Hail once more Sapience,

Over the last few months, the Grand Contest announced in READNEWS PUBLIC 23066 has received a few entries and questions. I write today to clarify some of those questions.

Q1: What exactly are we entering in this contest? Is it crafting designs, stories, or poetry?

A1: The categories are intentionally broad. You could submit your thoughts on a recent event, contest, or other happening. You could submit something that is crafting-based, or songs, ballads, poetry of all stripes and colours. The possibilities are broad. The goal is to engage with the category and explain why your submission belongs to it. This doesn't have to be a long explanation.

Q2: Are we limited to one entry per category?

A2: No, absolutely not. You're welcome to enter as many times as you can across all categories. For example, you might submit a grand tapestry for Art and Beauty, and another design for Craft and Making. This means that you can win in multiple categories or take multiple places across the categories.

Q3: How long do I have to submit my designs, poetry, songs, stories, lessons, and more?

A3: You initially had two years from the previous announcement on the 16th of Daedalan 1011. I will repeat this at the bottom, but due to the other contests running in the realms at the same time, alongside ensuring that all entries have sufficient time for work, we are extending the time limit from the 16th of Daedalan 1011 to the 16th of Daedalan 1012. I apologise to our early entrants for the change. If you feel that a submission is no longer up to par, please feel free to submit an edited version. The extension is not meant to disadvantage those who entered early.

Q4: What are the categories?

A4: The categories are as follows:

Art and Beauty:
What inspires you? What do you find beautiful? What turns skill, vision, or emotion into something others may admire? Convert your Wealth of understanding in Art and Beauty into something the realms may enjoy. Submissions may include poetry, performance, writing, visual descriptions, designs, or other expressions of beauty. Designs are not being claimed or taken. This is about display, not possession.

Craft and Making:
This category is for those who create, shape, refine, sew, forge, furnish, assemble, or otherwise make something with care. Demonstrate the worth of skilled hands and thoughtful craft. Show us how raw material, skill, and care may be refined into something of greater worth. Again, designs and creations remain with their makers.

Knowledge and Trade:
Submit insight, lessons, methods, or experience concerning trade, acquisition, prosperity, or the creation of value. This may include mercantile knowledge, gathering methods, economic wisdom, or other useful teachings. Share how understanding may be converted into prosperity, whether through trade, acquisition, teaching, or the creation of lasting value. Sensitive details may be kept discreet where needed.

Ambition and Achievement:
Show us the measure of your ambition. What is gained when desire is made into action, and action into triumph? Achievement is the answer and a broad one! As such, this may include conquests, duels, ritual duels, contests, difficult ventures, personal triumphs, or other achievements worthy of recognition. Evidence or witnesses may be requested where appropriate.

Patronage and Service:
Some forms of Wealth are shown by raising others higher. Wealth may be spent, shared, or invested in others, creating value beyond the one who first gives it. How do you elevate others, whether in your daily life or in service to something greater? This category is for stories of patronage, sponsorship, service, mentorship, generosity, or support given to individuals, cities, Orders, organisations, or the realm at large. Verification may be requested where appropriate.

This is intentionally broad. Writing, poetry, stories, designs, performances, crafted works, lessons, achievements, moments of triumph, acts of service, and other worthy offerings may all fall within its scope. This is open to all members of the realms regardless of affiliation or past. Tell the realms your story, cultivate your style, and win prizes and glory.

If you are uncertain whether something qualifies, ask, please.

Q5: Is there a limitation on who may enter this contest?

A5: Absolutely not. Anyone, regardless of affiliation, age, or station, may enter the contest.

Q6: Wait, so are you judging this alone?

A6: No. The judging will be blind, with names removed from entries before they are distributed to the judges.

Q7: Are designs required to be submitted and approved?

A7: It is preferred if designs are submitted and approved. It is understood that some entries may not be finished products.

Q8: What if I feel as though I haven't done anything worthy of certain categories?

A8: Everyone has Value and their own Wealth. The contest organisers and runners are simply hoping to see your best efforts and work. Additionally, you may have done more than you know. Take a risk and give it a shot. You could win.

Q9: How do I actually submit an entry?

A9: Please send a letter or message to me. These are the preferred methods. If you would prefer to talk to me or send a tell, please do.

Q10: What are the prizes?

A10:

First place in each category: 200 credits.

Second place in each category: 100 credits.

Third place in each category: 50 credits

These are the questions I've received so far. Please reach out if you have additional questions.

As a reminder, indicated above, the contest deadline is now the 16th of Daedalan 1012.

Please reach out if you have questions, and good hunting to all who participate.

Best,
Elaniara Blackrose-Baudelaire



Penned by my hand on the 15th of Glacian, in the year 1009 AF.