The Kleos Awards: Sacred Rules of the Contest

The Kleos Awards invite all storytellers worthy of the gods' favor to present their finest works. As you embark on this journey, heed the sacred laws set forth to ensure that only the most deserving rise to glory.

➵ Originality is Key – The Work of a True Hero:
Like the great epics of old, your story must be born from your own imagination, free from the influence of others' works. AI-generated content is forbidden, as only the hands of a true author should shape a narrative. Likewise, fanfiction, non-fiction, or oneshots are not permitted in the narrative categories. Poetry has its own honored space in a separate awards category, and only complete, original stories may compete for the honor of kleos.

➵ Respect for the Contest – The Will of the Gods:
As a writer seeking glory, you must respect the sacred space of the Kleos Awards. Entrants are asked to honor the integrity of the process and accept the decisions of the gods (or, rather, the judging panel). Should your story be chosen, the gods themselves will declare you worthy of the prize. No appeals will be allowed, for the judgment is final.

➵ The Divine Threshold: Criteria for Worthy Contestants
To enter the hallowed halls of the Kleos Awards, your tale must meet the standard of mythic greatness. Just as heroes must pass trials to prove their worth, so must your work be substantial enough to catch the eye of the gods. Participants should have at least 5 chapters, excluding prologue, author's notes, aesthetics, character sheets, and epilogues. Only those who prove their dedication to the craft of storytelling will earn the gods' favor and be granted the honor of competing for kleos.

➵ The Trial of Honor: Payment Completion
As in all heroic quests, honor and commitment are sacred. The gods demand that all participants fulfill their obligations to enter the contest. Failure to complete payment for your submission will result in disqualification from the competition. Worse, those who fail in this sacred duty will be blacklisted, and their names will not be allowed to enter future contests. The Council of Judges, like the watchful eyes of the gods, will conduct regular checks to ensure all payments have been made, upholding the sanctity of the process. Only those who honor their commitments shall be granted the chance to claim their glory.

➵ Formatting: A Tale Well Told:
Just as the heroes of myth presented themselves with grace and dignity, so too must your story be presented. Please ensure your work is properly formatted and presented with the respect it deserves. The gods favor clarity and order, so follow the general formatting guidelines for your entry.

A Call to All Writers:
The Kleos Awards are open to all who are worthy, regardless of origin or experience. If you possess the heart of a storyteller, your journey is just beginning. Bring forth your tale, and may the gods see the potential in your words.
The Kleos Awards celebrate those whose stories will be sung of for generations to come. Will you rise to claim your place among the immortals? The challenge awaits. Let your work earn you the kleos of a true hero.

To unlock the gates of Olympus, you must present the password upon entry: (Your favorite Greek God/Goddess)