75%-Semi-Forthnightly Writing Competition: OVER!

[Phemar]

I vote for Ateliergames. Nice entry

[Find Therma]

My vote goes to Atelier Games too. The piece doesn't leave the reader questioning what on earth the writer is on about as is sometimes the case with this type of poetic writing. Instead it does what it's supposed to do, in this case, sets the background scene and does so really well in my opinion.

[Akatosh]

Oh yeah I still have to resolve this one. Let's see.

AtelierGames: I'm with the previous posters here. The story is written in a very poetic tone, but in a way that doesn't impact its clarity. The background constructed isn't all that original, but the craftsmanship still is very good.

Find Therma: I liked this story a lot. The prose could probably be refined a bit in places, but on the overall, it does it job just fine. And last but not least, I think the setting could make for quite an intruiging story.

Sinitrena: I was a little confused at first because I thought I had set a limit of 1,000 words, but it seems like I didn't actually post that, so the entry's fair game. Anyway. The story could have need a bit of polishing, as typos abound and the writing is a little awkward and confusing to read in places. Bonus points for dragons not being the bad guys, though. Another somewhat intruiging concept, but the execution could be a bit better (no offense intended).

DN: That's an interesting take on an established world. I like the Take That's against our really stupid naming conventions, although once again, the writing could be more refined. We don't actually learn much about the world, though, apart from some throwaway references. And, once again, some refining couldn't have hurt.

José: Now this is an introduction that makes you wonder about the setting. Is it an "alternate history" story? The hotel was founded in 1827, and "totally reformed fifty years ago", so it can't possibly be earlier than 1877... but in real life, France hasn't been a monarchy since 1871! Or does it take place in modern times, as the plaque and the references to skiing indicate? If so, why the heck is there a French-speaking kingdom around? The whole thing seems a little more mundane than the other, more "fantastic" settings, but nevertheless - the people demand answers!  The writing was quite alright. The French interspersed really helps to set the scene, although it is a bit distracting if you're not fluent. Still, it works.

Wyz: Another really nice entry, and one that does very well at establishing the background setting. There are a few typos left, but on the overall, the story looks quite refined and polished. Also, yay for post-apocalyptic scavenger settings... I do wonder what happened...

In summary, I'm torn between Find Therma, Wyz and José. Ultimately, however, I'm going to go with... (dramatic pause)... (drumroll)... Wyz, simply because the entry seemed slightly more refined than the other two. I have naturally not drawn the trophies yet, so here are some placeholders. You can put 'em in your sig already if you want to; the pictures will get replaced with genuine trophies suddenly.

1st place: Tie between Atelier Games and Wyz. Go, both of you! This does of course make it a little more difficult to determine who gets to start the next competition, or what the theme should be. Duke it out in PM. 


2nd place: Find Therma! Congratulations, you hold the only trophy you don't have to share with anyone! 


3rd place: Everybody else - DN, Sinitrena and José! Thanks for entering. Sorry you went voteless; neither dragons nor Superman nor inexplicable French kingdoms deserve this, but there are only so many votes I can dish out.  Blame the stupid lazy forumites who abstained from voting.

[José Luiz]

Akatosh,

Thanks for your comments. I really appreciate them!

You're right: this story takes place in modern times, in a fictional kingdom called Royaume de Lanes. I could say it's my "literary project", because the most part of my writings are set there.

Klamsoun is a town in Terre de Sainte-Sophia (which is in the middle of Indian Ocean), a huge country ruled by a city-state called Lanesville (the capital of the kingdom), located more or less 50 miles to the south of Marseille.

Maybe it sounds a bit "strange", but there's a whole story - or better, a history - to explain everything.

[Find Therma]

Congrats on the win Atelier and Wyz! 

Shame there were so few votes though. 

Is this the norm? Off topic but perhaps it would be an idea to advertise the current competitions on the AGS homepage to try and drum up more interest. I must admit I've not voted in any competition until this one but will try and do so more often from now on.

Anyway, congrats on all the entries people.

[Wyz]

Wyz: Another really nice entry, and one that does very well at establishing the background setting. There are a few typos left, but on the overall, the story looks quite refined and polished. Also, yay for post-apocalyptic scavenger settings... I do wonder what happened...

Thanks!
Well actually I used a setting from a previous contest (click) 
There was a hint inside the entry, with the toillet paper.

1st place: Tie between Atelier Games and Wyz. Go, both of you! This does of course make it a little more difficult to determine who gets to start the next competition, or what the theme should be. Duke it out in PM.

We've got it worked out, expect a new contest soon