gistfile1.txt

public static function motd()
    {
        $maxrandom = Monster::count('id');

        $randomid = random_int(1,$maxrandom);

        $monster = Monster::find($randomid);

        // we don't want:
        //  -unawakened monsters
        //  -previously featured
        //  -special monsters
        // as our monster of the day!

        while($monster->awakens_from == null
            or $monster->article != null
            or str_contains($monster->awakens_from, [
                'Angelmon',
                'Rainbowmon',
                'Imperfect',
                '(Attack)',
                '(Support)'
            ])){
            $randomid = random_int(1,$maxrandom);

            $monster = Monster::find($randomid);
        }

        return $monster;
    }