While we all wait for the battles to continue, I just wanted to chime in with my own thoughts on the First Round entries. Maybe it's the wannabe judge in me coming to the surface
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lightful: I generally don't enjoy stories with godlike bents to them, but yours is very creative. Additionally, I enjoyed the Bielaja people and your description of their culture. Keep at it -- good things are in your future.
anonystu: I absolutely loved your d20M setting, and the backdrop for your adventure was fantastic!! Kudos on being brave enough to step outside the box. If your entry had been submit as less of an overview and more of a story, you might have prevailed.
WinnipegDragon: You provide the reader with incredible detail on the city of Wadith and its four distinct quarters. Paring the entry down a bit, and providing more PC options/hooks will be the keys next time around for you.
seasong: One of your strongest entries to date IMHO. I felt that both you and I presented somewhat lackluster adventures in our Spring Finals contest. However, this story was interesting and fun on a number of levels. Good job!
Greybar: Two words -- "ooze stew." You've permanently burned this image into my olfactory senses. A fine effort given the toughest set of First Round ingredients to my mind.
cool hand luke: Keep it up my good man. Your cagey carnie freaks and their scheme to sneak an ioun stone into town, were great!
nemmerle: I was truly taken in by your story. The believable and detailed NPC's; the layered fabric within your adventure; and clever ingredient use -- all excellent!! Best of all, I loved the Cthulhuesque feel to everything. Just a bit of subtle horror hidden behind the scenes each step of the way. You sound like the type of DM I admire, namely one who provides a rich canvas and allows the party to paint its own desires.
Wulf: My favorite entry among those offered up thus far. Darn near everything felt unique, bizarre, intriguing, spooky and totally fascinating. This is why I mentioned you as someone I'd love to see in a Tournament of Champions, and as one of Iron DM's most formidable contestants.
Congrats to those who have advanced into Round Two, and big props to Rune for a very impressive job as Chairman so far!!