As previously stated, the voting for MotF 76 is over!
Our winner for this round is a complete newcomer - indeed, their entry was their first post on the forum! Hiiragi's entry depicts an impressively multiethnic alternate Tasmania (or Vandiemmensland, as it is here). Originally a Dutch colony, the island grew in population and diversity as Japanese Kirishitan settled there following their persecution by the Shogun, and Indonesians fled there after the Netherlands' other possessions in the East Indies were captured by Britain and Portugal.
Hiiragi's map is detailed, showing roads, cities, and national parks, and is definitely well-made - especially considering it's their first! It took me months, maybe years to get this good! All things considered, this is a thoroughly deserved victory. Well done!
Awarded for Impressive First Appearance
We continue the trend of newcomers with lock. Though they've been active in the Main Thread this is the first time lock's entered in the contest itself. Their entry depicts the German settlement of the North-East coast of North America, covering parts of New England, Atlantic Canada, and Quebec. Clean, clear, detailed; the quality of production and design in this map is amazing for someone's first entry, easily earning lock this Honuorable Mention.
Awarded for Impressive First Appearance
It's the March of the Newbs this round, as our third and final award goes to newcomer WeissRaben! This entry depicts what might've happened if Gian Galeazzo Visconti hadn't died in 1402. The Visconti-dominated Kingdom of Lombardy stretches over northern Italy, with Venice the only remaining outpost of opposition to their meteoric rise. Detailed and well-made, with an interesting yet simple premise? That gets you an Honourable Mention. Don't eat it all at once!
Sorry if some of these descriptions are shorter than my usual tirades; I'm trying to reduce their length so they're easier to write and more likely to be read. I'm also going to announce why Honourable Mentions are awarded, as I generally have a distinct reason why I choose each one (impressive first entries, unconventional/experimental maps, getting a lot of votes but not winning, etc.) and I want the process of giving out these awards to be transparent, just in case of any accusations of unfair play.
Anyway, with MotF 76 business out of the way I think it's time to turn our collective attentions to MotF 77. Unfortunately the deadline is only a few days away, but we only have one entry! Given this, and the fact that a few people have stated that they have ideas but haven't entered, I'm willing to extend the round for a week to allow for a proper number of entries. What do you fellows think? Would you be more able to enter with an extra week?
Also, what do you think of the new rules on discussion - do you think the entries thread is too cluttered, or do you like the greater amount of discussion maps get now?
