Over the past few years, I've developed something of a niche hobby! In the past, I've always been a bit embarrassed to share my creative pursuits but I've learnt lately that life is too short to hide in the shadows so I thought I'd put it out for others to explore!
Original Character Tournaments (OCTs) are a collaborative storytelling format. A group of judges create a setting and starting prompt, such as a voyage to a new land or competition for an artefact. Competitors then submit a character reference and an audition - which showcases said character and starts their story. Following this, the judges then put a prompt out for the first 'round' of the competition, stipulating what sort of activity your character should do and - in most cases - pairing competitors with an opponent. The competitors then write/draw the next section of the story encompassing the prompt, including the actions of their opponent's characters. If paired, the best entry goes through to the next round and the opponent is eliminated. The process then repeats - with competitors building one continuous story - until only two opponents are left. These competitors then write a finale, concluding their story.
What I love about OCTs is that they are one of the most supportive and creative collaborative atmospheres possible. Half roleplay and half writing competition, the format forces you to think of storytelling in new ways, encompassing the ideas and concepts put out by the judges and opponents. While rounds are typically paired, the creation of entries are entirely self-driven. However, you are automatically part of a community of others also taking part in the competition, creating a real community feel. It's not uncommon to see others reference ideas produced spontaneously in other people's entries, meaning competitors organically craft a world together.
To date, I have taken part in four competitions and acted as a judge for one! Check out my history (chronological) and click through to read my entries if you are so inclined.
Spiral Down Films
I have a soft spot for my first OCT story. Set in a sinister movie studio where people keep mysteriously going missing, my character, Karl, went undercover to seek out the truth about the shady company. This makes him sound rather heroic but frankly he was anything but! As a robotic gecko designed as a children's toy, he was a bit of a psychopath, only interested in boasting rights and impressing his online friends. Overall, I am largely happy with my performance in this OCT, save for a round where I had to speedrun writing it. I ended up winning the whole competition, which was a nice little ego boost!
Xotiathon (Alien Olympics)
Now this is my favourite OCT run out of all I competed in. This is hilarious in retrospect because originally I had decided not to enter because I was worried I wouldn't be able to write sci-fi. Thankfully, I changed my mind at the last minute and went on to win the competition.
In this tournament, I wrote as a girly, pink rodent-like creature who was a spoiled princess on her home planet. Thrust into the games by her father, she found herself juggling new responsibilities and family drama, forcing her to grow up and become the princess her family needed her to be.
In this competition, I took great joy in developing my opponent's and other competitor's characters as much as my own. It was a lot of fun and I look back at it fondly.
Labyrinth - as a judge!
Hot off the back of my win, I volunteered to help my friend run their next tournament. After Xotiathon attracted a roster of 32 competitors (reduced from approximately 60 entries), I suspected that we might attract a lot of interest. Even so, none of the judges were prepared for over 100 character references and an eventual roster of 64. It made the whole tournament very time-intensive but I have no regrets because it was a blast. It was astonishing to see many talented storytellers bring the setting of an ancient aztec labyrinth holding the pool of immortality to life!
For this competition, my NPC character was a wooden, half-dead snake who claims to have been given the gift of life by an Aztec God.
Crystal Island
(Art by EvelynCross)
After a year of little creative activity due to becoming chronically ill, Crystal Island marked a return to writing. Inspired by my own illness, I entered as a friendly, paraplegic old woman. Her adventure saw her voyage to an alien landscape with a variety of wonderful creatures. She was a joy to write, tackling every encounter peacefully with her wisdom. This time, I only managed to make it to the semi-finals, bested by a friend of mine.
Safe By Sunset
(Art by KiwiPeach)
Imagine a competition where you take the role of a creature in The Animals Of Farthing Wood and you've got the premise! In this contest, I entered a duo of a over-enthusiastic puppy and his field vole adoptive mother. Once again, I only made it to the semi-finals. Teaches me for trying to juggle two OCTs at once!
Comentarios