ASC Review: Murder Most Foul

A Murder Most Foul (Jeff Simpson)

An "experiment" for Seven Voyages of Zylarthen

I am reviewing these in the order they were submitted. For my review criteria, please check out this post. All reviews will (probably) contain *SPOILERS*; you have been warned! Because these are short (two page) adventures, it is my intention to keep the reviews brief.

I like Jeff Simpson, that wacky Canuck with his whimsical adventures and patented stick-figure illustrations. Last year, however, I strongly disliked his ASCII submission, giving it only one star and placing it near the bottom of my rankings. Despite this, it made the winner’s bracket and compilation book, beating out several worthier entries. As noted, my design priorities don't always align with the other judges.

This year’s submission is worse.

This year’s submission isn’t even an adventure. Instead, Mr. Simpson has offered us a moral quandary situation to insert into our campaign as we see fit.

No. This is not what D&D is. 

Even if the adventure was not already disqualified for a number of assorted violations (no maps, fewer than 8 encounters, written for a fantasy heartbreaker that is NOT “very close” to one of the listed systems), it would STILL fail as actionable content. It is a thought exercise, nor an adventure.

Zero stars. Some might call this “tea party D&D.” Jeff himself suggests his submission may be “moronic.” For me, it’s simply a waste of my time.