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RobinRone β How to OCT
Published: 2011-02-26 06:51:49 +0000 UTC; Views: 11901; Favourites: 220; Downloads: 52
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Originally for the OCTs created by *RobinRone & ~SaintKhan , at #MOKO-OCT !Check out our current OCT:
How to OCT. A visual guide.
Hopefully if there is any confusion on how an OCT works, this will clear it up for you. Note that the killing/maiming rule is a #MOKO-OCT rule, and may not apply to all OCTs.
You might also like: How to OCT 2 - Pitfalls For an in-depth description of OCTs, see: A guide to OCTs PS: All hail the Great Unicorn Prince Waffledorp. May his horn be ever golden.
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Comments: 135
Glad it could clear things up for you!Β
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i enjoyed this. Β and i have participated in this kind of group before. Β but i never knew there was a name for it. Β what does OCT stand for?
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It stands for "Original Character Tournament" -- although I've also heard "Original Comic Tournament," but I put less stock in that definition, since many OCTs have contained videos, animations, etc.Β I know all the ones we run through #MOKO-OCT accept any media you can tell a story with.
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If I want to kill my opponents character do I have to discuss this with my opponent first or should I only message the jury?
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This depends largely on the OCT you are a part of.Β In #MOKO-OCT it must be discussed with the opponent, and then the jury needs to be informed.Β In other OCTs, there may not be that kind of rule.Β In general, I think it's a good practice.Β People can take character death very hard if they don't get any warning.
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But I guess I have to kill someone or there will never be a qualifier?
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You don't have to kill your oponent, it is enough if your oponent's character is unable to fight, or make his character somehow to surrender, like if your oponent's character would be using 2H sword and you would broke his arm, he can't fight with his sword in that state.
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This is so helpful 0u0 i love you right now
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Yay! Love is always good. 
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I think I'll just add this to my favourites as it is!
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Glad you like it, and I hope it is helpful! Some of the rules ARE specific to our OCTs at , but I think it gets the general concept across pretty well!
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I thought it was helpful as it is clear as to what the guidelines as. Even though I am not entering the #MOKO-OCT or any OCT for that matter, even on its own it's quite funny, I find.
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Quick question, if we create an OCT, is it going to be the only one we can right about, the entire tournament?
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The OC you create for the tournament will be the main character of your entries for the entire tournament.
You will also be depictIng your opponent's characters, and may include side characters from the cast or of your own making.
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It's interesting to see how the basic guidelines for OCTs have changed over the years--technically, some aspects of this I disagree with (judging only story, not storytelling and art, the no kill-maim rule), but some of the basic elements here are correct. Have you ever read Mul's Original Journal on OCTs or OCT 101 ?
I also HIGHLY suggest checking out or [link] or for how to properly run and participate in tournaments or comic battles!
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This is specifically how to participate in the OCTs at #MOKO-OCT . These are following our rules, which we have used for the past two OCTs and will be using on as well!
So far, people have really appreciated our different approach from a "typical" OCT!
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Ah, in that case, it might be easier to clarify that it's specifically for you guys, then, as tournaments are run differently all over DA and EnterVoid/WarForArcadia.
I've actually never heard of you guys or your tournaments in the circuit up until now, but it's good to hear that you guys have a strong fanbase!
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We're very fortunate to have such a supportive and enthusiastic community! Our first OCT was Project Minotaur and our second was The Book of Stories. We're excited to continue bringing a unique approach to OCTs for many years to come!
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I remember hearing about The Book Of Stories long ago, when I think it was originally brainstormed by someone in the SDL? I haven't heard or seen anything about the other ones, though.
As an old fart on the OCT circuit (and this year'll probably be my last year participating the circuit), some of the new concepts OCTs have introduced are interesting, but so long as they're well organized, provide good feedback to comic artists on their storytelling and art, and lead to more motivated people in the field, all the luck to you.
I suggest taking a look at [link] if you're interested in seeing where OCTs came from, actually!
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I'm just.. gonna jump in here, really!
From the looks of things, Fu, I think that they're covering more the judging criteria, not HOW to run an OCT, which is what Mul's journal covers. Not to mention that there always is the slight chance it's a little outdated (since it was written several years ago). I think that it's always intrestng to see how different OCT's are ran, and, considering that there have been plenty of successful OCT's ran in different manners, it's a little unfair to state that SDL (a league) and PCBC are the only successful examples for properly ran tournaments.
I think that instead of nitpicking it would be better to see what they intend to do? From what I read it sees like they have plenty of good ideas and a solid structure for how they intend to run their tournament.
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Yeah, Mul's and my stuff are kind of old, and is more about how to run an OCT than what an OCT is, but I'm a bit worried that this explanation is only focusing on the story of the comic, and not the comic as a whole.
I'm not against OCTs run in different manners--in fact, the one I'm helping run right now, , is utilizing an entirely different judging and deadline system than the usual judging panel OCTs use on DA (no judges, no extensions, week long rounds only, no having to ask contestants if it's "okay" to kill/maim/etc characters).
I think my main worry is that new OCTs these days don't focus on "how can we help our competitors become better comic artists", and more on the small details (tag alongs, side stories, roleplay, the judges' own NPCS and stories/roleplay, etc).
That's not to say that encouraging creativity is bad, but I think that it's important to be able to give competitors the right tools to better their work.
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Let me reassure you, Robin's OCTs are definitely focused on improvement.
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I see, but the only worry I have is that you guys are only judging the story, and not the comic as a whole. If these are OWTs, however, I stand corrected.
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If the creator concerned is an artist, then we (well, they; I'm not judging this time around and I don't really speak for PHOCT) of course take that into account and give them advice on how to improve (eg) the flow of speech bubbles/panel placement and other such elements, much as we (/they) might advise a writer on how to smooth out POV transitions, work with tense, and utilise description to best effect.
The focus however has been on characterisation, pacing and story execution, whether the competitor in question is competing visually or through prose. These elements are as difficult to get right as it is to draw a face or describe a scene (if not more so!), and, more importantly, they're universal - skills that you can transfer to either comics or prose.
You're welcome to decide that other elements are more important, of course, but by saying that you "worry", you are implying that this way of doing things is wrong. Different OCTs will always value different things in a story - this is simply what Robin has chosen to focus on.
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Mm- I can see how that would be an initial worry, but at the same time, I don't think there's much to be concerned about here!
Robin seems to have experience in running tournaments, and has a good grasp on what it is they're trying to achieve. I think at this point it may be better to just let them do what it is they want- they seem to know what they're doing! c:
My personal feelings regarding the topic is that in some shape or form, encouraging this type of creativity may be for the better? Many people that are interested in the OCT circuit aren't necessarily art majors, so in some cases it may be unfair to critique someone based solely on art- especially if they'r great storytellers- but I suppose that's more just a matter of opinion to the judging staff on what they feel is important in a tournament.
As for the kill/maim rule, I see nothing wrong, and, in fact, would encourage that you ask am opponent and inform the judging staff first. I mean, yes, it's a tournament, but people DO get upset when their characters are killed- especially when they aren't expecting it. I think a lot of people would find some comfort in having a say in what's the biggest extent of serious injury that befalls their character.
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I don't think it would be unfair to critique art AND story, instead of just art, or just story. Comics rely on both!
I've never heard of these people before or seen what they've done, but then again I'm an old fart (like you) who's never really paid attention or wanted to get involved with the newer breed of OCTs, as I believed that there was less of an emphasis on improvement and how to actually do comics.
I don't plan to pay much attention or try to get involved here (I'm actually trying to "graduate" from the OCT scene and move completely on to Void), but I'm sure whatever they do will have a lot of eager participants who will hopefully continue to make comics.
People do get upset about what happens to their characters, but I think it's important for them to learn that what happens in these OCTs is not permanent or canon--they can continue to create and learn outside of this, and they don't "have" to have their characters killed off forever.
Your opponent has no real say over what you do with your own characters, and it'd be kind of crazy if they tried to keep you from selling original comics with your characters that were killed off in an OCT, but are alive in your own creation.
Also, having people learn not to get so worked up about this and take the loss of a character personally actually is helpful, since it cuts down on inevitable drama ahead of time--both with characters, and with critique in general.
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I think there might be some confusion here as to the kind of entries we get. Moko OCTs allow all types of entries, not just comics. In the past we've gotten comics, written entries, flash videos, and even radio dramas. We've even had contestants change media types between rounds. Since the art style is radically different for each type of entry we judge only but what is common to all types: the quality of the story told. We focus on providing feedback that improves storytelling, which in turn improves whatever kind of story the artist wishes to create.
I hope this clarifies why we judge the way we do.
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Y'might want to change the term from OCT to OAT, then, seeing as OCT refers to "Original Comic Tournament" ?
I still think that with storytelling that uses visual and written elements (like comics and animation), you need to give feedback on not just the storytelling, but the effort and development of skill in between rounds.
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Actually, as I understand it, OCT stands for Original Character Tournament.
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Now it's known as that, but the C's always stood for Comics.
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Preach it. TELL THE WORLD HOW IT SHOULD WORK. spread the good word
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Haha! That's the idea! OCTs are pretty simple once you get your head around how they work, but it's a very touch concept for a lot of people to get! Hopefully this makes it easier!
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I guess I should say this: wonderful wonderful wonderful aaannnnnddd
100th comment.
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Holy cow, this has 100 comments? Awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed our little How-To. I'm hoping it will help people who are new to OCTs understand how they work!
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I'm just glad that someone described it in such a way that it's not completely confusing.Keep it up and have fun!
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interesting. wonder if I should enter one.
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OCTs are a great opportunity to build new skills and meet new people. I'd definitely recommend them!
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This is brilliant! Would you mind if I linked this in #The-Seventh-Realm 's FAQ under what an OCT is?
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Of course! We'd be happy if you would! Credit is appreciated!
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Quite a useful guide, I must say. I hope that it may assist in instructing a wide range of OCT goers.
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That's the hope! OCTs aren't all that complicated to do, but they're nearly impossible to explain! Hopefully this makes the process easier to understand!
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It would be so much easier if it was just mainstream knowledge, no? XD
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Haha! Definitely! Although I always make the mistake of assuming it IS common knowledge. "You know, an OCT? You know what that is. Right? RIGHT??" They're such a big part of my life, it seems crazy that nobody else seems to know what they are!
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I had never heard of one until about last Thanksgiving, and they were the reason that I joined dA. I guess I just picked it up by observing them and reading into it for a while, but I know that not all people do. Some just want to jump into it without any idea as to what it is. While I admire the spunk and the drive to do so, they often lack the commitment or ability to handle it all without a little experience first.
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It's definitely a lot more work than most people expect! Most OCTs run for a full year, start to finish. That's a lot of time to consider!
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A lot can change in that time, and even a lot of hosts don't think about it. I think that was the main problem behind the recent death of a number of OCTs before they ever got out of the startup process. People didn't think through what they would have to do either in organizing or in competing, and others soon followed the group example and the trend. Honestly, I'm glad that this stage of negativism seems to have ended and OCTs are enjoying healthy crowds again.
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