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The Winner

Aanalia Bravewolf of Brell Serilis Submitted by: Andi Timmer The winning costume was submitted by Andi Timmer. As you can see to the right, she matched her EQ character as closely as possible... adding a bit more material for the sake of modesty. That close interpretation of a persons character was EXACTLY what I was looking for. Andi did an excellent job of recreating her character Aanalia Bravewolf for us. Congratulations again Andi!

The 5 Runner-Ups

After picking a winner, the tougher job of picking the runner-ups was at hand. Since "runner up" could be awarded to ANY costume, I had to decide what stood out, and whether or not they deserved higher ranking for being EQ related... etc. It was a tough job, maybe my comments below will help you understand why I picked the way I did.

Spiroc Submitted by: Jennifer Sena This has to be one of my favorite submissions. Jennifer told me that the hubby plays EQ and had been chasing around Spirocs, so she figured that if she dressed like one... **grins** Jennifer also provided me with a complete diary of building the costume, and told me it would be okay to share that link with you: Distant Designs: Spiroc

Azure Skyeshadow of Karana I'm not sure what it is about this costume/picture that makes me like it so much. But I do, and that's all that really matters. The costume is very very close to the starting outfit of the halfling females, which is exactly what Azure was after. Then I think it has something to do with the haze of the shot. I KNOW it's not supposed to be like that, but somehow, I think it added to overall picture. **shrugs unknowingly and grins**

Michael & Joleen DeVaney Had these two costumes been submitted seperately, they likely would have both made it into the runner up category on individual merit. But, Michael asked that I judge them as one entry, so... These are excellent costumes. And ever bit was made by Michael except for his boots. Nice work on both outfits!

Human Necro Submitted by: Peter Rodriguez There were a lot of costumes that were EQ-esque, but not truly EQ. Among those wever a good number of EXCELLENT robes. What sets Peter apart from the rest is his attention to detail: The make-up. Painted nails, dark eyes, pale skin, black lipstick, and a superb robe.

Rowian Nrohna of Bertoxx Submitted by: Rob Anhorn Now rob is a prime example of what I was talking about with Peter's submission above. EQ-esqu, but not quite dead on. Excellent Robe. But again, it was attention to detail that set Rob Apart. And by this... I mean the beard. It seems to be spirit gummed in place and isn't just fake-looking, single colored hair. Marvelous job Rob. Note: The humor factor didn't hurt either. The text on the image to the right reads: "Tah'weena Jentara To'jo... Accent on the Wee, and the Tara... ugh, why can't I just say "You are a FROG!""

Personal Bias: Honorable Mentions

Sally and Jack Skellington from "A Nightmare Before Christmas" Submitted by Takara and Hugh This is without question my favorite submission for several reasons: 1. It's Sally and Jack! 2. It's Takara and Hugh! 3. They are great costumes! Unfortunately, they couldn't win because of personal bias. And I wouldn't want to put them in as runner ups because they know they only need to ask and I'll send them artwork. Cause they are excellent people that I adore. So very excellent!

Barbarian Princess Submitted by: Milja Lusenius I had a hard time not placing Milja as a runner up. It's a good costume. But I kept telling myself that I was being overcome by bellybutton bias. **smiles sheepishly**

Qinamil Cammraitien of Fenin Ro Submitted by: Rich McCord Rich's outfit was another I had a really hard time passing up as a runner up. It is SOOO very pre-Luclin robe-ish. The ONLY reason Rich is not a runner up now is probably cause I've seen this image so many times in the past. Almost as long as I've been playing EQ. I'm pretty sure I saw it in the EQ Event on Everlore or something like that. Sorry Rich, circumstance prompted me to go elsewhere... still wasn't easy though. It's an incredible likeness.

KaLourin - Shadow Knight Submitted by: RJ LaCasse Kal is another one of those special cases of "people I like" so it was incredibly difficult to work past "personal" and "dig that helm" bias'. **grins** I'd poke Kal for the fun of it but he'd probably devour my soul.

The Power of Kids: Cuteness Bias

Several folks tried to buy my bias with cuteness, using their adorable children to garner GU swag... but oh no... I saw through the cuteness, right through to the evil heart... er... Hmmm. Here's all the cute kid pics I had to decide to turn down. Now I'm going to hell. I know it.

Beastlord Talie w/ Warder Ellowyn Submitted by: Jacqueline Shaughnessy See what I mean? Not fair is it? I was told that the Beastlord was not allowed to carry her 1HB weapon. My guess is that the warder was paying the price.

Elf Submitted by: Andrea Silvas See? Be glad I'm not a sucker for babies. Andrea was trying to win on cuteness and pointy ears alone!

Wood Elf Druid Submitted by: Cyndi Now this one was unfair for real. There is the cute. PLUS there is the suit. Err... costume that is. A little bit shorter and he'd even be the same size as a woodelf. **grins**

Halfling Paladin Submitted by: Kristin Sayers I quickly grew suspicious as this halfling had no hair on his feet. OHHHH! Almost cute duped again! Bad parents! Bad!

Dark Elf Submitted by: Greg Smith Greg sent in this picture of his 10yr old daughter as a Dark Elf. I'd be willing to be that Greg bribed her so "Daddy can win some GU swag!" Nice TRY Greg. **grins**

Seriously though parents, I'm just picking at you guys. I really appreciate your entires it was good to see them (I had no trick-or-treaters this year). Your submissions lead me to believe that I should split next years competition up into categories. **nods**

Everyone else...

I hate to group everyone else together like this at the end but I'm feeling a LOT of pressure to get this page done today. I mean look... I didn't even attempt to make it look GU-esque. Thanks EVERYONE for playing along. I enjoyed each and every submission. It was great fun and I can only hope for a turn out like this next year as well.

Apados Submitted by: Andrew This is a really snazzy robe. I'm pretty sure Andrew said his mom made it for him. Tremendous work! I love the gold interior. It makes the robes look incredibly lush!

Kerran Submitted by: Steve Shambaugh Steve says he's a Kerran... but I know a "Cats" outfit when I see one. **grins and ducks**

RedMage & BlueMage RedMage and BlueMage sent in these two image. A week or so ago, I editted that picture of BlueMage so that she'd look like DarkElf. So, I included that for you too.

Jedi Submitted by: Christoper Johnston Chris though he could win by using the cool lighting and Jedi Mind Trick! You have much to learn young Jedi. **grins**

EQ Vendor Submitted by: Stuart Walpole Very rennaisancy... almost EQ. Good work. Nice boots!

Cyyrimol Something about this costume frightens me... thought I'm not quite sure what it is.

Blunbad Kaboom Submitted by: Christopher Arnold This one would have been in serious runner up contention had Blunbad just cropped out the jeans and sneakers. Doh!

Metzpah Ashwood of Luclin BLUE

Jeremy Stogsdill

"buddy" as a wizard Submitted by: Abe Salem One word... Iron. **grins** Does your "buddy" know you submitted this?

brother as a ranger Submitted by: Cathy Huyhn Cathy made the armor and talked her brother into modeling it for her.

Tika Yeager Last but MOST certainly not least, this very nice digital piece. Unfortunately it had to be a real costume to win. Excellent work Tika. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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