That’s a really thoughtful review, thank you for taking the time to write it. your feedback is just what I needed.
Yes, you’re right, telescoping out to capture a flavour of what was happening over a wide area was a conscious decision which weakens the character of the module. I tried to get past this by sketching what I hoped were compelling situations, places and NPCs. It’s not just the sword that suffers as a result- the plague that started the whole story is still there in the background, left unchecked it could burn through the region ending people’s lives… yet can be cured from water from a specific well in a place held by bandits; that’s a whole quest in plain sight that I haven’t made clear enough. The smoking gun in the lighthouse is another.
The key thing I wish I’d changed up front was that I should have written “deal with the witch” not kill her. This witch didn’t set out to cause the UNMORTALITY state, that came from her actions. In truth, this was a person with unique abilities striking out in their grief- she deserves better.
The Owl pic? I can see what you mean about the use of space. I just wanted to shorthand something that was happening, the swarm of enraged woodland animals.
Thank you again for taking the time to discuss my effort!