Hi ...
I'll let you know that Mark ('Shade") and the team have been working on the contest diligently.
It is quest related done over a number of days to allow everyone who cares to participate an equal opportunity for one of the plots open in the Abyss.
In short: "If you don't want one don't do it." But please don't spoil it for others who do.
There are more details coming in the next week or so. And yes we wanted to make certain that no one can get the upper hand on getting a plot, and we had to make sure that the quest is not amazingly exploitable.
Both the Japan team and the team here in VA have looked at it ... and the quest itself is pretty cool. The concept has the chance of being used for future contests and events in UO.
We'll keep you updated.
- c