Announcing: The Character Battle Tournament of Champions!

That's right, everyone: the Tournament of Champions I mentioned all during the last contest, Battle Royal, is about to begin. This contest will pit the 8 champion characters from the 8 character battle contests that were hosted on Into the Lifestream, Fantasy World, and my LJ over the last 4 years; and by your input and voting, will determine the ultimate champion of them all. And they are, as shown above going from top left:

1) Cloud Strife, Final Fantasy 7 (Contest 7: Generation 7, Summer 2007)
2) Scorpion, Mortal Kombat (Contest 3: Super Smash Melee, Summer 2005)
3) Nemesis, Resident Evil 3 (Contest 2: Video Game Villains, Winter 2005)
4) Laguna Loire, Final Fantasy 8 (Contest 1: Final Fantasy, Summer 2004)
5) Link, The Legend of Zelda (Contest 6: Video Game Heroes, Winter 2007)
6) Samus Aran, Metroid (Contest 4: Female Gamer, Winter 2006)
7) Mario, Super Mario Bros. (Contest 8: Battle Royal, Winter 2008)
8) Jessica, Dragon Quest 8 (Contest 5: Colosso, Summer 2006)

And like in past character battle contests, anyone can enter! Refer to the FAQ for information on how to enter. I do warn you, though--before you decide to enter, keep these things in mind--

As this contest will only last a week, there are a few things that have changed from the normal, full-length character battle contests. Here's two important things you may wish to consider before deciding to enter:

--This contest is for fun. There will be no monetary prizes given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. There are small prizes to be had, but nothing of the size that I usually give away for a full contest.
--Points accumulated here will be added to the Cumulative Leaderboard.

That's really it. All the other rules and other stuff that normally is involved in a character battle contest remain in play. The FAQ will better describe the contest further. To those who've entered these contests before, read the FAQ--one or two things with regard to making your contest bracket have changed...Bracket Maker's put in some new features.

( Tournament of Champions FAQ--IMPORTANT, Please Read. Even you contest veterans. )

Final Things of Note:

Dates:
May 1--Signups begin.
May 14--Signups end.
May 15--Contest begins.
May 22--Contest ends.

There will also be ONE podcast in regard to this contest, and that will be on the 22nd, when the contest ends. Anyone who wishes to join me, then by all means, let me know.

I don't anticipate the crazy turnout we had in Battle Royal, but I can hope. You have 2 weeks to enter, so good luck! Any questions, please ask!