Lord Grymm has spoken:

I don't feel like challenging you, and honestly see no need for revolution. Enlightened individuals can enter into social contracts without either, simply acknowledging changes as time passes.

Here is what I have proposed. I am working on gathering a compilation of the "telling stone", the most accurate reconstruction of which is enclosed. I expect that our base may have amongst them versions of the tales depicted on the stone, and would gladly share them with us, so it can be compiled properly. These interpretations don't need to cover the entire stone: any of the lesser portions would be enough, though if they have multiple tales or interpretations of the known data, these would be accepted as well. A description of this stone is as follows:

"The so called "telling stone" (Specimen #A-3141-Z-00109), is perhaps the most famous example of Deinonychus habilis work currently known. It is part of what is called the awl scratch period. This period is typified by the presence of both illustrations and early notations. The telling stone seems to be a sort of talisman or history, bearing references to what have been interpreted as many of their most venerated tales, much like the engravings of the Wu Liang shrine. Many tellings and explanations for the tales have been conducted over the years, as new interpretations and understandings of the culture of D. habilis have changed. Though by no means exhaustive, this compilation gathers many of the tellings of these tales will hopefully shed more light on what we know about this truly ancient culture."

I expect all correspondence will be professional and academic in manner, though I realize campism rages throughout the field of Dinosaur study, and even more so in D. habilis study. I know things will get heated, but there should be no need to resort to common vulgarity or ad hominem attacks.



(Summary: look at the picture, tell some stories about what you interpret from it. Fighting in the comments is allowed, but they should attack the stories directly, not the people, and be as academic as possible. Well, some attacking of the people is permissible if phrased right. I will judge this. Stories need to be in before November 1, but I will need time to make the judgment. The winner will be announced at the start of December, after the novel writing is done. I think this still fits with your criteria, and lets things pick up after in some ways more easily. Other than choosing the next contest, I haven't worked out prizes yet.)