Heyo. I'm flammie. Sylvandre/Yulia usually in your events.
Here's a bit of feedback that I've long-promised for ya'.
About the
Embers of Life: AWESOME! - Let me put it this way, it was
exceptionally good combat. I've only got a couple of complaints:
~One: Slowness. Basically, turns were taking ages to turn over. Sure, it can be due to the way there were a number of players there, but I'm sure you can find strategies to help out(Like letting more people act in one turn) with the speed of the event.
~Two: Rewards. When the Red Dragonflight says they're in your debt, and give thanks and whatnot, and you walk off with ten gold and a non-magical necklace, something feels missing. What if you decide to call in on that debt, that favor? Wishes would've been nice, or at least dialogue. These are Dragons. Don't be afraid to have their hordes keep gajillions of magical artifacts with who-knows-what powers to them! That's what Dragons are for - to bring about the magic that mere mortals can't. Every character has some want or wish, and in some small part, I'm sure you could've fulfilled that, without upsetting balance any.
Keep that in mind, particularly since the Bronze, the next Flight you're going for with events, have artifacts from all time-periods(Even the future!), some that predate the Sundering, and have incredible magical properties and such. Make stuff interesting for the players, beyond cash and pretty objects. Heck, offer the players that've consistently been to the events the chance to go Dragonsworn, for their aid. Working with Dragons is like, one of the most amazing things you can do in Warcraft. Have it be meaningful and special.
About the
Ash Wardens events: I've been to a couple, with mixed results!
First off, the defense of the keep in Warsong Gulch. It started out shakily, unsteadily, but then it went into pure awesomeness, as combat grew way more fluid, and everyone basically knew what to do. I commend you for the use of Horde Assassins, like I told you before - it was an excellent choice, as well as the realistic portrayal of the Orcs in the event. I couldn't approve more. And the Demolisher and Bring-The-Roof-Down bits were cherries on the cake. Masterfully done.
Now, the second one I've been to, CTF, started out fine, though near the beginning it did have a hitch - more on that later. It was tons of fun, being led 'round, and just seeing the NPCs be -people- rather than faceless soldiers. The two Tauren were epic at this, as were the Orcs in the Auction, and the slave-driver, and everything. Delicious, absolutely delicious. Overall, the event was fun, but for the reasons that follow, there was a bitter aftertaste. In the order in which they appeared:
~One: Irreverence. Now, right at the start, Lyria headed over to the war-table, and asked what she could do. I should mention, she's a Warden - the same people that answer only to Tyrande. They are the law. Peeving one is not a good idea, no matter who or where you are. All Wardens are of the same rank, and what happened could be likened to a Corporal talking back to a General. You'd get court-martialed.
Hard. I fully realize that you did it to keep the event going and that she was being an arse, but Lore's Lore, and arses happen. These people are essentially SPECTREs, they're the Inquisition, they're the Secret Police, they're the people that don't need warrants to do the things they do. And nobody talks back to one, unless they happen to either A) Be a Warden, or B) Be Tyrande. Not without consequences. Yes, that can steer events and storylines off the rails, but you're the DM. You should be prepared for that, and with your wisdom, lead them carefully, and non-brusquely back to the line you've got in mind for them.
~Two: Orcus Invulnerabilus. Remember that Champion that took a fel of a beating from a buncha' people? That should've put him out of his misery. Pulling runified armor(He's a Warrior, not a Death Knight) that forms an Anti-Magic Shell on him is a little over-the-top, for an otherwise nameless Orc, fighting against the Badass Adventurers that the World of Warcraft has you be. At least if he'd have been given some sort of extra portrayal, or if we had a reason to care about him or think him more than your average nameless Grunt who happened to be a cut above the rest'n get the Champion title, it would've made sense. In my opinion, he should've been treated no differently from the two Tauren. It seemed Railroad-y, much like the previous point.
~Three: Reception. I will admit to not knowing a ton of history. And I will admit that my knowledge of Warcraft's Lore is nowhere near comprehensive. But there's one thing I love reading about: Battles. And in those battles, capturing the enemy flag is something incredible, something heroic, something people give their lives to do. Poems and songs are written about brave soldiers who tear down the enemy flag, or who raise their own in a hail of gunfire. It's the same in the World of Warcraft, as shown by the actual CTF-ness of Warsong Gulch.
In the Independence Wars, and World Wars alike, flags were a
major point of a battle, the capturing of one being a massive blow for the morale of the loser, and a huge boon for that of the victor. In Warcraft, things work very much the same way. It's not just a gameplay mechanic for videogames. Capturing the Flag is a very real thing, done in real warfare. And it's one of the ways heroes are made and medals are earned, and battles are won. A flag is not just a piece of cloth.
This image comes to mind:
I believe the reception to the players returning with the flag was poorly portrayed. I hold a lot of respect for you, Kril, and as such, I believe you can shoulder my honesty in this. Despite running back with their tails between their legs, the Players did a damn-near super-heroic effort, and should've been treated as such.
The event was otherwise quite enjoyable, if I do say so myself. I love the dedication you put into events in general, and how you struggle to keep up with everyone. Maybe a turn order - with more players acting in one turn - would help you out a little. You could still keep things Trust-based and keep better control of the way things proceed. Sound like a good idea?
Anyhow, thank you very much for hosting them thar events, as they have been a blast to go through, with the good and the bad alike, and I expect nothing but the best from ya' in the future.
Good luck!