*Pretends not to have read results*
Story One: Judge not a book by the cover that bindeth it.
When I first began reading this entry, I was put off a little by the spelling mistakes and rough edges. The whole part with the humans confused me a bit as its them quickly brushed over. Maybe this was part of a plot thread that was left unfinished? Or maybe i'm not reading into it right. It's possible that English may nay be the author's first language, but whether it is or not, this piece definately needed a good proof-read or two to iron things out.
And yet, when it comes down to the feeling of this piece and the image it paints, the author handled things remarkably well. The imagery of the blind being able to see what those with sight cannot is well played here and makes for a great ending. Although, the re-arranging part seemed a bit unfinished and left field. I'm not sure how much this tale does fit with the themes, but I don't really care. I'm more interested in what the future has for this lizzie.
Zrrktz: When I wake and open my eye-meat, there is darkness and noth-nothing more...
Story Two: 2/10, there wasn’t another Skink messenger called Mr’tar. The author missed a great opportunity.
Ok, I’ll be a bit more serious. This story left me pretty split.
The stakes, the tension, the lack of action, and symbolism were impeccable. This was the sort of secluded snap shot of (I assume) the End Times that we really didn’t get. I at least assume it’s the End Times with the silver object (Skryre firing a missile at the moon) shattering the moon.
I really enjoyed how both character arcs seemed to end in a slow-mo movie moment, the Scar Vet charging the Vermin Lord and the Skink Priestess opening her eyes as the verminous hordes charge in. This story felt pretty epic.
However. However, this story has problems. For one thing it feels too fragmented with a severe lack of meat. Perhaps the author wished the readers to fill in the gaps themselves, but I think this is not the best form to take. The characters just didn’t feel right either, maybe it was due to the whole gender thing (actually, this whole gender-thing in story competitions of late is very interesting, but I think it’s becoming a little too prolific) or the author possibly rushing it. It didn’t feel quite finished in a way, despite having an ending of sorts.
Mrrm...A very well written tale and yet one I really aren’t sure about.
Felrix Brightfur: Well, it'd be how I'd wanna go out. Guns blazing and all...
Story Three: Wow.
I'll start off by saying that this piece took my breath away (well most did to be fair.) The epic combat that saturated this piece was so well pulled off that it was oft a joy to read. The author put a lot of great detail and description in everything that I felt every movement and every blow. I really am not one for action but this was quite the story that I might have to alter my opinion somewhat.
I enjoyed how the main character took blows throughout the combat rather than just be an invincible wargod of destruction. And the more damage the main character took, the more as a reader I felt on the edge of my chair. Sure, the whole reanimated via starlight thing makes death seem less of consequence, but as Kai-Otl was struck and struck again I wanted him to pull through and smash that necromancer (besides, less competition for me is good too...)
And that twist...that hit me right in the feels. Poor Kai-Otl...poor Rex-Op...
I guess the very ending felt slightly off to me, however. I can see the imagery, and yet it somehow felt a bit detatched and clunky...Not sure exactly how/why...
Inmiz Grilsrid, an Avid: Tell the facts, if the Kai-Otl cannot handle it then its mind was too weak and the Rex-Op is better without.
Story Four: Hmm, interesting take.
This was a very very short piece, and yet i'm not sure adding much more would have really benefitted it much. The main character's thoughts were wonderfully crafted and the backstory were pretty well pulled off. The feelings of vengeance and the coldness of reality were very nicely done. In fact the last lines reminded me a lot of the poem sometimes referred to as The Little Fete by Li Po.
That said, the story didn't leave me with as great as impression as some others in this competition have. It was however, quite the different style in my opinion. Nice job!
Jiao Hun: I wonder about the time frame-thing of this story-thing...was-was it perception of time or real time? Who-who can tell?
Story Five: Hah, with all these dark and bleak stories, this was a very welcome change of pace.
There was so little serious tone throughout this whole tale that at least five Whizz-Bangs were overloaded and exploded from sheer nonsensicality. The character dialogue was very well written with great comedic timing. Shame that whole space fluff challenge thing never really did hit off, especially with a story like this.
Despite this, the story being more relaxed and one great parody/love letter may have harmed itself in the face of the more deeper and impactful stories in this competition. Also, that red shirt sacrifice was just harsh. Effective, but harsh. And that's coming from a
Skaven concerned priest-thing.
Nonetheless a great out of the ordinary piece!
Warlock Engineer Tkull: I wish I had a space ship...even if i'd just ram it intae things...
