they would mind if you just prsented the stats for any creature thats not in the MM. I live 30 miles from the place we are supposed to mail the adventures too. I may just drive.
Sir Elton 03-06-06, 06:28 PM	Hi Seattle Fiction, I was reading The Invasion of Arun'Kid, a Kingdoms of Kalamar adventure where a bunch of gnomes invade a hamlet. And I was thinking . . . How about something where a bunch of elves conquer a village? :D
Day Tripper 03-13-06, 12:40 PM	Does anyone know if WotC let you know whether or not your submission has been successful? If they don't like it does anyone let you know and why not? Does anyone from WotC actually read this thread? Seems to be lots of questions but few official answers...
MaesterOlorin 03-29-06, 06:21 PM	As said at on the original page the viewer should not be required to buy anything other than the core. Creatures (esp. wizards) sometime become altered, are we allowed to devise such for our own.
nolivo 05-15-06, 11:03 PM	Hi All Has anyone heard back from WoTC recently? I submitted an adventure back in November, but haven't gotten a reply. Good luck to everyone! -Nicholas
Araes 05-16-06, 07:40 AM	I can answer nolivo and Day Tripper's questions with: Yes, they do respond to you, and to some degree they will tell you what they liked and didn't like about your adventure, but in my experience, not to any major degree. Somewhat different then application to Paizo and the like. If you submitted back in November though, that is a really long time, and I would either send a follow up or resubmit - since you're talking about six months. On the creatures question, you can devise your own, but since the word limit is fairly short, and you need to provide complete statistics for any new creature, the hit to your available writing space may not be worth it. Finally, on whether the Design and Development guys even read the forum, its a pretty hard question, as we are talking about a thread dedicated to a column from September of last year.
ChaoticGood 10-18-06, 01:00 AM	:bump: In the name of continued good gaming, I must ask... Is WotC still taking submissions for this?
Prak, the Mad 10-23-06, 04:18 PM	hmmm.... I just got an idea, and I think I may have something soon...
arnthebard 04-05-07, 02:13 PM	Question #1 Will the reference use of properties [Not referenced in the Design & Development Submisssion guidelines] owned by WOTC disqualify the submission? Question #2 Has anyone actually had thier work published? Question #3 Since HASBRO is tightening the reigns financially will we see more modules or just source books?