While spending a cool, fall day bicycling on the paths in the forest, you come across a clearing in the woods that is recessed down into a ravine. You lean your touring bike on a tree by the side of the road becasue the path down would be better handled by foot. When you reach the bottom, you find that this place is enchanted; it appears to contain new breeds of creature! You realize that this land has given you the power of creator- as you think it, it becomes!

This power is so much fun, you think as you create another famliy of puffy ball creatures. But then you start to notice something. You haven't been paying attention to these creatures' habitat, or giving much thought as to how the features of your creation aid them in it. The puffy ball family has blown into outlying trees and been eaten by spiders. The other animals are dying of starvation. You realize you need to create an animal that can survive in these magical woods.

Upon observation you notice that the magical woods have some challenges that should be addressed when deciding upon your new breed of creature:
- The woods are most often sprinkled with rain and about 63 degrees F. Heavy gusts of wind are common.
- There are fish in the small pond, but there is also a hungry alligator!
- It is filled with plants and many species of insects. The foliage is thick around the edges but there are spaces of cleared space. Bunnies live in small herds.
- There are huge animal eating plants that can eat things of any size. They seem to be afraid of bright colors, but are unable to see camouflaged colors.
- Sadly, there are hidden mines left over from WW2 that have been left six inches under the ground.
- Monkeys in the trees like to toss the coconuts they find over their shoulders.

The Contest: Draw your creation in this particular ecosystem.

Remember that the features should help the creature survive and address the ecosystem (but common and artistic sense dictates that you do not have to show them all). Extra features, for looks or fun, are cool too. You can make comments, of course, but every aspect of your creature should be shown, not explained. The picture needs to convey your creation to the viewers. An additional note: As these contests attempt to engender creativity, please be aware that you do not have to neccessarily make a successful creation. If your creation fails due to your neglect and foolish planning, please illustrate that as well.

The Rules:

This contest will run from 8/26/05 10:00 pm PST until 9/2/05 10:00 pm PST. The only rules are to make sure that your submission is relevent. Judging will be based off of creativity, composition, and technical skill.

Good luck!

wow. that's a lot to read.

I'm already starting to think of lots of ideas. I assume only one entry per person though? I wouldn't want to submit two and then end up competing against myself only to lose votes by them being split between the two.

While reading that I forgot all about the contest and became enchanted with the story line. Felt like a little girl sitting cross legged on the floor in a trance. Ben, have you ever considered writing (and of course illustrating books?) I know I must have asked you this before, but... HAVE YOU? So many talented people don't use their talents to the fullest extent... you really have such an imaginative "gift".

I will have to take notes..I can't retain all those facts at one sitting... lol I knew DF would come up with a particularly interesting and challenging idea...I got all absorbed in the story, too.. I agree with DBA.

sounds like fun :)

What ever Happen to the Muffen King????

Sounds like a Fun contest.

Good job Bob, just don't slack off after the new car smell wears off.

I'm assuming we draw and post them on this board. Awesome.

I was just lost in my own little world as I was reading the description. But I'm not good at bringing a world on to a drawing. And I can't draw monsters >_<. But I might attempt it before the deadline.

sounds like something I've read in novels in the past years or dreams that I can remember. Contest? No thank you.