TORMENT - Spoilers!

[Zazdor]

Before you read on, please note that there ARE spoilers that follow. For those of you who do not wish for the story to be spoiled, the book has already been released and you can purchase it. It is an early release date, but yes, it is out. Please go buy it. It is an enjoyable read.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First, I would like to comment that I was completely lost for quite some time before I relized that the first part of the book took place during Odyssey - from the beginning of Odyssey as a matter of fact. I wish it would have been more clearly defined somehow before. I was shocked that Chainer found Mirari laying unprotected, while I had believed Fulla had it. It was nice to have a different perspective of Odyssey however.

I will try to go through the book in correct order, but I may wander . . .

The mansion/house that Chainer found Mirari in was described as "bombed." By who, or what, and when? Where has Mirari come from, and why has it layed undiscovered until now? The presence of bodies at such proximity to the City leads me to believe that it was recently destroyed. The Patriarch seems to have had plans for the Mirari, so perhaps he knew it was there, but why would he have allowed Chainer to obtain it, unless it was part of his plan. Maybe from the start he hoped that others would find it, fight for it, destroy one another, and leave the remains to him for him to rule. It is possible, but I find that a bit far-fetched . . . maybe. I think Judgment will clear this up.

I still do not understand Kamahl's attraction and friendliness to Chainer - in the beginning, and especially in the end. It was Kamahl who was enraged at Chainer's mutation of him, but, in the end, he acts as a long-time friend to Chainer, even when he tries to kill him. Kamahl states himself he will fight for his prize, yet he acts soft-hearted - not like a mountain barbarian. Either way, we learn that Chainer is Cabal, but why does Seton not hate him, since Seton hated the Cabal for attacking the forest for its beasts? I find Kamahl not very well developed. He is not explained very well from the start, so there is not much to change about him, seeing that all "change" is something new anyway. Such as his wish not te be changed. I don't think that was mentioned in OD, but it may just be my memory failing me. I wish he was fleshed out a bit more.

Also on the topic of Kamahl, what happened to him during the tidal wave(s) that covered the section of the continent he was present on? He had buried his sword and took up a Hammer. What happened to his hammer, and how did he recover his sword if the land was covered by water? Or is my geography confused?

We were not told Kamahl had a sister, and what happened to Jeska anyway? She just disappeared and made no permanent contact with her brother. Kamahl didnt seem to care. And the dwarf seemed to be his mentor. Kamahl made no reaction or attempt to find them as I see it.

One of the most interesting revelations the novel made was the appearance of a Sengir Vampire. It was said to be one of the Sengir's minions, and that Sengir was an ancient vampire lord. Also, the Sony Playstation Magic game (set in Dominaria on the continent of Corondor) mentions a vampire of "Sengir's brood." I believe this is proof enough that the Baron's basement portal leads SOMEWHERE to Dominaria.

Another small note was the different spelling of Seton. In Torment, he is referred to as Seaton. Different spelling. After the Lin Sivvi (Liin Sivi) incident, I would have thought such mistakes would have been carefully looked after. Ah well.

The Patriarch's position and "immortality" is also of utmost importance. He has ruled for over a hundred years, which links him to pre-Apocalypse times. Is he a minion of Yawgmoth? A planeswalker's (Kuberr's) toy? Is the God-Demon a planeswalker or a true God/Demon? Leshrac? i cannot think of any other demon-planeswalker. Ravidel, I believe was destroyed. Not many evil planeswalkers of pre-revisionist history remain that I am aware of. Of course, it may be just a caster's illusion - seeing what he wants to see, which would be his god.

I wish we could have delved deeper into Otarian theology. Kuberr, Fiers, Serra, and other Order gods. The Order claims holy war, but the reasons aren't really made clear except for good vs. evil reasons. Of course, maybe the reader is meant to think about the use of scapegoats. Religion for personal revenge. Do current situations in our world reflect this? Of course, I think this book was finished before September 11th, but, either way, moral judgments have been made to spread influence. Islamic Empire. Holy Roman Empire. Crusades. What do religious details matter if it is not religion that fuels war, but human ambition, hiding his greed behind "morality." However, I think a look into Serra's continued religion, as well as the Cabal's would have added a nice depth to the story.

As for what I may believe to be a plot hole, maybe someone - Mr McGough, are you still frequenting these boards? - can clear up. In Chapter 16, Burke brings in a sack of heads to Laquatus. However, Burke is not created until Chapter 22. Forgive me if I miss something, but I believe everything went chronologically. So, how did Burke serve Laquatus before he was created?

Why was Chainer able to touch Mirari and use it to a certain extend with disastrous effects? He was still sane when he first found it? Perhaps I can answer my own question: With selfish intentions, the Mirari will consume one. Kirtar was instating himself in place of Pianna. Aboshan wanted more power. Chainer wanted more power. Also notice that the Mirari's order of use went from Kirtar (white), to Aboshan (blue) to Chainer (black), and is now is Kamahl's (red) possession. Once Kamahl uses it (his current position may lead him to use it), a green-mana character may use it (Seaton perhaps?). Time will tell.

As for future guesses, here are mine:
- I believe Mr. McGough said somewhere on these boards that a character with a small role in Torment will appear in Judgment. So, perhaps the beginning of Judgment will overlap the second half of Torment, from this other character's perspective. However, I am unsure of who this character can be. Many of them are killed. Jeska and Llawan are possibilities. Also, although not seen in Torment, perhaps this other character will be Seaton. I know he will return.
- Kamahl will fight off the crowd, either with the use of Mirari, help of Jeska, or the arrival of Seaton, drawn by Mirari.
- The Patriarch will take command of ths Southern town, and biult a force to eventually retake Cabal City.
- Laquatus will yet gain complete control over the Order, and maybe even over the Mer Empire. He will gather a few trusted men and hunty down Mirari, first, however. Kamahl has no place to go, so Laquatus will find him and a battle will ensure.
- A planeswalker will make a cameo, or perhaps something more.
Just as TM has twofocuses - Laquatus/Mer and Chainer/Cabal, Judgment will have at least three, possibly four, plot-lines - Laquatus/Mer, (Order leader)/Order, Kamahl/Mirari, and Patriarch/Aphetto. The stage is set for these four plots, but I think the Kamahl/Mirari plot will fall into the other three, and, if Judgmend finishes the cycle, then all three will unite in the end, perhaps through the plannings of a planeswalker. Will someone (Kamahl?) ascend? Do we really want another new Domiarian planeswalker?

I think Mr. McGough did a very nice job in writing Torment, and my congratulations go out to him.

Mr. McGough, if you are reading, I have a few questions. I know you did not write the next book, but assume you know the end of the story. I know also that you are silenced by contract, but any hints or clues would be greatfully appreciated.
(1) Will we see more of Kuberr?
(2) Will the Patriarch's past be revealed?
(3) Will we see more of "Sengir's brood?"
(4) Will we ever see (or hear of) Kamahl's sister again?
(5) My final question is not plot-related. I am curious as to how much contact each of the authors of the cycle have to one another. Is Judgment finished? If so, did you and he (and Mr. Moore) meet (either physically or via internet) to discuss the story and development of characters? How closely tied are the three books? Also, how much freedom does an author have? Were you free to create Veza, so long as you showed the Laquatus-Llawan war?
Thanks in advance for any answered questions.

"I will fight you for the Mirari."

[wbmcdermott]

I can answer some of your questions.

All three authors sat down with the editor and the continuity department to brainstorm the story and plotlines for the three novels. This was way back in early 2000. The authors then went off to write their novels. As for my work, being the third author, I read the first drafts of both Odyssey and Chainer's Torment before doing any serious writing on Judgment. Any questions I had about what was happening in the other books (I knew the general plotline but not specifics, like new characters introduced, for example), I got through the editor at Wizards.

I believe the characters Scott talked about playing a larger role in Judgment were Jeska and Balthor. Their appearance in Chainer's Torment was just a cameo to introduce them to readers (and show Chainer that all Barbarians can kick some serious butt). Balthor and Jeska make a much larger appearance in Judgment (and Balthor is highlighted in my story in the Secrets of Magic anthology).

But this was Chainer's story (and the story of the Cabal). Chainer is the main character and the action revolves around him, so Jeska and Balthor were there just for flavor. That's also why you don't see growth in Kamahl in this book. Scott's book is about Chainer's growth, not Kamahl's. Believe me Kamahl grows in Judgment.

As for the plot of Judgment, I can't say anything, but for those of you who have read Chainer's Torment (or this spoiler) you'll see what happens at the end of Chainer's Torment, and you can start to guess what will happen to Kamahl next.

Will McDermott

[Zazdor]

Thank you for your response, Mr. McDermott.

Do you have any answer for the Burke question? I know you didn't write it, but thought maybe you would know.

Thank you for the insights (mostly referring to Jeska and Balthor) into Judgment. Also, can you give us any hints as to why it is named "Judgment?"

[wbmcdermott]

Sorry. I can't say what happened with the Burke plot hole. I only read the first draft and I didn't notice any problems at the time.

As for why Judgment is called Judgment, I can't really go into that either. I can tell you that the set naming process is not in the hands of the authors, although the people who do make that decision do know the basic plot of the story. But there are many other considerations that they take into account (card mechanics, the names of the previous sets, etc.).

Will

[Zazdor]

Thanks again Mr. McDermott!

As a general question, why do you guys think Torment is named Torment? Here are my reasons:

(1) Perhaps the feeling of knowing the Mirari exists and not being able to hold/use it is Torment to the characters.
(2) Chainer's Torment in the end as he metamorphasizes.
(3) The Patriarch's Torment in being usurped.

Of course, the title is Chainer's Torment, so it would probably refer to possibility 1 in Chainer's case, and possibility number 2. Any other thoughts.

What did everyone think of the novel (in all ways) as compared to the other novels?

[Tredain]

I hate to be the spoilsport, but could someone sum up the story of Torment for those of us lacking in the area of having the book and not caring about spoilers? It'll be a bit easier to understand your questions and references.

[BZON Erik]

I am not getting the first book of Odyssey, but I will probably be getting the last, maybe the second. But someone please sum up Torment! Besides, if its suppose to be all Black Cards (I mean alot of black cards!) Maybe there is more of a dark purpose?

[ademis22]

Perhaps the torment is about the death of his mentor. At the beggining the Mirari shows him as the right-hand man of the First, but somewhere along the way, his dream shifts. Maybe the death of Skellum has something to do with that, and the title.

Or maybe, then again, it could be Chainer tormenting people as you somewhat say in number three. He also gives Kamahl some torment with the gift of the skin... its hard to pin-point a direct relationship though...

[Scott_McG]

>>As for what I may believe to be a plot hole, maybe someone - Mr McGough, are you still frequenting these boards? - can clear up. In Chapter 16, Burke brings in a sack of heads to Laquatus. However, Burke is not created until Chapter 22. Forgive me if I miss something, but I believe everything went chronologically. So, how did Burke serve Laquatus before he was created? <<

Hey, let's be careful about tossing around words like "plot hole" on the first week the book is released. It's not so much a mistake as it is a literary device. I will address this in more detail below, but be advised: it's kind of technical, kind of spoiler-ish, and not as interesting as the scenes themselves are.

At the point you cited, my editor and I thought that too many pages had gone by without any word from the Mer front, so we included a little "flash-forward" to show you where things were in the chasm. I admit that it appears like a break in the time line of the novel, but the book does not state how long Veza's survey took vs. Chainer's safari. The intent is that these two events overlap somewhat, so that by the time Veza reaches Laquatus' forces in the chasm, Chainer has completed his rite of passage and has created Burke. Again, I admit that the timing is vague, but we really did do it on purpose.

And thanks for pointing out the other "time" issue: yes, Torment does back up in time to show you how the Mirari was found in the first place, and how it got to Cabal City. We did it this way so that A) Vance could get right into the mayhem in the first chapters of Odyssey, and B) so I could tell Chainer's entire character arc in one book (the one that bears his name).

As for the other questions:

>(1) Will we see more of Kuberr?

You will, if you read the upcoming anthology The Secrets of Magic. I will say no more at this time (insert evil, mustache-twisting laugh here).

>(2) Will the Patriarch's past be revealed?

Oh my, yes. And it's even worse than you think.

>(3) Will we see more of "Sengir's brood?"

I'm afraid I have no idea. It'd be cool, though.

(4) Will we ever see (or hear of) Kamahl's sister again?

Will already answered this one, but allow me to be short and sweet: Yep.

(5) My final question is not plot-related. I am curious as to how much contact each of the authors of the cycle have to one another. Is Judgment finished? If so, did you and he (and Mr. Moore) meet (either physically or via internet) to discuss the story and development of characters? How closely tied are the three books? Also, how much freedom does an author have? Were you free to create Veza, so long as you showed the Laquatus-Llawan war?

Will took this one, too, but the basic answer is that we all got together at the outset, and I saw Vance's first draft of Odyssey while Will saw both the 1st draft of Odyssey and Torment. We did not communicate with each other, only with our shared editor. I asked Jess a lot of questions about Vance's book and I answered some for Will (through Jess) about mine.

Apart from the things we all agreed at the first meeting and any requirements the editor had, we had a lot of freedom to develop the characters as we saw fit. Veza and the Laquatus/Llawan war were all mine, but everyone knew roughly where the conflict would be at the end of the book. I just had to get the characters there.

I'm going to keep a low profile RE: Torment for the next few weeks because I want everyone to have a chance to read it before I start giving away all its secrets. Also, more importantly, I'm hard at work on my next Magic novel, which will be published in December 2002. My first draft is due 2/1/02, so if I spend too much time talking about my current Magic novel, my next one will never get finished.

Keep the opinions and questions about Torment coming, though: I will be lurking and reading, even if I don't post very often. I'm especially interested in hearing what people liked and didn't like, so feel free to sound off to your heart's content.

The Cabal is here, and everywhere,

Scott McG

[Megachan]

Oh Man! Scott! I love Skellum and Veza! They were so cool. Thanks for writing it, I loved it!

"My name is Skellum and I wear a silly hat. How may I help you?"
BEST LINE...EVER!

[Marflord]

that line was hilarious!!! so was the other something like "as if he was at a childrens tea party" that was great. I cant wait to see other stuff from you.

[Hunter]

A Man Named Chainer
The story within the set
Rei Nakazawa
Magic creative text writer

Have you ever woken in the middle of the night screaming, but you couldn't quite remember why? Welcome to the world of the Cabal.
The Cabal makes your half-forgotten terrors real, solid, and eager to destroy you. These horrors are created by the Cabal's legion of dementia summoners – the backbone of the Cabal's martial and pit-fighting forces, and perhaps the most powerful mages on Otaria.
In Torment, you, the player, will be able to duplicate these powers and call forth the the Nightmare Horrors, a new cadre of black creatures that will leave your opponent fleeing in terror. But how are they any different from the other Horrors that appeared in Odyssey? After all, those were created by dementia summoners, too. The answer to that question starts where everything else that happens in the Odyssey block starts: the Mirari. But first, it's important to understand the Cabal, their summoners, and Chainer – not in game terms, but in the context of the Torment storyline.
Dementia summoners are trained by the Cabal to reach into the deepest depths of their psyche and unleash horrific monsters based on their own innermost fears and darkest imagination. These magicians travel the world looking for animals and monsters to observe and later pull out of their memories as twisted mockeries of their original forms. Sometimes they can even absorb the life essence of creatures they kill, locking it in the back of their minds and using it as the basis for future grotesque summonings. Inevitably, spending so much time harnessing the dark side of their minds takes a terrible toll on the dementia summoners' sanity. The summoners are all mad; in fact, many become so insane that they are no longer able to function. But some, like Braids, keep enough of their wits about them to continue serving the Cabal and fighting in the pits. These dementia summoners are the most dangerous of all, because they combine intelligence, unpredictability, and psychosis in one terrible package.

The Cabal thrives on the trade and gambling that comes out of their pit fights, so it's in their best interest to create bigger and better monsters, to make the next horror even uglier and crueler than the last. Vicious monsters draw crowds, which makes for more bets, which earn the Cabal more money. They are always on the lookout for the next pit fighting star, the next summoner who'll take their profits to new heights.
A man named Chainer had hopes of becoming one of the elite dementia summoners. He was at heart a decent fellow, but he simply had no place to go and no one to turn to for support. He came to the Cabal in hopes of finding employment and a family, and the Cabal took the young man in with open arms, feeding on his lonliness. Of course, the Cabal also welcomed the gift Chainer brought with him, a mysterious crystal orb that he found in some abandoned ruins.
The orb – later known as the Mirari – was filled with mystical power, a power the Cabal Patriarch was eager to exploit. He was equally eager to exploit Chainer, who possessed enormous innate talent for dementia summoning.
Chainer went through training as a summoner, learning to conjure hideous and powerful horrors while hanging on to his sanity. His talent quickly brought him to the forefront of the pit fights and earned him a good deal of prestige. During the course of his employment, Chainer met Kamahl, a barbarian from the Pardic Mountains who came to the pits eager to make a name for himself. The two quickly became friends and, later, allies in the pit fights. Chainer admired Kamahl's strength and bluntness, while Kamahl respected Chainer's ambition and talent.

After a few fights, the Patriarch let Chainer use the Mirari. The magical orb magnified Chainer's power a thousandfold, allowing him to create a new breed of monster: the Nightmare Horrors. All dementia summoners are able to create potent horrors, but Chainer's newest creations were something more hideously powerful than anyone else was even able to imagine. Nightmare Horrors are so terrifying that they're able to literally scare something out of those who see them. Sometimes this magically induced fear drains a wizard's mind of spells, or sucks away her life energy, or severs her connection to a summoned creature. Though the fear quickly recedes once the Horror is gone, the mental scars can last a lifetime. These Nightmares were the creations that earned Chainer his lofty position within the Cabal.
Over time, Chainer gained more and more power in the organization. He was even chosen to create a special Nightmare Horror as a familiar for the Cabal's newest ally, Ambassador Laquatus. Unfortunately, the mysterious Mirari quickly showed its corruptive influence once more.

Chainer became drunk on the Mirari's power. Combined with his constant use of his dark side for dementia summoning, his sanity quickly began to collapse. As his Nightmare Horrors grew stronger, his grip on reality – and his morals – became weaker. He came to enjoy the power he held over life and death, and developed a willingness to use that power. When the Northern Order started a crusade against the Cabal, Chainer set a special horror loose on one of the Order's field hospitals. The creature released swarms of carnivorous insects that painfully slaughtered every living soul in the hospital. Such an act of brutality from Chainer would have been unimaginable before, but under the Mirari's thrall, everything and anything became possible. Kamahl, who had also felt the tug of the Mirari, noticed his friend's backslide, but still hoped to sway Chainer back toward the right path.

Unfortunately, Chainer became so corrupt with power that Kamahl was no longer able to ignore what was happening. Thanks to the Mirari, Chainer's madness was growing, spreading across the continent. It even started infecting beasts in Kamahl's Pardic Mountain homeland, mutating them into parodies of the Nightmare Horrors' form. The Mirari amplifies the basic personality of its holder to extremes, and Chainer was no exception. He achieved enough power to exile the Patriarch and install himself as head of the Cabal. Chainer cared nothing of other people any longer, not even his good friend Kamahl, and was set to allow his growing horde of Nightmare Horrors to overrun the continent. So Kamahl was faced with a decision: would he watch Otaria fall into darkness, or would he betray one of the only friends he's ever had?
Well, I'm afraid I can't tell you; Scott McGough will have to do that in the novel Chainer's Torment. I will say this, though: the Mirari has the power to make dreams come true. It also has the power to make nightmares real. Just remember that the next time you visit Otaria.

Source: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=mtgcom/welcome#

[Zazdor]

I would be glad to offer a more in-depth critique. After a lecture on not being vague during english class, I will try my best to support any opinions I make. If I am unclear, please specify on which question, and I will clarify.

I will start with the high points.

(1) CHARACTER PORTRAYAL. As previously state by others, Skellum was a fun character to read. His hat was comical, but also effective in presenting him as mentally unstable. It was mentioned in Odyssey that dementia casters or dementists are not the most sane people, and Skellum's hat and sometimes-childish phrases were perfect. However, you also made him a powerful wizard, involved with the inner workings of the Cabal, and that was also enjoyable. It is never easy to guess the next scene when the leaders are insane.

(2) CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Chainer's downfall was also well-portrayed. He began as a responsible and dedicated member of the Cabal, beginning with his giving of Mirari to the First. His development continued with his impatience in learning, and delving into his dementia space without guidance. This was perhaps his first noticible moment of rebellion (although not fully intentional). With Skellum's death, Chainer was alone in the Cabal except for the First's guidance and help of Fulla (who is not the most sociable of people). Kamahl's disgust at Chainer's replacement for his skin forced Chainer into a type of isolation - the Cabal. Being a master, Chainer began to show signs of insanity. He was very well developed.
The First was also developed very nicely, or, rather, portrayed. I do not think we have seen any development in him, and, being over a hundred years old, I do not think he would be one to change his ways. Being the mysterious figure in the series, you introduced him very successfully.

(3) THEMES, SYMBOLS, and MOTIFS. Being fantasy, I do not know if you wrote Torment with themes in mind. However, inspired by my english classes, I have discovered something. Chainer, in his final duel with Kamahl, made a comment: "Don't you know that no one with a sword can get the best of someone with a chain?" Is this meant to represent the use of mind over brute strength? Chainer's chain *is* made of magic, and so his mind. He uses it at a distance, and with careful aim. However, Kamahl's sword is a close-range weapon, and is swung in the general direction of the enemy (I mean, it covers a larger area unless jabbed forward). So, is Chainer saying: "Dib't you know that no one with simply brute strength can get the best of someone who uses his mind?" Or was this just one of his close-to-insanity remarks? I am inclined to believe it was a random statement. However, just the phrasing of the statement yelled "Theme!" to me. Just thought I'd try.

And, because I look out for weak points (maybe weak is a wrong word, but I think you may know what I mean), there may be a few more of them.

(1) CHARACTER PORTRAYAL and DEVELOPMENT. As I have previously stated, Kamahl was poorly portrayed. He easily went along with joining Chainer in the pits. And you never revealed what happened as the wav crashed on shore (at the end of Odyssey). If the water covered the continent, and the wave was that huge, I expected something to happen. Nothing did. Also, his sword was buried, and he had taken up a hammer. How did he get his sword back if the continent was flooding, and what happened to his sword. I think Kamahl pretty much played along with what needed to be done. He helped Chainer when need be (pits and Krosan), and abandoned his friend later. But, in the end, after Chainer tried to kill him, Kamahl still tried to reason with him. I do not see the reason for his pity. If he believes contest will strengthen him, does he wish to be weakened? From the start, I never saw him as one who would sympathize with another. He only met Chainer in the beginning, but immediately befriended him. I think he is a generally inconsistant character.

(2) TIMING and SEQUENCE. To be complete, I am simply reiterating the Burke situation. There was nothing
to indicate it was a "future" scene, or it was too minuscule to notice. Had there been a defining event that could have been used to relate it (astrological alignment or general holiday, or somesuch), then it may have worked better. I, for one, was confused.
I think this also can be related to the beginning of the novel. It took me a while to realize that it took place during Odyssey. No other Magic novel has overlapped (other than the Masques cycle, but each novel took place on a different plane with different characters), and so it was unexpected. I am one for unexpected events, but I still think it could have been explained earlier. After finishing Odyssey, I was waiting for Fulla to return. To my surprise, I find that it is abandoned in a house! This not the worst error, and is the least of my "negative" comments.

(3) INCONSISTENCIES(?). I was taken aback that Pianna was not the complete leader of the Order. Torment mentioned another general/leader. This man was not mentioned in Odyssey, and, unless my memory fails me (which it very well can), Odyssey convinced me Pianna was the highest authority. I was just minorly troubled by this but of information, and this comment (which is almost a question) is perhaps less a critique than the previous one on the overlapping of the two novels.

(4) MIRARI. The Mirari has been spoken of highly, and has had great effects. Why did you not explain them when Chainer used the Mirari. No "flooding" of power, "Surge" of energy, "an awesome presence" that covered his body. Nothing indicating a great artifact but its effects. Does it magnify one's own power? Does it call on its power from the land? Does it contain its own magic? I was disappointed in that its magic was not explained, even though Chainer used it during his point of view (well, third person restrictive, but basically the same thing).

I also have a few questions, some of them not Torment-specific.

1. Were you asked/told to include a Sengir Vampire, or was it your own choice?
2. Was there a character who you came to like throughout the coarse of writing the novel? Perhaps a character who you disliked at first, but began to like him/her by the time you were finished? If so, why? And, conversely, was there a character you disliked as you wrote. If so, why?
3. My last question at this time is one of becoming an author (again). If you know, who goes over submissions at WotC? Also, would they even consider anyone who has had no previous professional experience? A friend and I are going to send in a submission (Mr. McGough, I know I have mentioned this to you a while ago), yet we have had no previous professional experience. We will send it in either way, but do we stand a chance?

Thanks for any and all answers in advanced! I hope I wasn't TOO critical. Overall, I enjoyed it very much. Congratulations!

[Zazdor]

I had a question on Cateran here, but you have answered it elsewhere. Here is a replacement question:

1. Were you "instructed" to use a Sengir vampire, or was it fully your own choice to use a card readers were familiar with? Or a bit of both . . . ?

[Skyshroud Archer]

what happens?