In cooperation with [b]Mongoose Publishing[/b], our April contest sets the stage for the creation of your ultimate NPC!

Using the classes from any Mongoose [i]Encyclopaedia Arcane[/i] or [i]Encyclopaedia Divine[/i] book, you must create a 20th level NPC. Sounds easy, right? Here's the catch. You must incorporate a mongoose into the character's write up.

Your entry should include the NPC's stats and a solid background story that includes his personality, motivations, and history that defines why and how he has achieved the ultimate rank of 20th level. Remember, you must use a mongoose as a part of this description. The mongoose could be a familiar, a mount, a totem spirit, a pelt that the character wears, etc. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

The NPC must be in stat block format with the math for the skills included ([i]see our Writer's Guidelines in the Downloads section[/i]). If you use a mongoose as a companion or such, its stats must also be provided. All information included that is not original must come from an open content source complete with a notation of that source. Be certain to also include notations of what specific Mongoose books were used to create your character.

The deadline for this contest is [b]Sunday, May 4th[/b], at midnight. All entries should be done in Word (.doc, .rtf) or Adobe (.pdf) format and submitted to Steve at ghost.wind@verizon.net with the subject header "Ultimate April Contest". Be sure to include your name, address and email on the submission itself.

What can you win with this month's contest? The very kind people over at Mongoose have graciously donated two of their hottest books:

* [i]Ultimate Equipment Guide[/i]
* [i]Ultimate Feats[/i]

All entries will appear in the June issue of [i]d20Zine![/i] for everyone to enjoy. So start designing your ultimate Mongoose class-based character with an actual mongoose as part of his description and good luck to each and all of you.