I'd like to gauge interest in a possible Dwarf Fortress "showcase" - a competition of sorts, but there are not necessarily winners and losers. Rather, fortresses are graded in several key areas. Please respond below if you would be interested in participating, or if you have ideas to improve the proposed rules.
This is how it would work:
- Players must upload their fortress submissions by the deadline or they are disqualified.
- For each showcase, there will be a specific challenge. Fortresses which do not meet the challenge are disqualified. Example: no farm plots allowed.
- In order to qualify, fortresses much survive a minimum number of years (3? 4? 5?) and reach a minimum population (50?)
- There will be a panel of three judges. Each judge will grade the fortresses in several key areas. A score of 0 to 10 points is assigned in each key area.
- New judges will be chosen for each showcase. If you're judging then you may not submit a fortress, and vice-versa.
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Scoring
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APPEARANCE: How does the fortress look? Is it nicely organized, or are there random constructions and workshops strewn about a rough cavern floor? What are the most pleasing rooms?
LAYOUT: Is the fortress layout efficient? Does it make sense? It is pleasant to live in, or are the living quarters placed right next to the catapult practice range? Special consideration will be given to players who adhere to a specific theme (more below) or must deal with difficult terrain.
THEME AND CREATIVITY: Does the fortress adhere to a specific theme (e.g. only one z-level), and is it internally consistent? Are all the hallways and rooms shaped similarly, or are things just thrown about?
WEALTH: How much wealth have the dwarves created?
DEFENSE: Is the fortress guarded well? This category includes military might, elaborate traps, moats, walls, etc...
VARIETY: Does the fortress produce a variety of goods and services, or is it plump helmets and dwarven wine 24/7?
HAPPINESS: Are the dwarves happy?