Date: July 27th - Aug 27th
Title: Alia jacta est! ("the die is cast"... or alternatively... "cast the die")
Theme: The contest is to make a Mantis Warrior in a duel with another figure (a marine). I will have the opponent built (probably not yet painted) by the time the competiton begins so you know what you're figure needs to match with. The "display base" will be a large oval (Knight or flyer) type base. Your figure must be infantry of some sort (no vehicles) and fit on a 40mm base (though it can be any type of infantry & does not need to be confined within the 40mm base... but I want it based on 40mm so I can make the overall display correctly). On the 27th, I'll post pictures of my part of the display, as well as measurements so you know what the physical size limitations for your figure.

This is not a painting competition. Best painted won't necessarily win... the winner will be the person who has the most dynamic, exciting and jaw-droppingly creative Mantis Warrior opponent for whatever scum-bag marine that needs killin' that I create. It must also match well with my component... so biggest might not be the best (I'll leave that to you). Painting will be a factor of course, but not the deciding one.

Da Rulz...
1. Entries must be unique to this competition.
2. You must post a pic of your build and your final entry here on this blog. WIP shots are welcome here... but not necessary.
3. Each entry must be the work of one person only.
4. Deadline is 12AM GMT on Aug. 27th... whenever GMT is... I have no idea, it just sounds good.
5. You are strongly encouraged to help each other out. Visit each others plogs, etc. We are a big, global family of nerds... let's support each other!
Spoiler:
(cause... you know... we sure as hell ain't gettin' laid on a regular basis)

6. Other rules as I think of them. I'll have the final set by the 27th.

Da Kategoreez - these don't "stack", one per person

"I'm here to chew bubblegum and kick a$$, and I'm all out of bublegum!" (Grand Prize):
"It is better to look good than to feel good, and I look mahvelous!" (best painted)
"To go where no man has gone before." (most original idea).
"A good stretch of the legs." (person who worked the farthest beyond their capabilities)
"Ill be back." (person with the most improved entry from last year to this one)

Da Prizez
Each of the winners will get something... easily transferable. Unlike last year where I spent 10x the value of each prize in shipping because the European contestants kicked the American's butts all over the gaming table. I'm thinking something like credit with one of the bits makers... like Zinge perhaps, or maybe another company in the US for any winners (just in case any of you p-knockers manage to step up your game this year). Maybe I can get a bit of a break from someone... we'll see. The grand prize winner will also get the display base including my figure... all painted, based and ready to show off their fine work. Neat thing is I'll be painting my end of the diorama at the same time you'll be working on yours. (That way I can mess with everyone's head while the comp is going on.) If you (personally) or your company would like to sponsor a prize, just PM me. I don't expect anyone to do it, but you never know unless you ask. I'm thinking each of the prizes will be about $25 in value (US) if I'm paying. If you're paying, the sky is the limit but I'd like to keep it at or above $25 (that's what... about 2 pounds now??). *sigh*


I am looking for a small cadre of judges. I would prefer folks who have a good eye for design and technique, but you don't have to be an experienced judge. I'd also prefer folks would be willing to help people with constructive feedback after the competition is over. I will however, keep your identities private during the competition SO BY THUNDER DON'T POST YOUR DESIRE TO BE A JUDGE ON THIS BLOG! PM me please.


Lastly... as you know I haven't been very active on dakka for quite a while (just taking a break, enjoying my boat and my family) so I suspect only the hard-core followers are still keeping up with this blog. I would very much appreicate it if you would help generate some buzz for the competition by cross-posting this announcement on your own blogs.

Comps are so much more fun when there's a good variety of people involved and the ideas that came out of this competition last year were really inspiring. I'd love to see some new and/or young hobbyists involved. That's why the "good stretch of the legs" category is there. You don't have to be fantastic... just show that you really put yourself to the test, tried some new techniques and experimented. Competitons are a good excuse to learn and practice new skills, expand your horizons and just take chances you might not normally take.