My first Contest! End date= 10th of November, 2008.

Well, here it is: my first contest, in which you design a character for the Captain’s crew! Captain Chase’s crew, that is.

Anywho, it’s Rule and Guidelines time!

First of all, it’s good to know what types of creatures you will be drawing. Chase’s world is a one that is set in the future with all sorts of strange and different critters and gadgets and stuff, so futuristic and out of the ordinary is what we’ll be going for here. I seem to be running out of ideas for crewmen (and women!) to put in Chase’s band of ragamuffin rogues, so I’m turning to you!

GUIDELINES:

Characters: Most of the creatures living in Chase’s reality are anthropomorphic ones. Granted, there are humans and other such creatures as gryphons, dragons, phoenixes, and their anthro forms, they aren’t as common. So what this means is that I would prefer to see mostly anthro characters of today’s creatures; it is not a requirement, but entering a, evenso gorgeous, drawing of a great silver gryphon hefting the hugest plasma cannon you could imagine will not earn you any brownie points. I’m not JUST looking at skills, but mainly idea. Many of the characters that have been written about so far have been somewhat smaller species like rodents, bats and dogs. I don’t mind at all if you would like to break this trend or follow it to the letter, so small or large anthros are welcome. (Just make sure they’re not small enough to step on or huge enough to crush the very ship they’ll sail upon, kay?)
Most of all, please keep in mind that Chase commands a crew of pirates; I want rogues and bandits, thieves and assassins, the scourges of the sea, darn it! Do not enter an adorable, big-eared and prissy little furby-reminiscent kitsune with pink bows and glass chakrams, okay?!
Chimeras are however, alright as well.

Weaponry: Even though Chase’s world is hundreds of years into the future, many of the people living in said time period wield very rustic and basic weapons… and some, not-so medieval. So if you want to give your character a giant battle-axe, triple-headed scythe combo, or a giant charged particle beam with planet-shredding explosive add-ons, then by all means, have fun with that! Pretty much any weapon you want to give to your character will fit into the period.

Instructions: I will be following this segment with a listing of positions that are currently open in Chase’s crew and a listing of species that may best fit the criteria needed to be selected for said job. You do not HAVE to stick with just the species I suggest.
The list will be something similar to job ads/listings and some requirements that would be needed for that job to help you in deciding what sort of species may be appropriate. Ex: A tortoise does NOT make a good scout, whereas a keen-eyed eagle probably would.

JUDGING: All entries must be sent to me in a note with a link. I personally will decide on one first place winner and one second place winner. Depending on the amount of entries, there may be room for 3rd, 4th and 5th or runner-ups.

PRIZES: I honestly cannot give any subscription prizes due to the lack of credit cards and paypal. More prizes will be added and any donations will GLADLY be accepted from anyone. (Just send me a note)
First place automatically wins $50 dollars (US) and chooses 3-4 items from the prize pool. Second place receives $20 dollars (US) and chooses 2-3 items from the prize pool. The amount of items that 1st and second place can choose may increase as more prizes are added.

PRIZE POOL
1: 8.5x11 traditional commission by me
2: 8.5x11 digital commission by me
3: A custom made avatar, with or without animation
4: Custom banner/header for your website/contest/journal/etc, with our without animation
5: Digital lineart of one of your characters
6: I will color one of your own linearts
7: One traditional or digital piece of one (1) character by


Not to mention, whoever does win, will get a special dedication in the front pages of the book/series when this thing finally gets published!

Okay now to put all that in simpler terms, now for: THE RULES


1: Anthro characters is mainly what I want. Chimeras, mythical creatures (anthro-ified) and humans are fine too, but will not earn you brownie points.

2: Your character can be wielding any sort of futuristic or medieval weapon that you like. Weapons are not required, but depending on complexity, could earn you some bonus points

3: You may enter as many times as you like with as many characters as you like. (Just don’t swamp me okay?)

4: Traditional and digital entries are accepted

5: You may NOT use someone else’s idea or a character from another copyrighted story, ie: Disney characters, movie characters, fan fiction characters. Make a completely new character, don’t recycle your old scraps for poor Chase to straighten out, a’ight?

6: Make the character fit the job listing! For example: Mouse would not make a good anchor-hauler, but a bear might.

Now for the JOB LISTINGS:

WANTED: One navigator. Must have some arithmetic abilities and mapping skills. Astronomical knowledge gives applicant top priority over others without. Must know how to use a compass, sextant and be able to read and also write legibly. Must have experience with the Chrysleen-tech 5500 radar and tracking systems and its machinery. Thumbs are a must.
Suggested species: Rodents (mice, rats, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels), monkeys etc, badgers, wolverines, otters, dragons, humans

WANTED: Two scouts. Must have good eyesight, (No eye patches!) wings not required but preferred. Climbing abilities needed. Must come with own spyglass!
Suggested species: Birds (any) Squirrels, mice, monkeys, dragons, gryphons

WANTED: Powder Monkeys. Must know how to work both a cannon and a plasma particle charger and have strength enough to pivot each and heft ammunition for both. Must be able to focus and work well under pressure and with others. Must be able to obey orders promptly and without question.
Suggested species: Bears, badgers, canines (wolves, big dogs), big cats (cougars, lions, tigers), hoofed animals (horses, steers, boars, deer, moose) big reptiles (komodo, crocs, etc)

WANTED: Thieves. Pickpocketing, swiping, snatching, mugging, hiding, sneaking, skulking, slinking and prestidigitation skills required. Must have no police records for stealing.
Suggested species: Jackdaw, mouse, crow, foxes, raccoons, cats, humans small reptiles (snakes, lizards, iguanas, etc)

WANTED: 3 entertainers. It gets pretty boring after weeks out at endless space and seas, so entertainers are welcome. Instruments encouraged, along with playing skills. Harps and drums not welcome; zithers, synthesizers and stringed and wind instruments welcome. Sense of humor is a must! Must have own repertoire. Stupid costume is not required and is discouraged.
Suggested Species: Any

WANTED: Carpenters. Lumber is not required; stashes are already in reserve. Must bear own tools and a knowledge of how to use them quickly, efficiently and under pressure.
Suggested species: Any

WANTED: Galley cook. All supplies provided. Only requirement are the skills necessary to avoid killing the crew and cook something edible. Thumbs preferred but not necessary.
Suggested species: Any

WANTED: Boatswain. Must have leadership skills and be able to command in an authoritative and convincing manner. Basic sailing skills required, experience is preferred. Must know the names of all parts of a ship and it’s sailing features. Knot-tying skills are a must, sail repair knowledge. Sailcloth and scales provided.
Suggested species: Beasts (big reptiles, big cats, big dogs, hoofed beasts)

WANTED: Surgeons. Must have experience and provide own supplies. Must know how to dress and treat flesh wounds, burns, diseases and broken bones.
Suggested species: Foxes, birds, cats, weasels, humans

WANTED: Cooper. Lumber is provided. Experience required. Must know the basics of barrel-making and be able to work efficiently and quickly.
Suggested species: Larger beasts, humans

WANTED: Anchor Hoist Must be of considerable size and strength and be able to weigh anchor several times daily and quickly in tight situations.
Suggested species: Dragons, bears, beasts of burden, large beasts in general


For complete information and up-to-date entries, view the journal here: [link]