CONTEST #2: The Legends of Arcturus
OVERVIEW
Welcome to the creative writing challenge, the second competition in the SYNDICATE Creative Contest Series.
In this Challenge, you have the opportunity to create a science fiction story that adds your world-building flavor to the SYNDICATE universe. You will submit one (1) creative writing entry based on the given lore package filled with stories, planet descriptions and the history of Arcturus to help shape your vision of Syndicate’s expansive universe.
As the writer you may take any approach to the story. Here are some possible examples: Deep dive into a character such as a leader or member of a syndicate or the Sovereign government; create a spinoff of one of the historical events ranging from the invention of the HIT-drive to the Terran Rebellion and the destruction of Goshen; write about a day in the life on one of the 18 worlds of Arcturus; or you may go in a completely original direction that you perceive within the SYNDICATE universe.
Before you begin, we recommend:
Reading the descriptions of the 18 planets, moons and space stations HERE.
Reading the HISTORY OF ARCTURUS.
Reading the SYNDICATE bios.
Reading the ARCTURUS ARCHIVES.
The story should be a minimum of 750 words and a recommended maximum of 5000 words (longer stories will be accepted).
PRIZES
Grand Prize
FREE copy of SYNDICATE: An Interplanetary Conquest Board Game
Inclusion in the SYNDICATE digital lore book
Shout-out in the official SYNDICATE rule book
$30 SYNDICATE pledge manager voucher (which can be used to purchase SYNDICATE merch and game upgrades)
All other finalists
Shout-out in the official SYNDICATE rule book
$20 SYNDICATE pledge manager voucher (which can be used to purchase SYNDICATE merch and game upgrades)
All the above prizes are contingent on SYNDICATE: An Interplanetary Conquest Board Game successfully funding on Kickstarter. In the event SYNDICATE: An Interplanetary Conquest Board Game does not fund, all finalist will receive a contingency prize of a SYNDICATE t-shirt.
HOW TO ENTER
Read the below contest details, including the Contest Terms & Conditions and complete the entry form at the bottom of this page. Entrants will be provide submission intake forms via email from info@pdu-games.com.
Entrants must be over the age 18 and not be residents of the following countries: Afghanistan, Belarus, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cuba, Darfur, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Nicaragua, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Russia, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
No purchase or fee is required to enter this competition.
WINNER SELECTION
Up to three finalists will be selected by PDU Games.
The story will be judged on creative and narrative aspects as well as its ability to fit into the existing SYNDICATE lore. The writer’s aptitude for forging an accurate connection in their story to given names and descriptions of cities, planets, syndicate members, and the historical context of Arcturus will be rewarded.
The finalists’ works will be voted on by SYNDICATE Kickstarter backers, with the WINNER selected by popular vote.
IMPORTANT DATES
• Submission Start Date: July 31, 2020
• Submission Deadline: August 24, 2020 11:59pm EST
• Finalists Announcement: Last week of August
• Community Vote and Winner Announced: First Week of September
FAQs
Q: Can I submit multiple submissions for the challenge? A: Yes, you can submit as many stories as you like, but they must be separate entries.
Q: Can my story be based on pre-existing work (IP) other than what has been given by PDU Games? A:No. Your story should be an unpublished, original story based on the universe and background prompts given to you by PDU Games. You may adapt an unpublished story you have created in the past.
Q: Who can I contact with other questions or comments about the challenge? A: Send all inquires to info@pdu-games.com with the subject: “Creative Contest Series”