You have reached an island after many moons of searching that has the right resources for the weapons you need in seige of the Boar. (The Pig's half brother) After pitching camp for the first night, you are awaken by rumbling, cracking, and distant screams. The island was just ravished by a earthquake and the landscape around you has changed drastically. Will your resources you need still be there, or were they washed away into the depths of the ocean? This is a difficult freebuild that I have put much work into. And, I hope that you all like it as much as I. If you like, dislike, this map, please let me know and of course, ratings are much appreciated. Good luck to all of you out there, and build away! - Lord Merlin
Playability: 4/5. This is a freebuild with a bit of a difference. Gone are the flat, open areas and more of a difficult terrain to build on. And it is quite tricky. You have room, but to construct a castle here requires a bit more thought and planning. The story says that an undiscovered fault is responsible for the landscape and to a degree this works. I like this map, it offers something different and adds an element to playability that is welcomed in freebuilds IMO - space planning.
Balance: 4/5. With the rather limited resources and almost apocalyptic map design, this freebuild is difficult to construct. However, this I like. You have to work harder to build any sort of decent sized castle and the gathering of resources in itself is time consuming but more realistic IMO. Nice idea, something I prefer.
Creativity: 3/5. Freebuilds can be either massively creative or downright dull. This leans towards something a little special and the whole concept of building near a faultline (would it have happened in medieval times?) is interesting.
Map Design: 3/5. A good effort here to produce something a little out of the ordinary. You can clearly see that time was invested by the author. I liked the whole concept of straying away from flat areas and trying something different. If I could recommend anything re the design, it would be to work more on the terrain by adding rocky outcrops or working on the flat land using different land effects, such as dirt, stones, etc. Check out some of the other designers' works here for ideas. You are really spoilt for choice.
Story/instructions: 4/5. Who says stories should be ignored in freebuilds?! This sets the scene for the map perfectly and it was refreshing to see a good intro and even a small read-me included within the zip file. Again, it is clear that the author has strived to work on a decent story to accompany the map and this wouldn't be out of place on an invasion, economic or siege scenario in terms of content and feel. Clear to read, easy to understand.. very good effort that deserves praise.
IN SUMMARY: There are many good points here. This freebuild may not be to everybody's tastes. What you do have is a map by a new author who is trying very hard to produce a good map using elements of past designs and new ideas. Splendid effort.