I actually never considered it a singular murder, but rather the concept of murder (as espoused by Bhaal) in the Gate.
I ran it during Encounters, and everyone had a blast. I had to turn people away from my table because it was overflowing with players. I think the reason for this, was my playstyle and the break from the "traditional" railroading that previous Encounters had. I think your setup to the adventure is vital, as if you just drop the PCs in the Gate for the festival, they aren't going to feel very connected to anything.
My starting group had 2 PCs with the Soldier Background, so I had them be former Flaming Fists. One PC was a Charlatan who pretended to be a Noble, so I made sure his character (and him) were aware of the political structure, figuring correctly, that he'd want to get into politics. A Cleric was attempting to restore the Temple of Helm, so she got along well with the Flaming Fists (who used to venerate Helm) and Duke Silvershield, who is also a Priest of Gond. Then there was the Half Orc Barbarian Blacksmith, who wanted to start up a shop and wanted to help "the little guy" with the Rogue. They all felt that the city meant something to them, and each had a goal and motivation to help the city and at least one faction.
I think the secret to playing it is also to run it as an Event based adventure, where the PCs can interact (and change) events, but are not required for them to happen. I used Baulder's Mouth to let the PCs know about things that happened that they weren't present for, giving them an idea of the changes overtaking the city. If the PCs choose not to participate, I was ready for events to drop in their lap (such as being in the streets when the Riots break out).
I felt it was the best WotC adventure I've played in a long time, if not ever.
I ran it during Encounters, and everyone had a blast. I had to turn people away from my table because it was overflowing with players. I think the reason for this, was my playstyle and the break from the "traditional" railroading that previous Encounters had. I think your setup to the adventure is vital, as if you just drop the PCs in the Gate for the festival, they aren't going to feel very connected to anything.
My starting group had 2 PCs with the Soldier Background, so I had them be former Flaming Fists. One PC was a Charlatan who pretended to be a Noble, so I made sure his character (and him) were aware of the political structure, figuring correctly, that he'd want to get into politics. A Cleric was attempting to restore the Temple of Helm, so she got along well with the Flaming Fists (who used to venerate Helm) and Duke Silvershield, who is also a Priest of Gond. Then there was the Half Orc Barbarian Blacksmith, who wanted to start up a shop and wanted to help "the little guy" with the Rogue. They all felt that the city meant something to them, and each had a goal and motivation to help the city and at least one faction.
I think the secret to playing it is also to run it as an Event based adventure, where the PCs can interact (and change) events, but are not required for them to happen. I used Baulder's Mouth to let the PCs know about things that happened that they weren't present for, giving them an idea of the changes overtaking the city. If the PCs choose not to participate, I was ready for events to drop in their lap (such as being in the streets when the Riots break out).
I felt it was the best WotC adventure I've played in a long time, if not ever.