Cosplay Chess

Would you like to see your favorite characters battle it out with each other? With Cosplay Chess, this is now possible! No one knows what to expect as the two chess players manoeuvre human pieces across a giant chessboard. For this seventh year at Otakuthon, the theme will be Magic vs Technology: Part II.

Cosplay Chess Rules

Entries can be from any source; Manga, Video Games, Anime, etc. No Originals. The same costume may be worn for Cosplay Chess and the Masquerade.
This event is first-come, first-served. The sooner you register, the more likely you are to get the spot that you want. However, your final spot will be decided by the Cosplay Chess Team.
You need to be pre-registered for Otakuthon to participate in Cosplay Chess. Your pre-registration number will be asked to ensure that all participants are registered.
Costumes do not have to be made by the cosplayer.
All costumes must be appropriate for the general public. We reserve the right to cancel any entry which does not follow this rule. All costumes must conform to the convention rules. Additionally, all weapons and accessories must conform the Otakuthon Weapons Policy.
Participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver form signed by their parents or legal guardian. You may obtain this waiver by emailing the Cosplay Chess Director at cosplaychess@otakuthon.com.
Participants must have an "attack" scene and a "death" scene ready prior to the game. You must also have alternate attack scenes prepared in case your piece is used multiple times during the game. For each scene, you are allowed to have other people help out; but you must inform the Cosplay Chess Director beforehand. These are called Support Pieces. You may find related information lower on this page.
No props or stage accessories which scatter will be allowed. This means no confetti, no fake blood, no rose petals, or anything else that might disrupt anyone's footing.
Participants must attend the Cosplay Chess prep meeting before the match. Important details that all participants will need to be aware of will be covered during this time. This will help prevent the match from becoming chaotic. The meeting will take place on Sunday, August 24 from 11am to 1pm. Participants MUST show up 2 hours before the beginning of the game, not DURING those 2 hours. Failure to comply with this rule will result in exclusion of the individuals at fault.
This is an act, after all, so NO attacks that can hurt other cosplayers or damage their costumes will be tolerated. In other words, please be considerate of the other people who are participating.
An image of your character must be provided with your entry form. Don't forget to include your real name, email address, and the series from which your character originates from when you apply. Also, please indicate in which team you would like to be placed, as well as the position you would like to play.
When you register, you are committing yourself to participate. If you suddenly happen to be unavailable to participate in Cosplay Chess, it is your responsibility to write an email to the Cosplay Chess Director as soon as possible. An unjustified absence from the game will result in your exclusion for the next year from the Cosplay Chess game. You must show up in the costume you have registered as. An unjustified last minute change will result in exclusion. Repeated disregard for the rules will result in permanent exclusions.

How to Participate

Note: You must be pre-registered for the convention before you apply.

To be a chess piece

Participants in the chess match will be chosen from amongst convention attendees.

No knowledge of chess is required; the chess players will play out the game and direct your movements. Participants will be chosen from amongst the applications received by June 30, 2014. After this date, applications may be accepted if there are spots still available. Be sure to read the Cosplay Chess Rules before submitting your application.

How to register

Send an email to cosplaychess@otakuthon.com with the following information:

Real Name:
Email:
Pre-registration number:
Character:
Originating Series:
First Desired Piece Position:
Secondary Piece Position:
Desired Team:-First Attack Scene:
Alternate Attack Scene:
Death Scene:
Desired Language of Communication: (French or English)
Character Image + Quick Description:
Supporting Characters (if any):

Special Attacks (Support Characters)

You may include other cosplayers in your Attack (or Death) scenes. These are called Support Characters.

Examples:

(Attack Scene Ex. 1) A Naruto (from Naruto) using Kage Bunshin no Jutsu could have other Naruto cosplayers rush into battle to assist him.
(Attack Scene Ex. 2) Cloud (from Final Fantasy 7) calling Tifa and Aerith to attack as a Party.
(Death Scene Ex.) Link rushes in to pick up Zelda as she is defeated. He carries her off the board saying; "Well excuuuuuse me, Princess!"

Support Characters must be added on to the Main Character's application with their own application filled out. Support Characters do not stay on the chessboard constantly.

Want to Help Out?

You can also volunteer to help for the Cosplay Chess. Just send an email to the Cosplay Chess Director at cosplaychess@otakuthon.com.

Questions and Answers

How many people will be selected?

There will be a total of thirty-two (32) cosplayers chosen to be pieces on the chessboard. We will also be accepting a number of replacements and support characters so more than 32 people will have the chance to participate. You still have a very good chance of participating even if you're on the waiting list!

How do I apply?

Simply follow the procedure in the 'How to register' section.

Which team should I join?

You must register in the team that best describes your character. Therefore, if you are cosplaying a character with magical traits, you should be on the 'Magic' team. If your character is more technologically or scientifically-inclined, you should join the 'Technology' team. It all depends on the interpretation of your own character. The Cosplay Chess staff reserve the right to make changes to the teams if there is a shortage of characters on one team.

When should I apply?

The cut-off date for registration is June 30, 2014. Only completed forms will be considered. All incomplete forms must be redone with the missing information in order to be considered.

I'm under eighteen. May I still apply?

Yes, however, you must request the waiver from the Cosplay Chess Director and have it signed by your parent or legal guardian. Please be sure that your parent or legal guardian know the time of the match and that you're not forced to leave the convention early. Be sure that your parent or legal guardian be available at all times in case of an emergency. Send the request at cosplaychess@otakuthon.com.

Is it okay if I didn't make my own costume?

Absolutely. There is no costume judging so anything is welcome as long as it conforms to the convention's rules. Weapons and moving parts must also comply with the Weapon Masters' Policy.

My costume has parts that may get in other people's way. Is this a problem?

The costume should be something that the participant can move in without aid. It should not obstruct or accidently hurt other cosplayers on the chessboard. It should be contained within a 60cmx60cm square, as this is the size of our board's tiles. Be aware that this is subject to change as we are working on upgrading our board to be better and more resistant.

How will I know if I've been selected?

Selected applicants and their replacements will be notified by e-mail when the decision has been made. Keep your e-mail contact information up to date in order to keep in touch with the Cosplay Chess Staff.

I've been selected! What do I have to do before the con?

Participants will need to communicate via email with the Cosplay Chess Staff during the weeks prior to the convention. Failure to communicate with the Cosplay Chess Staff when required may lead to exclusion.

Other questions? Please contact the Cosplay Chess Director at cosplaychess@otakuthon.com or your representing player if you have already been selected as a participant.