We hear a lot about Bryce 6 and when it's going to come out, we're all wondering whether our dedication and addiction to this application will continue in the future. So in the hope for that, and if FWTempest agrees, I would like to suggest the theme "God of Bryce" as February's Bryce Challenge. Basically what I have in mind is this: 1. A pure Bryce render with no serious postwork allowed. Signatures, titles, levels and colour manipulation for the image itself should be, but aside from that no touch ups or specifics should be allowed. 2. Purely Bryce, no models or meshes imported from other programs. After some thinking on the issue, I still believe that imports of Bryce-only models should be allowed. Go right ahead if you have made models IN BRYCE of have found models made in Bryce that you think would help. No Poser, 3DS, Lightwave, etc. Images and anything that could enhance textures are fine. 3. Idea behind it should stem out of Bryce as a deity, a chorus of emotions, passions and talent applauding the application that we all use. It doesn't need to be a person, but it certainly needs to put forth all the things the application can do. Whether you have a tree as an arm and a primitive as a leg, or simply choose to understand deity as a force, using bryce, is up to you. Basically the idea is that the challenge should incorporate all facets of Bryce (or rather whatever you find most interesting or unique about the program) and that it has to be presented in a 99% pure Bryce environment.

I hate to be the voice of negativity, but here goes. First of all, I acknowledge the right of the winners to choose the challenge. But: So many of us chose to use the "God" concept with January's "New Beginnings" challenge, that this seems a little like repetition. The concept of "Bryce only" ignores the fact that the creators of Bryce intended for users to import almost any objects they can find to use inside of Bryce. That is why Bryce will import almost all of the most used formats. To not use this ability severely ties the hands of those of us (like myself) who are lousy at modeling in Bryce. Even with metaballs, the results I get are hardly worth the effort (big headaches getting them to do what I want). This just leaves out too many of us who are newbies and non-modelers. I would maintain that if you can import it into Bryce, it IS Bryce (otherwise it couldn't be done in Bryce). If you have to manipulate the image in a paint program after the fact, then that ISN'T Bryce. Lastly, I don't really "get" this month's challenge. I'll just have to wait until some entries are posted, so I can interpret from them what I'm supposed to be doing. I'm just not finding any inspiration with this one yet. Once again, sorry for the negativity. :^)

This is not my "second childhood". I'm not finished with the first one yet.

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

"I'd like to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather....not screaming in terror like the passengers on his bus." - Jack Handy

I subscribed to your idea when I first started using bryce too Drac but I do agree some also with tjohn in the fact that this is a kick butt program.I happen to be making a little animation for a client and bryce is proving to be killer in rendering in .avi and quicktime formats.Importing from poser, and 3ds are awesome also.I personallly like the look of a bryce render before it is taken into other programs for further tuning.I have noticed here...in Renderosity in general... that it is very difficult not to use all the programs that are at our disposal and to call a pic "Bryce" or "Poser" doesn't seem to tell the whole truth it seems.If there is not a general challenge using all of our programs maybe we here in the Bryce forum should propse this to other forums and possibly get one going and make the individual challenges "Strictly" there own or disqualify the entry.Think of the participation then ...and I would like to see some "Pure" Bryce :)...long winded I know...

I think no matter which way a challenge is presented there will be people unhappy with it. There were so many times I read about people gripping that it wasn't pure Bryce. The response to them was, "win the challenge and you can make the rules for the next one" So now we have a Bryce challenge with no mesh or model imports. I say go with it! Chances are the next challenge will go back to the more common allowances. And I've noticed that the challenge winners do not usually win the next challenge - the one that they have set forth. I admit, I haven't got a clue where to begin with the concept on this one but thats half the challenge. If nothing comes up then there is always next month. Most importantly, this is for fun and a way to hone, improve or show off talents. (I fall into the improve category). I give thumbs up to Drac and FWTempest for this months challenge. Angela

Im glad Tjohn came out with it first but Im afraid Im having a little trouble understanding the remit for this challenge too. I think there was a feeling in the last months challenge that some of us wandered off the point a little. Ill be interested to see the results this month. Thats not to say we shouldnt try something new, of course. We cant have "Naked lady wiv a big sword" all the time, but at least I would have understood the theme. But the choice belongs to Draculaz (and FWTempest)by right. They won the challenge. I`ll just have to learn how to make a naked lady out of metaballs.

I'll talk to tempest and agent smith and see what we can do on such short notice, i guess we'll just figure it out on monday. Also, with all due respect, when exactly have you ever had a bryce "god" or deity challenge? drac

But Bryce has so many limitations and drawbacks when it comes to modelling .... waaaaaaah.

Personally I was worried about this one at first, but have already started work on an image which should fit the rules. It just suddenly came to me. Pleeze don't change it now, as it is now it is a real challenge, and surely that is what it is meant to be. I love challenges, they inspire me when I have run out of inspiration, and then I sometime find other things grow from the original concept, which don't fit the rules but are possible images in their own right. I have only entered two challenges and don't ever expect to win one, but I love the whole idea of challenges with rules, and others do too, because the poser forum is now trying to get a monthly challenge going.

The greatest part of wisdom is learning to develop  the ineffable genius of extracting the "neither here nor there" out of any situation...."

Please let me clarify a few points. I have nothing against Pure 100% Bryce. The last work I finished (Marbles) is Pure 100% Bryce. When I can get what I want to create without going outside of Bryce, I do so. Not for any sense of "purity", but because I did not need to go "outside of Bryce" to bring my vision to life; I do that so as to not needlessly complicate the process of creation. One has no need to import spheres or planes into Bryce, Bryce can do that just fine, and the Bryce versions of those objects look better when rendered in Bryce. However, typically my ideas for competing in a challenge go beyond my modelling capabilities, so I depend on objects created in other programs. I feel that limitation to "pure" Bryce (especially in a challenge), does not so much "challenge" me, as "handicap" me. I always try (emphasis on try :^) ) to stretch out in creative ways for the challenges, not always successfully. I'm having a little personal trouble with the "God of Bryce" concept. The concept of God is a personal one for me. I am repulsed by the concept of "playing God", and would not entertain the idea that by creating in Bryce I am "playing God". I'm just trying to make pretty pictures. :^) So unless I come to a better understanding of the concept in a way I can use it to make a "pretty picture" by observing what other members post as entries this month I won't be able to participate. I'm sure the other members are not as thick as me, and they will ably illustrate the theme for me in ways that words cannot. Finally, I made my first post in this thread to voice my confusion and opinions about elements of this month's topic, not to call into question draculaz' and FWTempest's right to call the shots. In fact I even said, "First of all, I acknowledge the right of the winners to choose the challenge." They have the power and are duly elected by us all to do so...we hear and obey. :^) Meaning no offence and in no way personally offended, Tjohn

This is not my "second childhood". I'm not finished with the first one yet.

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

"I'd like to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather....not screaming in terror like the passengers on his bus." - Jack Handy

Can it be an animation in bryce since it is capable of such or only a pic? If allowed I surley would have it on my own server and provide a link...if not no problem :)

I'm all for a 100% Bryce challenge too, but I just get a little queasy with the "god" aspect of it. Maybe I'm just misunderstanding the actual description of the challenge. What is the subject matter we are supposed to be following?

Look at humorix images they are pure Bryce, bryce is a kicking ass program and anyone can do everything he wants with (just thinking at terrains...). Sometimes some correction is needed, i agree, but i like Bryce 'cause is more "artistic" than "technic" and is not like some other programs like maya where one has to be a master of modelling to do things, or like Poser where an image rendered purely with is is horrible (postwork is the base of Poser). I like Bryce, usually i try to do all my images with it so i'm happy to do such a challenge! good choice!

I'm going to crawl out on a limb here and speak to the "god" aspect of this challenge. I think (and Drac can correct me if I'm wrong) that the point of the challenge is to celebrate and show off the strengths of the Bryce program, and how they can be used creatively by a talented artist to show strong feelings. Many people, myself included, tend to personify complicated things, whether they are vehicles, strange circumstances or software programs. Any connection to a religious God is a personal matter. I sincerely hope that the phrase "God of Bryce" does not make people too uncomfortable. I quite like this challenge concept, even if I don't have any ideas yet. Now that I've muddied things up even more, Draculaz and FWTempest can yell at me. :) Lin

PS I know ALL the challenges are to show of the strengths of the program and the artist, but I believe this is meant to show how we feel about the program itself, or how we feel using it to create. Lin

is the "god"part(i'll go with the crowd and put it in quotes) just supposed to represent, for example, the raw elemental force of nature, or is there a bigger picture i'm missing?

This is an EXCELLENT idea. I see all these wonderful art works created in four or five programs. And just because they are "rendered" in one or the other, it is put in that Gallery. It doesn't make them any less of an art form. Those seem to be the rules. But people... Bryce allows for 2D pictures with one of their presets. So, you can, within the rules, create a GOD in Poser, export it as a picture, and import it on a 2D face. That is within the rules of Bryce as that is what the 2D face was designed for. And Bryce is an awesomely powerful program. Very few people here, including myself, take advantage of all the wonderful "tools" this program has. It seems to be a scene "plugin" for Poser "characters." And that's ok too. I am anxiously awaiting the entries!! This truly a challenge!

To be honest, I'm baffled by this. I don't think this theme is at all clear or specific enough - it wouldn't work as an artist brief, for example. There doesn't seem to be anything to focus on. We need to be able to judge this and make choices at the end of the month; without more clarity that's going to end up being impossible. There won't be points of comparison. Boiled down, the theme seems to be captured in Drac's phrase: Basically the idea is that the challenge should incorporate all facets of Bryce (or rather whatever you find most interesting or unique about the program) and that it has to be presented in a 99% pure Bryce environment. But all that says is "make any picture in Bryce with only functional post-work". What I find most interesting is that I can use Bryce's render engine to bring large amounts of pre-work together into an abstract or surreal scene. I've got a picture in mind that would fit this month's challenge exactly on those terms, but that I'm sure wouldn't be remotely within the spirit of it. Commissioning an artist to do any work needs to be as specific as possible (believe me, artists moan and bitch much worse than this about real-world briefs :-). I know we're doing this as fun and practice, but could we draw in the parameters a little? Challenges work by restraining the artist. How about making it something like "A Portrait of a Deity"? Just a thought :-)

Cambert is right...the door is pretty much wide open to interpetation, as to what is required this is foggy at best.All facets of bryce I'm sure is understood but maybe a little more focused theme...Or if it is as it stands we don't mean to second guess you or take away from your idea...Were just trying to understand maybe a little more :)Sounds like make an orgy of bryce type things in what ever form we wish and hope that your message comes across...whatever the message is :)I have started nothing at this point having no clear direction other than all bryce...Which I dig :)

I think the beauty of this contest is to work within the natural 'limitations' and bring as much creativity to the work itself. Besides, it would help define a more accurate judging-point if it were stripped down so to speak and everyone could further appreciate the product, considering it's parameters. Just a thought... Heck, if I could afford either of these programs...I'd be welcoming this kind of challenge. Like an old life-quote: (That I'll apply to this forum) "Life is 10% what happens to you...and 90% what you make out of it." Okay, follow me on this one . . . "[This contest] is 10% parameters and 90% what you can make out of it." I really am at the door with this style of medium, being a traditional artist, but I really have enjoyed viewing all the styles of work. There are really some fantastic pieces of work in here. Keep it up! Welcome the challenge and run with it!

When is the end date? 3/08/2003? Should have waited with my last upload, it would have been a good fit for this contest. http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=323443&Start=1&Artist=SevenOfEleven&ByArtist=Yes going to make a new one for this contest.

i remember that one in the PS forum, wondering wut gallery it would fit into

"Immortal, invisible, God only-wise" Since God is invisible you don't need to import anything!

Seems like alot of people are scared of the whole bryce and nothing but the bryce concept!Come on guys/gals lets just give it a go aye?Whats the worst that can happen-You wont win?I bet you'd learn a bit more about bryce in the challenge!!Good luck all attempties and i'll certinally be giving it a go!!Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (Calum5).p,s-I think this is a good idea, what if you only had bryce!!!

on saturday all of my friends had other plans(ie, sleeping in) so i decided to try out bryces metaballs, aaaand, 6 hours later, i had a half decent face, which im going to put into this contest. i then modeled another face in 2 hours on sunday. im bout sick of bryce now, but im comfortable with metaballs now...... so, just try it out, u might be surprised.

A few months ago I read an article about "The Gods of Gaming". The article was about a handful of truly successful computer game developers. The concept of calling them "Gods" was not to make them seem religiously "God-like" but rather to point out their creative genius. When I saw this challenge, I immediately thought of the article. Another example: I recently bought a 3DS Max "Bible". We all know that the book has nothing to do with scripture. Like its prophetic cousin which has everything one needs to know to live a spirtual life (provided you are Christian), the 3DS Bible claims to have within it's pages everything you need to know about 3DS Max. Hope this helps.

Hi, _I don't know anything yet about Bryce 6, but I know I haven't purchased Bryce 5... _My point answering Draculaz (the first meesage) is askinghim who does he think he is to secide all those things in such an autoritarist tone ? _Can you tell me if Draculaz was kidding, and who he is? _A member of the Adm. of RR Staff, a guest-member of RR, or a merchant on RR, a consultant, any RR General Attorney or supreme Judge here in this thead ? _If he's kidding, that's okay, I like his joke...but, as I am retarded, I got confused if it was a joke, you'd better warn people before they make a war to you...(LOL) or either, you got this kind of 'prehempive' counter-attack if they didn't get the joke, see ? And this can happen in ANY domain of our Earthians lives.(Well, am I babbling ?) Anyway I sincerely found his thread abnoxious. (The one posted by 'Draculaz' And though I love Vampyres Movies a lot, but I always got another brand new stick ready for them, this time, though !) _If it was a joke, I didn't get it. _If it's not, I think it's ridiculous & totally arbitrary, stupid, repressive and pretentiously megalomaniac and written in such an autocratic pathetic way. _This site is only living thanks to the artists_Imagine Renderosity with no artists, it'd rather be exclusively commercial site selling 3D stuff, andgiving fre comercial 3D business links, and that would be all and no decision should be taken without a kind of vote, or a decision taken in common: Adms, artists and merchants working ata decision together, and decide together they stand for or against it. _That's what I believe would be democratic, if this concept still has any value amid you & me, guys & if it's not considered a 'terrorist policy' here. _And I don't think this thread (let me call it 'threat') is that serious so we would have to even bother about it. ...Well, if 'Draculaz' is one of the Chief Manager and Adm. and if what I saw in the thread applied on RR, I will be in a rush and very happy to leave this site with no regrets. Love you all.

what part did u find obnoxious? Draculaz tied FWTempest for 1st place in last months competition. This means they get to choose what this challenge is about. Presumably, Draculaz consulted FWTempest about the rules before posting this, so he does have authority in this thread. I hope this cleared up any confusion.

When is the end date March 1st or March 8th or some other date?