Exit Poll - Round 4

[Jason Nelson]

I suppose someone needs to start the thread...

I thought the quality was really, really good this round, no clunkers, ranging from "solid, not bad" through a bunch of "really fun, but not quite getting there" to "spectacular."

My clear favorite of this round's entries is 26 Paper Street, and that's one vote for this round.

My second vote I'm really torn between Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus and The Legendary Playhouse Theater. I actually have liked both guys' work thus far, so there's not a really strong difference there, maybe a slight lean towards Neil.

I think I'm gonna have to go with the Playhouse, but I certainly hope both guys get through to the final 4.

[roguerouge]

So that's:

1 Neil Spicer--The Legendary Playhouse Theater
1 Kevin Carter--26 Paper Street

[Mike Welham]

Make that 2 for each of them. Neil has consistently made my list, and I'm glad Kevin made it through round 2, because his subsequent entries have been AWESOME.

Overall, the field is excellent, and I'd be happy to see any of the top 8 advance.

[cwslyclgh]

my votes this round went to

Kevin Carter—26 Paper Street
and
Matthew Stinson—The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard

But honestly I could have voted for most of the entries this round, they were all good to excellent.

[Lucas Jung]

Eric Bailey—Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus

Randy Dorman—The Palace in the Ashen Wastes

Only after voting did I realize that these two made lairs for each other's villains, which just made me that much happier with my choices.

[Marcus o' the Green]

26 Paper Street for sure-
(I'm so glad I can give a vote to Malgana's creator on this round, too, with absolutely no hesitation)

But now I'm torn between the first Hecataeus crib
and Vashkar's den of dour delightlessness...

Decisions, decisions...

M

[Marcus o' the Green]

All right- I went with 26 Paper Street (hands down)
and Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus (i.e., the first H. lair)

I was bummed not to give Randy Dorman a vote- cause I've liked his other submissions- but I just enjoyed the other two lairs more, ultimately. Here's hoping Randy gets plenty o' votes to advance to the final round anyway...

And as to Eric Bailey and Kevin Carter- excellent work, guys!

[Samuel Leming]

Deciding my vote this round will be even more difficult than last round. There are good reasons to vote for any of these guys.

Sam

[Samuel Leming]

Actually it's not going to be that hard to vote this round since I'm going to vote for the contestants rather than the lairs. I don't know if that's fair or not, but there are several people I want to see move on even though one of them is the only one to actually botch this round.

I'm voting for:

• Eric Bailey
  
• Neil Spicer

I have confidence in ability of both these guys.

Sam

[magdalena thiriet]

Wow, great round. All the entries were good, so then it just became the issues of picking up the really good.
And yes, while I expected someone to make Hecataeus lair, two Rustin Harp lairs was a surprise. As was Sharina.

My two favorites and the ones I voted were:
Kevin Carter—26 Paper Street
Matthew Stinson—The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard

I did consider a bit of tactical voting and instead of kevin go for something else...but then ran into problem that both Hecataeus lairs were great and hilarious, and then again there was the guy who actually created Hecataeus...so I decided to stick to my top 2.

Oh, and Kevin...after the contest I am quite curious to hear what you were planning for Malgana's lair. Same naturally goes for others too :)

[roguerouge]

So that's:

5 Kevin Carter--26 Paper Street
3 Eric Bailey—Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus
3 Neil Spicer--The Legendary Playhouse Theater
2 Matthew Stinson—The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard
1 Randy Dorman—The Palace in the Ashen Wastes

[Medievaltom]

This round's voting was very difficult. I voted for Randy Dorman because I absolutely love the Hecateaus villain (which inspired two lairs this round) and because I think it took some chops to take on Vashkar's lair. Any deficiencies in the lair are due to space limits, and I'm confident that Randy would be able to flesh it out. After all, you're not going to have such a small word limit in a real high level module. (I know, I know, follow the rules for the round. I get that. I'm just sayin'...)

I also voted for Kevin Carter because he's come up with some great stuff that, at first, I didn't see working, but eventually won me over. That says a lot about revising concepts and accepting feedback. I think both traits are important for a Superstar. I also really liked how the encounters were connected and each influenced the next one. For instance, Bracht's (re)actions if he hears the PCs fighting the aboleth. That's the way it should be done.

Great work all around. I really wish I had all four votes because I would have used them.

[noxumbra]

I voted for Randy Dorman. This round was great and all of the other rounds were great too. At this point in the contest how do you not vote for the entire body of work? I hope Randy makes it! I really really want to know what he can do with his own creation. Hecateus done by the guy who created him would be awesome!

[St. James]

I have decided that Randy Dorman will get my first vote. I've enjoyed watching Randy grow throughout the competition. When he first introduced Hec the response was very mixed but now the character's lair has been illustrated by two of his peers. Remember when Clark decided not even to give the initial Hec a full review? Nice, nice work.
My second vote is going to Eric Bailey who really caught the flavor of Hec. All these guys are talented, imagine sitting in on a session with any of these gentleman!

[The_Minstrel_Wyrm]

Mssrs Bailey and Dorman also got my votes for this round. I really enjoyed what they put forth in their versions of the Lairs for (ironically) each others villain. Good Job guys. And also good job to all the Top 8. I can't wait to see who gets to move into the Top 4, and what Adventure Proposals we get to see. How Exciting!
~Excelsior!!

Dean; the Minstrel Wyrm

[Jorrik the Fat]

26 Paper Street
The Palace in the Ashen Wastes

And there was stiff competition this round, no doubt about it! Good to see so many great entries.

Glad I could back to having something to properly evaluate this round, rather than just stat blocks. (I even tried reading on the of the state blocks included in this round... not a clue what is was about, confirming that my only alternative last round would have been to abstain altogether).

[Chris_Johnston]

My votes go to 26 Paper Street and The Lonely Colossus.

[Sue Flaherty]

And the Votes So Far:

8 Kevin Carter--26 Paper Street
6 Randy Dorman—The Palace in the Ashen Wastes
5 Eric Bailey—Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus
3 Neil Spicer--The Legendary Playhouse Theater
2 Matthew Stinson—The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard
1 Trevor Gulliver--The Lonely Colossus

I'm still deciding on my second vote ... this is a tough round! Good job all!

[The 8th Dwarf]

Kevin & Matthew for me.

[Sue Flaherty]

After much agonizing, my votes are going to Kevin Carter with 26 Paper Street, and Trevor Gulliver with The Lonely Colossus. Gentlemen, you did NOT make this round easy, for which I both praise and curse you :)

Adding mine in, here are the Votes So Far:

10 Kevin Carter--26 Paper Street
6 Randy Dorman—The Palace in the Ashen Wastes
5 Eric Bailey—Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus
3 Neil Spicer--The Legendary Playhouse Theater
3 Matthew Stinson—The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard
2 Trevor Gulliver--The Lonely Colossus

((Doing some gleaning from the entries, there appear to be at least three more votes for 26 Paper Stret, two for the Palace in the Ashen Wastes, one for the Sanctum of the Colossus and one for the Legendary Playhouse Theatre [yes, I spell it old school!] that the posters haven't said in this thread, but I didn't add them to the "official" exit pole, just a point of interest))

[Reckless]

Add in my vote for Randy and Kevin. They are growing with this contest. If I had a third vote, it would go to Neil, but I don't. Sorry, buddy.

[R D Ramsey]

Dorman and Stinson for me. Spicer was thiiiiisss close. I wanted 3 votes!

[Mark Moreland]

Randy Dorman & Kevin Carter

[Sue Flaherty]

Fast update before going to work--here are the Votes So Far:

12 Kevin Carter--26 Paper Street
9 Randy Dorman—The Palace in the Ashen Wastes
6 Eric Bailey—Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus
4 Matthew Stinson—The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard
3 Neil Spicer--The Legendary Playhouse Theater
2 Trevor Gulliver--The Lonely Colossus

[Portella]

S
e
o
n
i

I have only voted to the 26 paper street, i felt it was the only original entry, very good ideas he was able to use the villain very well (even thought the villain still needs work). all in all definitely usable it would take me no time to tweak this lair and the encounters to make it the top trump of the evening.

EDIT:

Also i have voted for The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard but i not sure yet.

[Portella]

S
e
o
n
i

Portella wrote:

I have only voted to the 26 paper street, i felt it was the only original entry, very good ideas he was able to use the villain very well (even thought the villain still needs work). all in all definitely usable it would take me no time to tweak this lair and the encounters to make it the top trump of the evening.

EDIT:

Also i have voted for The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard but i not sure yet.

Yep change my mind only 26 page street gets my vote.

this guy is the only one with originality his work is rare to compare to anyone, with the correct guidance he could be making some very good adventures.

[Elora]

Neil Spicer and Trevor Gulliver

[Sue Flaherty]

Lots of good comments on the boards, and I personally feel the pain of all those that want another vote ... or two ... or more :) But, from the exip pole ...

The Votes So Far:

13 Kevin Carter—26 Paper Street
9 Randy Dorman—The Palace in the Ashen Wastes
6 Eric Bailey—Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus
4 Matthew Stinson—The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard
4 Neil Spicer—The Legendary Playhouse Theater
3 Trevor Gulliver—The Lonely Colossus
0 James F.D. Graham—Burnt Apple Haven
0 Joshua Blazej—The Putrid Temple of Volner Tain

[Ryan Marsh]

Paper Street
And the Sanctum

So Kevin and Eric.

[Eric Tillemans]

My votes:

Neil Spicer--The Legendary Playhouse Theater
Kevin Carter--26 Paper Street

[Glass Castle]

I extremely enjoyed this one: Neil Spicer—The Legendary Playhouse Theater, so I voted for it.

--
I think the Bracht villain and the setting, written by two different competitors are both well written and well done, but I would never play a module or vote for a villain as brutal as those are written. So while I commend the writing, I do not enjoy the tone, so I cannot vote for Kevin Carter. But I do strongly look forward to seeing him next round since he and Mr. Gulliver obviously have significant talent. I just personally hope that if he wins the adventure design contest, it will not be using Bracht or a similar CSI-type villain. (Still notably, my opinion on this fact is probably in the minority given the previous voting-patterns.)
--

My second vote remains a secret. Unless I change my mind it will go to one of the two Hecataeii, both of which I enjoyed. :)

[Sue Flaherty]

*
*
*
*
*

The Votes So Far:

15 Kevin Carter—26 Paper Street
9 Randy Dorman—The Palace in the Ashen Wastes
7 Eric Bailey—Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus
6 Neil Spicer—The Legendary Playhouse Theater
4 Matthew Stinson—The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard
3 Trevor Gulliver—The Lonely Colossus
0 James F.D. Graham—Burnt Apple Haven
0 Joshua Blazej—The Putrid Temple of Volner Tain

[Mothman]

This has been the hardest round to narrow down my votes so far.

I've voted, but I'm not entirely sure I won't change my mind ... there are about 5 that are very close in my mind.

[Mark Thomas]

Kevin amd Eric

[Starglim]

The Lonely Colossus
26 Paper St

I liked the Bumpy Apple Orchard encounters, though the location itself didn't convince me.

Neil made a good job of a concept that seems to have given him almost nothing to work with. The PCs' emergence onto the stage sounds hilarious.

[Sue Flaherty]

*
*
*
*
*

The Votes So Far:

17 Kevin Carter—26 Paper Street
9 Randy Dorman—The Palace in the Ashen Wastes
8 Eric Bailey—Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus
6 Neil Spicer—The Legendary Playhouse Theater
4 Matthew Stinson—The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard
4 Trevor Gulliver—The Lonely Colossus
0 James F.D. Graham—Burnt Apple Haven
0 Joshua Blazej—The Putrid Temple of Volner Tain

**last update from me for the night - my bed awaits <G>**

[Maurice de Mare]

I voted for these two.

Kevin Carter—26 Paper Street
James F.D. Graham—Burnt Apple Haven

Kevin in my eyes has been improving every round and James got my vote because I didn't want to give it to anyone else, not the best reason but a reason ;>

[French Wolf]

Neil and Matthew are my favourites. But I think that Eric and Kevin are almost as good. And Trevor's stuff is very professional too.

I cannot decide yet.

I've never tactically voted but this round could be a first. I'd really like to see Mr Spicer and Mr Gulliver progress.

I'll think on it.

[French Wolf]

Voted for Neil and Matthew.

[thunderspirit]

Since Kevin's likely a gimme at this point, I voted for Neil and Trevor this round, based on their whole body of work thus far.

Had I a third vote, it would have gone to Matthew's carnival.

[Sue Flaherty]

* Good Morning All!
*
*
*
*

The Votes So Far:

18 Kevin Carter—26 Paper Street
9 Randy Dorman—The Palace in the Ashen Wastes
8 Eric Bailey—Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus
8 Neil Spicer—The Legendary Playhouse Theater
5 Matthew Stinson—The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard
5 Trevor Gulliver—The Lonely Colossus
1 James F.D. Graham—Burnt Apple Haven
0 Joshua Blazej—The Putrid Temple of Volner Tain

[Aphreal]

I'll echo everyone else in saying this was an incredibly tough choice. All of the entries were good stuff, so I decided to go with what just grabbed me the most, things I would want to use.

On that basis, I voted for The Legendary Playhouse and Sanctum of the Colossus.

I loved Sharina initially, and I plan to use her someday. My biggest problem with her was the nagging question of what happens after the players find out what she's up to. I love that we got a lair answering that and giving her a next step that was so beautifully in character for her.
Hecateus hadn't really done much to impress me thus far. No offense to his creator; he just didn't capture my imagination. Then I started reading this mansion and cavern system full of the sort of things someone that petty and selfish would logically have (a goldfish pool of polymorphed foes, his competitors as dinner companions, etc). And it brought the character to life for me in a way that made me want to use the location, to entertain and frustrate my players as they have to deal with this sort of lethal pettiness. Maybe it helps that I'm an academic, but those little touches of genius sold this one for me.

Sorry for a somewhat long post. It was such a difficult decision that I guess I felt the need to justify my choices a bit. Best wishes to all of the contestants, and I'll look forward to enjoying what any of you put together for the next round.

[Chris Mortika]

My choices were based on (a) the strength of this entry, and (b) Chris West's discussion of the maps.

Kevin Carter—26 Paper Street
Neil Spicer—The Legendary Playhouse Theater

[Kevin Mack]

I voted for Neil and Eric respectively.

[Rimrock]

1. Kevin Carter
2. Randy Dorman

[roguerouge]

* Good Evening
*
*
*
*

The Votes So Far:

20 Kevin Carter—26 Paper Street
11 Neil Spicer—The Legendary Playhouse Theater
10 Randy Dorman—The Palace in the Ashen Wastes
10 Eric Bailey—Hecataeus: Sanctum of the Colossus
5 Matthew Stinson—The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard
5 Trevor Gulliver—The Lonely Colossus
1 James F.D. Graham—Burnt Apple Haven
0 Joshua Blazej—The Putrid Temple of Volner Tain

[Matt Banach]

My two votes go to:

* Matthew Stinson - The Abandoned Carnival at the Bumpy Apple Orchard
* James F.D. Graham - Burnt Apple Haven

Blessings to both these fine gentlemen for their fine, fine choice of subject matter.

[Montalve]

roguerouge wrote:

So that's:

1 Neil Spicer -- The Legendary Playhouse Theater
1 Kevin Carter -- 26 Paper Street

same vote

there are some quite good and interesting and quite liked more the single storied hecateus map... but Neil did something quite interesting with little valued villianessi am fond of... and he took a great risk...

I like what he did with the theather... but I agree it wouldhave been interesting to havea crowd in the middle of it all to praise or to boo both Sharina and the PCs during what they think is just another play :D

Kevin... damn you... 26 Paper Street is just damned excellent... Ravenloft matterial... meaning I love it. just the best of the best

good luck to everyone