Clan E'las Loth'mon Ferindril presents...
The Better Homes and Treehouses Competition
An Over and Under Parade of Puddleby's Homes

Who has the best looking house in Puddleby?

This is the question that Clan E'las Loth'mon Ferindril set out to answer when we held the Better Homes and Treehouses Competition in the Spring of 557. We offered up a prize of 10,000 coins and encouraged exiles to send in visionstone tours of their homes(see full contest rules). One zodiac and 16 submissions later, our clan looked over the entries, and selected 5 finalists to be judged by a panel of celebrity judges. Now, after several moons of deliberations, we finally have the answer to our question.

Perhaps more important than the winner of the contest though, is the amount of creativity that was displayed by all of the entrants. We were blown away by the fantastic and varied designs of all the entries we received, and we had a difficult time selecting just five entries to be selected as finalists. We would like to thank all of the exiles who shared their homes with us, and encourage everyone to have a look at their wonderful tours.

And now, without further ado, the winner of the contest is...

Mephisto!

Congratulations on winning the Better Homes and Treehouses Competition! Congratulations goes also to Tara, who was selected as the runner-up. The two finalists will receive 10,000 coins and 3,000 coins, respectively.

Also, since we had such a difficult time selecting winners from so many great entries, we decided to award a number of smaller 200c prizes as well. They are as follows:

Best Mascot: Harper
Best Use of Rugs: Aldernon
Best Supporting Actor: Consul
Best Supporting Actress: Sushi
Early Bird Award: Shakyamuni

Once again, thanks to all the entrants of the contest, and to our wonderful judges. See below for the judges' analysis of the finalists' houses, and for visionstones of all the entrants.

Mephisto

One thing seems clear from the results of the Better Homes and Treehouses Contest-- Small Is In. While the larger houses dominated in the preliminary rounds, the judges picked the small and cozy houses over the more spacious designs in the final round of judging.

It should come as no surprise then, that Mephisto's home earned top marks from the judges. "Old school Zo architecture is alive and well in the Lok'Groton Archipelago, and Mephisto is a Zo that has it going on", raves Slyph, praising Mephisto's digs for its "violent onslaught of color, crushing and rendering helpless its guests with Zo sensibility."

Meph's Zo Pad

Connie Crete appreciated the house because of its use of symmetry: "I kin appreciate tha asymmetrical innellectual stimulation from sum o tha other contestants, but emotionally, symmetry will git me every time" she explains. The prominent display of beer also helped sway this judge's vote.

Empty beer bottles

Many of the judges also commented on Mephisto's sophisticated security system. "The security system is the best I’ve seen", writes Sutai, "My only complaint is that it is used only to protect beer, rather than as a trap... for example, luring Slyph in with fatty donuts, or Malkor with gold coins. This would make me happy."

The security system at work

Even Malkor had something nice to say, praising Meph's home for its "tasteful use of trophies" and "great display of wealth".

The Ghorak Zo are not well known for their artistic achievements, but stylish Puddlebeans will want to take note that Zo Architecture is in the vogue!

Download Mephisto's Entry

Tara

Though Tara is well-known more for her baking skills than interior design, apparently she can put some "wuv" into decorating houses as well. The Lizard Lounge, which was the runner-up in the contest, received good reviews from all the judges.

"The Lizard Lounge is undoubtedly the most luxuriously appointed dwelling in the lands", writes Manx, predicting that "the Lizard Lounge will be the party destination spot of the year for Puddleby's best and brightest."

The pimping Lounge

Slyph also feels that the Lounge is a hot spot: "The Lizard Lounge is obviously the place to be, if one can get in the door.  Tara's deft eye and light hand inform every space, creating a ensemble of adorable rooms."

Bathrooms have never looked this good

Sutai and Malkor concur with Slyph, writing that "The Lizard Lounge is most tastefully decorated of all entries" and that "It's quaint and homey, if not dazzling."

The cozy-looking bedroom

Connie appreciated the Lounge for its pleasant colors, which she says contrasts the "bold color schemes" of the other homes, which "kin be jarrin ta bloodshot eyes." Symmetry again played a part in winning Connie's opinion.

Looks like chicken for dinner

Finally, Sutai gives voice to the question that everyone has been wondering, when he asks, "Do visitors get free muffin?" We don't know for sure, but if you get a chance to visit the Lounge, we recommend you stay away from the pastries!

Download Tara's Entry

Kani

Kani's "Manarrr" was one of the most extravagant entries we received, and it put on a good showing in the contest. The Manarrr presents a most interesting amalgam of sylvan style and pirate sensibilities.

"His house is a wondrous example of decadent design", compliments Slyph. "The home is rambling and rich and full of dark corners in which entwined or unconscious forms may be found."

Two entwined forms

Many of the judges commented on the Manarrr's Atrium, which is one of the main attractions of the house. "The atrium looks like wonderful place to relax", writes Sutai, while Slyph describes it simply as "gorgeous."

The Atrium(with pet Drinky)

However, some of the Kani's other decorating choices received criticism from the judges. "The kudzu wall needs to be removed, let alone trimmed", complains Slyph, though Sutai countered that is was "very pretty and inventive... a wonderful treat for my eyes."

The kudzu wall

The judges were unanimous in condemning Kani's wendecka collection. "Why are Wendecka featured in the trophy hall?" asks Sutai, "They are obviously smelly, and are an eyesore... I expect more substance in a trophy collection."

Wendy trophy collection

Connie Crete also took issue with the lack of beer. "He gits points fer tha copious amount o wine, but only one bar and so far from tha front door were a stumblin block fer me."

Overall, however, the comments were very positive, with Manx dubbing Kani's Manarrr the "ultimate party pad."

Download Kani's Entry

Stinkfist

Not to be outdone by his shipmate Kani, Stinkfist put forth an impressive entry that proves that the Lok'groton Pirates are onto something when it comes to style.

Stinkfist's fancy office

"I wouldn't be caught in the Pirate Headquarters, unless I was caught and forced there by sword point", says Slyph, but then adds "but what a grand old time captivity would be! Guests and prisoners alike would admire the nautical themes, the generous rooms, the lively if not dangerous company, and, best of all, all the grog yer can drink."

The sasquatch keeps prisoners company

The beer(not surprisingly) also helped win kudos from Connie Crete. "Big points fer havin two drinkin rooms", she writes. Connie also appreciated the HQ's pleasant earth tones, which are "soothin ta the eyes."

The drinking lounge

Manx compliments the Pirate Pad for "the most creative use of space", while Sutai gave kudos for the generous use of skulls, though he felt that the tackiness of the place was a little overdone.

Wall of Liche skulls

A very nice entry overall, and it is somewhat comforting to know that those that get on the pirates' bad sides get to luxuriate in comfortable surroundings, before being made to walk the plank.

Download Stinkfist's Entry

Phiros

The last, but certainly not least of the finalists, is Phiros' Phlat. Built upon a spacious treehouse, Phiros makes good use of the room to show off his decorating flair.

Manx calls the house "elegant, warm, welcoming", while Malkor hailed it for being "gabby and ostentatious".

Relaxing by the fireplace

Several of the judges remarked on Phiros' creative use of swamp gas to create lanterns, and the dojo received good marks from Sutai and Connie for its simplicity.

Phiros practices some moves

Some of Phiros' other decorating choices were not as well received, however. Phiros' Throne drew the ire of several judges, with Slyph going as far to say that it "must be torched". Phiros broke so many rules of trophy usage in Sutai's book, that he pondered "When is University of Puddleby going to teach proper trophy decoration?"

Phiros' "reading chair"

Slyph was particularly unimpressed with Phiros' house, complaining that the "rooms seem pedestrian and Lower Puddleby", and that the frogs present a fire hazard. "Let's not ever visit it again, unless it is burned to the ground and built anew" exclaimed Slyph, before she chucked the visionstone to the ground.

Slight frog infestation

Despite the mixed opinions of the judges, Phiros' Phlat is still definitely worth a visit, especially if you're into flashy trophy displays. Personally, I thought that Phiros' Throne was very impressive, but I guess there's no accounting for taste.

Download Phiros' Entry

Other Entries

The following are the other entries that were submitted to the contest. Although they didn't make the final cut, each is a showcase of exile creativity, and definitely worth a look at.

Download All

Aldernon
Ansset
Baby
Creed
Harper
Kazik
Krandor
Omega
Raldin
Shakyamuni
Tedra

Also, have a look at the full text of the judges' analysis of the finalists.