Here we are again...
as usual, I will probably talk aboit negative issues, and neglect most positive parts.
That doesn't mean I didn't like the entry in question.
Now to the good stuff!
Note: This time, it seems as if all entries conformed to the rules laid out, so it's possible to do!
1. The Blood Soaked Seal
This was just off of my league somehow. All the talk of Gods and them warring an Elfen race, one god closely beating one of the elves, then another one defying the god's most powerful spell, just didn't ring true with me. The location and the NPc are also very much tied together.
2. The Haunted Box Canyon
This one was nice, and I liked the idea of a non-D&D standard adventure. However, the critters are just that, critters, and not really NPCs. Location and Critters are tied together, as well.
3. Ruins and Statues
That one had a neat NPc, the gargoyle sorcerer. The fire temple was nice, but unspectacular, and not even hallowed. NPC and location weren't tied together, which is good, but was there really an ecounter using both?
4. The Hungry Dead
Location and NPC/encounter were tied closely together. Furthermore, the NPC's motivation wasn't very elaborate, and there was no purpose to the zombies.
5. Mom's Butcher Shop
Why do people feel the need to give their NPCs humorous names? Gertrude, or Mom, etc. Also, Mom is a Thief 3, and nitpicking me says it's a Rogue.
This nitpicking was what didn't put the butcher's shop at No. 1 for me, even though I love the PCs buying rations there...
6. Springlodge
The NPC and the location are tied very much together. I'm also curious why the 10 Watchers don't come to help defend against the troll.
Furthermore, as had been said, the potion-ability is bound to be abused by PCs. If they are not meant to find it out, it shouldn't even be mentioned in the first place. No gold, no XP - heaven!
7. Defy the Setting Sun
I liked the idea of both NPC and location, and how they were tied together, yet could be used separately very easily.
However, the shrine just left to much work for me as a DM.
Where does it appear in the next day (or days, or weeks, or)
How big is my campaign world (distance calculation)
Can i teleport into the shrine? Is it a well-known location, or always a new one? Or do I appear where I last entered it?
That was too much work for me, and so the neat idea will likely remain unused.
8. Prisoners for the Web
Straightforward combat encounter. However, when traveling in the Underdark, my players would take care they are equipped with some ability to navigate/escape webs...
As a whole, the encounter was a little too plain for my tastes.
9. The Granite Beak
I liked how the location was full of mystery not pertaining to the matter at hand. A fiendish harpy is also not a nice image. All in all, this was the one that got my vote.
Short, but...
I'm sure Granite Beak won't win, for my tips haven't won any contest yet - though I voted for last heat's winner, I didn't manage to post some thoughts on them
Ja mata,
Berandor