My judgment follows:
[sblock]I'm going to try to be brief here and if I had more time I might be more critical. If there are specific questions, feel free to ask them. We have two good entries, and I think either could be worked into a fine adventure. As far as following rules, full marks for both.
Which brings us to Ingredient Use. Both use the Artist Studio as an essential part of the adventure, so 2 out of 2 points to both. I slightly prefer the Final Dragon of the Curious Case over the other, but I recognize that is purely subjective and 2 out of 2 points to both for Final Dragon. The Battered Manuscript of the Curious Case is also more innovative (kudos to Waylander for that) and I find that other than being mentioned that the manuscript is battered in Master Piece, the adjective has no real bearing on the manuscript itself. So 1 out of 2 for Master Piece and 2 out of 2 for Curious Case. Likewise for Suspended Clergyman, I find myself thinking again the Curious Case is more clever, though both get full points. With both Checks and Balances and Robe of Bones, I find that the uses are good, though not spectacular, but full points all around. I will mention that I think both Robes are far too powerful for actual in-game use, at least as described and at the power levels hinted at in the adventures. As an editor or lead-designer, I would insist on both being somehow made more manageable if they are potentially going to be won by the PCs as treasure.
Moving on to Useability, I think both are very useable, though Masterpiece has a weak hook and some conclusions of how things will unfold that might be wrong. Most PCs I know, if approached for a job by an obvious nut, will end up investigating him. Weak hooks are a no-no so I'm deducting a point for that.
Coming to Style, I think Curious Case is hands down the winner here. It is presented in a clear, concise manner and is easy to follow. Master Piece suffers a bit from a slight disjointing in the narrative. I think that if the set pieces and events were just broken down with some titles, it would be much better. I also dislike the railroading at the end, with the robe forcing a PC into a transformation (even if it is advantageous). All in all, I think Master Piece has a lot of potential, but it could use a more polish and presentation.
In the end I think The Curious Case of the Suspended Clergyman is the clear winner of this round. Congratulations to Waylander the Slayer!
Master Piece
Follow the Rules 6/6
Ingredient Use 11/12
Usability 5/6
Style 4/6
Total 26/30
Curious Case
Follow the Rules 6/6
Ingredient Use 12/12
Usability 6/6
Style 6/6
Total: 30/30[/sblock]
