Hethrin has spoken

[Hethrin]

Hey guys!

So...maybe some of you remember me from Redwall: The Abridged Series, and for others, this is our first meeting.

In either case, good to see ya!

This is my first survivor contest, but I did read through the Captain Blade saga a while back, and I've really enjoyed looking through the various entries of this contest. I figured I'd give my two cents on both the entries that made it and the ones that didn't.

Two things:

1. This is all gonna be EXTREMELY subjective. I consider myself a good writer, but it's not my profession. I'm basically just gonna say what worked for me and what didn't, my favorite moment and my favorite line. IMPORTANT: When I say "Didn't work for me" I literally mean that. For me and my subjective perspective :) .

2. I'm gonna do my best to not give away my votes. I want to keep things as even as possible, even if I personally like one character more than another.

With that, let's get started!

[Hethrin]

DUELIST

-Elliot

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME: I didn't feel like we got to know much about Elliot until the very end where it's revealed how old and out of shape he is. Mostly, the app is an action piece rather than a character one.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME: That being said, the action itself was very well done. It felt like an actual sword fight with parries and thrusts being taken into account, and even a bit of trickiness on Elliot's part toward the end.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Elliot breaking all three of his assailant's weapons.

FAVORITE LINE: "The hare gave no quarter, but the fox gave no ground deflecting blow after blow."

-Fiyero

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
There's a few run-on sentences and grammer mistakes that interrupt the flow of the story. The main conflict doesn't seem to really be that dire to force a fight in a bar.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Fiyero is fun to read, setting himself up as a braggart but having the actual edge of a swordsman underneath. The song is a nice touch as well; nothing more Redwally than a song.

FAVORITE MOMENT: When Fiyero buys all the patrons drinks with the coins they just gave him.

FAVORITE LINE: "It was a spectacular skirmish, a fantastic fight! Oh, it is a song I shall sing until I can't sing anymore! Which, I must say," Fiyero winked to the rat. "Is an impossibility."

-Bihto Snowridge

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:

A lot of the writing felt like too much detail over things that didn't matter as much, such as the booker's name, etc. The app covers a lot of ground, but sometimes feels rushed as a result.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
I love the concept of a goose as a character, since most birds in Redwall are Sparrows or Hawks of some kind. I also like how Bihto seems to have a bit of a temper and decides to put that to a profitible use rather than just go pick fights.

FAVORITE MOMENT: When Bihto beaks Eleynora and she gets huffy at it. XD

FAVORITE LINE:  "As he stepped into the pub, Bihto let the familiar sounds and smells wash over him. The balcony was full of beasts shouting encouragement to their favorite fighter. Many of them had betting slips in their paws. Stale beer and the sharp tang of blood assaulted his nostrils. The goose breathed deep."

[Vizon]

Hi Hethrin! Thanks for jumping into the mix! Good luck churnin' out all 30 (I'm going to be pushing it getting mine done by the vote deadline)!

[Hethrin]

Thanks Vizon! I'm hoping to as well.

Love your drawings btw, they're wonderful!

[Hethrin]

BESERKER

-Chitterfang the Wrigglekin

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
I feel like the berserker mode has a little too much going on; I.e. she needs the bugs to beserk and the beserk to remember....so she can't just eat bugs on her own? It was a little confusing for me. However...

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
The idea of being connected to the bugs is intriguing and I love how the aftermath of the slaughter leaves her frantically writing down memories. It's a great way of hooking us with a mystery and helping us sympathize with her. I like how she clearly has a conscience and buries Brennan at the end.

FAVORITE MOMENT:
When the memories resurface as she enters beserk mode. It's very vivid and mysterious all at once.

FAVORITE LINE:
"Oh, you mean I'm the wriggling bat beastie. I am, I am, and you should all leave while you can."

"I see no storied monster."

"Depends on how you're looking"



-Elias Heatherpaw

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
We get a hint of Elias' affection for his deceased lover, but most of the app is focused on the carnage. There are a few extra details during the fight that don't feel needed in comparison, like the focus on the fire, etc.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
The fight scene is gripping, and the presence of the voice throughout the violence lends a sort of madness/desperation for an otherwise tactical beast that really hits hard. Also like the usage of breath and "music" throughout.

FAVORITE MOMENT:
Elias remembering his love and the drawing of her in the locket.

FAVORITE LINE:
"The forest hummed with a thousand voices, the mosquito-whine of the insects coalescing into a song of blood.

Remember what they did to me.

He reached for the nearest instrument and found the fox's cudgel.

Music."


-Ilka

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
I'm a little confused why Ilka joins up with Brother Wulter. It feels like a heel turn that's not completely earned. Some of the story, while descriptive, is hard to decipher, such as the relationship between Wulter and their employer.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
I like how blunt the character is, and how much she seems to be committed to it. There's a certain nihilism at play which could be very good for the character to overcome or submit to.

FAVORITE MOMENT:
When Ilka reveals that it was a family she killed, heightening the culpability they both share.

FAVORITE LINE:
"He did not flinch, and had the decency not to pretend he hadn't noticed the smaller heads in the sack. Instead, his ears tipped back a degree, almost as if he meant to pray to the great Nothing Ilka knew to be out there."

[Hethrin]

SCHEMER

-Elsabeth van Riften

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
There's a certain...convenience to the scenario. Elsabeth just happens to get caught because her superior just happens to get a letter praising his recruitment. Also he sends her up north rather than killing her because it's less trouble? It's not bad, just a little too much convenience at once.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
I love her plan of forging documents and records, and the motivation of restoring her family's pride and fortune is a good one. Plus, there's opportunity for her pride to be wounded by her circumstances and learning how to rise above it.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Her trying to bargain with the Rat Major and instantly fuming at the blow to her pride. Good character moment of a conflict of emotion.

FAVORITE LINE:
"She would claw out whatever wealth that blasted wasteland was hiding or her name wasn't Elsabeth van Riften!

And, she grimly reflected, if she failed it might as well not be."


-Lucan

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
Some run-on sentences and awkwardly worded descriptions during the action scene("A blood chilling laugh came from all around them. It raised a glowing sword." The Laugh did?) . Character motivation is fine, but needs a bit more than just wanting to be the Abbey Warrior.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Seeing a schemer try to play 'hero' made me smile, I honestly didn't think of that option. I love the detail put into the 'ghost's construction and dismantling. A lot of potential for a youngster getting caught up in something beyond his tricks.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Learning what the 'ghost' was made of; the materials and mechanics.

FAVORITE LINE:
" He stuck a claw in the hole the arrow had left in the straw-filled head.

"Mother Veristy would have a fit to see her bed sheets now, eh, my friend?"


- Merrill

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
Merrill's plan seems a bit convoluted. Some of the prose feels like it's trying too hard to be clever rather than being clear("The clerk spoke more with the apples on the ground.").

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Absolutely love her character growth within the span of the app; her saving Killian was a very nice cap to the whole story.. Even the 'scheming' she does reflects a lot of her inner conflict; that balance between self righteousness and actually taking the high road.

FAVORITE MOMENT: When Merrill saves Killian after thinking of her love.

FAVORITE LINE:
"Be still you. Damn. Fool!" Merrill's charge pinned Killian against a crag by the summit's lip. "It's a debt repaid! You were supposed to take the gold, be glad of my death, and move on!"

"No goodbeast wants gold for blood, exile."

[Hethrin]

SEAFARER

-Bise

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
I'm not really sure why this applicant is a bird, especially considering the main conflict of being 'bought and sold' to a captain when she could just fly away? There are some rules being set up for this story that aren't fully explained.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
I do like the idea of indentured servitude and having to pay it off, and the yearning for freedom that Bise feels. There are a lot of great descriptions of the settings and sensations taking place.

FAVORITE MOMENT: When Bise heads up to her perch and stares off at the distance.

FAVORITE LINE:
"Still, here she could enjoy the sun's rays before any other beast. She could catch a glimpse of -- and land on -- shore before anyone else. She could watch the morning fog burn away with the last of the twilight's stars.

It was the closest thing to freedom she could lay claim to."


-Dawl Dredgemast

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
It says that Dawl pays the harbormaster to watch his sister, which makes some of his reactions seem a bit over the top in terms of concern. The fact that he keeps calling her "Tilly" and she prefers not to be called that didn't feel as dramatic when it was revealed that he's done it before.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Love the conflict between wanting to keep his sister safe and still being practical about it. The open ended story of their parents leaves a great hole for the characters to deal with, and a good investment for the reader to care about them. The dialogue between the two is very well done for sibling banter as well.

FAVORITE MOMENT: The revelation that Dawl is seeking 'alternative employment' on the side and hiding it from his sister.

FAVORITE LINE:
Dawl gritted his teeth and pointedly pulled the ladder up behind him, dumping it in a heap at the gunwale. "Aye, and what if somebeast else got here first?"

"Cripes, Dawl. I might've had to speak with somebeast who ain't mah brother."


-Novak

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
The writing veers between poetic and confusing in certain places(i.e. "The pink slurry worked into the marten's pelt and assured him of the fisher's dance"). I'm a bit uncertain as to why the baby speaks but the mother doesn't.

WHAT DOES WORK FOR ME:
An excellent breakdown of the cost of following what others tell you, or even 'tradition', at the expense of virtue. The impact of the deed clearly weighs on Novak, but we only see the inkling of a change in him, leaving development wide open(in a good way).

FAVORITE MOMENT: When Novak hears the baby sea lion speak and has an existential crisis.

FAVORITE LINE:
"Once more it sounded from the pup under his shadow. A completed word, a cry for help. Pictures of fish etched upon the sand Novak's once-closed eyes missed. A pile of glittering seastones stacked as a game beside the pup.

The grim truth came as questions flooded the marten's heart and mind."

[Hethrin]

HUNTER

-Ashtad

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
A little bit too much of a focus on the mouse as opposed to Ashtad, which wouldn't be as big of a deal if he didn't have his own twist of being framed that may or may not be true. It takes away a little bit of Ashtad's agency.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Very intriguing concept of a 'philosopher snake', and turning the idea of them just being mindless or cold eating machines on its head. The back and forth between Ashtad and the mouse is very entertaining and contains some great dialogue bits.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Ashtad letting the mouse go on his way after the villagers leave.

FAVORITE LINE:
"Well you do eat beasts. Some would call that monstrous."

"Think of it more as... providing a service." Ashtad hissed. "Your village seeks justice. I seek a meal. Quid. Pro. Quo."


- Kew Kew

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
Same as with Ashtad; the story is told from Margaret's perspective rather than Kew Kew's. Some of the story pacing moves a little too breakneck for my taste.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Hey! A Wearet! Nice! And I love the dialogue style that Kew Kew uses. It gives us a sense of his...innocence? But also paves the way for us to see that he does have intelligence befitting a hunter. The idea of him believing himself to be a bird is delightfully silly.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Realizing that while Kew Kew isn't going to eat Margaret, he is going to use her as bait. Great little twist.

FAVORITE LINE:
"The creature snorted and crouched down on all fours. "I is only sniffing."


-The Old One

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
Too many uses of the word 'one' to describe an entity. I get that he sees things differently, but it got a little repetitive for me as it went along.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Beautiful poetic imagery that was still clear and precise in what it was conveying. The little elements of the Old one's age, customs and infirmities that were revealed along the way were done very gradually, but never felt out of place or tedious.

FAVORITE MOMENT: The Old One singing his prey's spirit to join the others in the sky.

FAVORITE LINE:
" But Old One liked to sing, though he could no longer hear the notes lilting through the air. He liked to imagine his song carrying life to the very end of the world."

[Matra Hammer]

Wanted to take a moment and compliment you on these helpful and insightful spreads. Everyone here can learn a great deal from these reviews, whether they're your favs or not. Lots of technical goodies and hints on what makes writing click. Well done and I can't wait to read the rest.

[Hethrin]

Thanks Matra!

I confess, I am not a professional writer, so I try to keep this in the more 'subjective' terrain of what I prefer or what makes sense to me as a reader.

At the end of the day, each writer that made it (and quite a few who didn't) has a lot going for their apps, so I think it's best to highlight pros and cons from a subjective angle, and then trust that whoever gets in can craft an interesting and developed character.

Thanks again!

[Hethrin]

GUARDIAN

-Priideep

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
Priideep feels a bit out of place in terms of her conflict. The story seems to basically wrap itself up before she's even had a chance to join the others.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
On the other hand, I found the tragedy of losing all their spawn very effective as a character moment. It really hones in on how out of control things are, even for a guardian, so maybe there's a way to tie that into the main story. I also like the differences between Priideep and her charges, and how they are revealed through their simple conversations.

FAVORITE MOMENT: The horror at realizing the true threat to the tadpoles.

FAVORITE LINE:
["You're the best Keeper the tribe has had in years, though. They say not only are the tads under your care more numerous, they're healthier and cleverer than previous generations."]

Priideep glanced at Sedgwik. ["You are pretty clever, Wik, but you should talk less and listen more."]


-Shahin

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
Similar to Kew Kew, some of the pacing and emotional moments are rushed. Dialogue gets a bit too 'on the nose' toward the end.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
I like how Shahin goes into a history lesson to explain the worth of the artifact, and how he ties it into the ideal of being a guardian. There are some very fun back and forth barbs between the two characters.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Shahin explaining the history of August Clade's buckler.

FAVORITE LINE:
"There are laws now, Shah. If you break them hard enough... you die."

He held her until she was breathing clean again."


-Sheercrest

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
Some of the writing seems formulaic, with a few 'on the nose' moments in the character's 'thoughts'. I'm uncertain as to how Bray functions going forward in the story; could be a distraction from Sheercrest interacting with the rest of the cast.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
There's a lot of emotional heft, from the conflicting emotions Sheercrest conveys, to the revelation of what happened to Bray's parents. It creates a great sense of trauma to work through for both characters. I also like a lot of the 'wintery' terms used.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Finding out that Sheercrest wasn't hunting Bray, but looking for him.

FAVORITE LINE: " Already the cold was strengthening its bitter assault, and Bray's trembling was growing more violent. There was no more time for gentleness."

[Hethrin]

MARKSMAN

-Flauros

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
The writing gets a little clunky in certain spots that makes it difficult to tell what happened(I couldn't tell if Flauros actually accepted any money or not). There are also some repetitive portions during the execution that use the same words and slow down the action a tad.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Really liked the verbiage of the prisoner's emotional state(lapsed, descended, etc). Flauros himself seems like a fun character with potential for actually coming to terms with what he says he believes. Big fan of the open ending.

FAVORITE MOMENT: The executioner missing twice and Flauros inserting himself into the public conversation.

FAVORITE LINE:
"The shrew's smile returned. "The less we fight against our Fate, the better off we'll be."

The chief elder clasped his claws together. "What is the reason?"

Flauros rolled his shoulders. "How should I bloody know that?"


-Siler

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
I guess it depends on how much this character lies about what he does, but it feels a bit too 'edgy' for it's own sake for a Redwall story, imho. Some of the action beats miss a detail or two(when does he take his weapon back out?)

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Overall the action moves along at a good brisk pace, and there's some well written dialogue from Siler. I like how studious Siler is about his quarry, and how much he takes his job seriously.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Siler remembering his client paying him to twist Falfred's ears in the middle of his rant.

FAVORITE LINE:
""Well, breathe easy in Hellgates, then," Siler mocked. He fired in a quick pull, and Falfred died."


-Unga Underbite

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
The conflict feels a little confusing, as Snagwort is clearly irritated at Unga, but not enough to kill her outright. There's a familiarity between the two of them that requires a bit more clarity as to why they broke up as partners. We don't really see Unga do any 'marksman' things.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
I really enjoy Unga's words of wisdom to Snagwort; it makes her feel like more of a concerned mother than an enraged partner. As much as I dinged the app for not showing off her marksmanship, there is something interesting about her resignation over what happened, and giving herself time to cool off.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Unga telling Snagwort to invest his ill-gotten gains.

FAVORITE LINE:
"Maybe, if she'd been more attentive to the state of her stoat, she could have prevented this, kept him on the – well, not the straight and narrow, but the slightly less crooked and malevolent."

[Hethrin]

BRIGAND

-Antonia St. Myra

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
Dialogue feels a little preachy/meta at times, a bit expository at others("Your coachbeast is unconscious, your team have fled..."). A little repetition on Lord Haversham being dressed nicely.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
The concept of a character being a Brigand in the loose sense of righting an injustice is very interesting, and Antonia has a certain swagger that is infectious. The fight scene is entertaining and brisk, and I am curious as to what Antonia seeks to do now that her mark is dead.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Antonia taunting Haversham as she fights, clearly enjoying herself during the duel.

FAVORITE LINE:
" She braced herself against the ground and met his next blow strength for strength. "


-Kiri

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
There's not a lot of distinction of Kiri being a sparrow in the app. I guess that it's probably due to her being a bird that they can have a vantage point in the trees, but it's not that clear.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Love the ingenuity of her fastening a small blade to her talons, and the huffy temper she has with her fellow robbers. The needing to disguise herself was interesting, as a possible character moment later on.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Kiri flying in to handle the bowmouse and taunting him with the knife-blade.

FAVORITE LINE:
"Oi, princess, you done puttin' on yer face?!" A raspy voice called out from behind her.

"Shaddup, or I'll wear yours!"


-Smooths

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
The opening paragraph feels a little run-on at the outset. I would have liked some more details about what Smooths was doing while Muli took the brunt of the attack.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
For an app where not a ton happens, I feel like we get a lot of insight about Smooths' character. I like how he wants to help his friend, but is legitimately tired at points and expects him to go on himself. I like the natural flow of dialogue being cut off by wounds or tripping.

FAVORITE MOMENT: When Smooths asks if Muli can actually walk on his own, before agreeing to carry him again.

FAVORITE LINE:
""Y'know," he began as he started forward, "ain't an 'air less'n funny, innit? I'm allus the one bein' dragged outta scraps 'n whatnot, an' now yore the— 'ellgates!"

[Hethrin]

ASSASSIN

- Brother Hawthorn

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
There's very little of Hawthorn's motivations or backstory. I wanted to see a bit more 'why' he does what he does. There was also a little bit of confusion regarding the society ordering him about.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
I like the surgical precision Hawthorn uses as both as healer and assassin, a knowledge of medicine is the perfect front for a successful killing practice. The sudden switch in his personality was legitimately frightening...in a good way.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Him giving his patient a candied nut after thinking he was gonna get leeched. XD

FAVORITE LINE:
"The rest of the words drowned in a gurgle of blood. Bursoot threw himself off the table, clawed for purchase, then slowly fell deeper to the floor before growing still."


-Robin Merriweather

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
I'm not sure why she kills her mate, perhaps because he's a tyrant or because she wants the castle? But then why kill the mouse who's going to kill him? Some of the dialogue feels anachronistic('backwash').

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Love the 'rehearsing' at the beginning; it feels wonderfully over-dramatic. The frustration that Robin feels over her plans continuing to fail is very palpable and humorous.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Robin rehearsing her 'death speech' at the beginning. XD

FAVORITE LINE:
""That dress is stunning," Olaf said quietly. "Did you know blue was my favorite color?"

"Of course I did," Robin leaned in to whisper, brushing her paw across the fox's tail. "Because I'm the one wearing it."


-Siobhan, Codename: The Mantis

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
The pacing at the end goes a mite too fast in terms of Arwydd's reactions. I feel like she would be more stunned, regardless of how happy she'll eventually be. The rhythm of the wording during the assassination feels stiff at parts.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
Excellent use of kinetic and (auditory?) phrasing during the thrust of the blade. The dialogue throughout is strong and to the point, which helps convey a lot about Robin's character. I like how Siobhan kills for a cause and cares for her friend's well-being.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Siobhan comforting her friend before leaving to kill the weasel. It's a great direct look at both her care, and her killer edge.

FAVORITE LINE:
"She pulled the dagger out as he slumped to the ground. She felt the warm, sticky gush of his life leaving him, coating her paw."

[Hethrin]

WILDCARD

- Rynn

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
The fight and dialogue feel very forced. With little to no details about what Rynn is upset over, it makes the central conflict seem stiff and cliche at times.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
I like how this concept of a beserker is someone who has more of a temper tantrum than a full fledged killing spree, it leaves the door open to take the character in interesting directions. Good use of vivid descriptions of rage throughout.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Rynn depositing her friend outside rather than continuing to hit him or let him witness the mess she's about to make.

FAVORITE LINE:
"The world had become a crimson shade. Rynn's entire body was shaking, her breaths heavy and ragged. She wanted to scream, she wanted to hit something. Nothing mattered to her anymore; it could all go to hellgates."


- Seamus Blackquill

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
Not entirely sure what Seamus' motivation is aside from...wanting to read? There seems to be a reference to drugs at some point but not enough hints as to whether or not he struggles with that addiction; kind of comes out of nowhere.

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
The interactions between Dehva and Seamus are hysterical, with a lot of creative verbiage to describe the child's characteristics. I also think it's neat how Seamus uses the kid to get something he wants, despite clearly hating his guts.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Dehva approaching Seamus and the bird's instant recognition of him being a nuisance.

FAVORITE LINE:
"I know just what to do with you!" said Admiral Cilla, a good friend of the family.

"I have no idea what to do with you," said General Willowtail, a good friend of the Admiral's."


-Zandir Firesage

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME:
A few awkward portions of prose here and there("He partially blocked the slap aimed at his snout..."), Some of the details given are a bit too much for a short entry; a lot of world-building that raises a few more questions than it should...

WHAT DID WORK FOR ME:
But, I do find those questions interesting(what is he supposed to do as the Sentinel, what is this Burden, etc) and Zandir himself has a unique blend of duty but also fatigue. There's a nice mix of action and mystery in this piece, and I enjoy the idea of a Pine Marten as a 'hero' of sorts.

FAVORITE MOMENT: Zandir's grandmother reapplying his mark; the back and forth between them is very intriguing.

FAVORITE LINE:
"The quivering figure at the stoat's footpaws lit the fire in Zandir's chest. His fur slicked closer to his body as he moved his claw to his saber. "You're all alike," he pronounced, glancing dismissively around the gathered band. "You come for that which is not yours, and you die."


PHEW! All of the top 30 done!

I'm gonna eventually go through the posted applications that didn't make it, (including Maut, as I saw he was cut from the contest. So look for that in a day or two.

Thanks guys! Good luck to all!