You heard it, folks. W4STE- the moment I started typing this, 12:00 AM on Monday, April 28- has just opened its doors to audition entries.
Submit your entries to or myself. See 'ya there, m8!
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Here's the final rundown of the tournament:

What is W4STE?
W4STE is a story-oriented Original Character Battle Tournament, in a post-apocalyptic setting reminiscent to ancient Mesopotamia. With the current level of planning, the tournament is basic- competitors are paired up to fight against each-other, and the winning contestant is chosen among three judges. Through the course of the tournament, there is a developing storyline, which usually updates as each round ends and begins.

How does the system work?
Like any basic OC battle, competitors will draw a comic depicting a battle between their character and the one of their opponent. The three judges will then come to a decision for the winner of each pair. The judgments will be represented by an end-of-round comic, with a review by each judge's NPC. It's disputed, but more NPCs might be added into the mix.

What are the rules?
While there is plenty of leeway for a character to deviate from the W4STE storyline, it is recommended to have at least SOME sensible connection. No fan characters are allowed. All group-based characters must be dependent, meaning that, if you use two or more characters, they cannot fight independently, and must be seen with the other(s) in any battle. For characters that, for example, command large army-sized groups, their underlings must be able to compensate for large numbers.

What do I need to enter?
An audition comic, featuring your character in the following scenario-

Whether you know it or not, you have been chosen to participate in the tournament to decide the emperor of Arkaan. You are suddenly attacked by a number of foes, who appear to be from another clan. After throwing down the last of them, you look around, noticing a tall man with white hair, adorned in white robes and a wrapped in a large sash of white fur. He turns and walks away, vanishing from sight.

Welcome to the tournament.

What's the story?
The story is set more than 100,000 years after a second ice age had depleted Earth's resources and consumed all usable land, pitting the nations of the world against each-other and resulting in a self-inflicted, frozen apocalypse. The world is now somewhat like a remake of the ancient Mesopotamian civilization, only in a cold, dark, arctic setting. None remember the past, as it has faded into legend, and some have obtained special powers.

In the great Arkaanian empire, blood is the ultimate trophy. The various assimilated tribes fight each-other for power, and the leader of Arkaan is decided by the one who can surpass the other in battle. However, order has been set over the fights, as the rapidly fluctuating head of royalty is to be decided now. The Guild of Judges, the three most powerful figures in Arkaan, responsible for regulating the wars between clans, have chosen to oversee a decisive battle among those who vie for power (and those who got caught in the middle of it); a tournament, to finally place a true leader at the head of the empire in an orderly fashion. But a certain devious presence lurks behind the guise provided by this contest.

Who are the judges and what do they do?
The three judges decide the victor in each pair. At the end of each round, a collab-comic will be posted, showing the judges' final review.
In the storyline, the three Head Judges regulate battles between those fighting for a position of power, and prevent war from breaking out.

The judges and their characters are as follows:

Agathoi
[link]

Agathoi's background- just like everything else about him- is completely unknown. His very presence is unsettling, even disturbing to many, and not even the other two superior judges know anything of him, apart from his desolate, stoic personality... or, more appropriately, lack thereof. He obtained his seat of power after killing Basileus by unknown means, making his head explode. Agathoi's abilities are not known, and the sword he carries- taken from the corpse of Basileus- is clearly just a decoration and status symbol.


Alice
[link]
(Note: Alice's Character design has changed recently. No updates have been posted regarding it.)

Alice is certainly an odd figure- while the details of her background are shady, natural for a judge, it is said that she was originally a servant girl who worked in the guild's headquarters. It was strange for Agathoi to select her, but couldn't have been a coincidence. Even though her original position would not support it, her combat prowess, after being refined, proved to be exceptional. Apart from her past, Alice is most noted for her attitude, and very "liberated" behavior, dressing scantily despite the conditions (as featured in the new, unposted reference). Some rather disparaging rumors about her have been spreading among those familiar with the judges- however, since there are so few of those people, it has not been much of a problem to her. She wields a pressurized harpoon launcher in combat. Where she obtained it, and how she operates it, is- naturally- unknown.


Andante
[link]

An adolescent judge believed to be a relative of the late Basileus, Andante is harsh, competitive, and somewhat egomaniacal, seeing himself as superior to the other two, refusing to take responsibility despite his claims of being the only one to do so. Andante is considered the official tactician of the Guild, though his tactical knowledge runs in direct opposition to his severe immaturity. He has a pronounced grudge against Agathoi- some suspect that it comes from jealousy regarding his position, others believe he seeks revenge for the loss of Basileus, who was possibly related to him. His combat style involves putting his incredible speed and agility to use; combined with his tactical capability and bladed umbrella-weapon, his ability to nickel and dime the opponent before flanking and attacking swiftly can be devastating.

What do I get if I win?
The prize is being debated. Sprite (), () Siri and I () are still discussing it.

FAQ
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