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  1. - Top - End - #1
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    GnomeWizardGuy

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    Default Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Basically, a challenge to create an optimized, flavorful character, using a "Secret Ingredient" of a particular PrC, different for each contest. You will need to present your build at at least one of the following points: 5th level, 10th level, 15th, 20th, and a "sweet spot" that you feel is the high point of the build. Feel free to present as many of these as you like, and please give a rundown of the build's abilities and playability at all of the levels you didn't show. The rules are as follows:

    Menu: For most challenges, the "special ingredient" will be drawn from Core plus Completes. There will, from time to time, be special challenges that showcase secret ingredients from other books--for example, the XPH.

    Kitchen: Competitors will be free to use any official 3.5 rulebook in constructing their builds. Dragon magazine is disallowed, and Unearthed Arcana is allowed; but see Elegance below. Alternate rule systems from UA such as gestalt are not allowed, as they create a different playing field. Also, item familiars are forbidden because I hate 'em.

    Cooking Time: Contestants will have until Thursday, September 9th to create their builds and PM them to the Chairman, Ozymandias9. Builds will then be posted simultaneously, to avoid copying.

    Judging: Judging will be based on the following criteria, with each build rated from 1 (very poor) to 5 (exemplary) in each area: Originality, Power, Elegance, Use of Secret Ingredient.

    Power level is up to you. Cheese is acceptable, but should be kept to a sane level unless you're showcasing a new TO build you've discovered. In the words of one of my predecessors, a little cheddar can be nice, but avoid the mature Gruyere unless you're making a cheese fondue.

    Elegance could bear a little elaboration. It basically measures how skillfully you put your build together, and whether you sacrificed flavor for power. We're cooking here - if your dish doesn't taste good, it doesn't matter how well-presented it is. Use of flaws is an automatic loss of one point per flaw in this category. Other things that will cause lost points here are excessive multiclassing, and classes that don't fit the concept - using Cloistered Cleric in a front-line melee fighter, for example, will lose you points.

    I am going to have to ask the contestants to PM me about any disagreement with the judges. Under no circumstances is a contestant to defend themselves inside the thread, since it breaks anonymity.

    Presentation: Builds will be posted anonymously, in order to avoid the potential of bias towards a particular competitor. For this reason, please don't put your name in the build, as I'm likely to miss it when anonymising the entries!

    Due to concerns about standardizing entry format, I'd like everyone to try to use the following table for their entry.
    Spoiler
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    NAME OF ENTRY
    {table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack<br>Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features

    1st|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    2nd|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    3rd|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    4th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    5th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    6th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    7th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    8th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    9th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    10th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    11th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    12th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    13th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    14th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    15th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    16th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    17th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    18th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    19th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    20th|New Class Level|
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |
    +x
    |Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities[/table]

    Code
    Spoiler
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    [b]NAME OF ENTRY[/b]
    {table=head][b]Level[/b]|[B]Class[/B]|[b]Base Attack<br>Bonus[/b]|[b]Fort Save[/b]|[b]Ref Save[/b]|[b]Will Save[/b]|[B]Skills[/B]|[B]Feats[/B]|[b]Class Features[/b]

    1st|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    2nd|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    3rd|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    4th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    5th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    6th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    7th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    8th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    9th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    10th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    11th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    12th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    13th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    14th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    15th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    16th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    17th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    18th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    19th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

    20th|New Class Level|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|[center]+x[/center]|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities[/table]


    For entries with spellcasting, use the following table for Spells per day and Spells Known. (Spells Known only if necessary, i.e. Sorcerer or Bard, but not Wizard or Warmage)
    Spoiler
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    Spells per day/Spells Known
    {table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th

    1st|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    2nd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    3rd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    4th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    5th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    6th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    7th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    8th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    9th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    10th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    11th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    12th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    13th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    14th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    15th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    16th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    17th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    18th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    19th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    20th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-[/table]

    Code
    Spoiler
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    [b]Spells per day/Spells Known[/b]
    {table=head][b]Level[/b]|[b]0lvl[/b]|[b]1st[/b]|[b]2nd[/b]|[b]3rd[/b]|[b]4th[/b]|[b]5th[/b]|[b]6th[/b]|[b]7th[/b]|[b]8th[/b]|[b]9th[/b]

    1st|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    2nd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    3rd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    4th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    5th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    6th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    7th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    8th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    9th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    10th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    11th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    12th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    13th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    14th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    15th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    16th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    17th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    18th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    19th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

    20th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-[/table]


    For other systems (Psionics, ToB, Incarnum, etc.) keep track of PP/maneuvers/essentia separately, preferably in a nice neat list.

    Speculation: Please don't post or speculate on possible builds until the "reveal," in order to avoid spoiling the surprise if a particular competitor is producing a build along those lines.

    Leadership is banned; we're producing a meal, not a seven-course banquet for a hundred diners.

    So! Who wants to sign up as a contestant, and who wants to sign up as a judge? Looking for about 5 judges and as many contestants as feel like playing!

    This will be the contest's third special challenge. This week's special ingredient is:

    Races of Stone's Blade Bravo!

    Allez optimiser!

    Judges
    DaragosKitsune
    Keld Denar
    BobVosh
    WinWin
    Kesnit

    Contestants
    OMG PONIES
    Vorpal Tribble
    Amphetryon
    mjames
    Yucca
    Biffoniacus_Furiou
    IthilanorStPete
    IdleMuse
    Malbordeus
    true_shinken

    Past Competitions

    Iron Chef I (Entropomancer)
    Iron Chef II (Psibond Agent)
    Iron Chef III (Cancer Mage)
    Iron Chef IV (Stonelord)
    Iron Chef V (War Chanter)
    Iron Chef VI (Master of Masks)
    Iron Chef VII (Green Star Adept)
    Iron Chef VIII (Pyrokineticist)
    Iron Chef IX (Animal Lord)
    Iron Chef X (Mythic Exemplar)
    Last edited by Ozymandias9; 2010-09-08 at 06:48 PM.
    78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
    A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
    Spoiler
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  2. - Top - End - #2
    Dwarf in the Playground
     
    DaragosKitsune's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Yeah, I'll be okay to judge again.
    Spoiler
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    If the line between genius and madness is so thin...

    Then why do so few in this day and age toe said line?

    Thanks to Bongos for the v-13 avvie!

    I think the lesson that we can take away from this is that tentacles solve everything, and if you have a problem, then you just need more tentacles. - seadragonknight of the BG boards.

  3. - Top - End - #3
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    The Vorpal Tribble's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Race-specific PrC... hm.

    Edit: A race that has no racial benefits for the PrC no less.
    Last edited by The Vorpal Tribble; 2010-08-31 at 11:48 AM.

  4. - Top - End - #4
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    Draz74's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Hmmm ... as I see it, the greatest difficulty here is coming up with something that's not just essentially a copy of The Other Killer Gnome by TheLogicNinja ...

    Quote Originally Posted by Ozymandias9 View Post
    This will be the contest's second special challenge.
    Technically, it's the third (after Cancer Mage and Pyrokineticist).

    EDIT: the OP doesn't list a deadline. I doubt I'll have time to enter this round, but if the deadline is, like, three weeks away, maybe I'll change my mind.
    Last edited by Draz74; 2010-08-31 at 12:01 PM.
    You can call me Draz.
    Trophies:
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    Also of note:

    I have a number of ongoing projects that I manically jump between to spend my free time ... so don't be surprised when I post a lot about something for a few days, then burn out and abandon it.
    ... yes, I need to be tested for ADHD.

  5. - Top - End - #5
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    GnomeWizardGuy

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Quote Originally Posted by Draz74 View Post
    Technically, it's the third (after Cancer Mage and Pyrokineticist).
    Oops. Edited appropriately.

    Quote Originally Posted by Draz74 View Post
    EDIT: the OP doesn't list a deadline. I doubt I'll have time to enter this round, but if the deadline is, like, three weeks away, maybe I'll change my mind.
    It's listed under "Cooking Time": Thursday, September 9th. I should probably bold it.
    Last edited by Ozymandias9; 2010-08-31 at 12:06 PM.
    78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
    A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
    Spoiler
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  6. - Top - End - #6
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Hmm, currently in as a contestant. However, that may change to judge if inspiration fails to strike me. I keep wanting to come back to the obvious...I'll need to examine this thoroughly.
    Quote Originally Posted by Vaz View Post
    Ponies, the Kim Karsdashian of GITP.
    This is what happens when they let me DM:
    Beyond the Horizon IC / OOC
    A Time to Die: Alpha IC / Bravo IC / OOC

  7. - Top - End - #7
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    The Vorpal Tribble's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Interestingly I got an almost instant idea... just wish I had the slightest liking for gnomes so as to be enthusiastic about it.
    Last edited by The Vorpal Tribble; 2010-08-31 at 12:15 PM.

  8. - Top - End - #8
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I, too, have an idea. However, I fear it may be the first "original" idea that comes to everyone. This will be interesting.
    Quote Originally Posted by Vaz View Post
    Ponies, the Kim Karsdashian of GITP.
    This is what happens when they let me DM:
    Beyond the Horizon IC / OOC
    A Time to Die: Alpha IC / Bravo IC / OOC

  9. - Top - End - #9
    Titan in the Playground
     
    Keld Denar's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I like judging! Copy/Pasta

    My Criteria
    Originality: Does the submission use unexpected sources or material? Does it avoid over-used qualification methods? Does it use the secret ingredient in an unusual or clever way? This section is an amalgam of the build itself and how the build is presented.

    Power: What tier is this build? How does it compete against similar roles in terms of versatility, skills, damage, control, resiliance, etc. Does the inclusion of <Secret Ingredient> actually make this build more powerful? Is the build well-optimized? Are there any noticable saggy spots where the build underperforms? Is the build versatile (able to respond to a variety of challenges, both combat and non-combat), on top of any specialized tricks it may contain. Does the build use large amounts of LA and/or RHD that could lead to a slow start? Be as detailed as possible. If there is something your build does that is powerful, yet not completely obvious, you should probably expand upon it. If an important yet subtle feature in your build is missed by the judges, its mostly your own fault.

    Elegance: Does your build progress well? Does it avoid flaws and variant rules (not including published Alt Class Features like Racial Subs)? Do you avoid overly dipping classes like cleric 1 that are obviously for bonus feats/class abilities? Does your build subscribe to various power break points if it doesn't complete a PrC? Do you avoid using Taint and Dark Chaos shuffling? Other judges might, but I have no problem with a player drawing from a multitude of sources. As far as I'm concerned, if material in a source book improves your submission, use it. This section is the one most affected by your back story and build presentation, but the submission itself is still very important here. PLEASE CITE ALL SOURCES USED!

    Use of Secret Ingredient: How important is the secret ingredient in this build? Would you refer to the build as being A <Secret Ingredient>, or are you just splashing the PrC in there? Does the flavor of the build fit that of the PrC? Do you use the PrC in a clever, synergistic or powerful way? Do the special abilities of the secret ingredient augement or are augemented by other abilities in the build? If you didn't use all levels of the secret ingredient (and you don't always have to), do you have good reasoning why not, and did you exit at an acceptable power break point? This section is an amalgam of the build itself and how the SI interacts with the rest of the build.
    Quote Originally Posted by Fax Celestis View Post
    AILHAY THULUCAY! AILHAY THULUCAY! AILHAY THULUCAY!
    _________________________________
    A beholder’s favorite foods include small live mammals, exotic mushrooms and other fungi, gnomes, beef, pork, colorful leafy vegetables, leaves, flower petals, insects, and birds.

  10. - Top - End - #10
    Dwarf in the Playground
     
    DaragosKitsune's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Almost forgot.

    Spoiler
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    My Requirements
    A character background and tactics description will aid the evaluation and are encouraged.

    Originality

    My originality score is based on a few things.
    1. Is it unique compared to other entrants?
    2. Does it include unexpected choices in classes, races, feats, etc. without them being pointless or arbitrary?
    3. Is the character fluff impressive and coherent?

    Power
    Power comes down to, quite simply, how the build would fare in a mid-power campaign. To further clarify, the score will be based on what the build can do. While combat potential and survivability are major facets of this, a build can also gain points in this category via indirect power, such as buffing ability or mobility. However, combat ability will be the main decider of this score, so a character with a lot of indirect ability but no combat ability and no means to correct this may suffer. That being said, having high combat ability but a poor tactical description can also lose points.

    Elegance
    Elegance is dependent on the clarity of the build, the readability of the build, the cohesiveness of the build, and the ability of the entrant to avoid overusing cheese. Points may be lost for inability to follow the rules given, overuse of multiclassing, overuse of templates without effective explanation, disorganized level progression, lack of sources, and possibly spelling errors if they interfere with the evaluation.

    Use of Secret Ingredient
    Points will be gained here for the effective incorporation of the secret ingredient. If the secret ingredient is underused, used incorrectly for the build, or entered late in the build, points may be deducted. Points may also be lost if the build does not use the secret ingredient as its focus. Minor loss of focus may be acceptable, but should not be expected.
    Spoiler
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    If the line between genius and madness is so thin...

    Then why do so few in this day and age toe said line?

    Thanks to Bongos for the v-13 avvie!

    I think the lesson that we can take away from this is that tentacles solve everything, and if you have a problem, then you just need more tentacles. - seadragonknight of the BG boards.

  11. - Top - End - #11
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Akal Saris's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I'm a fan of the PrC as well. I'll enter this competition, and hopefully RL won't devour me before the deadline :)
    Handbooks: (Hosted on the new MixMax forums)
    [3.5] The Poison Handbook
    [3.5] (New) Master of Shrouds Handbook
    [3.5 Base Class] Healer's Handbook

    Trophies!
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    Thanks to Strategos and Jumilk for the awesome Iron Chef trophies!

  12. - Top - End - #12
    Firbolg in the Playground
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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Akal Saris is competing? I'm both frightened and excited!
    Quote Originally Posted by Vaz View Post
    Ponies, the Kim Karsdashian of GITP.
    This is what happens when they let me DM:
    Beyond the Horizon IC / OOC
    A Time to Die: Alpha IC / Bravo IC / OOC

  13. - Top - End - #13
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    GnomeWizardGuy

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Quote Originally Posted by The Vorpal Tribble View Post
    Interestingly I got an almost instant idea... just wish I had the slightest liking for gnomes so as to be enthusiastic about it.
    I'm assuming that means you're in. I'm putting your name down as a contestant-- tell me if you need me to remove it.
    78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
    A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
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  14. - Top - End - #14
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    The Vorpal Tribble's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Quote Originally Posted by Ozymandias9 View Post
    I'm assuming that means you're in. I'm putting your name down as a contestant-- tell me if you need me to remove it.
    Oh, definitely a contestant.

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    mjames's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I'm in. May submit two builds drastically different builds however. Multiples still okay, right? By-the-by,no guarantee on two builds, just making sure it's acceptable.
    Thanks to Qwernt for the awesome Chibithulhu Avatar!


    Be the Ultimate Ninja! Play Billy Vs. SNAKEMAN today!

  16. - Top - End - #16
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Competing this time.
    Iron Chef in the Playground veteran since Round IV. Play as me!


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  17. - Top - End - #17
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I would like to judge.
    Criteria:
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    Originality
    How unique is your build compared to the others, and most commonly stated builds to go into the class. Do you use your SI in a unique, unexpected way? Do you enter the SI in an equally interesting way?

    Power
    Within the same type of classes, how do you compete? (Casters vs Casters, etc) Are there levels where you simply do not function, or function quite poorly? Do you rely on a caster to give a buff, or does your equipment with WBL allow you to take of any needs? Please feel free to explain any combos that the character relies on.

    Elegance
    Flaws are a required -1 point here, as per the rules. I don't care how many sources you go with to make your build, I won't count the number of books. However if you simply splash around for small level dips that look fishy, expect a little off. Do you exploit or use known cheese in order to do what it is you do?

    Use of secret ingredient
    Did you take the SI as far as possible, if not is there a good reason? Does the SI add or subtract from the actual effectiveness of the character? This section will basically combine the other three categories in terms of the SI only.

    Last edited by BobVosh; 2010-08-31 at 03:32 PM.
    Quote Originally Posted by Alabenson
    Evil Intelligence is knowing the precise ritual that will allow you to destroy the peaceful kingdom that banished you.

    Evil Wisdom is understanding that you probably shouldn’t perform said ritual while you’re standing in the estimated blast radius.

  18. - Top - End - #18
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    GnomeWizardGuy

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Quote Originally Posted by mjames View Post
    I'm in. May submit two builds drastically different builds however. Multiples still okay, right? By-the-by,no guarantee on two builds, just making sure it's acceptable.
    Multiple builds are OK, though to my knowledge we've never actually gotten one (though someone seems to ask every couple contests). This comes with the obligatory reminder that you may want to look over past competitions and look at the level of detail of the high scoring submissions before considering double entry.
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    A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
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  19. - Top - End - #19
    Bugbear in the Playground
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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I am willing to judge if neccesary.

    My criteria
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    Originality This should be self explainatory. If you can make your build stand out from others, then you will score highly in this category. Backstory can be just as effective as an unusual race or class choice.

    Power As a rule, versatile or low Tier characters will score well in this category. However, if you can make a focused build that is excellent within that focus, you will also score well.

    Elegance How well everything comes together. I will not penalise dipping or multiple PrCs, but I expect to see sources listed. Wasted space or redundant features will lose you points, synergy between build choices and background will be rewarded.

    Use of Secret Ingrediant It is not what you have, but how you use it. Simply having 10 levels is not enough to score well. Demonstrate to me why the secret ingrediant is needed and you will score highly. I may not penalise a build for not taking all 10 levels in the PrC if they use the levels they have well.

  20. - Top - End - #20
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    ForgottenCode's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Hi. I've been a longtime reader of the comic and forum, I've just never registered. I really love the idea of this contest. I'm just not sure I'll be able to come up with someone original enough for this prc. Still, I'll think it over and in the coming days post if I'm going to join this one or not.

  21. - Top - End - #21
    Dwarf in the Playground
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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I've been wanting to do one of these for a while. And I've always thought this was a fun looking PrC. In as a contestant.

  22. - Top - End - #22
    Titan in the Playground
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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I put on my apron and chef's hat....

  23. - Top - End - #23
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    IdleMuse's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I love Races of Stone, and although I've never really looked at this PrC, I'm staying with my folks for a week or two, so lots of time to develop an entry. Hopefully I'll actually get it submitted this time, the last two contests I built builds but just ran out of time (and motivation) to finish and submit them.
    "Hex grids are the way forward! And slighty to the side..." - Studoku

  24. - Top - End - #24
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    The Vorpal Tribble's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Quote Originally Posted by IdleMuse View Post
    I love Races of Stone, and although I've never really looked at this PrC
    Still not sure why gnomes are a 'race of stone' and if they were what this PrC has to do with gnomes or races of stone, so I'm just rolling with it.

  25. - Top - End - #25
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Kesnit's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I love Gnomes. I much prefer judging to being a contestant, so I'd like to sign up for that.

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    Originality
    I tend to look at each entry based on their own merit, rather than compare each to another. If two entries use the same base class, but go about them differently, they won't lose Originality points from me. If the entries are similar, they will.

    Power
    I'm going to steal this quote from DK, but it sums up my point of view. "Power comes down to, quite simply, how the build would fare in a mid-power campaign." I am not an min-maxer, and I do not play with min-maxers. I'm used to thinking of PCs as they are seen in many of the D&D books - where characters of different types of classes work together to get the job done.

    As a heads-up, an extremely powerful PC will be marked down if, in my view, it would not work well as a member of a mixed party. (Mixed party defined as "not all PCs are pure casters.") That is not to say any Tier 1 PC will lose points, as they can be built in a way to help (rather than replace) the rest of the party.

    Elegance
    I REALLY dislike dipping, which I define as taking 1-2 levels of a base class. (Exceptions to that are if a PrC requires Class A 1/Class B 5, or something to that extent.) I am a little more open to taking 1-2 levels of a PrC, especially in a competition like this where it is expected 10 levels of another PrC will be taken. However, excessive "dipping" of PrCs will also lose Elegance points.

    On the flip side, I like a good story. A lot of "strange" class changes and combos can be "overlooked" if the contestant can provide a logical reason for them. Also, I am aware English is not everyone's first language, and if a contestant feels they were marked down because they could not adequately explain their concept, I am willing to reevaluate my analysis of their Elegance. (Note I did not say I will automatically increase their score, but if informed, I will give it a second look.)

    Use of Secret Ingredient
    The point of this competition is the Special Ingredient, so obviously it should be the focus. Competitors will lose points if they use less than 9 levels of the SI. (I'd prefer to see all 10, but sometimes, things just cannot be helped.)
    Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

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  26. - Top - End - #26
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    true_shinken's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I'd like to sign up as a judge!

  27. - Top - End - #27
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    NecromancerGuy

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    I'll try my hand at competing in this.
    ithilanor on Steam.

  28. - Top - End - #28
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    IdleMuse's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    They have a Con bonus, they must be a Race of Stone, right? :P More, I think, that they divided the core PHB races into a set of piles for each of the Races books, and gnomes ended up with dwarves.

    Have a potential build idea, is kind of gimped at the moment due to not having room for thirty-odd class levels

    Also frustrated by the lack of spellcasting progression in the classes I want to take
    "Hex grids are the way forward! And slighty to the side..." - Studoku

  29. - Top - End - #29
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
    Private-Prinny's Avatar

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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    As a fellow gnome lover, I want in on this. I don't know how I'll stack up against Akal and Vorpal, however.

    And if anyone is thinking about something like this, it's been done before.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr.Moron View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Optimystik View Post
    'Adding up numbers' is completely independent of roleplay. What you're saying makes as much sense as "peeling a banana is not a good way to drive."


  30. - Top - End - #30
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    Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI

    Quote Originally Posted by Private-Prinny View Post
    And if anyone is thinking about something like this, it's been done before.
    That's exactly why I decided to not compete ^^
    I doubt I could come up with something as awesome as that.

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