The Gaming Den

I feel like the unfailable tests would have been less unfailable if we hadn't been minmaxed to shit from the get-go; but also, it's 2022, we don't need bullshit deaths to pad out the experience.

Was there any consequence besides missing out on Hero Points for losing the riddle contest, the flashback to swimming, or our brief stint as a completely different guy (Sigurd)?

When was the salmon-wise modifier meant to help?

The book is very easy, so long as you're happy with the original story's ending (and you probably are). I think most of what you're perceiving as missing is the game aspect of this gamebook, because a game you can't lose is also one you can't really win. Our build was optimized, but it didn't matter because you always have enough Hero Points to buy off any test or fight. If the book's ease was better camouflaged with some clever trickery, it would be a better experience.

I think the motivation is also kind of weak. General monster-slaying for glory is, y'know, okay, but compare it to the quest for justice/revenge from Demons of the Deep, which most people find immediately gripping.

Q&A:
Q: What does the Lord’s blessing do?
A: When it comes up, it gives you another +1 CR vs the dragon. Hardly the glory of glories.

Q: How would we have picked up the extra good dragon slaying sword, and would it have made our fight easier?
Q: What does the Serpent Amulet do, and how would we get it?
Q: Is it possible to survive the dragon fight?
Q: When was the salmon-wise modifier meant to help?
A: These are all connected. If you go into the dragon's lair the front way, you can run into the undead form of the king who was originally buried there. If you have the salmon-wisdom or can parse old english, you can get him to offer you his sword, which is +2 CR and +2 damage. If you refuse the sword, he offers you the serpent amulet to protect you from poison. The amulet lets you survive the dragon-fight and get the golden ending, where Beowulf lives and goes on to star in another (unfortunately untold) saga.

Q: Was there any consequence besides missing out on Hero Points for losing the riddle contest, the flashback to swimming, or our brief stint as a completely different guy (Sigurd)?
A: Nope.