Fast forward a few years - I'm determined to run something at the upcoming Recess, and I figured this would be an awesome opportunity to get some communal creative juices flowing.
So, Here's What You Need to Do:
Firstly, if you're interested, please post in the forum or PM me with a simple "I'm in!" We're going to need at least five entries to run the competition... but that shouldn't be a problem for such a creative bunch of nerds, correct? Please make this commitment by May 7th to be guaranteed eligibility.
Create a world that could be used for at least one adventure. Don't create player characters, don't create plot, and don't feel obliged to introduce the quest - just create the setting itself. The premise should only be a page or two, and you can go into as much or as little depth as you'd like (protip: the previous winner went into a good amount of depth).
The setting will be used with Savage Worlds, which is a pretty fast and flexible game that should be able to wedge itself any setting nicely. Some additional rules and information can be found here.
When you think you're ready, e-mail me a copy of it at schnevetsdesignchallenge@gmail.com. Don't post it here! Votes will be conducted anonymously through a new thread after the design deadline. If you have any other questions, comments, suggestions, or even just need a suggestion to get started, feel free to e-mail me at the above address. After the 7th, however, you are all on your own..
To Make Things More Interesting... (and because writers working under tight restrictions produce novel material)
There will be an added subject that all settings must, in some way, employ. That subject is our beloved NerdNYC home: New York City.
That may sound like the setting is already determined, but is it the seedy underbelly of 1970's New York? The far out distant future of New York? Some crazy steampunk New York that is overrun with a zombie horde? The possibilities are endless! For further inspiration, look no further than faust's awesome Warriors of Crown Heights game... but don't just blatantly steal it
For more ideas and suggestions on formatting, check out the submission list from Stompy's challenge
What's this? Prizes, you say?
Yes, what design challenge would be complete without some incentives. Back when Stompy ran the competition, he very generously offered the Savage Worlds: Explorer's Edition as first prize. Unfortunately, that book is now out of print, and since I don't have $30 lying around for the Deluxe Edition, I opted for a different assortment of prizes*!
3rd Prize will be able to indulge his or her sorrows with the Doritos of Defeat
2nd Place will receive the Muffin of Mediocrity as well as Coffee of Sorrows
1st Place will receive the honor and distinction of having the setting run by your humble OP at the June 30th Recess, a platter of cookies to triumphantly devour and share, a drink from the 440 Studios vending machine on demand (for no hero must deal with such mortal dilemas as thirst!), a book of my choosing (most likely something that is somehow similar to their setting of choice - think of something really far out and it'll make my search unbearably difficult!), and a high five!
IN ADDITION! The top contestant who is attending the Recess will have their admission paid by me, Schnevets! A $20 value (in addition to the above prizes!)
*Winners should warn me of any dietary concerns or flavor preferences after the polls close, and I will find a suitable snack item of equal value. Second place winners could opt for an equally sorrowfull Hot Cocoa of Infamy or a tea... if you're a filthy heathen. If winners will not be present at the June 30th, their prizes could be carried over into a future event that we will both be present at, some type of Steam gift (if you're into PC gaming), some other spontaneous gift/charitable donation, or remain an unpaid debt that will burden me to the grave. Debts do not carry over into future lives. All baked goods will come from the absolutely excellent Apple Cafe Bakery on 8th Street.
Feel free to post/e-mail/pm about any questions, complaints, or suggestions. Oh, and start creating!
One other thing I forgot to mention is that yes, I received Stompy's permission to conduct the contest.
