Campfire in the Catacombs (Storytelling Contest)

[barnowl42]

Kat, I feel your pain--I have no earthly idea what TNT is looking for in starters. The only pattern I've noticed, if it even is a pattern, is that the accepted starters seem to be very basic/straightforward, so that they're open to a lot of interpretation by following writers. But even that doesn't always hold true. I essentially just approach the storytelling contest in a very different way than I do my other writing: I write something up relatively quickly and throw it out there, and see what sticks. Since TNT is so fickle in what they select, I don't spend a lot of time on editing... which sometimes comes back to bite me, admittedly.

Also, I notice that they did finally notice that Koya's name was misspelled, and fixed it! I'm kind of amused.

[Kat]

I made a comment in my entry (never mind that it didn't get in) about Koya's name so hopefully Stone saw that?

So it looks like I do in fact try too hard to get a starter in ALJFLASJDFL

[RielCZ]

Darn, I failed my attempt to turn this story dark.

SPOILER: Click to show

...The Seer shrieked. "What is this? What have you DONE to me!?" She gestured wildly to the now budded flower sprouted from her knee.

Foley softly turned their gaze and, with an odd calmness, ever so slightly faced the Moehog. "I did nothing to you. This was entirely your fault." They turned to face the Seer even more, the Yurble's emotions intensifying. "I told you nicely to back off. That I had flowers that needed my attention. That I didn't WANT to be a STUPID DEFENDER!" They were enraged now, and the Seer couldn't help but cower. "But you did not abide by my wishes! It is MY decision, not YOURS, and I said NO!"

"I'm sorry!" the Moehog squeaked a reply, practically cowering as a heavy silence permeated the air for what seemed like a minute. "Can you... can you fix me?" the Seer inquired sheepishly, breaking it.

A dark demeanour spread over the Yurble. "Oh, I'll fix you alright."

With a quick strut and deft motion, they picked up their watering can and threw its contents all over the Seer. Immediately, stalks, leaves, buds, and flowers started growing all over her body.

Foley looked down at the squealing Moehog with a look of pity. "You busybodies all get what you deserve... you will ALL get what you deserve."

Yes... soon, the flowers would completely consume that nosy Neopet. And then the Seer would become just another patch of flowers in Foley's garden.

***

Foley just finished a new batch of her growth formula. A large batch. The biggest batch they had ever made.

They loaded multiple squirt guns and water balloons with the liquid. They were ready.

Soon, all the Defenders would have nice places in their flower garden...

I realized only after I wrote it that it had shades of Grim Fandango.

[June Scarlet]

Just what is going on in that Storytelling Contest of yours?!

[RielCZ]

I tried to introduce a plot twist wherein the MC will become the nemesis of the Defenders. You know, standard villain origin story.

In the story itself though, the Seer is trying to convince Foley to join the Defenders as their new healer. And Foley doesn't seem at all inclined.

[Rabbit ♠]

Shout out to Riel and Kat winning the STC! I really love both parts. Riel did an awesome start and Kat with a perfect follow up. Time to make this story as queer as possible.

Meanwhile, here's my addition that I'm hoping will get in.

SPOILER: Click to show

I felt my heart sink deep into my stomach. I never thought I would hear those words from Maxyn. Maxyn, my best friend, who shared the same passion as I.

"W-what? Why?" I squeaked. "We spent years playing together, you'd be perfect for the team, I thought you'd want to join!"

"It's not that I don't want to join, little buddy," Maxyn said solomnly. He kneeled down to my level. "I've been working. Working a lot. I can't afford to take off to join the team."

I tilted my head. "I didn't know you were working."

"Because I haven't had the time to tell you. Strange potions are expensive and while my family chipped in, it put a huge dent in our savings." Maxyn's ears drooped. "My dads were willing to help me. The least I could do is pay them back."

I sighed. As disappointed as I was, Maxyn's motives were noble. Those he cared about, he cared about deeply, be it me, his dads, or any of his friends. It was one of the reasons we were so close. Whenever I felt like the world was against me, he was there to help me, support me.

A fire burned in my heart. If Maxyn was always there to support me, I was going to be there to support him.

I hopped up. "Hey, if I were able to get you some Neopoints to tide your family over, would you be able to join?"

Maxyn laughed. "That's quite a big thing to do, little buddy." He patted my head. "Though if anybody could do it, it'd be you."

I eagerly nodded. "I know just who to ask, Maxyn. You can believe in me."

***

Starberry Pectin and Honeydew Sweets. Daughters of two of the most wealthy families in Jelly World. Their families were very strict and traditional, though neither of the two shared those views. In fact, the families hated them hanging out together. Star-crossed lovers, I heard the two describe themselves. As much as their family tried to keep them apart, they always found a way to spend time together.

Their sheer determination made them both perfect to my team alone. Not to mention Starberry was as quick as can be, her reflexes stronger and faster than any Noil or Taigir. Honeydew was the smartest Neopet I know, able to think on her feet and change plans at a moment's notice. The two made an amazing pair and worked together so perfectly.

Starberry's and Honeydew's current hangout spot was by the Giant Jelly. As much of an attraction as the Giant Jelly was, neither of their families would think to look for them there. And sure enough, when I went to check, the two of them were there in the middle of a picnic.

Before I could debate on whether or not I should interrupt the two, Starberry noticed me. The Aisha waved to me and motioned me to come over.

"Mel, it's been a while!" Starberry cheered. "Sorry Hon or I have been able to stop by. We've been busy with our families."

"Or avoiding our families," Honeydew added. The Zafara chuckled to herself. She looked over to me. "What are you up to, Mel? You look like you have something to say."

"That! Is because I do." I cheered as I bounced on the jelly ground. "I am getting a Jelly World Yooyuball team together! You two would be perfect for the team."

Starberry hopped up. "You're actually doing this? Is Maxyn in on the gig?"

My confidence waned slightly. "He would like to be, but he has to work to help his family." I gave a nervous smile. "He and I sort of kind of maybe made a deal that if I were to get the money to support his family for a bit, he would join in. I was hoping maybe you two could help with that."

"Oh, we would love to join in."

"And if we could get Maxyn to join, that'd be all the better," Honeydew added. "There's just one problem with that. I highly doubt our families would be on board..."

[Gelquie]

I really hope this trend continues and this AC-themed STC doubles as a Pride Parade.

(Good luck, Rabbit!)

[Rabbit ♠]

So for the first time, I wrote something for the ending of the STC all on my own...

...and I didn't get in.

Anyway, I said I'd post it here if it didn't get in so here it is.

SPOILER: Click to show

"...the real reason Jelly World was banned."

My eyes grew wide. I looked at Maxyn. He was just as shocke as I was. Then I looked at Starberry, Honeydew, Ashton, who were all surprised as well. Then I looked at my dad. Instead of looking shocked, he looked... nervous? Ashamed? Did he know?

"Why was Jelly World banned?" I asked.

"A controversy relating to one of the players," Hovri said. He turned the page. "One of the players transitioned via a Strange Potion and they were thus banned from playing. The rest of the Jelly World team created such a stir, the entire team was banned with him." The red Grarrl squinted at the page. "An individual with the last name Flanigan."

Flanigan. But that was...

I looked up at my dad. Whatever emotion was on his face a moment before was amplified by ten times now. He looked down at me and gave a sheepish smile.

"Yes... that would be me," my dad said.

"B-but dad," I stammered out, "why didn't you tell me? I didn't even know you were trans!"

"I know and I wish I told you sooner, Marmelade. I wanted to tell you when you were young, I wanted to tell you when you first came out to me, I wanted to tell you when you told me you were building your team." My dad placed a paw on my shoulder. "It's not that I'm ashamed of being transgender; I'm proud of who I am now, prouder than I ever was before I transitioned. I just knew you were going to ask about how I came out. I came out at a press conference relating to the Altador Cup. Shortly after that, I was banned. Then the team was banned." His ears drooped. "I just worried you were going to blame me for the reason we no longer had a team."

The moment he finished talking, I grabbed my dad and held him in a tight hug. After a moment of shock, he held me back. Then Maxyn hugged us both. Then Ashton. Starberry. Then Honeydew.

"I never would have blamed you for this," I reassured. "I'm so proud of you, dad."

"I'm so proud of you, too, Mel." He playfully shook my head. "As I've said, I'm proud to live as a trans man. That being said, I do regret the chaos my team and I caused while fighting back against the decision." He let out a nervous laugh. "The amount of chaos we and our fans caused was ridiculous."

"But chaos like that is why we're able to live how we do now!" Honeydew chimed in. "We still have to fight, but the reason we're visible now is because of Neopets like you!"

"I suppose that is true." My dad looked back at Mungo. "I think you attended one of our protests, didn't you?"

Mungo let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, I remember that protest! Pretty sure I hoisted you up on my shoulders as we chanted."

"This is all sweet and all, but rules are still rules," Palia interrupted. "In your application, it is stated that Marmelade Flanigan is nonbinary and Maxyn Gell is transgender." The Xweetok looked over to Maxyn and I. "Have either of you transitioned using Strange Potions?"

I saw Maxyn open his mouth. Before he could say anything, I stomped my foot as hard as I could.

"First of all, it is incredibly rude to ask that!" I snapped. "Everybody transitions differently, but it doesn't make anybody less than a man, woman, or anything! Second, it's been proven time and time again that Strange Potions don't give anybody an advantage or disadvantage. Thirdly-"

"Mel, Mel! It's okay," Maxyn said calmly. "You don't need to yell, it's okay."

"It's not okay!" I motioned to Honeydew. "You heard what Honeydew said! The reason why we can live how we do now is because those before us speak out. If we want to make a change, we have to fight too!"

"I don't want to hold any of you back from playing-"

"Team Rainbow Jelly sticks together," Starberry interrupted.

"No matter what we identify as," Honeydew continued, throwing an arm around Starberry.

"No matter what anybody says," Ashton finished.

"And we will make a change." I turned back to Palia. "If you don't believe us, let us prove to you that we're just as valid as any other team. Put us in the Altador Cup. We're just like every other team on the field."

Mungo leaned over to Palia. "What Mel is saying here is true. I can show you papers on the effects of Strange Potions."

"And it would be lovely to see some fresh new faces on the field," Hovri added.

Palia seemed to ponder about what we were all saying. My team and I held our breath, the silence freezing us solid.

"Well," she began, "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to let them in for the season to try."

With those words, the entire room erupted into cheers. My dad. Mungo. Hovri. But nobody cheered louder than Team Jelly. Between the four of us, we hoisted Maxyn into the air and carried him out, ready to share the good news with anybody who would listen.

"Make sure to say hi to all the teams while you're here!" Mungo called out as we left.

Yet Mungo needed not to say that. That was exactly what we were planning. Rainbow Jelly was here and we were going to be loud and proud.

***

It was finally time. The day was here. The day I have been waiting for ever since I was a child. The first day of the Altador Cup. And Rainbow Jelly was ready to play.

"Alright everybody, here comes the teams!" Tobias called out to the crowd. "Here comes the team that calls their land home. It's Team Sunset of Altador!"

The crowd went wild as Team Altador made its way to the field. They waved and blew kisses and did poses for the fans. I was always excited to see the teams walk out onto the field when the games were about to start, but it was so surreal to actually see it in person.

"And presenting a new team to the Altador Cup roster," Hovri began, suspense deep in his voice, "presenting, Team Rainbow Jelly of Jelly World!"

If I thought the cheers for Team Altador were loud, the cheers for Rainbow Jelly were deafening. The five of us walked out proudly onto the field, bouncing and waving with glee. Neopets were waving banners, throwing up balloons, shaking rainbow pompoms. It was amazing. Never before would I have thought this would be real.

"Team Rainbow Jelly is made up exclusively of LGBTQ members," Hovri went on. "The first team to ever be part of the Altador Cup. My husband will be talking my ear off about this when we get home."

Tobias playfully punched Hovri in the arm. "Even if I do go on about it at home, I know you will be too."

"Hey, we didn't have teams like this when we were their age. We had nobody to look up to. Now queer Neopets at home may see themselves in this team."

Now that everybody was on the field, we all got into position. Ashton took up his spot at the goalpost, standing readily with a confident smile on his face. Honeydew stood in the middle of the field with Starberry a good distance in front of her. Starberry looked back at Honeydew and blew her a kiss, making Honeydew blush. I took up the front with Starberry. Once in position, I looked back at Maxyn. He looked just as excited as me, if not moreso. Taking a note from Starberry, I blew Maxyn a kiss. Maxyn playfully rolled his eyes and cheekily grinned at me. Then I looked back at the sidelines. My dad was there. He was wearing the most rainbows I've ever seen on anybody. On top of his already eye catching outfit, he was trying to wave five different pride flags all at once, and failing miserably. The site made me laugh, yet it was sweet he wanted to show off all the team's flags.

We were here. We were at the Altador Cup. If young, closeted Marmelade could see me now, they would never believe me. I didn't know how well we would do this year. First, last, it didn't matter to me. I was here, I was in this moment. We were here, and we were going to make history. And most importantly, I was going to make my Dad proud. I am proud of all we accomplished. Together.

"Alright, everybody!"

A platform in the middle of the field rose up. A yooyu waved towards the crowd and teams before curling up into a ball.

"Ready! Set! Game on!"

[Stephanie (swordlilly)]

I sent in a starter.

SPOILER: Click to show

The lines at the Slushie stand seemed never-ending. Cheryl Shelly the red Tuskaninny slid from machine to customer, customer to machine, endlessly: zeenana slush, jumbleberry slush, chokato, green pink blue pink green blue blue.

Sometimes, when she was hours into her shift, it seemed to her as if all the customers who came were just three individuals, copied over and over. One roaring impatiently, with green slits for eyes and a very wide mouth. One frowning, purple and disgruntled, puffing. And one pink-fisted, moving forward demanding, demanding.

Cheryl served them all with the plastic smile she'd been taught to paste on her face. Her hands were sticky with the slush that inevitably spilled from time to time, and she washed them during the breaks that never seemed long enough. The ache in her arms and waist was always worst at the start, but after enough time had passed she no longer felt it. Same with the scent of the fruit and the whir of the machines - annoying at first, but finally just a constant in the atmosphere, a hum, barely perceptible.

When would the shift end? Her eyes drifted upward. Why was there a change in the air? The hum was receding. There was a beeping sound.

Cheryl woke to find that she was in her bed. Her shift hadn't even started yet for the day. She'd slept seven hours, but not deeply, and even in her sleep she'd dreamed of working. She looked at the clock on her bedside table through dry, red eyes, and felt like crying. But there was no time. Hoisting her tired body onto the hot wooden floor, she entered the bathroom to splash cold water on her face. And as she looked into the mirror, she saw...

Update: Aaand I didn't get in, but that's okay because I have an idea to develop this into my own story for the NT.

Congrats Rabbit!!

[RielCZ]

Eep, missed too much here lately... real life obligations and the AC are together hitting me too hard.

Huge congrats to everyone that got in last story! It was my first beginning in a long time, and the writers made my -- and Mostly Harmless (flufflepuff) 's (who inspired me to write the beginning, for last year's AC) and undoubtedly a few others' -- dream of a pride-themed AC story a reality.  Feel PROUD of your collective accomplishments. /BRICK'D Rabbit ♠ , I really loved your ending.

And then (collabing with Rabbit), I have two beginnings in a row, what is this madness. Anyway, Rabbit approached me and said we should do the standard YYB mystery story... with a twist. (The "YYBs are missing D:" story is so common at AC time that it is basically a cliche or trope at this point heh. See weeks 657, 732, 881, and 917.) So I had the idea to make it the players who are missing and the Yooyus team up to find the players, and we took it from there. I liked your addition barnowl42 . Good luck this STC, everyone!

[Stephanie (swordlilly)]

I enjoyed reading the pride story! I briefly considered entering it, but decided that due to the limited number of spots, since I am just an ally I should try to give space to those who need it more.

That said, if there's genuinely a shortage of entries for any spot, I can definitely try to contribute! It's just hard to tell, when a contest updates late, if it's due to a real shortage of entries or if the judge just hasn't gotten around to reading everyone's entries yet.

[RielCZ]

From the latest Editorial:

Hi! i have some friends wondering about storytelling acceptance criteria so i wanted to ask a few questions here! 1. is there any criteria for "how long until recent winners are picked again? 2. What makes an entry of an "acceptable quality?" in terms of writing? 3. To what extent do all entries get read? is it more of a competition of quality, or just 'picking an entry that seems good'? Thanks for your response ~zackattackplayspkmn

Hello! Happy to answer! Answer for #1 - How long until recent winners are picked again?

Usually, someone cannot be picked for the STC twice in one story. However, sometimes we do not get enough entries, so if people who have already won that week have entered again and there are no new ones that are an “acceptable quality,” they may have a chance at winning twice or more for that story.

Answer for #2 - What makes an entry of an "acceptable quality?" in terms of writing?

This could mean many things, so apologies if this answer isn’t quite what you were looking for. But the main criteria for an entry to be considered via the writing is:

It is at least a paragraph or two long (although if it is very short and there are longer entries, then the chances of that one getting picked can be low)

It is not too long (we love to see long entries but if you send in a novella we can’t realistically take the time to read the whole thing)

It is, for the most part, well written (meaning it does not have a whole lot of spelling and grammar mistakes, a few are fine, though writing can be hard!)

It, for the most part, stays on topic. (This doesn’t mean you can’t make wild plot twists like aliens coming, but if you divert from the main storyline and character personalities too drastically, this will most likely hinder your chances of being picked)

Answer for #3 - To what extent do all entries get read? Is it more of a competition of quality, or just 'picking an entry that seems good'?

At the moment, all entries get read if possible! Sometimes we get a lot of entries, but we do our best to sort through them! This is indeed a competition, so if we see an entry that, for example, pulls together all the other entries really well, like they have caught details that were said in an earlier entry and bring it back in an interesting way or tie up a loose end that may have been dragging they will stand a much higher chance of being chosen because that is great storytelling!

I hope this helped! Please feel free to send in more editorial questions about this if need be! We look forward to seeing everyone’s entries! /gen ~~Stone

The answer to question 1 troubles me the most heh. I think I'll need to send an editorial question asking if the win limit could be officially raised back to 1/week (rather than 1/contest) for a total of twice per contest.


On the topic of this, my submission for today's slot didn't place. Because the plot is moving pretty slowly (I'd hoped they'd have reached the Fanatic's Mansion by now ), most of my plot points were still relevant and I was planning to revise and resubmit... but given Stone's answer, now I'm not sure. Anyway, I quite enjoyed the zaniness of my part and thought I'd just share it here anyway.

SPOILER: Click to show

***

"I swear I could have thought of a better solution than this," muttered Cuckoo as they carefully rolled and waddled through the corridors, occasionally checking the map given to them by Hyde. It was good the clockwork Yooyu was heavy and could bear the weight of the others.

"Who made Sheryl the top, anyway?" Flame, who was delicately balanced on top of Cuckoo, huffed through gritted teeth.

"Ace," beamed Sheryl. "And it's because I'm the prettiest and least likely to scare 'other' Neopets, in case you were wondering. Thank you Aceyyyy--"

"It was because you are the lightest. And don't call me Acey," complained Ace, who was two below the faerie Yooyu.

"How about Stacey?" she asked, batting her eyelashes.

Ace groaned. "That is NOT better!"

Hyde, directly below Ace, had to snicker at that. Together, Ace and Hyde kept fire and ice relatively apart.

Six Yooyus in a stack, carefully hidden by a long trench coat that Hyde had seemingly pulled from nowhere, exited the stadium.

"Those Neopets will be none the wiser!" exclaimed Sheryl with a grin as the sunshine over Altador hit them.

"Only if they have a wisdom of -5," Frostflake quipped from directly below her.

Ace nodded approvingly. He didn't really know much about the snow Yooyu when they started, but it certainly seemed like Frostflake was an icy cool dude able to pull his weight in snow; though physically slow moving, he was funny with a fast wit, especially when the snowball got rolling.

And Hyde... admittedly, Ace had hitherto avoided him. The normal Yooyu realized now that that had been prejudice; the mutant Yooyu not only had the trench coat, but also had the map to the Techo Fanatic's museum. "I found it left behind on some bleachers one day, and I decided I wanted it," Hyde said, pointing to the Techo's big face on the paper. The mutant Yooyu was resourceful and had a big heart, though he somewhat scary-looking, mischievous (though certainly nowhere near Sheryl), and prone to collecting things (which could be good or bad).

Thankfully, Cuckoo could read, and read directions at that. And when they occasionally took a wrong turn, Ace could use some of his knowledge -- accrued from having been out around Altador before, on tour with the Altador Cup Committee to promote the beautiful game -- to help them spot landmarks that could get them back on track. And when they accidentally knocked over the cart of a Skeith selling Altadorian street food, Flame and Frostflake opened the trench coat exposing them all; the Skeith fainted from shock and they got free food -- win-win as far as the Yooyus were concerned.

The six successfully reached the museum, which was on the outskirts of the city limits, nestled right beside the aqueduct.

"Oooooh," the Yooyus marvelled in chorus, for it really was a building of grand splendour. Marble columns. A beautiful garden with Elephante-shaped shrubs. A fountain of a Christmas Zafara with water coming out of its--

"No wonder the Fanatic can afford to come to every game day, he's loaded!" exclaimed Frostflake.

"We'll have to sneak past the guards," Flame conjectured. "And I have just the idea." Cackling, she reached out of the coat and lit one of shrubs on fire, which quickly spread to a few more shrubs.

Ace sighed at the shenanigans as Cuckoo mad-dashed their stack out of there... and where was a water Yooyu when you needed one, anyway? But it was no matter, for the fast burning gardens did the trick. The guards were in a panic, and the Yooyus sneaked inside the mansion unopposed.

...Or so they thought, for standing in the foyer was the Fanatic's butler -- the Yurble janitor -- and he did not look happy. He was wearing a chef's hat, he must have been cooking something.

Sheryl put on her cute face. "Whaaat? We're only here to help find the Altador Cup players. In fact, I think we have an an appointment with Mr. Fanatic," she said silkily. "Yurble, we can make it worth your while in... say, tasty drywall?"

Flame sighed and slowly raised the palm of her tentacle to her face.

The janitor's expression remained unamused. "Yooyus? In MY master's chambers?" he seethed.

"It's more common than you think," said Sheryl, which of course just sounded like little chirpy babbles to the Neopet's ears.

At once, the chase was on. "Come 'ere, I gotta get you back in yer pens!" he shouted angrily as he sprung after them through the corridors, mop aggressively wielded.

"Split up!" Ace commanded. "Distract him! And find Mr. Fanatic's office -- we'll reconvene there!"

The Yooyus leapt from the trench coat and started rolling and zipping and flying every which way, knocking down vases and breaking lightbulbs and even lighting fire to a very expensive portrait of King Altador. The janitor tried to catch them, and even swung his mop a few times, but to no avail.

"Have you eaten drywall before?" Cuckoo shouted to Sheryl above the chaos.

"Of course I have," Sheryl replied as she flew into a bookshelf, sending the books tumbling.

Cuckoo practically rolled their eyes. "Of course you have." And then they exploded, sending the janitor (and quite a few collectables) back ten feet.

"In our defense!" Hyde chimed in as he tore through a rare plant, having absorbed nearby Sheryl's power of flight, "The handlers were late with feeding us!"

"Archibald! Archibaaaald!" whined the janitor to his master as Frostflake rolled over his paw and gave it freezer burn. "DO something!"

The Fanatic grumbled and left his office to inspect the damages. And then he gaped. And then he AAAAAAAAA'd, because there was a game of Yooyuball happening in his mansion. IN HIS MANSION. And with almost all the Yooyus in play. SO MANY YOOYUS.

It was his dream come true.

All the Yooyus heard his yell. Ace was the first to follow the noise, and flew inside the office. Sheryl was able to follow closely behind. Then Hyde and Flame, followed by Cuckoo, and finally Frostflake.

"Communicate with him!" Ace urged as he pointed a tentacle at the Techo, who closed the door to protect them from the janitor.

Flame tried first. "OK... where are the players?" She spun around a few times and extended her tentacles, trying to look like she was playing Yooyuball as simultaneously both a player and the ball. "Wheeere?" Her flames leapt and danced as she moved.

The Fanatic seemed to understand. He nodded... but was unable to express a reply in a way the Yooyus could understand. His voice was just too hoarse to convey information after his excited yelling, and his hand gestures weren't sufficient.

"Wait..." trailed Sheryl after it became clear there was still a "language" barrier. "Yes... I've got it!" Immediately, she leapt gracefully into the air and started dancing. Interpretive dancing.

"The movements... so beautiful..." Frostflake trailed as his eyes went wide. All the Yooyus marvelled at the motions -- watching both Sheryl and the Fanatic sway their arms and tentacles and really dance and move about -- and they couldn't help but join in. Flame, at first reluctant, got really into it.

All the Yooyus, except Cuckoo, who was a bit of a wallflower. But this allowed them to observe the group's dance patterns, especially those of the Fanatic's. "Wait..." Cuckoo started, slowly, as their mind whirred. "Wait! I've got it! The Fanatic is saying we should be able to find the players at..."

[Stephanie (swordlilly)]

Jun 16, 2023 17:01:02 GMT -5 RielCZ said:

The answer to question 1 troubles me the most heh. I think I'll need to send an editorial question asking if the win limit could be officially raised back to 1/week (rather than 1/contest) for a total of twice per contest.

I think the larger issue is that they simply don't have as many staff hours to give to this contest as they did before, so it updates only once per day now instead of twice per day. That means fewer opportunities for everyone in total. If you math it out, there are only 52 weeks in a year. At 4 to 5 winners per week it comes down to maybe 240 chances to win in a whole year, give or take. That's not very many chances at all. If you assume there are 20 strong writers who enter frequently, if each writer wins just once a month, that comes out to 240 already. And as far as I can tell there are more than just 20 strong writers on the site.

Honestly, I think if they'd bring back Pet Spotlight and update it every day, that'd free up a lot more space for people who want to have their work featured onsite. The Pet Spotlight is a lot less reading-intensive too in terms of judging. I sent in an editorial question about that but it wasn't answered, so I'll try asking again next-next week I guess.

[RielCZ]

The 1 win/week rule was instituted under Mac when the contests went to the 2-week format. At the time, the limit was deemed a good compromise between letting newer writers have more opportunities without being too limiting to established storytellers who enjoyed entering the competition. Good luck getting your question answered.

As an aside, even if there was the Pet/Petpet spotlight again, I doubt I would enter those contests. Frankly, I'm really bad at coming up with stories/scenes for my pets... probably in the minority amongst the creatives but I see my pets as just my pets, not as story characters. Nevertheless, it would be nice for the contests to come back.

[Gelquie]

A lot of these clarifications were what I already expected. That said, the answer to #1 surprised me. Though it does seem like there's enough leeway that people have gotten in multiple times during a STC anyway. Letter of the law vs spirit of the law, I suppose.
I can see both allowing one per week to allow winning more often and allowing once per week to allow more winners. Dunno if I really have a preference; I just see it both ways.


I meant to talk about the previous STC (941), so I'll do that now. I really loved how the previous STC leaned into Pride. It really showed me how much talking about Pride is allowed on the Neo site. That is a far cry from what the site used to be. While I always worry about stories like these feeling too canned, nevertheless I felt compelled to try to get an entry in. And to be honest, it was really motivating to me on a personal level to do so. I didn't just amp up the crowd up in my entry, I amped up myself.

(STC 941 spoilers)

SPOILER: Click to show

I know the irony of saying that when my entry showcased a transphobic character. (No prize if you can guess who I based them on, though there are still a couple of things that are loose just to fit Neo-canon and the story more.) I didn't want it to be a total strawman beatdown (my idea is to show that I hear and understand them, so it'll hit harder when I tell them to just not,), but I also ended up toning down the transphobia a lot and making it more undercurrent, where she could say "but technically I'm not saying that!!". When you look at her attitude and what she's really getting at for something that would otherwise benefit her, it should be present. At least, I hope that's clear. Other people tell me it is.
But I also didn't want to end it with her. It's Pride, and Pride is a protest. So I wanted to end with a possible lean that way, and I was so glad to see the next entrant carry that energy while still showing logically the next steps. \ o /

(I also liked the rest of the story! (And I loved your ending too, Rabbit. Nice to show the continuing protest while showing the heart of it. <3 )
My main iff for the last entry (which I otherwise liked) is how they redeemed Groling in a sentence. I would've been happy if she was just forgotten and not talked about after that scene, or at the very least, had to earn her redemption. She did not. Though it's probably an accidental allegory to people or companies that decide to be allies after decades of being gay and trans antagonist and without really changing their attitudes or policies. But it's not an allegory I would've given to Groling.
Maybe the author wanted to add a ray of hope for transphobics. I guess that's a differing of viewpoints. Because for me, I wouldn't hold out hope on others' changing to be oneself, even if that person was once a role model, which is what I was going for with my entry.)

Anyway, I really liked the queer cast of characters on the team. We have an enby, a trans man, a lesbian couple, and an aroace! I was really happy to see the last one. In one of my failed entries, I tried to enter an aromantic character, and while I wasn't sad to see that entry passed over, I was worried the ace or aro spectrum would be overlooked. Cue my pleasant surprise!

It was refreshing to see it all talked about so frankly. Really shows how far we've come. And how Neopets is sticking with it during a year when other companies that showed support before are backing off because it's not convenient for sales anymore, which to me is a litmus test for how they really felt. It says good things about the current Neo staff in this case.