Rock and a Hard Place. This is a Version 1.2 map and my first attempt at using the map editor. I had a great time making the map and I hope you all enjoy playing it. While I found it challenging, I am relatively new to the game so the veterans here may want to up the skill level.
The map is set in a fictional location in England in the year 1054. You find yourself in a position to avenge your fathers death and kill his murderer. The only catch is there is a limited window in which to do it. Its a timed seige meant for quick play and I hope that adds to the challenge. Enjoy.
Description:
It is the year 1054 of our Lord. Twenty years have passed since the English King laid claim to your father's land, displacing your family, and assigning your father's murderer, the wolf, Edward De Bruce as the Steward of these lands.
Under Edwards rule your people have long suffered, but the day has finally come to seek your revenge. An uprising to the south has forced the king to call upon all available reserves to quell the rebellion. Edward, obligated to send aid to the kings forces has left his castle manned with a skeleton garrison to hold until his main force can return. Seeing this you and your supporters have decided the time to strike back at Edward has come. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
Seige the wall town and fortress of Glendunny. Kill Edward the wolf. Glendunny is a full concentric castle and well fortified. Edward will not be expecting a force that can lay seige to it. Edwards full forces will return in 6 years.
Edit: Thanks for the review Octavius Maximus. I had no idea the description on the download page would be so important.
Playability: 5
The map played well, and required a little thought as to how to approach the assault on the castle. I had to try it a couple of times to get just the right strategy down pat. But that made it more fun, even with the deadline looming over my shoulder.
Balance: 4
Creativity: 5
While this type of map with the attack posture and the timer has been done before, (including in the game campaigns themselves) this is rare amongst seiges, and very welcome and excellently done. Very creative use of the plot and the actions of the map, and all around well worth the five here. Excellent job!
Map Design: 4
While I loved the map, I keep myself from giving the 5 here only because of the outside wall. I felt it was a little out of place with the rest of the map, and certainly well too large. But the castle itself is excellent, with good use of variating heights. The water, terrain, and foliage features are all very well done. I also liked the presence of the "roads" which is often left out of maps (as if noone ever travels to these cities and castles) and the farm complex is well placed and well done. Good job!
Story/Instructions: 3
I thought long and hard about this score, and I give you the benefit of this 3 only because I didn't want to punish this good map because of one score. The in map story is fine, and you did provide a link to a minimap (there is an excellent thread in the scenario design forum to help you to post these directly on the description page)
While your description page did explain the map, you need to come up with a story (to mirror the in map story) and put it on the description page. This really gives the map some character, and gives incentive to someone to download it. Polls and conversations support this opinion. And in my opinion, it's the difference between a decent map designer, and a great map designer. Please consider this.
All in all, a good map that is lots of fun. With a proper story on that description page, maybe even a great map.