In my journeys I've run across a fair bit of fan-created content. I've spent almost a year evaluating submissions from lots of fans, and I think it's fair to say I know a good piece of content when I see it. To help new members to the site or members who may be struggling with ideas, I'd like to deliver some helpful hints from the trenches.

1. Be original and familiar.

What players and gamemasters want most are new directions for expanding their game while not going too far into left field that they can't recognize their game. This is the primary goal of the Pathfinder Database. Trying to come up with original ideas is the toughest part of creating new content for the game. Equally difficult is making sure that content fits within the flavor and feel of the game as well. It might not be original to create a fighter-wizard type of class, but if you can pull it off in a way that brings a new mechanic or new flavor to the table, while maintaining game balance, then you've truly succeeded.

My Favorite Example From The Site - The Weirbrand

2. Solve a problem, have a purpose.

Another issue I've seen a lot in my travels is the creation of new ideas for something that never really needed fixing in the first place. One of the recurring issues that players have debated with the d20 System is the use of the "Vancian" magic system of prepared spells. Some see it as outdated and inflexible while others like how it makes players strategize. If you're out to solve problems like this, make sure you know what you're trying to solve. A great technique is to write down a mission statement like "I want to create a magic system that allows casters to have more choice at the time of casting." Keeping this goal in mind is key when you're rewriting something and helps others understand what you're trying to achieve.

My Favorite Example From The Site - A Retooled Barbarian

3. Playtest and brainstorm!

Playtest, playtest, playtest! If you're serious about making an idea a success, nothing is better than giving it to others who are good at breaking down ideas. I personally have a power-gamer in my group and I find his input invaluable when testing out ideas. In addition to playtesting, brainstorming fixes to a broken mechanic with experienced gamers is also critical.

4. Expand on existing ideas.

Some of the best ideas for new content come from existing ideas. One of the things I like most about the feats section on the site is that even if I'm not going to use a particular feat in my game, some of the ideas have really expanded my outlook on the way feats should be used overall and what kinds of feats cross the line. Reading existing ideas is great for evaluating your own ideas and deciding what works in terms of the game system overall.

My Favorite Example From The Site - Druid Bonded Wild Shape

5. Don't be afraid of flavor.

Even the most seemingly blah ideas can be jewels in disguise. Some of the best content also comes from how well the content is described as being used from a character or campaign world perspective. Adding just a little bit of new flavor to a seemingly common idea can give players ideas how to use the content in their own game.

My Favorite Example From The Site - The War Mill