BACKGROUND
The heritage of the Emperor's Hammer is inextricably linked to our custom missions for the X-Wing game series, and our mission database should continue to grow to offer more and new experiences to our members.

As such, all who wish to help make our database even greater are challenged to create the best 4-8 mission battle possible for one of our supported platforms (X-Wing, TIE Fighter, X-Wing vs TIE Fighter, Balance of Power, X-Wing Alliance, TIE Fighter Total Conversion, X-Wing Virtual Machine). The battle will be graded by the Tactical Officer and ranked appropriately.

SPECIAL NOTE
Normally, to be able to submit a battle to the Tactical Office, the author must have FIRST passed both the Mission Creation and Beta Testing Standards Imperial University course and the platform specific design course of the submission (X-Wing/XWVM, TIE Fighter, XvT/BoP, XWA/TFTC). But for this competition, that requirement is waved for the submission, however, the author must pass the required courses before the battle will be sent out for beta testing and then subsequently released to the database and a Medal of Tactics - Red Hammer is awarded.

This is a special relaxation of the normal EH guidelines to encourage all to attempt the competition. However, a portion of the score for the submission will be the technical accuracy and compliance with EH mission standards so it is HIGHLY encouraged that a prospective author take the IU courses before attempting a submission.

JUDGING CRITERIA
Storytelling (50 pts)
How engaging of a story is being told in the battle. Is it plausible, funny, interesting, etc.

Gameplay (30 pts)
How fun are the missions to fly? Is it just a kill everything in sight or something more? Is there variety in the missions or are they all the same/similar? Note that all missions will be flown on medium.

Technical Skill (20 pts)
Was the platform used to its fullest? Are there errors/bugs in the battle (Note: If a mission is not able to be completed due to a bug it is highly unlikely to score well in the gameplay category either)? Does the submission comply with EH standards? All missions will be examined using YOGEME.

SUBMISSIONS
All submissions should be emailed to the Tactical Officer prior to the closing date for the competition.

While normally it is expected that all competition creations are made solely during the competition window, it is understood that this effort may have been started previously and that will not be counted against the participants. Only submissions sent in during the competition window will be considered however.

It is permissible to have up to three (3) authors for the battle who will share equally all awards, but each author must at least create one of the missions. And the requirements that all IU courses must be passed prior to beta testing applies to all the authors.

Additionally, all submissions must be original (no remasters).

If TC Award Chosen
1st-IS-PR
2nd-IS-GR
3rd-IS-SR
4th-IS-BR
5th-IS-CR

If SO Award Chosen
1st - Minimum of a Crescent with a Topaz Star (Upgraded all the way to Diamond Star depending on number of participants)
2nd on down - descending awards all the way to Crescent with Quartz Star.
Refer to the Award Chart for Crescents.