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Message: <blockquote data-quote="seasong" data-source="post: 552866" data-attributes="member: 5137">Final Actby MTRIngredientsSecret JourneyMessage in a BottleGhostFemale Halfing WizardDoubtful VampireOne Night ShowThe use of ingredients was reasonably well done, about three good ones, but... damn. This is a fine piece of work. There are a few things I would like to have had fleshed out, as they will be a lot of work for a DM to do themselves (such as the alternate NPC murder motives), but MTR chose to stick to outline form rather than a detailed article.To look at the ingredients more specifically:The female halfling wizard is there, but there is nothing particularly important about her femaleness, halflingness, or wizardness - she could have been the male half-orc bard in charge, and it would have suited the story precisely as well.The message in a bottle was tacked on. It had some style, but really didn't feel like it fit. Perhaps if she only communicated through the bottles, leaving them where the PCs would find them, it could have made for a nice flavor hook... but as it is, it's weak.The secret journey, like the message in a bottle, felt tacked on. And, in fact, was part of the same NPC's role - Althea definitely could have been integrated better, and with her, these two ingredients.The ghost and one night show, on the other hand, dovetail into the climax in properly dramatic fashion, and help give this eerie tale a touch of creepy fantasy... something I'm a real sucker for.And the doubtful vampire, while perhaps not entirely doubtful, is still a very strong showing of the ingredient. The idea that he might willingly allow himself to be put to rest "so the show can go on" is particularly delightful to me. Between this and the ghost who just wants to play her role... I've known these people, both director and actor.Some other notes:1) As MTR notes, this is not a good adventure for the kick-in-the-door crowd. The right prayers, a couple of fights, and this elegant scenario would be reduced to rubble along with the DM's desire to run it. That's not really a weakness, in my opinion, but it does bear mentioning.2) MTR says that "the GM must find an appropriate hook for his group" and then promptly lays out several excellent hooks for our palates. The comment on further adventures was also appreciated, if a bit skimpier than the hooks.3) MTR needs to participate in the next Iron DM. Against most entries (which also tend to manage 3 ingredients), he would win on scenario craft and interest. However, he will need to integrate the other ingredients better to win - the final rounds usually see good use of all ingredients, and Wicht (who will assuredly be there) is known for dominating in that arena.</blockquote>

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