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Roland St. Jude
2006-09-08, 06:04 PM
Pirate Contest

Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Gather round y'bilge rats and beauties and put down yer grog long enough to make yer' entries! In honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day later this month (Sept. 19), I present to you -- The Pirate Contest.

The contest begins with the posting of this thread and will continue until midnight, October 1st (Eastern US Time, which makes it 4 a.m. GMT October 2nd). Please remember, as always, to follow the general contest guidelines (http://www.giantitp.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=Contests;action=display;num=11331751 91;start=0#1).

The Rules:

1.) You will be creating a pirate, his sidekick, his booty, and if you like, his ship & crew.

2.) Your entry must include the following:

1. A pirate (be sure to give your pirate a “trademark” pirate phrase!)
2. The pirate’s sidekick, who may be an animal companion, henchman, follower, or whatever really.
3. The pirate’s treasure.
4. (Optional) The pirate’s ship (including crew)

3.) Entries should be for D&D only and not specific to any particular setting (e.g. Forgotten Realms or Eberron.) Try to avoid referencing non-core books if at all possible, but do what you have to do. For those statting out the ship and crew you may find texts such as Stormwrack helpful, if not downright necessary (that's why it's optional). All items will need to list the relevant details as per standard descriptions, including magical aura, CL, feats & spells required for construction and cost as appropriate for the item.

4.) The character and creature descriptions should include, in addition to the description and history, a stat block containing all relevant details per standard descriptions.

5.) Each new entry should be started on a new thread here on the Contests board, dedicated to just that set of items and the discussion of it. Put the tag [Pirate] in front of the title of that thread. Any thread without this tag will not be officially entered.

6.) Post a link to your entry on The Entry Thread (http://www.giantitp.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=Contests;action=display;num=11577530 24) to let the mods know that you have completed your [Pirate] entry. We'll try to keep a post with all the entries listed in one place for easy reference.

7.) If this is your first time entering a design contest here and you say so, you're eligible to win the First Timer's Entry Award.

8.) Categories of voting and judgment will include the following:
Best Overall
Best Pirate
Best Sidekick
Best Ship (Optional!)
Best Booty
Funniest Overall Entry
Funniest Single Item (The single item you found most amusing; having this a separate item allows you to include a single amusing element without going for a whole funny concept.)
Best First Timer's Entry
Roland’s Choice Award (Staff Award).

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to post them to this thread.

This should provide plenty of opportunity for both serious and not-so-serious designs with a balance of crunch and fluff. Good luck!

Draz74
2006-09-08, 06:16 PM
4.) The character and creature descriptions should include, in addition to the description and history, a stat block containing all relevant details per standard descriptions.

Is the format of these stat blocks strictly standardized as well? I know that's been important in the past when Gorby has run Contests.

Awwww, this time there's a First Timer's Prize? Why, why didn't I wait one more Contest to start entering?? Can a second-timer who has won nothing still get this prize? ;)

Roland St. Jude
2006-09-08, 06:22 PM
Is the format of these stat blocks strictly standardized as well? I know that's been important in the past when Gorby has run Contests.

Awwww, this time there's a First Timer's Prize? Why, why didn't I wait one more Contest to start entering?? Can a second-timer who has won nothing still get this prize? ;)

Yes, the stat block should be standardized. If I need to spell that out somewhere I can, but I thought a standard was already established.

As for the first-timers thing, well, I just thought of it. :P

Psymon
2006-09-08, 06:30 PM
If you could just spell it out that would be fabulous, as I suddenly find myself with extra time on my hands I would quite like to enter the contest, but with no easy access to the CRB making a full and accurate character sheet from memory is going to be impossible. However just assigning a few relavant feats and skills shouldn't pose too much of a problem.

Draz74
2006-09-08, 06:36 PM
Do what I'm going to do -- just look at someone else's entry (someone who knows what they're doing because they've entered many contests) and copy & paste their format.

On a side note -- ARRRR MATEY! 'Dis be da bestest Contest Theme ever to grace da Seven Seas! Wind to the sails!

The Vorpal Tribble
2006-09-08, 07:00 PM
This is gonna be interesting ;D

What amuses me is today is my sister's birthday and she's having a pirate-themed party.

RobbieOC
2006-09-08, 07:22 PM
Awwww, this time there's a First Timer's Prize? Why, why didn't I wait one more Contest to start entering?? Can a second-timer who has won nothing still get this prize? ;)

Same here, man. Same here.

The Demented One
2006-09-08, 08:03 PM
How much of this can/should be homebrewed? Can we give the berk homebrew items, feats, PrCs, or the like?

Roland St. Jude
2006-09-08, 08:14 PM
How much of this can/should be homebrewed? Can we give the berk homebrew items, feats, PrCs, or the like?

As much as you like. Just be sure to give the underlying items, feats, PrCs, etc. appropriately complete descriptions.

Roland St. Jude
2006-09-08, 08:38 PM
If you could just spell it out that would be fabulous, as I suddenly find myself with extra time on my hands I would quite like to enter the contest, but with no easy access to the CRB making a full and accurate character sheet from memory is going to be impossible. However just assigning a few relavant feats and skills shouldn't pose too much of a problem.

Use this one @V, note that variations may be necessary, if so do your best to put them somewhere that makes sense. ;)

The Demented One
2006-09-08, 10:10 PM
Yo. Anyone spots any errors or ambiguities in this, just drop me a line.

Name
Gender, Race, Class
Size/Type:
Hit Dice:
Initiative:
Speed:
Armor Class: ( ), touch , flatfooted
Base Attack/Grapple: +/+
Attack:
Full Attack:
Space/Reach: ft./ ft.
Special Attacks:
Special Qualities:
Saves: Fort +, Ref +, Will +
Abilities: Str , Dex , Con , Int , Wis , Cha
Skills:
Feats:
Challenge Rating:
Possessions:
Alignment:
Spells per Day (If Applicable):
Spells Prepared/Known (If Applicable):
Spellbook (If Applicable):

Mike_Lemmer
2006-09-09, 03:51 AM
Try to avoid referencing non-core books if at all possible, but do what you have to do.

What counts as core books for this?

Sucros
2006-09-09, 10:47 AM
Awesome

Lord Iames Osari
2006-09-09, 11:49 AM
What counts as core books for this?

At a guess, I'd say the PHB, the DMG, and the MM1. You know - the core.

Roland St. Jude
2006-09-09, 12:01 PM
At a guess, I'd say the PHB, the DMG, and the MM1. You know - the core.

That is the core. I would suppose that, while not core, the SRD is within reason, too.

And it's not a hard and fast rule, do what you have to do.

foXXtail
2006-09-09, 01:11 PM
A million thank yous!

I, uh, may have some positive feelings towards making pirates as NPCs. And PCs. And, um, in my spare time.

Draz74
2006-09-09, 02:02 PM
If I had time I could probably look this up somewhere, but ...

More than one entry per person is allowed in these Contests, right?

Not that I plan to flood the contest or anything. But I might want to do, say, two entries. Because I have one idea that I feel obliged to enter, but I'm not sure I want it to be my primary entry.

If one per person is encouraged, I just won't link the one entry to the "Contest Entry Thread," and that will be fine.

foXXtail
2006-09-09, 02:11 PM
Yeah, I checked to make sure because I entered 2 as well.
But I am also curious about the "allowed" versus "discouraged" line.

Carmichael
2006-09-10, 04:29 AM
What guidelines for character are to be followed here? -- e.g. ability score distributions.

Mike_Lemmer
2006-09-10, 06:49 AM
I'd assume elite array or roll like a PC. I chose roll like a PC; makes the character more personal.

Roland St. Jude
2006-09-10, 11:42 AM
What guidelines for character are to be followed here? -- e.g. ability score distributions.

Do whatever you like for things like ability score generation, level, etc. It's meant to be kind of wide open.

Rama_Lei
2006-09-10, 06:19 PM
Hey, first timer here. i was wondering, can it be two shiops, a large one, and a smaller companion? I'm working on a Father/Daughter Team, and wany to know ahead of time.

Roland St. Jude
2006-09-10, 06:37 PM
Hey, first timer here. i was wondering, can it be two shiops, a large one, and a smaller companion? I'm working on a Father/Daughter Team, and wany to know ahead of time.

An entry must include: a pirate, a sidekick/companion, a booty. It may include a ship & crew.

I'm not really sure what you're asking. Can the daughter be the sidekick? Can she be on her own ship? Sure.

Rama_Lei
2006-09-10, 06:46 PM
An entry must include: a pirate, a sidekick/companion, a booty. It may include a ship & crew.

I'm not really sure what you're asking. Can the daughter be the sidekick? Can she be on her own ship? Sure.
Yes, I was asking if it could be two seperate ships. Thanks.

nathkry
2006-09-11, 10:46 PM
Does the ship have to be a ship? Or could it be a monster? ???

Roland St. Jude
2006-09-11, 11:55 PM
Does the ship have to be a ship? Or could it be a monster? ???

Given that ship & crew are optional, I'd say you could take an expansive view of what qualifies as a ship. I'd leave it up to the judges to sort out if they prefer an animal ship or a ship ship.

Dareon
2006-09-14, 01:51 AM
First-timer here, too. Should our entries be added to the completed entires thread when we've initially posted all details, or when we've made whatever changes the crtiquers have mentioned and are ready to finalize things, as it were?

As a corollary, are we allowed to edit our entries once they've been critiqued? I haven't seen anything barring that, but I don't want to be accidentally disqualified, you know? :E

The Vorpal Tribble
2006-09-14, 10:28 AM
First-timer here, too. Should our entries be added to the completed entires thread when we've initially posted all details, or when we've made whatever changes the crtiquers have mentioned and are ready to finalize things, as it were?
You post it when you yourself think its done. Everyone probably adjusts after comments, which can continue until the last day. So I say put it in done, and let the comments roll 8)


As a corollary, are we allowed to edit our entries once they've been critiqued? I haven't seen anything barring that, but I don't want to be accidentally disqualified, you know? :E
You can edit to your heart's content until the cut-off time.

The Vorpal Tribble
2006-09-14, 10:31 AM
Btw, how about mentioning the Pirate contest in Homebrew. Everyone has probably seen the Organization results by now ;)

Roland St. Jude
2006-09-14, 11:52 AM
Btw, how about mentioning the Pirate contest in Homebrew. Everyone has probably seen the Organization results by now ;)

You read my mind. That's on my to-do list for the day.

Jacob_Gallagher
2006-09-14, 10:07 PM
You all do realise that in real life *nobody* spoke like that BS on TV...

The three things 'most screwed up' on TV are pirates (I'm an Age of Sail guru), ninjas (studied ninjutsu, so I read up on them), and CIA agents (I'll let you figure it out by yourself... Let's just say I didn't learn from just reading...).

Lord Iames Osari
2006-09-14, 10:13 PM
Oh noes! The CIA have sent one of their agents to spy upon us!

Umbral_Arcanist
2006-09-14, 10:34 PM
I wish to enter, and i have an idea but a lack of time, alas, my pirate urges shall have to be repressed....again

Elvaris
2006-09-15, 01:51 PM
You all do realise that in real life *nobody* spoke like that BS on TV...

Wait... What? You mean something on TV might be... inaccurate? No... That's not... not possible.

Jacob_Gallagher
2006-09-15, 10:33 PM
No offence, but I just get *really* pissed when people talk like that...

Or do stupid stunts and say 'Im a ninja'...

Or James Bond movies... grrrr...

Roland St. Jude
2006-09-15, 11:05 PM
Sheriff of Moddingham: I remember when this thread was on topic. Let's travel back in time to those glory days!

Eighth_Seraph
2006-09-18, 10:46 PM
Alright, now are there specific rules for crew NPC classes or other such things in Stormwrack? Because I am in a crew-making kind of mood and would like to make sure that I do these things right.

Mike_Lemmer
2006-09-19, 01:41 AM
They're more like guidelines, if you will. No special NPC classes, but notes on who should have what skills.

ShneekeyTheLost
2006-09-21, 05:11 AM
Well, I've got a pirate nearly done. I'm still fine-tuning his skill list, and working the item cost for the one custom item, but I'm about ready to officially submit.

Not sure if I'm a first-timer or not. I think I did one for The Vorpal Tribble last october, but I don't think it was official or anything.

The Vorpal Tribble
2006-09-21, 10:33 AM
Not sure if I'm a first-timer or not. I think I did one for The Vorpal Tribble last october, but I don't think it was official or anything.
Did one of what?

ShneekeyTheLost
2006-09-21, 11:50 AM
Did one of what?

I think it was a monster contest last october

Mike_Lemmer
2006-09-22, 12:51 PM
If you're gone a year in Internet time, you're technically dead. You could argue you're an entirely new person and therefore, it is your first time.

Either that or claim amnesia.

The Vorpal Tribble
2006-09-22, 12:53 PM
I think it was a monster contest last october
Fine, but what did you do for me in said contest last october?

ShneekeyTheLost
2006-09-22, 10:31 PM
Fine, but what did you do for me in said contest last october?

It was the 'scariest monster' contest... the entry was something like 'The Howler' or similar. Basically statistically similar to a banshee/wight cross for an animal companion. Howl would curse people to loose sleep, making it impossible to memorise spells or meditate to regain spells used. If ya killed it, then it would reform in a month or so, only way to get rid of it is to put the spirit at rest, likely by performing a quest of some kind.

The Vorpal Tribble
2006-09-22, 10:43 PM
*continues to look blank*

Edit: Ooooh, wait... are you talking about over on Planet ADnD?

ShneekeyTheLost
2006-09-23, 12:24 AM
*continues to look blank*

Edit: Ooooh, wait... are you talking about over on Planet ADnD?


No, I don't even go to the Planet ADnD boards. It was on this board, last october. I can't seem to find the threads in reference, most likely because they're so old, but I'll see if I can find the posts for you

Gorbash Kazdar
2006-09-25, 10:18 AM
Unless you're speaking of a non-official contest,the only monster contest here was this one (http://www.giantitp.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=Contests;action=display;num=11255488 67).

Also, in a rather unusual event, I actually have a question to ask! Namely, can the ship count as the "booty" as well, or do we need to create a seperate item as treasure? In fact, any clarification about what's expected for that requirement would be welcome.

Roland St. Jude
2006-09-25, 12:20 PM
...Not sure if I'm a first-timer or not. I think I did one for The Vorpal Tribble last october, but I don't think it was official or anything.

Unless it was for an official contest, it doesn't affect your "first-timer" status. So submit away!


... can the ship count as the "booty" as well, or do we need to create a seperate item as treasure? In fact, any clarification about what's expected for that requirement would be welcome.

I'd say, sure, a ship can count as booty. I expect that many a pirate captain values his ship above all else. So go for it!

As for the more general question of what is expected, I just expect that your pirate has some special treasure. Whether that's a ship, plundered gold, a buried sea chest, a warrant that makes him untouchable by certain authorities, a unique map, or magic compass, just something of special value. Maybe a singing oyster? :)

It's the opinion of the voting masses that matters, but, personally, I'd throw the wealth-by-level guidelines out the window in favor of interesting treasure. (Isn't part of pirating having what you don't deserve? ;) )

Picasso007
2006-09-27, 03:30 AM
I know this sounds like an odd question, but must a pirate have a ship? I have a very specific idea in mind for a pirate, but no actual ship is involved. I suppose the question is, is this a "villain who preys on boats" contest, or a "grog-and-Jolly-Rogers" contest?

The Vorpal Tribble
2006-09-27, 02:44 PM
I know this sounds like an odd question, but must a pirate have a ship? I have a very specific idea in mind for a pirate, but no actual ship is involved. I suppose the question is, is this a "villain who preys on boats" contest, or a "grog-and-Jolly-Rogers" contest?
I know at least a couple entries here are about shipless pirates, so feel free. One entry is even about a 'landship' in the desert.

Mike_Lemmer
2006-09-30, 01:28 AM
When in doubt, use the Pirate Pornography test:
We'll know a pirate when we see it.

The Vorpal Tribble
2006-09-30, 09:00 PM
Three hours I be countin' till yer time be up. Get those entries posted, maties, or I'll gut yer.

Mike_Lemmer
2006-09-30, 10:09 PM
I think yer short a day, mate. It's still the 30th.

The Vorpal Tribble
2006-09-30, 10:19 PM
Hadn't noticed that other bit saying the midnight of october 1st, not midnight proceeding to october 1st.

HealytheHealslime
2006-10-01, 12:08 AM
So wait, I hogged the computer all night to find the contest is due tomorrow? What a waste.

Gorbash Kazdar
2006-10-01, 12:13 AM
Shoot, I was hoping I was coming in screaming just under the wire ;) But at least it's done, and I have 24 more hours to tag on some extra fun stuff, and look over what I wrote and decide if it needs some more editing.