Example
Memories of the City
A Talescape Contest about Solitude, Time, and the Echo of Places
This is an example contest for demonstration purposes.
Every city remembers - not through its people, but through what remains when they leave. A locked shop window. A train that no longer runs. A voice still echoing in an empty stairwell.
Memories of the City invites you to explore the spaces between presence and absence. What stories linger in forgotten streets? Who do we become when we return to places that no longer remember us?
You may interpret the theme freely - as nostalgia, isolation, urban decay, or rediscovery.
Required Element: Each entry must include a boarded-up window somewhere within its world, whether literal or metaphorical. Dreamers are encouraged to look for it while exploring the tales.
Prize Pool
This contest is funded by Talescape's internal creative budget. Future editions may be supported by cultural sponsors following the Sponsorship & Contest Topic Policy.
All sponsors are publicly listed and have no influence on jury decisions or contest topics.
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1st Place
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€512 — The winning story is featured on Talescape’s homepage and social channels. It represents the spirit of the theme and stands as the official highlight of the contest.
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2nd Place
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€256 — Recognized for outstanding storytelling and craft. This story is showcased alongside the winner in the public archive and contest overview.
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3rd Place
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€128 — Honorable mention for creativity, emotion, or originality. Featured permanently in the contest archive as part of the top selections.
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4th & 5th
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€64 / €32 — The remaining top-rated stories earn recognition and visibility within the contest archive for their contribution to the theme.
Prizes are added to the Bard’s Talescape account after the results are announced.
You can withdraw your earnings at any time through your Talescape dashboard.
Future prize pools may vary depending on sponsorships and Talescape’s current revenue.
All winners are featured in official Talescape channels and remain permanently archived.
Schedule
Timeline of the Contest
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01.02.2030
Contest Begins
The contest officially opens. The theme is revealed, and submissions are now accepted through the Talescape Editor.
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28.02.2030
Submission Deadline
All entries must be published before this date. Late submissions cannot be considered once the deadline passes.
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07.03.2030
Community Voting
Dreamers read, play, and rate the submitted stories. Every vote helps decide which entries will rise to the top.
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04.04.2030
Winners Announced
Final results are revealed on the Talescape website and Discord. All entries stay available in the public archive for everyone to explore.
All dates are based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and refer to midnight (00:00).
Participation Rules
Open to all verified Bards aged 16 or older.
Stories must be created and submitted through the Talescape Editor.
Pricing must be marked as free. You can change this after the contest.
Works must follow the Content Guidelines.
The theme may be interpreted freely - literal or metaphorical.
Teams of creators are allowed.
Only published stories are eligible.
Join the Community
Stories are best created together. Join the Talescape community to share ideas, exchange feedback, and stay updated on upcoming contests and events.