[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/NMdDQNZ.png[/img][/center]
[center]artwork contributed by [@AeonUmbra][/center]

[center]Welcome back to RPGC! This month's theme should be a fun one. Now I promised myself I'd keep this brief, so let me just highlight a few new features we're trying out. First and foremost, we're going to really emphasize [b]hard deadlines[/b] this time around -- that's good for multiple contests, sure, but it's also good writing practice, so don't expect any mercy (but if you have, like, absurdly extreme exigent circumstances, you can get in touch with me and we might work something out). Second, pay special attention in the rules, as we're field-testing [b]changes to anonymity.[/b] If it works it works -- if not, we'll put that back on the shelf. Last -- and you won't really see much of this one, but behind the scenes, [@RomanAria] is going to be tackling most of the admin work, so make sure you say thanks!

Have any other ideas for new stuff? Drop by [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/76080-rpgc-feedback-thread/ooc]our feedback thread[/url] and let us know.[/center]

[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/sXWaPhT.png[/img][/center]
[center][h3][b]Prompt:[/b][/h3] [b]POWER[/b] takes many forms. Superheroes, presidents, relationships, even doctors with the [b]POWER[/b] over life and death. For this contest, write an entry which examines [b]POWER[/b] in any context.[/center]

[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/MVogVrA.png[/img][/center]
[list]
[*] [i]People's Choice[/i] - The main prize goes to the winner of the popular vote. Depending on participation, runners-up may get prizes as well.
[*] [i]Staff Picks[/i] - RPGC staff each select winners from the bonus categories[/list]

[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/cDGLnTC.png[/img][/center]

These optional categories will be tied to special staff pick awards (of the same name) handed out for this month, so take on one (or more!) of the challenges if you want a chance to win another prize!

[hider=What Are Bonus Categories?]Bonus Categories are optional endeavors that add another level of challenge to the contest. You may tackle as many (or as few) as you like in your entry. At the end of the contest, the judges will select winners in each category, separately from the popular vote. [i]Bonus Challenges are [b]not[/b] required to be eligible for the main prize[/i]. 

Why Bonus Categories? Because they're fun, challenging, and who doesn't like more prizes?[/hider]
[list][*] Captain Planet -- Earth! Fire! Wind! Water! Heart! And any other elemental or natural power.

[*]King of the Hill -- Rising to power means conquering any challengers that stand in your way to reach the top. RISE!

[*]Batteries Not Included -- The central conflict revolves around keeping (or restoring) power to a device/area.

[*]Black Turtles in the Void -- In the unknown, the deep places of the earth and beyond, resides a great power to which mankind has been blind. [/list]


[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/BxKB8lK.png[/img][/center]
[list]
[*] Follow all [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/75336-rpgc-rules-principles-general-contacts/ooc]general contest rules.[/url]
[*] Send your entry to [@RomanAria] with [b]the title of your entry in the subject line[/b] by [b]the end of May 17th[/b]
[*] [b]One entry per contestant[/b]
[*] Be sure to mention any bonus categories you're hoping to win -- we'll consider everyone for everything, but it can't hurt to remind us!
[*][b]We are trying a new policy! If you would like your entry to be posted [u]ANONYMOUSLY[/u], please mention this in your PM![/b] We are going to see if allowing 'nonymous' entries adds to the discussion. 
[*] All entries will be posted on [b]the end of May 17th[/b], after which everyone can read, discuss, and of course vote for a winner![/list]

[hider=brought to you by]This month's contest is brought to you by [@RoflsMazoy], [@RomanAria], [@Darcs], and the letter A. Would you like to join our team? You can sign up [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/76077-get-involved/ooc]here,[/url], and pitch in for a round or two, or as long as you like. Also please note our fantastic artwork, provided by [@AeonUmbra] -- loads of gratitude for making our thread look spiffy and possibly dangerous!

Last but not least, a special thank-you to [@Terminal] for their initiative on 'The Twelve Labors.' We'll keep you posted on developments in that contest, which should be producing winners in a few days here, but make sure you check them out, if you haven't yet.[/hider]


[center][h3]Remember:[/h3] send entries to [@RomanAria] by [b]May 17th[/b], and [b]let us know if you want to stay anonymous![/b][/center]