Monthly Conversion Deathmatch - Announcement and Questions
 

Greetings Heretics.


Starting in May Heresy Online will be offering the same opportunity to display your converting skills and shape your reputation as a renowned converter (to get the pun out of the way as soon as possible :)) that we already offer painters.

Format

Each month there will be an entry thread.

Before you start the conversion post a picture of the model (the before picture) in the entry thread before the end of the month. Then post a picture of the model after the conversion (the after picture) thread before the end of the month. Entrants are also permitted to post a short (no more than two sentence) description of what the conversion represents (e.g. my chapter are a fusion of the Space Wolves and the Minotaurs so I converted a Doombull to be Chapter Master).

Voting

At the end of the month a voting thread will be created containing the before and after pictures of each entry.

To vote for winners simply post in the voting thread.

There are two categories:

Most Innovative Idea

This category covers the pure imagination that fuels conversions so is for the cleverest idea irrespective of technical execution

Best Executed Idea

As well as ideas conversions are works of technical skill, so this category covers the ability to make a converted model look as if it has always been that way irrespective of how ambitious the change was.

Each member may vote once for each of the two categories stating who they think should win. Entrants must cast a vote for each category and cannot vote for themselves; anyone who does not vote cannot win.

After one week the votes will be totally and the winners announced.

Reward

The primary reward for this contest is knowing your conversion skills are admired. However there will also be a small Rep award to both winners.

Are there any categories or themes?

Currently any model or unit can be entered. However, there might be themed contests for special events or holidays (e.g. Christmas).

Can I vote for the same person in both categories?

Yes. Although they are separate categories so entries should be considered for concept and realisation.

I am extensively converting a model so it will take longer than a month. Can I still enter?

If your conversion can be broken down into sub-parts (e..g arms, legs, head) then each distinct sub-part can be entered as a separate conversion.

I have just started a conversion. Can I still enter?

If the before picture makes it clear exactly what has already been done then this is not different from a longer conversion that it split across more than one month so is acceptable.

As many people did not know the competition was coming this decision is designed to not penalise converters for converting so will be closely reviewed during the first month and might change.

Do I need to post progress pictures?

As taking pictures can take time progress pictures are not mandatory; however, they will show people how you did the conversion so could both help you win the Best Executed Idea and give your fellow heretics pointers on how to improve their own skills.

How much of a conversion does it need to be? Can I enter a kit-bashed model?

Anything that is not out-of-the-box (including kit-bashing) can be entered. however, the winners are chosen for clever ideas and dexterous work so more complex changes might receive more votes.

Does the before picture need to show the model I am converting or can I post a picture of the sprues?

The before-after pair can be viewed as the same as the before-after shots on slimming and exercise advertisements, so the before picture should show the base upon which the work was done just before the conversion starts.

In most cases this will be the single underlying model onto which the putty/other parts are added, e.g a Minotaur torso.

If there is no underlying majority model because, for example your conversion is made from many kits, the conversion work begins before any assembly is done or is even made from scratch, then a picture of the parts is acceptable.

How does rules versioning work?

The rules will be reviewed through out the contest. If any of the rules need to be changed then the changes will be announced and the new rules confirmed a few days before the end of the month and will apply from the following month. For example, the rule set for May 2012 will be set on 28 April 2012 after which no changes will apply until after May.


Hopefully this is clear; however, if there are any queries post them in this thread and we will clarify the Rules or FAQ.

Will models posted be required to be completely paint-free?

For example, people assembling models that have been primed or bits of those converted models have been primed.

This will be great for the modellers to have a chance to show off their skills in competition.

I'll also add here that the Monthly Painting Challenge has now been renamed the Monthly Painting Deathmatch to run alongside this event as well as avoid further confusion between that and humakt's Army Challenge.

As painting is sometime easier before assembly is completed the after picture does not have to be bare plastic/metal. However, this competition is for conversion not painting so any painted areas should be there to avoid difficulty painting the model later. If anyone attempts to abuse this then then the rules may change in the future.

As someone who's a deeply mediocre painter (and therefore would never consider entering a painting competition) but thrives on converting things, I welcome this!

Roll on May...

I don't know if you're really experienced enough Svart... having seen your works, I dunno :laugh:

Edit: Self-deprecating humour doesn't come across typing, the man is a god.

If I enter a kit-bashed model, does the before picture have to be of an empty base? :grin:

Why? You thinking of kitbashing a tau stealthsuit? :laugh:

To be fair I think you'd need to show the parts as well. unless it is a stealthsuit

The before-after pair can be viewed as the same as the before-after shots on slimming and exercise advertisements, so the before picture should show the base upon which the work was done just before the conversion starts.

In most cases this will be the single underlying model onto which the putty/other parts are added, e.g a Minotaur torso.

If there is no underlying majority model because, for example your conversion is made from many kits, the conversion work begins before any assembly is done or is even made from scratch, then a picture of the parts is acceptable.

To ensure that the playing field is level the rules for May will be fixed on 28 April, after which changes or amendments (if any) will only be considered for later months. So make sure you post any questions here as soon as possible.

Remember that the before picture is the starting point for voters to see how impressive the after picture is.

This sounds great! I'll se what I can have in store for May. I know I have a couple of Looted wagons my meks just eager to lay their hands on. :)