Checkmate

What is Chess?
The theme for this year's OC Trading Cards is Chess, as voted on by our community.
Chess is a two-person abstract strategy game played on a checkerboard grid. The objective is to capture your opponent's King in order to claim victor, otherwise known as a Checkmate. There are a total of 6 different types of pieces, each with their own distinct movement pattern.King
Authority, Power, Vulnerability, Burden of Responsibility
The King is the most valuable piece on the board, yet arguably one of the weakest. It can move to any perpendicular square, but can never move into danger. If the King is in danger, a player must make a move to protect the King, or suffer defeat.Queen
Strategy, Protection, Influence, Rise in Power
The Queen is the most powerful piece on the chess board, capable of moving in any direction for any number of squares. It is a piece that has the power to control the board, but can easily become an opponent's main target.Knight
Chivalry, Agility, Tactics, Adaptability, Bravery
The Knight is unique in its L-shaped movement pattern. This unexpected movement pattern makes it a formidable opponent on the field as it masterfully leaps over enemies and traverses the chessboard with ease.Bishop
Wisdom, Foresight, Influence, Divinity
The Bishop moves to any square diagonally from its position. It is emblematic of the Church's influence in the Medieval era, as well as its close connection with the monarchy. A deadly piece for those who are not paying close enough attention.Rook
Stability, Strength, Defence, Loyalty
The Rook (or Castle) represents the strong foundations of the kingdom. It moves any number of squares vertically and horizontally. Players can 'castle' with the King and Rook to move the King into safety. The safety of the people comes first.Pawn
Sacrifice, Loyalty, Perseverance, Potential, Ambition
The Pawn is the first in line to danger and often the first to be captured by the opponent, moving only one square at a time. However, with enough dedication a pawn can be promoted to other ranks by reaching the opponent's back line. If you keep trying, perhaps a pawn can become a Queen.
(Visuals designed by illy.art)

Information

This is an OC trading card event for Malaysians inspired by alli.en's Aussie OC Trading Card Project!As original character afficionados who wish to promote more original content in local conventions around Malaysia, we have organised this annual trading card event for creators to show off their OCs. This is an opportunity for creators to share their characters with other creatives in the community so that everyone can amass an impressive collection of OCs from everyone who participates!Anyone and everyone is encouraged to join. You don't need to be a local or tabling at a convention to trade OC cards!
For more information and to connect with other participants, we recommend joining our Discord There, you will get the most up-to-date information about where to find other participants and artists during events, group orders, and more.Some frequently asked questions:Must I be boothing in the event to join?
No! As long as you're attending, you're welcome to join.Can I use my own template?
No. Please use the template provided in this linkCan I sell my OC card?
No, you may not. This project is intended to be one that's fun and free. If you would like to sell OC-themed trading cards, please create your own layout and template.
You can, however, give your OC cards away as free gifts.Can I have more than one OC on the card?
No, you should only have one OC per card. However you can add familiars or pets to be with your OC.Can I have more than one OC card?
Yes, but also keep your budget in mind!Can I use an OC image I commissioned?
Yes. Please remember to include the artist at the back of the card.Must it only be humanoid OCs?
No. All OCs that comply with our rules (No NSFW or offensive designs) are welcome.My OC's lore/design may not be as polished. Can I still join?
Yes! The main idea is to share your OC with others and exchange your stories with each other. Everyone of all skill levels are welcome!How many cards should I print?
The suggested amount is a minimum of 50 cards. However, the amount is up to you. Please print a suitable amount for you to trade with others.How can I trade?
Please refer to this spreadsheet Comic Fiesta 2025 on how to find the other members of this group. Please also include where you might be during the event.Can I trade for more than one card?
Trades need not be 1 card to 1 card. If both trading parties are willing you can exchange however many you want (ie. I give Morgan 3 of my cards for 1 of theirs)Can I print the cards myself?
Yes !Can I still use the previous/ past template designs to trade with?
Yes you can! You can find past templates HERE

How to make your own card

Here's an example of a trading card using the template, starring The Mighty Clyde.Our theme for the trading cards this year is CHESS. In the intense world of monarchic strategy and political sabotage, what would your character's role be? Would they be the valiant Knight who leaps over foot soldiers to protect their King? Would they be a humble Pawn tossed into battle with the expectation of dying, only to persevere and gain a much deserved promotion? Maybe your character is a steadfast Rook who protects their loved ones with undying loyalty, or a silver-tongued Bishop who manages to protect their land with their words. Perhaps your character is the all-powerful Queen who controls her kingdom, or the King who must watch as his subjects battle for his safety.The options are limitless!There are 6 Variants of Templates for the Front Design. Choose wisely!The template is provided HERE. Please maintain some of the distinctive elements of our template to ensure recognisability. Here is a breakdown of the image template:

Download the template HERE
The fonts are Standard Calibri & Midfielder, both OTF/TTF files are included in the template link above!

Card Specs & Print

The dimensions of the trading card size is 64x89mm - standard trading card size! Our template size already includes a 5mm bleed on all sides (The file will be 74x99mm), but do ensure you retain at least a 3mm bleed on all sides.
You can print them out on your own and glue the front and back together, or order it from a printing shop. Here are some suggestions for those based in Klang Valley. Please note that these prices are old listings so do inquire with them before printing.

Alternatively, you can look for printer on Shopee as well.

Rules

1. No hate/offensive content on your card2. No explicit content (a little bit of spice is OK, but keep it SFW!)3. Make sure to credit the designer/artist if the artwork on the card was not made by you! If you're using a Picrew, please make sure you're able to credit the creator. If your artwork is heavily inspired by something, please include your inspiration with an 'Inspired by' segment!4. Fandom OCs (e.g. Cookie Run OCs, Limbus Company OCs) and non-humanoid OCs are totally OK and welcome too!! Have a little frog scrunkle as an OC? Go ahead!5. No AI art. You will be blacklisted. (We take this very seriously)6. Don't use other people's OCs without permission!7. Have fun, don't hate on other people's artwork and OCs.
Be nice!!!8. Please do not sell your OC cards. This is a wish from the template designer, kindly respect it. We just want to keep this a free, for-fun event!9. Trades need not be 1 card to 1 card. If both trading parties are willing you can exchange however many you want.