Starlight Celebration Comic Strip Contest (NA)

'Tis the season for the Starlight Celebration once more, and we’re pleased to announce a special contest to go with it: The Starlight Celebration Comic Strip Contest! Join in on the festivities and make Eorzea even brighter by creating a four-panel comic strip using in-game screenshots themed after the Starlight Celebration seasonal event. We will be awarding 120 of the best entries with a choice of one of four in-game items, and of these winners we will also be selecting 20 grand prize winners and awarding them with the exclusive Noble Barding!

Contest Entry Period
Friday, December 18, 2015 at 12:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) to Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

*Please note that the in-game seasonal event ends on December 31, 2015 at 6:59 a.m. (PST)

Theme
Create a comic strip using four screenshots related to the theme of the Starlight Celebration (an in-game seasonal event).

Prizes

Grand Prize
Up to 20 grand prize winners will be selected from the North America region from qualifying entries and awarded with the prizes listed below.

One (1) Noble Barding in-game chocobo barding item.

Attachment 2214

and

Choice of one (1) of the below in-game items:
Ahriman Choker

Mandragora Choker

Bluebird Earrings

Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Attachment 2211 Attachment 2212
Attachment 2213 Attachment 2210

Runners-up
Up to 100 runners-up will be selected from the North America region from qualifying entries and awarded with the prize listed below.

Choice of one (1) of the below in-game items:
Ahriman Choker

Mandragora Choker

Bluebird Earrings

Scarf of Wondrous Wit

* These are virtual items and have no real world monetary value.
* Please note that prizes are transferable only to the characters' linked to the Entrant's service account.

How to Enter
Submit a comic strip using four screenshots related to the Starlight Celebration theme and post them in the contest entry thread. Comic strips may (but are not required to) include captions under the screenshots or text bubbles added to the screenshots.

When submitting your entry, you must include the following:
Four screenshots (captions/text bubbles optional)

Character name

World name

Your choice of in-game prize listed above

*If no character name or World name is submitted, the prize will be awarded to the character displayed on the entrant's forum handle.
*If no in-game item is listed, an in-game item will be selected for you.

Entry rules:
Only one entry per person.

You must have a North America Square Enix Account to qualify for the North America region.

If multiple entries are posted, only the first one submitted will be accepted.

Entries cannot be edited after submission.

Entries using more or less than four screenshots shall be disqualified.

You may only use image editing software to crop your screenshots or add text captions/speech bubbles.

Your character must be visible in at least one screenshot

The screenshots and explanation text must be created by the user who is submitting.

You may not use image editing software to alter, enhance or add more features than requested to your screenshot.

Please note that some image hosting websites, such as Flickr, will delete images when an account is inactive for a certain amount of time, so make sure to verify this when choosing a site to host your entry image.

Forum rules apply to all posts within the contest thread: http://support.na.square-enix.com/ru...5382&tag=forum
Square Enix reserves the right to judge whether or not material is appropriate for public display in its sole discretion.

Forum Submission Rules
Inappropriate submissions will be moderated. Any entries that fall under any of the below categories will be disqualified and the post will be deleted by a moderator:
Posts containing obscenity, vulgarity, discrimination, or any other offensive subject matter;

Infringements upon copyright/intellectual property, personal credit, privacy, etc.;

Counter to public order and/or morals;

Submissions with content judged to be grossly deviant from the established theme; and

Submissions that otherwise violated the full terms and conditions below

Selection
The FINAL FANTASY XIV North American Community Team will select winners based on creativity, humor, originality and overall execution according to the criteria listed above. Winners will be announced on or about Friday, January 22, 2016.

FINAL FANTASY XIV ® "Starlight Celebration Comic Strip Contest" Official Contest Rules
IMPORTANT! Please read these rules before entering the Starlight Celebration Comic Strip Contest (the “Contest”). By entering the Contest, you agree to be bound by these Official Contest Rules and represent that you satisfy all of the eligibility requirements.

North America Official Contest Rules

1. ELIGIBILITY
ALL ENTRANTS (“ENTRANTS” OR “YOU”) MUST AGREE TO THESE OFFICIAL RULES AND HAVE A VALID SQUARE ENIX FFXIV ACCOUNT FOR NORTH AMERICA REGION FFXIV PLAYERS, THE CONTEST IS OPEN TO MEMBERS WHO ARE LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE U.S. AND CANADA (EXCLUDING QUEBEC) OVER THE AGE OF 13. IF YOU ARE NOT A RESIDENT OF THESE AREAS, YOU MUST AGREE TO THE APPLICABLE CONTEST RULES OF YOUR REGION OR ELSE YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO WIN A PRIZE, AND SQUARE ENIX, INC. (“SQUARE ENIX” OR “SPONSOR”) RESERVES THE RIGHT NOT TO AWARD PRIZES TO CONTESTANTS WHO RESIDE IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS. If you are under the legal age of majority in your state of residence (a "Minor"), your parents or legal guardians must read, understand, and agree to these Contest rules. To be eligible to win a prize, entries must be completed and received by Square Enix in the format designated below. Directors, officers, and employees of Square Enix and any of their respective affiliate companies, subsidiaries, agents, professional advisors, advertising and promotional agencies, and immediate family members of each are not eligible to win any prizes. All applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Offer void where prohibited.

2. CONTEST PERIOD
The Contest period is from Friday, December 18, 2015 at 12:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) to Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

*Please note that the in-game seasonal event ends on December 31, 2015 at 6:59 a.m. (PST)

Square Enix will, in its sole discretion, determine the valid and official entry time, should any discrepancies of time occur.

3. HOW TO ENTER
Submit a comic strip featuring four screenshots related to the Starlight Celebration theme (an in-game seasonal event) and post them in the contest entry thread. If multiple entries are posted, only the first one submitted will be accepted. Entries cannot be edited after submission. Entries using more or less than four screenshots shall be disqualified. Comic strips may (but are not required to) include captions under the screenshots or text bubbles added to the screenshots.

When submitting your entry, you must include the following:
Four screenshots (captions/text bubbles optional)

Character name

World name

Your choice of in-game prize listed above

If no character name or World name is included, the prize will be awarded and sent to the character visible on your forum handle. If no prize is indicated, we will select a prize from the list on your behalf.

Entry rules:
Only one entry per person.

You must have a North America Square Enix Account to qualify for the North America region.

If multiple entries are posted, only the first one submitted will be accepted.

Entries cannot be edited after submission.

Entries using more or less than four screenshots shall be disqualified.

You may only use image editing software to crop your screenshots or add text captions/speech bubbles.

Your character must be visible in at least one screenshot

The screenshots and explanation text must be created by the user who is submitting.

You may not use image editing software to alter, enhance or add more features than requested to your screenshot.

4. PRIZES
Grand Prize
Up to 20 grand prize winners will be selected from the North America region from qualifying entries and awarded with the prizes listed below.

One (1) Noble Barding in-game chocobo barding item.
and
Choice of one (1) of the below in-game items:
Ahriman Choker

Mandragora Choker

Bluebird Earrings

Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Runners-up
Up to 100 runners-up will be selected from the North America region from qualifying entries and awarded with the prize listed below.

Choice of one (1) of the below in-game items:
Ahriman Choker

Mandragora Choker

Bluebird Earrings

Scarf of Wondrous Wit

* These are virtual items and have no real world monetary value.
* Please note that prizes are transferable only to the characters' linked to the Entrant’s service account.

ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECEIPT OR USE OF ANY PRIZES ARE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WINNER. Winners will be announced on or about January 22, 2016. Prizes will be awarded within one month after winners are announced. No substitutions or exchanges (including for cash) of any prizes will be permitted, except that Square Enix reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value for any prize listed in the table above. Prizes won by a Minor (as determined by the laws of the contestant's state of residence) will be awarded to a parent or legal guardian on the Minor's behalf. Actual retail value of prizes may vary due to market conditions at the time prizes are awarded. All prizes are awarded "AS IS" and WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, express or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

IN NO EVENT WILL THE CONTEST WINNERS BE ENTITLED TO ANY FEE, ROYALTY, OR OTHER COMPENSATION OF ANY KIND AS A RESULT OF THE CONTEST. BY ENTERING, EACH CONTESTANT (AND, IF A MINOR, HIS OR HER PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN) IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO COMPENSATION FOR SQUARE ENIX'S USE OF SUCH CONTESTANT'S ENTRY MATERIALS (AS DEFINED BELOW) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THESE RULES.

5. GRANT OF COPYRIGHT LICENSE TO SQUARE ENIX
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, You hereby grant to Square Enix and its current and future affiliates a perpetual, world-wide, exclusive, no-charge, royalty-free, transferable, irrevocable copyright license to reproduce, prepare derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, sublicense, distribute Your Entry Materials (the "Entry Materials", including all copyright, trademark, and other proprietary or intellectual property rights associated therewith).

6. ORIGINAL WORK OF AUTHORSHIP
You hereby warrant and represent that (a) as between you and parties other than Square Enix, you own all rights to all Entry Materials submitted by you; and (b) other than the fact that all intellectual property embodied in and related to the FINAL FANTASY® XIV game, including all copyrighted works and trademarks and derivative works thereof, are the exclusive property of Square Enix, all such Entry Materials are original works of authorship on your part and have not been copied, in whole or in part, from any other work and do not violate, misappropriate, or infringe any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary or intellectual property right of any other person or entity.

7. GENERAL RELEASE
By entering the Contest, you (and, if you are a Minor, your parents or legal guardians) release Square Enix, other participating sponsors, and any of their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agencies (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any liability whatsoever, and waive any and all causes of action, for any claims, costs, injuries, losses, or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the Contest or acceptance, possession, or use of any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses, and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light, whether intentional or unintentional), whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty, or other theory. IF YOU ARE A MINOR, YOUR PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIANS FURTHER AGREE TO INDEMNIFY EACH OF THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM ANY CLAIMS, COSTS, INJURIES, LOSSES, OR DAMAGES DESCRIBED IN THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPH THAT MAY BE SUFFERED BY YOU.

8. SELECTION OF PRIZE
Actual model, color, accessories, and features of the in-game items awarded as prizes shall be selected by Square Enix in its sole discretion and may vary from photos or images shown in the Contest materials and advertising including the Square Enix web site.

9. USE OF WINNER'S NAME, LIKENESS, ETC.
Except where prohibited by law, entry into the contest constitutes permission to use the winners' voice, names, addresses, likenesses, and/or prize information, without limitation, for promotional purposes without further permission or compensation. As a condition of being awarded any prize, except where prohibited by law, winners may be required to execute consent to the use of their name, address, likeness, and/or prize information, without limitation, for promotional purposes without further permission or compensation.

10. AFFIDAVIT & RELEASE
As a condition of being awarded any prize, winners (and if winner is a Minor, winner's parent or legal guardian) may be required to execute and deliver to Square Enix a signed Affidavit of Eligibility and acceptance of these Official Contest Rules and release of liability.

11. WINNER'S LIST; RULES REQUEST
For a copy of the winners list, send a stamped, self-addressed, business size envelope after January 6, 2016 and before February 6, 2016 to Square Enix at the address listed below (Attention: Starlight Celebration Comic Strip Contest Winners List). To obtain a copy of these rules, send a stamped, self-addressed business size envelope to Square Enix at the address listed below (Attention: Starlight Celebration Comic Strip Contest Rules Request).

12. COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The Contest and all accompanying Contest materials are Copyright © 2014-2016 by Square Enix, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

13. MISCELLANEOUS
The Contest and these Official Contest Rules will be governed, construed, and interpreted under the laws of the United States and California. Contestants agree to be bound by these Official Contest Rules and by the decisions of Square Enix, which are final and binding in all respects. Square Enix reserves the right to change these Official Contest Rules at any time, in its sole discretion, and to suspend or cancel the Contest or any contestant's participation in the Contest should viruses, bugs, unauthorized human intervention, or other causes beyond Square Enix's control affect the administration, security, or proper play of the Contest or Square Enix otherwise becomes, as determined in its sole discretion, incapable of running the Contest as planned. Contestants who violate these Official Contest Rules, tamper with the operation of the Contest, or engage in any conduct that is detrimental or unfair to Square Enix, the Contest, or any other contestant, in each case as determined in Square Enix's sole discretion, are subject to disqualification from entry into the Contest. Square Enix reserves the right to disqualify persons whose eligibility is in question or who have been disqualified or are otherwise ineligible to enter the Contest. If you have any questions about these Official Contest Rules or the Contest, please send written questions to Square Enix at the address set forth below.

14. FORCE MAJEURE
Square Enix reserves the right to change, delay, suspend, or cancel the contest if, in Square Enix's sole discretion, intervening circumstances warrant such change, suspension, or cancellation. Intervening circumstances include, but are not limited to, strikes, labor disputes, war, insurrections, revolutions, terrorism, riots or other civil disturbances, earthquakes, fires, floods, or other natural disasters, governmental restrictions, embargoes or other exercises of governmental authority, unavailability of supplies, components, or material, or any other cause beyond Square Enix's control.

15. DISCLAIMER
Square Enix, all participating sponsors, and any of their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, current and future affiliates, directors, officers, professional advisors, employees, and agencies will not be responsible for: (a) any late, lost, misrouted, garbled, or distorted or damaged transmissions or entries; (b) telephone, electronic, hardware, software, network, Internet, or other computer or communications related malfunctions or failures; (c) any Contest disruptions, injuries, losses, or damages caused by events beyond the control of Square Enix or other participating sponsors; or (d) any printing or typographical errors in any materials associated with the Contest.

16. LEGAL COMPLIANCE
Each Contest entrant and Contest Winner shall comply with all applicable federal, state, provincial, and local laws and regulations at all times.

17. SQUARE ENIX’S MOBILE AND ONLINE TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY
By participating in the Contest, you agree to be bound and abide by Square Enix, Inc.’s Mobile and Online Terms of Service (available at http://na.square-enix.com/us/documents/tnc), Square Enix Inc.’s Privacy Policy (available at http://na.square-enix.com/us/documents/privacy), and the Final Fantasy XIV user agreement (http://support.na.square-enix.com/ru...2&tag=users_en).

18. CONTEST SPONSOR
The sponsor of the Contest is Square Enix, Inc. Square Enix is a leading developer and publisher of digital entertainment content. Correspondence regarding the Contest or these Official Contest Rules may be directed to the following address:

Square Enix, Inc.
Attention: Starlight Celebration Comic Strip Contest
999 North Sepulveda Blvd., Third Floor
El Segundo, California 90245

After you have read over and agreed to all of the above rules and regulations, please submit your entries in the entry thread.