Dreaded_Beast, thanks for pointing that out. I will try to think of a way to make that very clear in the FAQ.
To clarify. Each pairing has a different set of pics. So, the pics for Macbeth/Halivar will be different than the pics for Rodrigo Istalindir/Alsih2o, which will be different than the pics for Dreaded_Beast/Firelance, etc.
Once the pics are posted, you have up to 72 hours to turn in the story based on those pics. We are a global community, so compute that 72 hours for your local time.
A couple of pointers:
For maximum effect, treat your pics as the "illustrations" for your story. If a publisher is going to use illustrations, trivial details won't be chosen to be illustrated. You should strive to integrate each picture in a meaningful manner to your story. If you don't, but your opponent does, your opponent is more likely to be advanced to the next round.
It is _hard_ to do this, but that is the challenge of the competition.
Also, you will generally be marked down for using the pictures as pictures within the story. Sure, you can do it, but you are taking a risk with it.
Picture use is one of the most important aspects of the Ceramic DM. Grammar and spelling are important as well, but the pictures are your ingredients. This is like the Iron Chef. You are given ingredients and you need to use those ingredients as creatively as possible.
