“40 Lairs for 40 Years” Dragon Lair Design Contest


Artwork Copyright John Picacio 2026

Celebrate 40 years of Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy by creating an original dragon lair for the upcoming book 40 Lairs for 40 Years. Each submission must be a complete, ready-to-use dragon lair for fantasy RPGs (compatible with systems such as D&D 5e, Old-School Essentials, Pathfinder, or similar).

What to Submit

  • A detailed description of the dragon: Species, personality, age, motivations, quirks, and combat style.
  • A vivid description of the lair: Environment, atmosphere, defenses, hazards, and notable features.
  • Creative encounter design: Strong roleplaying, exploration, and combat potential for a Game Master to run.
  • A black-and-white map: Hand-drawn and scanned, digital, or mixed media.

Submission Limits

  • Word Count: Maximum 1000 words total (including title, headings, and all text).
  • Formatting: The entire submission will be piblished on one standard 8.5 × 11 inch page (including the map). Plan your map accordingly.
  • Disqualification: Submissions exceeding 1000 words will be disqualified.

How to Enter

  • Submission Method: Submissions must be uploaded via the official online form.
  • Home Store: You must designate one of the five Dragon’s Lair Comics and Fantasy franchise stores as your home store.
  • Submission Code: Each entry requires a unique code, which can only be acquired in-person at your designated home store.
  • File Format: Submissions must be 1 PDF digital files and may include a a separate jpg or png image file. You may include both the map and text in one file or submit one with your text and one with the image.
  • Deadline: All entries must be received by January 15, 2027, at 11:59 PM (Central Time).

Judging & Selection

Each participating store will select 5 winners. An additional 5 wildcard winners will be chosen from the remaining pool across all locations.

  • Total Winners: 30 lairs will be selected for inclusion in the book.
  • The Panel: Professional RPG writers and Dragon’s Lair store staff.
  • Criteria: Writing Skill (Clarity/Tone), Originality (Concept/Personality), and Encounter Design (Utility/Creativity).

Prizes & Benefits

Each of the selected winners will receive:

  • Publication: Your lair will be professionally edited and published in the book 40 Lairs for 40 Years.
  • Monetary Prize: A $30.00 gift card per selected lair.
  • Physical Copy: One complimentary copy of the finished book.
  • Professional Credit: Contributor credit in the book (Name + Store Location).
  • Local Bonuses: Additional prizes may be awarded by individual stores (check with your local shop for details).

Eligibility & Rules

  • Age: Open to adults ages 18 or older.
  • Entry Limit: Only one submission per person. Contestants are prohibited from submitting to multiple stores.
  • Co-authors: Permitted, but they share the same prize support as a single-author submission (one $30 prize and one book per entry).
  • Originality: All content must be original. Plagiarism results in immediate disqualification.
  • Rights: By submitting, you grant Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy and the book publishers non-exclusive rights to publish your lair with credit.

Additional Notes

  • Maps: Must be black and white only (no color or grayscale shading).
  • Compliance: Late or improperly formatted entries will not be accepted.
  • Finality: Judges’ decisions are final.

Questions? Visit your local Dragon’s Lair Comics and Fantasy store for full details, examples, or clarification.

Good luck — may your dragons be legendary and your lairs unforgettable!