Use a number of required features out of a list of features.

[Greason Wolfe]

I don't remember how long ago it was, but, if memory serves, we did a challenge where we were given a list of features and had to pick some number of them to be used in a map. With a big enough list, maybe people can find some creativity and motivation? Although that, as a theme, might be a bit vague. Maybe a short list of required features and a short list of optional features, some number of which each participant also has to include.

[XCali]

(You forgot to add a poll)

Yes! I remember this challenge! I quite loved the idea. The one feature I chose that time was Isometric(Though, back then I didn't fully grasp what it meant! Hehehe)

Definitely a yes for me.

Maybe have a short list of Primary features that you must choose 1 and then a longer list of Optional features from which you can choose multiple or none?

(Though, I do think this is almost in the vain of random generators. From which you have to choose from a list. That said, those are always popular, so can't go wrong with this one either.)

[Greason Wolfe]

Eh because I was so vague with the suggestion I didn't think a poll would be effective. My bad.

I think the problem with the random generator is that everyone ends up with a different list to choose from. Maybe if the mod posting the challenge generated a single list and let participants choose from that, the themes might be a little tighter. Or just use the random generator to generate a single prompt to be used. IDK.

[Falconius]

Maybe have a few lists of features based on themes. Such as:
Gothic theme: spinpley towers, dark woods, etc.
Ancient Mesopotamia: Hulking cities, great rivers, manifest gods etc.

Or alternatively define a single scale for the challenge, such as region, urban, battlemap etc, and make a list of themed lists based on that?