el-remmen
Moderator Emeritus
Let me begin by thanking all of our contestants not only for playing, but for coming up with such creative endeavors, win or lose.
Now for the final round. . .
Radiating Gnome and Rune both up with very creative approaches to using these ingredients.
I loved RG’s hook – while it may seem heavy handed – by having the baron willing to go to any lengths to get them to save his “good for nothing” son it sets up a realistic character ~ I particularly like that if bribery and reward does not work he will use blackmail or threats to the PCs or the people they know to get what he wants – of course, this runs the risk of putting the PCs in direct conflict with the Baron, but that would be an adventure in and of itself.
Rune’s hook by comparison is infinitely weaker – the whole “if the pcs are traders” thing is kind of slim – and while being boarded by the Empire’s Navy or being forced to land by pirates who steal their goods might work better – it still seems more contrived than RG’s – personally I think, by making the PCs some kind of ambassadors or representatives of some noble or despot they have worked for before – or perhaps seeking some rare component for a spell or magical item might have worked better – forcing the PCs to treat the people of this island with respect and deference in order to get what they want.
But put that aside – Rune’s scenario is just AWESOME. . . Ok, ok, the dead horses thing was stuck in there awkwardly – but the idea of the PCs are foreigner s embroiled in politics and cultural conflict that they can barely keep up with or understand is just the kind of adventure that we should see on the shelves more often - forget ruins and dungeons and caves – the labyrinths of human interaction in royal courts are the real dangerous places in the world. I also like the chance of becoming addicted to opium – again, providing a great and lasting role-playing opportunity I mean, damn! Between the PCs, the far eastern themed land and the conflict with fey – you have a triad of possible conflict, confusion and wonder. . . Bravo Rune!
But what about RG’s scenario? – well, I have to admit it went straight to my soft spot for strange dream-like scenes and Lewis Carroll imagery – with the children’s party, the bad men made forgetful and the talking wizard mouse. . . Question about the mouse though: How does he cast spells with no hands?
In the end, I think it is pretty clear that the final round goes to Rune. Radiating Gnome, you’re scenario was excellent – but I guess it just fell short of being spectacular. . . I think in some future Iron DM competition you will definitely be one of the favored competitors.
I am willing to do a round of Rune vs. Vaxalon for the title of “Iron DM of Enworld” – but it is really all I have time for what with so much I have to do these days. . .
I will do another competition in a few months time, so keep an eye out for it. . .
Now for the final round. . .
Radiating Gnome and Rune both up with very creative approaches to using these ingredients.
I loved RG’s hook – while it may seem heavy handed – by having the baron willing to go to any lengths to get them to save his “good for nothing” son it sets up a realistic character ~ I particularly like that if bribery and reward does not work he will use blackmail or threats to the PCs or the people they know to get what he wants – of course, this runs the risk of putting the PCs in direct conflict with the Baron, but that would be an adventure in and of itself.
Rune’s hook by comparison is infinitely weaker – the whole “if the pcs are traders” thing is kind of slim – and while being boarded by the Empire’s Navy or being forced to land by pirates who steal their goods might work better – it still seems more contrived than RG’s – personally I think, by making the PCs some kind of ambassadors or representatives of some noble or despot they have worked for before – or perhaps seeking some rare component for a spell or magical item might have worked better – forcing the PCs to treat the people of this island with respect and deference in order to get what they want.
But put that aside – Rune’s scenario is just AWESOME. . . Ok, ok, the dead horses thing was stuck in there awkwardly – but the idea of the PCs are foreigner s embroiled in politics and cultural conflict that they can barely keep up with or understand is just the kind of adventure that we should see on the shelves more often - forget ruins and dungeons and caves – the labyrinths of human interaction in royal courts are the real dangerous places in the world. I also like the chance of becoming addicted to opium – again, providing a great and lasting role-playing opportunity I mean, damn! Between the PCs, the far eastern themed land and the conflict with fey – you have a triad of possible conflict, confusion and wonder. . . Bravo Rune!
But what about RG’s scenario? – well, I have to admit it went straight to my soft spot for strange dream-like scenes and Lewis Carroll imagery – with the children’s party, the bad men made forgetful and the talking wizard mouse. . . Question about the mouse though: How does he cast spells with no hands?
In the end, I think it is pretty clear that the final round goes to Rune. Radiating Gnome, you’re scenario was excellent – but I guess it just fell short of being spectacular. . . I think in some future Iron DM competition you will definitely be one of the favored competitors.
I am willing to do a round of Rune vs. Vaxalon for the title of “Iron DM of Enworld” – but it is really all I have time for what with so much I have to do these days. . .
I will do another competition in a few months time, so keep an eye out for it. . .