Joining Contests

Talescape contests invite Bards to create stories around a shared theme. They are open to all verified creators and follow a simple, transparent process.

Each contest follows the same structure, from announcement to results:

1. Announcement
   • Every contest begins with a theme reveal on the Talescape Discord and the Contests page.
   • Each event includes specific creative challenges that must be included in your story.
2. Creation
   • Open the contest in Talescape and choose Participate, or select the contest when creating a new story in the editor. Existing stories cannot be entered.
   • You can work solo or collaborate with others. Contest entries are permanently excluded from your story slot limit, so you can create one even when your normal slots are full.
3. Submission
   • Submit your first free, playable release before the submission deadline through the release workflow. You must be a verified Bard.
   • Entries remain private during creation and moderation. Corrections are allowed during review; the accepted playable release is frozen when voting starts.
4. Voting & Results
   • When voting starts, accepted entries appear on the contest page and use their normal story detail pages. Players acquire them for free and play before reviewing. Authors and collaborators cannot review stories they work on.
   • Reviews, comments, ratings and review counts stay hidden until the contest ends. Players can see and edit their own vote during voting.
   • Results are announced automatically after the deadline and authors receive a notification. Placements use the average rating from independent players during the voting period; ties favor more votes, and remaining ties share a place. Unrated entries receive no placement.
   • Completed contests appear in the contest archive. Each story keeps its contest participation and placement on its detail page. Any rewards are described on the contest page.

All contests follow a common framework to keep them fair and consistent.

• Eligibility: Any Bard with a verified payout account can participate. Verification ensures that all entries are authentic and prizes can be distributed securely.
• Theme Freedom: Themes are open to interpretation. You may tell your story in any tone or genre as long as it fits the contest's general concept.
• Content Standards – All submissions must follow the Content Guidelines.
• Prizes: Each contest has a clearly defined prize pool, announced when the theme is revealed.
• Collaboration: Stories may be created individually or by a team. Shared authorship is allowed.
• Deadlines: Each contest includes fixed dates for submission, voting and results. Deadlines are published alongside the theme announcement.

Talescape contests reward creativity, sincerity and emotional impact, not complexity or length. Consider the following when preparing your entry:

• Focus on emotion. Write stories that resonate with readers on a personal level.
• Clarity matters. Choices should feel meaningful and easy to follow.
• Use atmosphere. Music, sound and pacing enhance immersion when used with intention.
• Be authentic. Honest stories often leave the strongest impression.

All upcoming contests are announced on the Talescape Discord and the Contests page on the official website. Joining the Discord is the best way to connect with other Bards, share ideas and stay updated on announcements.