[Prince Audric]

Marking to see who wins

[Strudel]

Originally Mint asked me for a bit of help with judging. I ended up writing fairly in-depth analyses of each form over the course of a few of days a couple weeks back. She asked me to take a second look at the forms today, and finish up the judging for her (with her input, of course) so that it could be posted asap for y'all. We know how excited you guys are for the results, and Mint didn't figure there was a reason to leave it until she'd have more time to judge it in a couple of weeks when I could finish up judging it ^^; And it's something I am more than happy to do for you guys.

I was so excited to read all of your forms guys! Honestly, they did not disappoint. All of you who participated put so much heart into your work, and it shows. I wish all of you could win, but of course only one person can walk away the true winner.
I judged the competition on a number of criteria-- most of which were Mint's criteria. I looked at characterization (development and growth), consistency of character, creativity, art-- mainly effort (fullbody art/full colored art/art with bg's were rated higher) and development (art depicting scenes/character's personality or emotions were rated higher), and effort/quality of the writing itself.
So, with that said, let's get down to it! I'm going to say a little thing about each qualifying form (that wasn't removed before the end of the competition) starting with the HM's (in no particular order)

Each form in this section will receive X2 stubs for an honorable mention prize!;

•Tinylittlebox;
----I love how you set the stage for your form, how you took the time to build up the world a little without it taking up too much of the form to feel reasonable. I loved all the little details too. Most of your art corresponded so well to your form, and it was all a pleasure to see. The characterization in your form felt a little forced in some places and there were some issues with grammar and wrong words used, but over-all your form was such a joy to read. I loved the reactions between Bathon and Amber-- loved the cute side that it showed of him. I especially enjoyed the last sections of your form-- it showed a lot of Bathon's character and the types of things he values. It's all characterization that fits so well with the rest of what we've learned of him throughout the form. Your narrative was very character-driven, and you pulled of such a character-centric form spectacularly well.

•Milo;
----The art you included was very high-quality (especially that animation! It was impressive and related back to the story so well!) The writing, as ever, is fantastic. I wouldn't have to know who the other characters were prior to reading your form to understand them/how they fit-- it was so well done. I really did love what you had, but I can tell you ran out of time to complete your form. There was a glaring lack of content, but what you did have really shined. I would have loved to see where you were going to take the form, but I am happy that I had a chance to read it at all.

•G1 Sunstreaker
----You didn't have much art, but I really loved what you did have. The character you built had a well-rounded personality. It works really well for the direction you took your story. The history is well-written and intriguing. I do love the sci-fi elements. And I absolutely loved the scene of the character emerging as seen through the eyes of Maya. She gives the scene a really funny twist. You describe the backdrop so well I can practically see it. It's not until chapter four that Malvolio is finally alone and really starts to shine through-- and boy does he shine. He has a chance to show how he really is, which isn't entirely a likeable character but I know he was built up that way. Chapter six, while a little confusing, is really interesting and action-packed. Outside of Maya's POV it's my favorite. The set-up for your form wasn't always the best, the history for example didn't seem to fit at first because it wasn't revealed yet quite how he [the character] fit with it and the sections you made of the other characters speaking about him contained story elements that were yet to be revealed, which caused some confusion and took impact away from their reveal in the actual text. Honestly, even though you didn't seem to have the time to tie up all the loose ends, I don't feel like it hurts too terribly for it. What you have really shines. It was unique-- not at all what I was expecting from the forms, and that was really refreshing.

•_Alex_
----The art you had was fantastic! What of it that wasn't fullbody was story/scene related and fit so seamlessly with your story. I love how it threw me straight into [what to the reader feels like] a mystery, and left me trying to piece it together as I made my way through the form. The character himself not knowing exactly what was going on was a great way to handle it, as I was able to learn as he did. It was a nice way to use that particular literary device. The way you describe his feelings the moment he began to realize he was a living being was really fantastic. I can really sympathize with the character. The parts that lead to Ruth was a fairly smooth transition, and the second part with Ruth shows his personality very well. The interlude in the form of a prophecy was really, for lack of a better word, just really cool. It's fascinating, with parallels to real life and literary themes. It's easy to sympathize with the character's plight. And the reactions of the character are really believable considering his personality. There were parts of your form that felt a little off and were significantly slower than the rest of the story. The earlier parts of the form are so fast and exciting, which is really the only reason the flow seems off. Of course it leaves things kind of up to interpretation in the end-- ah the almighty cliffhanger, my old nemesis. It feels like you may have run out of time as well, but still it all really holds up well. If I'm being honest, it's one of my favorite forms on a personal level. There's a lot of development, and I just personally really love the character and the form in general.


Each form in this section will receive an RU for a prize! Details for each will be found below;

•Zeve
----There were several pieces of art, and I did like them quite a lot. To be honest, Catalina is probably the most all-around [consistently] built character. She is very well built. Other than growing bored of hunting death down though, she doesn't seem to change over the centuries that she's lived. Which is the only real problem with your form, it takes suspending a bit of belief to believe that she wouldn't change more in that time especially after losing her family. And the plot overview wasn't so much a plot overview as a section for part of the plot you hadn't found quite the right place to add in yet. However, there were so many things that were just so fantastic about your form. I loved the premise of challenging death itself. Her reckless abandon and willingness to risk life and limb is wild and creative for a female character in the time period your story alludes to. Some of your lines really shined, and I really liked your writing style in general. My favorite line was “The ultimate beauty for the Duende was found in those who danced with death and placed their souls on the line.” I felt it just showed so much of the character in a singular sentence, it showed how she viewed the world and in a way how she viewed herself. Honestly one of my favorite details of the form was her view of her curse, and how you would assume with her reckless and arrogant nature that it seems odd she would view eternal life as a curse, until you're given the reason later as to why she viewed it to begin with as a curse. It was really thought out. Well, perhaps it's tied as my favorite element of the story with her side of the story. I loved just how different it was than than first version we were told. And I love that we aren't really left knowing any kind of unbiased opinion either. We hear two sides, but who's to say either of them are completely honest views? I also really enjoyed the parts with Rugar. So much of your form was really interesting, if a little spread out with different storylines. I'm really fond of the stories and ideas you had. I really would have liked to see where you would take Catalina next, even thought you didn't take the win I still think your character/ideas were fantastic!
-Please PM Mint Chip for your RU at your earliest convenience (if you intend to take it) with the information below;
---One of the following event rare traits (butterfly tufts/ finned mane/ ice mane/ mermaid tail/ mist mane) and any rare trait (compatible with your chosen event rare trait)

•ratatouille.
----I also really liked your art too. It was of a very nice quality. The legend/origin is really fascinating. I love how you described the character coming into being. It's a twist on a well-loved type of tale-- an all-mighty and benevolent creator. However, the loss of balance (of light and dark) being the god's downfall was what made it quite unique. It plays on the trope that "light cannot exist without darkness" and yet, having the darkness be a part of the creator and not an external force was really well played, my friend. The fact that the character is born for the god's darkness, hidden away under the Earth's surface, is poetic in nature and well thought out. It gives the tale a fresh spin. [The character] being the embodiment of malice and bitterness, sequestered away in the Earth's crust, is just a captivating idea/tale in general. Definitely my favorite parts of the form. I really just liked the whole idea. And I love how you took the time to describe the events pf his life when he is reborn again. It all left me wanting more. The imagery your writing gave me was really great too. The way you write kept me so engaged in the tale. There's a lot of character growth throughout the tale, not all of it seems to match up all the time but it's pretty much all fantastic. The character development/building really sells your form and makes him feel believable, even though his tale is really fantastic in nature. It seemed like their were parts of the form where your writing indicated you wanted the reader to sympathize with the character after he's reborn specifically, and yet other parts of the form where it seemed you didn't want us to have any sympathy for him and his actions or like him-- which is just a little confusing. In truth, I loved the legend part of your story a bit more than the rest (in terms of straight narrative) however, the rest of the tale shows more of a well-rounded character. The way your write is really nice, and I lvoe the way you describe things throughout the form. Overall, I really liked what I read in your form. Your writing style, skill, and the development is top notch.
-Please PM Mint Chip for your RU at your earliest convenience (if you intend to take it) with the information below;
---One of the following event rare traits (angel/ monster horns/ butterfly tufts/ finned mane/ mermaid tail/ any elemental ears), any (compatible) roaming event trait of your choosing, and any rare trait (compatiblewith your chosen event rare and roaming traits)

And finally, our winner!;

•~Teya~
----Ok, first of all, I couldn't have been more impressed by your art. You obviously put a lot of time, energy, and thought into it. So much of it was illustrations for your story, and it all worked so seamlessly together with the stories. You set the first scene really well, the entire opening sequence is really intriguing. Its very interesting to see what is said of the legend of Hok’ee-- or as the townspeople know him as Kajika. You used quite a bit of time to set up the scene before actually revealing Hok’ee, however your form is long enough that it doesn't take up any kind of majority. I feel like, comparison wise, it was ok to take the time you did in the prologue. After that, we jump straight into the first chapter. You showed a lot of the character's motivations and personality pretty early on, it was a smart decision. There is some mystery to his past and character thought that keeps you wondering until it's revealed later, he seems so open with Harmosa though that it feels odd that he wants to hide things about his past-- I can attribute that I think to the pain he feels over it all. It was a nice way to set it up all in all though. And I loved the little detail that he didn't know his own legend. It made sense, considering his lack of reaction with other viscets, it was realistic and frankly really cute to add. As I continued on, I continued to learn new things about his characterization and motivations. This was a very character-centered form, and it was done well. The story started out really excited, and then seemed to fade into almost slice-of-life territory. However, this seemed to be there to build character and deceive the reader into comfort, as it hides some serious themes about the plights of others, and some serious discussions over right and wrong (and seeing from other's perspectives) And, of course, of acceptance. The story was really deep, and well done. It does go back into action, but honestly the more serious (quieter?) parts were really the most gripping parts of the form-- and to really pull that off speaks volumes of your developing skills in storytelling. The ending is really sweet, and a nice way to wrap up the story. There are a few small issues with your form, but overall it is a really solid form. And it was most definitely impressive. I have a feeling there will be a lot more in store for little Hok’ee, and I can't wait to see where you take him next!

As a final note, I want to give a shout-out to both Grifforik and Humerussin! You guys should still get props for making it to the qualifying round. I couldn't really give y'all HM's because I couldn't see your work (as you both un-linked and/or deleted your forms when you dropped out) but I still think you guys need a shout out for qualifying to begin with! While I didn't have a chance to read your forms before they were taken down, I'm sure they were both fantastic!

[Abraxis]

Congratulations ~Teya~! I hope to have a winged babe like this one dayyyyyy, luckyyyyyyyyy

[~Teya~]

OH.
MY.
GOD.

I.. I don't even know what to say. I'm seriously shaking right now, I can't believe it. I actually won. WHAT?!!!! Nothing like this has ever really happened to me before. For once I feel that my writing and art has paid off in a big way -- winning a legendary.
And can I just say for the record -- without Mint, who PMed me when this competition opened when I said something along the lines of "I wish I could enter, but I already got a legendary this year" she was nice enough to inform me that "batch legendary's" don't count. That is the moment my mind started to race. My other winged bab, Harmosa, was a blank slate, I could develop her, and Hok'ee at the same time! And gosh, is Hok'ee a true beauty. Wow. I'm just so happy you guys ;-;
I'd also like to thank my friends -- Winchester, Prince Audric, and sky's wing, who all told me I could win, even when I constantly half joked that I never had a chance against all of these extremely talented writers. As well as Macyduke, who gave me some core ideas I used in the finished form. <3
But who I have to thank the most is Ranger of the North -- who read through my entire form and gave me a ton of advice and corrected my newby grammar mistakes, they truly helped me refine the story, and took the time to do that! They are just awesome! Thank you <33

Ahh and I'd just like to mention the other forms as well -- a few of them really got my heart pumping and nervous about who was going to win, I loved them all ! The art that went along with some of them was soo good, all of the stories you guys came up with were different, but all shone through in their special way! Congrats to those with HMs and RUs as well, I'm so glad you got a RU, ratatouille, your form was definitely my favorite!

EEEK! I cannot WAIT to continue developing Hok'ee in his adventures with Harmosa! I promise I will love and cherish him with all my heart! <3

Smol edit: and btw everyone, if you don't want me to use your art, please tell me, thanks guys!! <3

[Gadgetrocks]

Congrats ~Teya~! I really loved your form and the art you included, congrats to everyone on their stubs and RU's also!

[tiny little box]

Honestly I kinda figured.Great job my dood ^^.Go ahead and keep all the art.I would love to offer all my babes anyway teya.Thank you guys so much

[G1 Sunstreaker]

Congratulations, Teya! You form really did shine amongst the group, you certainly deserved your win <3 Thank you for the stubs, Strudel. Enjoy your ptero boy!

[gp5]

I’m currently on mobile, and half frozen, so typing this will be hard. But I’ll have to do it before it forget lmao! x300 Congratulations to Teya! Your form was amazing and all the art you made defiently paid off, I couldn’t read all of it but from the glimpses I read it was really amazing! I’m really happy you won, I’m sure he’ll be loved and kept after. Congratulations to the honorable mentions and zeve! All of your guys’s forms were spectacular and the work was really great to see.
This competition was really hard, but I’m glad I got the opportunity to enter. <3 So once again, congrats everyone, especially Teya. Feel free to use my art, but please credit both me and grifforik. :0) AND thank you for the ru! I’m glad my work paid off ^^//

[Abraxis]

Sorry.

[Zeve]

Congrats teya! you had a great form and i'm not surprised you won~ everyone else did really great too and it was an awesome competition! I also really appreciate the feedback and hope to make improvements and snag first place for whatever legendary contest i decide to try out on next time <3 so i'll be back! but i'm honored to be a RU~