If you use the smooth polygon tool you can add as many corners (and therefore straight sections) as you like by pressing C before you click for each corner.

Looking at lots of other OPD contest entries here (beware the results that aren't valid OPD entries), It looks like at least half the page is text, so the map would have to be really tiny. It might also be easier to do the map part in CC3, but then export it as an image to paste into a suitable word processor (or desktop publishing app if you have one), to add the blocks of text.

It is very much up to you what style you chose to use, though I would recommend you chose one that is pleasing to you to look at, and which has all the textures and symbols you will need.

No. This one was uploaded about an hour ago.

No one is fantastic at CC3 right at the outset ;)

Yes, we all rushed straight back here to let you know, so you didn't get all worried about us :)

As you can see, that created a race to be the first to tell you.

Thanks Wyvern. I've let Ralf know.

You're no worse than me ;)

You are correct about the step shading not being part of the accepted assets.

How about using a set of 11 "STEP" sheets (sorry if I counted wrong, but my eyes kept jumping as I counted them). Each one with an overlapping polygon of some kind of stone texture with a dark glow set to outer for the step shadow? Put them all under the level of the platform you have the statues on.

It's beautiful :)

Would it be possible to give just a tiny Edge Fade Inner on that stone texture?

I did one of those in Creepy Crypts.

You should also be able to paste two spiral staircases slightly rotated for the same effect in styles that have a cut out section for the floor.