Comments for NiTessine:
Ah, the continuing adventures of Alambur of the Resplendent Flame. There are perils involved in using a recurring character in the same edition of Ceramic DM. First, you run the risk of mentally pre-writing your story before you see the pictures, and then trying to shoehorn them in. Second, and most deadly, you end up competing not only with your opponent, but with your previous entry. Much as the judges try to treat each story on its own merits, it's impossible to not at least subconsciouslly compare the two.
The writing style in this entry is very strong, again filled with the little touches and descriptives that bring the world and character to life. The 'Boo' bit had me snorting soda on the keyboard -- bravo, I didn't see that coming!
Picture use is a mixed bag. I was disappointed that the 'face in the blue cross' didn't have a more concrete and creative part. The winged squirrel as a familiar was interesting, but occurred to early and was gone, leaving little impact. The 'glass' picture was stronger and figures prominently. Making use of the inverted image as a material component was clever.
Overall, though, this story felt a little forced, and lack a central scene to really bring things together. A solid entry, but it suffers in comparison with its prequel.