Must it be a block(WED) based level or can it be model based?

You can mix a block based level with models. Or use terrain with blocks and models. It is your level and your workflow.

If your whole level would just be one giant model (MDL), this would not help the community in terms of modular pieces.
You can layout your level on paper if you want and decide which parts should be models and can be reused several times within that level(doors, decorations, pipes, sewers, lights,...) and which parts should be done in WED (walls, floor, ceiling).

I want to have some models, not just one. I am better at modeling in C4D than in WED

I think you would need more than just one model to design you level. Would you need more than 10 models? More than 30?

Use the time you get (about 7 months) to design you level and if you want to use free models as placeholder, it is ok during that development time.
But your final level cannot contain models from turbosquid, dexsoft, terminal26, etc.
You can of course design such a level and show it as VIP in the projects forum - and ask artists from our forum to help.

As I said, you have more than 6 months to design you level in WED and add or replace details.
If you are no artis - team up with an artist or try to become one.

Is this ok for you?

Okay, rules are rules, i will do everything myself and try to find an artist.

Quadraxas donated additional 25 EUR to the 2nd price!

He wants to join the contest and therefore wishes NOT to be part of the PRICE JURY. This is the reason why his name is not listed in that section.

Thank you Quadraxas

Big thanks to Joozey for his 20 EUR donation.
The money is bound to the 2nd and 3rd price which requires another update of our PRICE POOL:

It is getting nicer and nicer, xD

Yes, can't wait to see the first WIP thread popping out of the dark
This would be a motivation for even more users to join the competition and maybe additional donations.

they should create the levels in mdl fromat aswell as wdl