So, once again, the trial received more dissatisfied feedback from this audience than anything I''ve done prior.


    I think I have a way to fix this.


    This means backing out the last three chapters and reposting. I can get it done this weekend.


    What do you think?


    I think the fixes are 1. Azbekt. Remove the full-on douchebaggery persona. He would still not be a sweetheart by any means, but if instead of being a raging a*hole, he would be super lawful. He acknowledges Joe''s actions healing the ship. He still has to bring Joe in and present Groven''s case, rules are rules, after all. But he can note to the trial he does not sense evil off Joe just a hint of fea.


    And 2, Hawking suggests the Trial by Quest. The entity realizes he/she/it screwed up dropping Joe in front of Groven and so will give the tool to will prove Joe''s innocence. Better chance to dialog between Joe and Hawking as to the use of Trial by Quest.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    I just worked up a revision to Chapter 54 - Forced March. If anyone is willing to give it a reread and let me know what they think, I''d really appreciate it. There are not any big changes. Just a few small tweaks to tempter Azbekt to make him not so ridiculously overblown.


    What do you think?


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    I went with fixing it.  Read all of your comments and the most common threads were


    1) What about Joe getting murdered


    2) Trial by Quests needs better explanation (and why even number of Judges)


    3) Hawking/the One Above/the system is evil and/or the one at fault


    4) Azbekt doesn''t read like a paladin


    5) Joe needs more backbone


    I think I covered those with the updated chapters.  They may have more types than usual given they were rushed.  I''ll polish them this weekend.


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