I like the idea of a set of painted minis as the prize for a lottery (what's not to like?) I'm for calling it
LottoQuest.
I'd say keep both EU, NA, and AU entrants in one pool. I, for one, would want to be eligible for a tasoe figure if I won the set. One shipper would be needed for each zone. If drathe won the set for example, all EU figures could be sent to TMU, who then would send them to drathe (still may need an AU shipper). NA entrants would simply send directly to drathe, saving cost. An EU winner would work similarly, with Chaotic Prime sending (should he accept).
I support Spiky's idea of carrying missed entries over into the next drawing. This promotes new lottos, maximizes usefulness of entries for all those participating, while saving shipping cost for those who aren't chosen. I'd even say a second and third prize could be awarded in a single drawing event for extra figures:
1st prize- choose up to a full set of game figures. If more than 1 set is available, multiple 1st prizes are given.
2nd prize- choose up to 4 Heroes or up to 1 group of monsters
3rd prize- choose 1 figure
To increase the chance of the entrants creating at least a full set, I think two rounds of entering figures should be set--one for preliminary entries, and a second for further entries to fill out missing parts of the set. A first-round sign-up date and time for desired entries should be posted in a new thread, as well as a submission deadline. Photos of finished entries should be posted by this time. I'd also offer these suggestions:
- Entries are limited to 1-4 figures or 1 monster group. This promotes efficiency of painting and a more cohesive look.
- Each figure is equal to 1 chance of winning.
- Each figure sent as part of a prize earns 3 chances of winning in the next drawing. This rewards effort and partially reimburses postage cost.
- All figure bases should closely match a corridor square in look or color.
If a full set isn't created by the first round deadline, the process is repeated for a second round. Only figures that are still needed to complete the set are available for 2nd-round entries, and anyone may enter. If a full game set still isn't complete, then anybody may enter as many figures as he or she wishes towards completion of the set.
A figure may be resubmitted for the next lotto draw, but it may only be submitted for a first round twice. After that, it may only be submitted--as needed--in a second round. This limits the entry value of less-desired figures.
For fuzzy blue elves and their ilk, special lottos could be held for converted or unpainted figures. A furniture lotto might also work if it included scratch-build or substitute resin pieces.
How I'd set up the lotto thread:
The first post of the lotto thread should include a description of the event and its rules. It also would include photos of awarded prizes from completed lottos.
The second post would be a reference list of figures both with and without entries for the current lotto. This would include links to the individual entry photos (possible with a search tag). It also would include sign-up times and deadlines.
The third post would be a compilation of completed submission photos from the current lotto.
The fourth post could archive all yet-to-be-awarded submission photos from previous lottos.
Later posts would include photo submissions and latest news to be referenced in the first four posts as needed.
All this madness is the result of one night of brainstorming, so comments are welcome. Just noticed there still is a shipping cost that needs to be covered for the continental mailer. Perhaps an Inn auction of non-prize figures? Of course, the winner could also reimburse for shipping. But how to do it?
