@PlatinumSkink it is entirely possible, at least from what I have read in the other reviews, that I am simply predisposed to view your entry in the worst possible light. The style and execution rubbed me the wrong way to such a degree that I don't think I am capable of seeing any of its better aspects.

This is exactly part of the reason why I would like for there to be more judges than just myself for these Labours. Since I feel I was unable to given your entry a purely objective review, it likely deserved a different judge - which was impossible since I was the only one available. I gave you what I perceived to be a fair review, but the fact of the matter is that you might just be a victim of circumstance. I am certain that if another judge had been present I would have asked them to review it instead.

I have no idea how @mdk managed to coerce their crew to take on RPGC full-time. If I can even find one person per Labour to serve as an extra judge, I am already ahead of the curve...which is an unfortunate trend.

We got lucky with some great people. I'd love to share -- seems like a busy time for most people with school taking off again (we're a little behind on RPGC #5, for instance, though we should be ready in the next day or two, if anyone's curious -- new twists on the structure this month, should be real interesting). FWIW, if anybody IS looking to pitch in with the contests in the near future, RPGC's needs are pretty well met in the foreseeable future, so consider offering @Terminal a hand instead -- that seems to be where the need is greatest ATM.

If I can even find one person per Labour to serve as an extra judge, I am already ahead of the curve...which is an unfortunate trend.

I'm happy to pitch in and help in any way I can. PM me details of how I can help, @Terminal, if I can. If not, no worries.

[...] due to the modest length of the entry [...]

I must admit I laughed at this.

Late replies are late, I apologize.

Thank you to all three reviewers for the praise, I hope to continue to be deserving of it for the rest of the labours!

Titles are hard, man. I initially toyed with using Level Up, but that seemed way too corny. Upgrade seemed more plain and boring, and I figured a forgettable title might be better than a notably awkward one.

@Terminal, maybe someday the stars will align in our favour! Honestly, the main reason I've put roleplaying on hold is because university and work have been leaving me with very little free time. It certainly isn't a lack of interest! That being said, I do consider myself a much better short-story writer than RPer.

@mdk, it might go without saying saying, but I loved the Cintamani Stone, especially the journey to the cave system, and before they became trapped. The intrigue and conflict of influence of the characters was truly immersing.

As was mentioned earlier, all of these entries held merit, and I hope to continue to fight alongside you in the coming months.

And again, a great big thanks to @Terminal for hosting these challenges. Though I don't feel I can qualify as an outright judge for a couple reasons, if there's ever anything else you need help with, I'd be happy to offer my support.

A brief announcement. The Fifth Labour will be starting a day late, on Midnight of October 19th rather than the 18th.

As a general reminder, the contest will run for exactly twelve days. If you are planning on participating in NaNoWriMo, fear not! The contest itself will be over by November First, so there is no reason for one task to distract you from the other.

Unless you are one of those people who does everything at the last second. In which case, you probably do not have to worry about NaNoWriMo.

So hey, as I already stated (several times, repeatedly, in many other places), TTL is always in need of judges. I can operate the whole contest on my own and handle judging independently if I have to, but in order to ensure some degree of objectivity it is always preferable if there are new judges coming and going. Feel free to contact me directly to inquire about becoming a judge if you are at all interested.

I think I know what to write and as soon as I have a couple of free hours I'm going to get the first draft of the story done.

there is this crypt filled with creatures... I'll write about something else this time XD

I had this character in mind, that I really wanted to write about for the labour. This because the character was a recent individual whom my inspiration still burned heavily for. However, I was so worried that the labour would be one which would not fit the character at all...

...

It's perfect. It's so perfect, I can scarcely believe it myself. The story molded into place so easily in my mind, because the character and setting fit the labour so well. Hahahaha. Did you somehow prepare this with this in mind, Terminal? That's completely impossible, but thanks anyway! XD

Now, onto writing.

It could be that you unconsciously tapped into the same variation upon a theme, given that each of the mythical Twelve Labours serves as both as basis and a hint as to the nature of each challenge. Augean Stables have a lot to do with social mores, dignity, pride, and all that jazz.

(And can I say, I still cannot wait for the Eight Labour. It's infuriating to think we still have two more to go before we reach it).

It's going to be a somewhat late entry, I'm planning to have it ready on friday 30th

This must be the most times I've completely changed my mind on what to write for a single entry. I've flashed through four worlds, and wrote portions of the story for two of them, and have now (hopefully) settled on the fifth just a few minutes ago.

If I'm lucky, I'll have it finished today, seeing as I'll be working till midnight Saturday. But I'll be damned if I give up now!

Halfway-through my story I thought about switching to another, but I decided to stay with my original idea instead. There are two more scenes to complete, but I'm not sure on how to do that yet. At least I still have some time to decide on that.

It's a bit early to call it, but,

The story is done, I'll read it over tomorrow and make some last-minute corrections (because I know there will be some) and submit it. I need some sleep now >_<

Once again, I got too excited after finishing my story and sent it in without a whole lot of proofreading.

Submission deadline is in eighteen hours and twenty minutes.

I submitted *sigh of relief* it's later than the personal deadline I made, but at least it's still on time.

The deadline is a mere four hours and twenty-eight minutes away now.

Tsk tsk.

The deadline is a mere four hours and twenty-eight minutes away now.

Tsk tsk.

Hey man, I'm working on it. );

I've only got one or two scenes left to finish, and then maybe some proofreading if I'm feeling lucky.

And with that, I sent mine in. Gaaaaaaaaaaaah.

The majority of this writing period taking place on my exam-week and then the week-end after I had to ride around and see my family meant that, while I had a great time, I did not have much time to write the entry. Had to prioritize studies before exam, then was exhausted right after them, and then I had to write on evenings after riding around seeing family-members. Hahahahaha.

Still, the entry I imagined was of that length, so I did not settle for anything shorter. I had a plan with this entry, so I hope I managed to execute it well. If I did not, then, um, sorry. I apologize for, uh, that word which you do when you're just telling the reader a ton of things. Sorry, I'm a bit exhausted, wrote the majority while stone-tired. Hahahaha. Normal reviewers have my permission to just stop reading if they have this "I want to review all of them!" mentality but REALLY don't want to continue reading. Just tell me why. Haha.

Maybe I shouldn't write about such things. Whatever. I'm tired. I can be excused. Hahaha.

Edit six hours later: Oh, crap. I regret something. Can I edit it? It's just the point of a whole conversation. No? Damn. Haha.

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