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2 years ago ::
Nov 07, 2008 - 6:43AM
#1
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#44
Create an MonumentProviding unique locales and interesting set pieces for the campaign world is a skill of Master DMs. Unique encounters that can be added into existing campaign world without disrupting the entire world are quite valuable to have on hand at the gaming table. The purpose of this competition is the create a unique locale players may encounter in the game world. Specifically, a monument, and the pertinent area around it. To complete a submission to this contest, an entry must include the following:[list=A] A complete description of the monument (adhering to the definition of a 'monument' below) and immediate surroundings.
A history of the creation of this monument and its creators
Describe generally how a party of adventurers might discover and/or travel to/from the monument.
At least one suggestion for an NPC, trap (including stat block), or other event that an adventuring party might come into contact with near the monument
An entry must also attempt to meet at least 3 of the following 12 thematic elements:
[list=1]
The monument cannot always be found in the same place.
A group of creatures live around the monument, even though they are adversely affected by it.
The monument hides or is the key to acquiring a unique magic item (provide item description.)
The monument is a source of contention between to or more groups.
The monument is now used for something other than its original purpose.
The monument changes owners frequently.
The monument is actually intelligent.
Monument was created with purely manual labor, no magical construction methods were used to shape the monument. Magical charms/effects can be placed on the monument after construction, however.
The monument was created on top of or made from an existing natural land formation.
No living creature recalls the reason why the monument was built, nor what it represents, if anything.
Monument is only visible to certain creatures/races or at a specific time of day (or both).
The monument is a magical Artifact with effects outlined in the description of the monument.
The complete rules for the Master DM Competition can be found here (along with a lot of fascinating information about the competition’s history, its judges and past competitions and medal winners). All entrants should review these rules before submitting the entry. However there are some rules that seem to ensnare many first-time entrants. Please be cognizant of the following rules:
- Applicants are allowed a 15-minute period in which they are allowed to make edits to their entry. Any entry that has been noted as edited after this 15 minute period will be disqualified. This includes editing done by the board moderators, should the entry be in violation of the board’s code of conduct. It is recommended that an applicant use the board’s “preview post” function or write the entry off-line in a text editor to check the entry before posting. Once judging is complete, applicants are allowed to go back and edit their entry if they so choose.
- Your entry must fit in a single post. Each applicant may only submit one entry for judging. Submitting multiple entries results in the disqualification of every entry you submit. If you have more than one idea, please wait until after the competition closes to submit it. These subsequent entries will not be judged.
- All entries must be the original, exclusive work of the applicant. If an entry is found to be copying the work of another, or has been posted for review prior to the competition, it will be disqualified. However, entries may include a visual picture for the entry that is not the author's original work. Such non-original material will not be considered by the judges.
- Failure to include all the required elements results in a score of zero for Thematic Consistency. Contest rules vary from competition to competition. At the beginning of each competition, any special rules for that contest will be detailed. Make sure you understand all of the rules before posting.
- Please list the optional thematic elements you intend your entry to meet. This is not a strict rule, though failure to do so may mean your Clarity and Thematic Consistency scores may suffer.
The judges for this competition will be Heros_Backpack, spectralphoenix and Aan-allein, with Aan-allein coordinating. The competition will run from Friday, November 7 to Friday, December 5. The competition will close at midnight (between December 5th and 6th), Eastern Standard Time. Generally, a judge will declare the competition closed, although that is unnecessary.
Good luck and enjoy!
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2 years ago ::
Nov 07, 2008 - 6:44AM
#2
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Questions and Answers Q. What qualifies as a 'monument'?A. Based on some of the real-world examples of monuments (Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower), the main determination of what constitutes a monument is size (either height or square footage) and being 'man-made'. Monuments can be created out of something natural (i.e. Mount Rushmore), but purely natural formations would be labeled "landmarks" or "land features" rather than a "monument" (i.e. the Grand Canyon). Regarding size, in order to be a "monument" the structure needs to be either twice the height of the intended patrons of the monument (a monument created by pixies can be quite small to a human PC, and still be a "monument"), or cover an area of ground large enough that it would take an intented patron more than one move action to cross it (a large plaque set in the ground, or a designed plaza would qualify as a "monument" by this rule). Monuments are also created for some purpose, usually in remembrance of something or someone (therefore, most "memorial" constructions would also qualify as "monuments" for this contest).
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2 years ago ::
Nov 07, 2008 - 6:44AM
#3
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Entry list [list=1] The Dragon's Rest by Bahamut_the_Gold
Island of the Above Sea by dulsi (Bronze Medalist!)
Shrine of the Blood Sea by ramzca
Si Teirar Saes Thyrdaes Saesti by Jakonen (Silver Medalist!)
The Clock House by Mordy
The Spires of Perfect Lore by Eldritch_Lord (Gold Medalist!)
Shax O' The Green by SaintKeeleon (Bronze Medalist!)
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2 years ago ::
Nov 07, 2008 - 8:16AM
#4
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I suggest adding [3E] or [3.5E] to the title so people know it is a 3.5 competition.
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2 years ago ::
Nov 07, 2008 - 9:04AM
#5
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I suggest adding [3E] or [3.5E] to the title so people know it is a 3.5 competition.
Good idea dulsi; updated!
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2 years ago ::
Nov 07, 2008 - 9:40AM
#6
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Nice! I'm judging the 4e competition #5 so maybe I'll submit an entry for this one.
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2 years ago ::
Nov 09, 2008 - 6:44PM
#7
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- Hero Craftsman Gold Medalist
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Ah. I may enter this competition rather than the other one! This looks like it could be fun.
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2 years ago ::
Nov 10, 2008 - 10:49PM
#8
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The MDMCs are revived just to be buried under? I think not. 
That's Someone, with a capital S.
"Cat's out of the bag on that one, isn't it? Who puts cats in bags, anyway? Cats hate bags." -Sheogorath, Oblivion
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2 years ago ::
Nov 11, 2008 - 9:51PM
#9
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I resigned from my day job today due to some serious personality conflicts, and will be taking my chances finding another in this economy  So, I'm feeling pretty down in the dumps; won't you please submit an entry for this contest and brighten my day? :D Here's to the Economy! , Hooray!
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2 years ago ::
Nov 12, 2008 - 5:57AM
#10
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- Hero Craftsman Gold Medalist
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Goodness man! Good luck to you on finding a new job. Must've been some rift that would cause you to cut yourself loose from firm ground.
All the best to you.
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