Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="InVinoVeritas" data-source="post: 5232364" data-attributes="member: 41485">And, back to business. [sblock]We've got Pro-Paladin vs. ajanders this round. First, some discussion about the ingredients: I threw in "Gaslamp" and "Gaslighting" to see how they got used; only ajanders got the second meaning of Gaslighting. I was hoping to see the insanity-causing second meaning by using Gaslighting, because... you can't really have a gaslamp without gaslighting anyway. So, on that basis, ajanders gets an advantage right out of the gate. Pro-Paladin came close with the use of Commie Mind Control on the Compromised Magnate, but I didn't get the sense that the real use was present. The photo from Vogue Italia, 2006 (personal design secret: I raid fashion magazines for adventure ideas) was another important element. There were a lot of things that could be picked up on. Pro-Paladin gave us the White Night, describing her halo and whipping up of objects as manifestations of her ability. Xicene is ajanders' submission, an eladrin warlock of vengeance. We didn't get a description of her in the adventure, which is a weakness. She was in a library, though. That's two points for Pro-Paladin and one for ajanders. Deserted Docks: Both used both parts of the ingredient and made it integral to the action, well done. Compromised Magnate: Once again, good use in both cases. I like how ajanders combined the gaslighting and the magnate, and used Ergot as a second magnate.  Encroaching Fungus: I very much enjoy both uses. The theme of ergot poisoning was well-executed by ajanders, and the commie mushrooms were beautifully campy and fun to use, too. Based on ingredient use, ajanders has the advantage. Originality: Here, Pro-Paladin's writing shines. Every step of the way, you get a sense of the Cold-War-fueled 50s, down to the importance of sexual repression. The prosaic descriptions in ajanders' adventure don't compete, unfortunately. Playability: Pro-Paladin goes a step further to both spell out more characters and provide sample PCs, probably a good idea given that it's a particular time, place, and style. The generic 4e world of ajanders is easier to use, but lacking in these extra elements. This round I found tough to judge. Although ajanders did the better job tying the ingredients together, Pro-Paladin went the extra step through breathing life into the scene and providing the DM with potential PCs.  I'm going to cast my vote for Pro-Paladin. I do like research, and so ajanders use of ergot poisoning and the additional meanings of gaslighting are great. But I have to respect the research into geting the feel down for the 1950s as well. This is more of a go-with-the-gut decision. I thought both were good entries. That flair will be important in the final. [/sblock]</blockquote>

Verification