# Staff and Judges # Judges The judges for BTOCT # MoonCrazed
>
If OCTs are used to improve, then why shouldn't you get feedback from the judges?
*-- Moon* Hello, there! I am Moon. Since you're here, I might as well go over a few things about what to expect from me. I am a theatre kid who has been writing and painting since a young age. While I don't use paint as my main medium any more, I do at least know how to help people improve if they want it. That's what a judge is really for, isn't it? When I'm not writing or running a theatre, I typically play ffxiv, read, or watch anime.
Table of Contents 1. [OCT Experience](#bkmrk-backstory) 2. [Judging Expectations](#bkmrk-reference-sheet) 3. [NPCs](#bkmrk-npcs-belonging-to-%5Bi-1) 4. [Judge's Notes](#bkmrk-judge%27s-notes)
### OCT Experience --- I have... been around for a while. After checking the Annals of dA, I can confirm my first OCT experience was auditioning for Escape from Nevara in 2009. The first one I made it into was Dark Horse Tournament with the oldest OC I have. The first time I judged was Idrisfall Tournament in 2011. I have most been in written OCTs because I am too much of a perfectionist to turn in my drawings in a timely manner, but I did try. Since my return to the Scene in 2023 I have judged... 3 OCTs? BRAND, King of Hares, and now Bifrost Terminal. I have competed in 2: TVS OCT(finalist) and Isekai OCT(ongoing).
##### **MoonCrazed** Theatrical Paladin
![MoonGreywoode.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/moongreywoode.png)
**Aliases/Nickname(s)** Moon, Moon Greywoode
**Pronouns** They/Them
**Vocation** writer | stagehand I theatrical designer
##### Social Media
**Discord:** @MoonCrazed
**Twitter | Bluesky:** Don't have them at the moment
**DeviantART:** /mooncrazed
**Website:** we don't know each other like that UwU
##### Judging Info
**Judge in:** BTOCT
**Medium Focus** writing
**Brackets Judged:** \[TBA\]
### Judging Expectations --- I will try to be succinct. When I am judging I look for Flow, Grammar, and Clarity. 1. 1. Flow: How the story came together. Is it cohesive? (ie. does it make sense, does it include your world, does it consider the setting) Were some things rushed while others dragged out too long? Did the arc complete satisfactorily within the parameters? 2. Grammar: Punctuation, Variance of sentence length, and use of more than just an oxford comma are the most clear. Essentially: Is this just one giant run-on sentence? Or does the formatting support the flow instead of detracting from it. 3. Clarity: How well is the story told? Could I tell what was going on? Was the prompt met? Did the opponent get enough screen time to feel like a part of the story instead of a requirement?
#### NPCs Belonging to Moon
[![BenWaller.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/benwaller.png)](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)[![democt_symbol_VECTOR VARIATION 1 smaller.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/scaled-1680-/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)
\[link to NPC's Archive page\] \[link to NPC's Archive page\]
\[Insert more rows and columns as needed to accommodate all NPCs under this Judge\] ### Judge's Notes --- ✦ \[Notes from Judge, such as best ways to contact, preference for contact, etc\] # AnimationMutation
> Not everyone's going to like what you do. Make it for you, not them. *-- AM* Hello! I'm AM. I've been a little MIA from most creative things as of late, but I'm hoping this kicks my ass back into gear. I read a lot of fanfiction and write mostly it too. I am working on some bigger original works and have published a few fifteen-minute reads on Kindle. I've not drawn in a while but I try from time to time. I've done one or two little voice acting projects and am looking to dive into in once I've a better recording setup. I also don't really know how social media works all too well as I forget that I even have it after a week.
Table of Contents 1. [OCT Experience](#bkmrk-backstory) 2. [Judging Expectations](#bkmrk-reference-sheet) 3. [NPCs](#bkmrk-npcs-belonging-to-%5Bi-1) 4. [Judge's Notes](#bkmrk-judge%27s-notes)
### OCT Experience --- I've auditioned for OCT's since around 2010 or so. I've never been able to make it in on my own due to never finishing (unmedicated ADHD and all that). However, I've made it into several with my cohort, ElectricEidolon, as a tag team. It works well for us as we play off one another's strengths. I've not been in the OCT world in a long while, but I'm excited to be a part of it again!
##### **AnimationMutation** Simple Swamp Lizard
[![blep.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/scaled-1680-/blep.png)](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/blep.png)
**Aliases/Nickname(s)** AM Ani CursedTrash
**Pronouns** S/He/They
**Vocation** Customer service peon | writer | knitter | artist | amateur voice actor
##### Social Media
**Discord:** animationmutation
**Twitter | Bluesky:** https://bsky.app/profile/cursedtrash.bsky.social
**DeviantART:** NA
**Website:** NA
##### Judging Info
**Judge in:** BTOCT
**Medium Focus** writing
**Brackets Judged:** \[links to brackets judged\]
### Judging Expectations --- Characters: Compelling characters that mingle well with one another and react accordingly to their personalities, environment, and situations can make or break a story in my opinion. Keep them in character. Cohesiveness: The tale you're telling should be easy to follow. Even with twists and turns, the reader should clearly know what's happening. That includes grammar and sentence structure. Story: Keep me engaged, don't just hit bullet points. Does the story flow organically? Or, are there a lot of unnecessary things that don't quite fit? Know when to remove the extra.
#### NPCs Belonging to AM
[![tweedieclip.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-05/tweedieclip.png)](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)[![democt_symbol_VECTOR VARIATION 1 smaller.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/scaled-1680-/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)
[Tweedie](https://archive.thraelosverse.com/books/npcs/page/tweedie) \[link to NPC's Archive page\]
\[Insert more rows and columns as needed to accommodate all NPCs under this Judge\] ### Judge's Notes --- ✦ \[Notes from Judge, such as best ways to contact, preference for contact, etc\] # HeirophantBlack
> Everyone will want to tell you this and that, but ask yourself this. Are those your people? *-- HeirophantBlack* Amateur writer and (sadly) social media professional, here to judge your writing. Promise I'll be nice about it though.
Table of Contents 1. [OCT Experience](#bkmrk-backstory) 2. [Judging Expectations](#bkmrk-reference-sheet) 3. [NPCs](#bkmrk-npcs-belonging-to-%5Bi-1) 4. [Judge's Notes](#bkmrk-judge%27s-notes)
### OCT Experience --- #### As a Player I wouldn't say I'm a veteran or anything. I've only been in a couple of OCTs and never made it beyond the second round, but I've always enjoyed the experience. If it says anything though, I legit couldn't even tell you the second OCT I joined, though I do remember the first being the Trinity OCT. Fun times.
##### **HeirophantBlack** Fair Play, FTW!
![Creator profile image](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-smaller.png)
**Aliases/Nickname(s)** Heiro (Hero), Black, whatever color you find at the end of Hierophant.
**Pronouns** He/Him
**Vocation** Writer
##### Social Media
**Discord:** heirophantblack
**Twitter | Bluesky:** [Twitter](https://x.com/Tyrophant "Twitter profile") | [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/vashaun.bsky.social "Bluesky profile")
**DeviantART:** Lol. LMAO even. Absolutely not.
**Website:**
##### Judging Info
**Judge in:** BTOCT
**Medium Focus** Writing
**Brackets Judged:** \[TBA\]
### Judging Expectations --- I'll be looking for how well the stories I'm given play with the characters given. I'll be looking for how different authors portray characters that aren't theirs in their writing, and how they incorporate the setting into any confrontations. I look forward to seeing some amazing stories!
#### NPCs Belonging to HeirophantBlack
[![democt_symbol_VECTOR VARIATION 1 smaller.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/scaled-1680-/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)[![democt_symbol_VECTOR VARIATION 1 smaller.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/scaled-1680-/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)
[Doruine Notise](https://archive.thraelosverse.com/books/npcs/page/doruine-notise) \[TBD\]
\[Insert more rows and columns as needed to accommodate all NPCs under this Judge\] ### Judge's Notes --- ✦ I prefer contact over Discord, Twitter, or Bluesky DMs. While I may not answer messages instantly due to being very busy, I will always try to read and respond as soon as I can. # Non-judging Staff Members of ThraelosVerse Staff that are involved in BTOCT, but NOT judging in it. # Agent Cheshire
> Don't get me started we'll be here for hours. *-- Chesh* Rambling incoherently about comics and storytelling since \[checks watch\] 2006. I love comics and storytelling and love discussing them
Table of Contents 1. [OCT Experience](#bkmrk-backstory) 2. [Judging Expectations](#bkmrk-reference-sheet) 3. [NPCs](#bkmrk-npcs-belonging-to-%5Bi-1) 4. [Judge's Notes](#bkmrk-judge%27s-notes)
### OCT Experience --- Way back in the DeviantArt days I judged Throne of Meriel (I'll be impressed if you recognize it, it was fairly small and it's been *years*) and most recently I helped with Television Space though unfortunately I only really had the time to judge auditions and round 1 before I had to step down due to being too busy to judge thoroughly. I've competed in Divine Inferno, Adrift, and most recently Summer Leagues.
##### **Agent Cheshire** \[Tagline descriptor\]
![AC Logo Update bg.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/ac-logo-update-bg.png)
**Aliases/Nickname(s)** Cheshire/Chesh
**Pronouns** He/They
**Vocation** Comic Creator
##### Social Media
**Discord:** @agentcheshire
**Website:** [www.agentcheshire.com](https://www.agentcheshire.com)
##### Judging Info
**Judge in:** CoEOCT, and DEMOCT (when they open)
**Medium Focus** Comics, Animation
**Brackets Judged:** N/A
### Judging Expectations --- Buckle up we're gonna be here a while. While core aspects of storytelling are universal across mediums I'm much more versed in visual mediums than prose and will be sticking to comics and animation for judging. With that in mind, here's a not so brief overview of what I'm looking for in entries. #### General Expectations Pacing, composition/visual interest, characterization #### Comic Specific Paneling, speech bubbles, flow - **Paneling/Flow:** I need to be able to follow panels across the page easily, doesn't have to be super fancy but a significant lack in variation in panels will likely lose you points from me (don't make each page layout look the same essentially). If you want to go above and beyond though I personally really love when the paneling is also used to help convey what is happening in the scene. Not every page needs to be like that and sometimes doing this can risk making a page's flow confusing but if pulled off well then it can really elevate a scene for me. - **Speech bubbles/text:** I need to be able to read the text, especially dialog. I would strongly recommend typing all your dialog as hand writing can often be hard to decipher. Keep it clear, keep it simple. If color coding speech bubbles you need to make sure there is enough contrast between the text color and the bubble color, check your values (how light/dark a color is when saturation is turned all the way down). And PLEASE don't give each character's dialog a different font, it doesn't give them a distinct "voice" it just makes it a mess to read and will, frankly, just annoy me. Only use a change in font if a character is supposed to sound drastically different from the average character. For example if the dialog is coming from a horrible monster then the font being different from the typical dialog font would make sense, just be sure the font is still readable. - **Sound Effects:** A big pet peeve of mine is when a written sfx is just describing the action being shown. Things like "reach" and "step" are not sounds and come of to me as a lack of confidence in your art to depict the action. Your sfx need to be actual sounds and you *will* actually lose points from me if there are too many describing actions. If you want to go above and beyond though I really like when sfx are stylized to look like what is making the sound and incorporated into the image rather than just thrown on top. For example the text "splash" being made to look like water or an actual splash. #### Animation Specific Potentially controversial but I'm sticking to my guns on this one. I am generally not impressed *just* by the fact an entry is in video format. And I say "in video format" rather than "animated" for a reason. Animation is hard, and putting together a fully finished animation complete with voice acting, music, and sfx is even harder. So I'm not faulting anyone who may submit an animatic or a silent animation with subtitles or anything similar. My expectations aren't so high as needing an animated entry to look and sound studio level professional. However, the reason I say "in video format" is because there's been a significant enough amount of entries I've seen in various OCTs these last few years that are just that and I wouldn't necessarily count them as "animations". Basically these are video entries that I would have much rather just read as a comic and are tedious as a video. These types include: - **Talk sprites/visual novel:** I'm sorry but it's just not that visually interesting to watch characters stand there while text appears in a box one letter at a time. Backgrounds and character expressions/poses may change to varying degrees but overall I feel the time and effort put into compositing the video would have been better served being put towards just making an interesting comic. - **Fake video game:** This has some overlap with the visual novel style videos but while fun in concept again most of these just come down to misplaced effort to me. It's not as engaging to watch someone play through a game (or emulate playing a game) than it is to actually play a game. Especially when the fake gameplay is also a whole lot of characters just talking. - **Animatics with very few actual frames:** I know I said I won't fault anyone for an animatic rather than something fully animated, but there is still a certain threshold it needs to meet for me. This one is kind of the most "this should have been a comic" when it happens because many of these frames could be easily converted into comic panels. What makes animatics still work as animations is the changes between frames that would be tedious in a comic. So when animatics hold on single frames for extended periods or have very minor movements repeated for extended periods (such as a still image of a character bobbing up and down to simulate walking) I would much rather have read a comic with a couple panels of a character walking down a hall than watching a character bob up and down for 2 full minutes. To actually get to specifics of what I *do* want from animations (in addition to the general expectations) instead of what I *don't* want though. - **Timing/pacing:** Keeping scenes an appropriate length can be tricky, you want to get your story beats across without rushing or dragging. Just knowing when a scene should linger a bit or be short and sweet to give the desired effect is a skill in itself. If you can get something across in 2 minutes without sacrificing the tone of the scene then it doesn't need to be 6 minutes. Sometimes slowing down for a scene is warranted, but also sometimes it just makes scenes unnecessarily long. Really take the time to think about how your timing/pacing can affect the tone and mood of a scene and if that aligns with the information you're trying to convey in that scene. Also establishing shots don't need to be that long at all, just period. - **Subtitles:** Yes even if you have voice actors, it's just good practice to have that option. In the event that you don't have voice actors and the subtitles are the only form of understanding the dialog then please make sure you keep the text on screen for a reasonable amount of time. When in doubt read the text out loud and see how long that takes and/or have a friend watch and get their opinion on if they felt rushed reading the text. If people have to pause just to read that's a bad sign. - **Audio balancing:** If you don't have any audio then don't worry about this, you're not going to be judged more harshly for not having audio, but if you do have things like voice acting, music, and/or sound effects then you need to take the time to balance the audio. It doesn't have to be perfect but I should be able to still hear the voice actors over any music and the different audio sources shouldn't have wildly different volumes. Sounds that are meant to be louder than others are fine (for example a door slamming would be louder than footsteps) just keep audio levels in mind so you're not inadvertently blasting people's eardrums. All that said it probably sounds like I'm very hard to please but I promise I'm really not. Most of all I want to see entries that their creator cared about and put effort into. This doesn't mean something fully polished, but more means something had clear thought put into it.
#### NPCs Belonging to Agent Cheshire
[![democt_symbol_VECTOR VARIATION 1 smaller.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/scaled-1680-/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)[![democt_symbol_VECTOR VARIATION 1 smaller.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/scaled-1680-/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)
Kazuya Coming Soon
### Judge's Notes --- ✦ It's easiest to get a hold of me on Discord but please only DM me if you *really* need to, otherwise messaging me in the OCT servers or submitting a ticket is preferred. ✦ All my social media links are on my website ✦ Ultimately I want to encourage people's creativity and for them to improve their skills, but OCTs are still competitions and it can sting to lose and/or receive criticism. If there's anything on my feedback you feel I was too harsh or unfair on I'd be happy to discuss it to explain my reasoning and to understand yours. # ElectricEidolon
> I don't halfass anything. I am either no cheeks or all 3 cheeks deep in. *-- EE* Hey yall. I'm the one you can blame for ThraelosVerse, and all of the OCTs therein, existing. This has been my brainchild project, with pre-production on and off, for about half a decade now. I'm BEYOND thrilled to finally kickstart it and bring it to fruition. I hope somehow someway ThraelosVerse will inspire, encourage, and spark the joy of creation, storytelling, and collaboration in all of you!
Table of Contents 1. [OCT Experience](#bkmrk-backstory) 2. [Judging Expectations](#bkmrk-reference-sheet) 3. [NPCs](#bkmrk-npcs-belonging-to-%5Bi-1) 4. [Judge's Notes](#bkmrk-judge%27s-notes)
### OCT Experience --- #### As a Player At the risk of aging myself, I am a certified OCT veteran; I joined my first OCT as a player way back when EndZone (the "first OCT" as we know "OCTs" to be defined as) was still *running*. I started around 2007/2008 in *Infractus Fatality*. Since then I've entered more than I can honestly recall these days, but sadly most of the time the OCTs I entered ended up fizzling out (sometimes before R1 could end), or I ended up having to back out around R2/R3 due to being busy in my offline life. If I were to guess, I'd say I've participated in about 10-12 or so OCTs (that actually got started and didn't simply close shop before auditions ended-- I wouldn't dare to try recalling all of those). As of right now, my favorite OCT that I've ever participated in as a player was *AdriftOCT*. It was there that I met most of my OCT pals that I still am good friends with today, and where my teammate, AnimationMutation, and I really started to learn and hit our stride in comic-making progress. Much love to *AdriftOCT*, always. Speaking of teaming up with AnimationMutation: we long since started a silly gimmick of having our OCs be the same ones we entered in each OCT together every time, with a continuous plotline (as if their OCT journey was one big unbroken story journey). It was a huge challenge to make the leaps between different OCT premises make sense, but we loved it. We hope to bring those two OCs, Talib and Zeke, out of OCT hibernation one day and continue that challenge in new OCTs as players again. The most recent OCT I participated in as a player was *ParasomniaOCT*, teamed up with my pal LinksTheShifter. Unfortunately, we had to bow out in R1, submitting a hastily made comic, due to crazy work life pressures offline. #### As a Judge My OCT judging career has comparatively been far more recent and less filled out. I have judged for *TelevisionSpaceOCT (TVSOCT)* and *Summer Leagues OCT* (season 2); both OCTs were in recent years.
##### **ElectricEidolon** Trombone honk made sentient
![eep5icon1.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/eep5icon1.png)
**Aliases/Nickname(s)** EE, Eido, Electric, Elec, Eedon, etc
**Pronouns** Any; he/she/they
**Vocation** artist | animator | musician | stagehand | programmer
##### Social Media
**Discord:** electriceidolon
**Twitter | Bluesky:** [https://twitter.com/ElectricEidolon/](https://twitter.com/ElectricEidolon/) | [https://bsky.app/profile/electriceidolon.com](https://bsky.app/profile/electriceidolon.com)
**DeviantART:** [https://www.deviantart.com/electriceidolon/](https://www.deviantart.com/electriceidolon/)
**Website:** [https://electriceidolon.com/](https://electriceidolon.com/)
##### Judging Info
**Judge in:** BTOCT (if needed as a substitute \[eventually CoEOCT, DEMOCT\]
**Medium Focus** Comic, writing
**Brackets Judged:** \[TBA\]
### Judging Expectations --- Above all else, my focus is on **overall storytelling**. Every story is unique; not every piece of advice will fit every story trying to be told. I want to know *your* story and how you can convey that specific story to me. OCTs are a storytelling competition that utilizes both short-form (round, like chapters in a comic series or novel) and long-form (the overall plot of the story you are telling across the OCT as a whole) storytelling techniques-- striking that balance is much harder than most realize. That's the fun challenge, in my opinion. Additionally, I love to see out of the box and creative thinking in plots. Sure, tropes are staples for a reason, but even how you *use old tropes* can be creative. In the end, I want you to tell me your story to the best of your ability-- and have fun with it.
#### NPCs Belonging to ElectricEidolon
[![judgecain_chibi.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/judgecain-chibi.png)](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/judgecain-chibi.png)[![democt_symbol_VECTOR VARIATION 1 smaller.png](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/scaled-1680-/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-12/democt-symbol-vector-variation-1-smaller.png)
[Cain Salvatori](https://archive.thraelosverse.com/books/npcs/page/cain-salvatori "Cain Salvatori") \[Coming Soon\]
### Judge's Notes --- ✦ I prefer contact over email () or Discord DMs (electriceidolon). While I may not answer messages instantly due to being very busy, I will always try to read and respond as soon as I am able to. # Sent
> im a rocker goddammit, its in my genes/jeans *-- Sent* I'm here mostly to observe how OCTs work, and to score anything that needs music and/or audio. With the occasional helping hand with editing, text formatting, and whatever work that needs to be done on the staff side of things.
![New_MAL1.jpg](https://thraelosverse-octs.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/new-mal1.jpg)
**Aliases/Nickname(s)** Sent, Senti, Tempt
**Pronouns** He/Him
**Vocation** musician | audio technician | helper | assistant editor
##### Social Media
**Discord:** sent\_tempt
**Bluesky | Youtube | Bandcamp:** [https://bsky.app/profile/malleyricon.bsky.social](https://bsky.app/profile/malleyricon.bsky.social) | [https://www.youtube.com/@malleyriconatmospheressoun8917](https://www.youtube.com/@malleyriconatmospheressoun8917) | [https://malleyricon.bandcamp.com/](https://malleyricon.bandcamp.com/)
##### OCT Info
**Medium Focus** Musical scoring and audio