[b]Voting is now closed![/b]

This was a low-volume contest, but certainly not a weak one -- contained here are some of my favorite RPGC entries of all time, and I get the feeling they'll stand up for a long time that way. These were INCREDIBLE, and if you haven't read them yet, you really should -- top to bottom, great job, and that's coming from the heart. 

Because of the low volume, and the new thing we tried with bonuses that didn't really pan out, the trophies for this contest are gonna work a little different. Luckily, we do have a clear-cut winner of the open vote, so that part's normal, but in this weird instance, both runners-up are sorta self-awarding, and I feel like the Fonz-er move is to advance the 'second place'-ish trophy to the consensus staff-pick, because that was unanimous. So, without further ado:

[h2]Winner: 'Damocles' by [@Keyguyperson]![/h2]

I've probably said enough about how good this was by now, but let's say it again for good measure -- a total picture of mankind's truest nightmare, and a chilling one at that. 

[h2]Staff Choice: 'The Elevator' by [@WiseDragonGirl]![/h2]

This simple narrative was optimistic and very well-written, and creatively subversive on the "Fear" theme. We simply love it.

[h3]Runners-up[/h3]

'Kitsune' by [@dedonus]. Does a lot of things very right, and showcases some clear development as a writer. You're on the right track, [@deadonus]!

'The Trees' by [@mdk]. I guess I'd call it a supremely dark look through the eyes of a child, and reviewers agree it was chilling, if a little confusing at times. 

[h2]And Remember![/h2]

The Fifth Labor is coming tonight! [@Terminal]'s contest is absolutely fantastic -- if you haven't checked it out yet, you're doing it wrong! Find the conversation thread [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/79560-the-twelve-labours-general-discussion/ooc?page=14#post-3078122]here[/url] and stand by for another chapter in the running challenge.

[h3]LOOKING AHEAD[/h3]

Next month is November, and November is [url=http://nanowrimo.org/]National Novel Writing Month![/url] I absolutely swear by this marathon writing challenge. RPGC is scheming to incorporate NaNoWriMo participants into our prize pool. You should totally give it a try -- but whether you choose to NaNo or not, we'll have another RPGC coming in November.

Congratulations to all, and thanks!