Spiritus Protocol: Rebirth Challenge - Phase I

Update 06.10.2025:
After everything that’s happened, we’re finally kicking off Phase II on November 15th!
Before that, I’ll deliver all the prizes to the winners.

And in the meantime, you can also take part here and win a 2D animation from me

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Even if you missed Phase I, don't worry! 😊Consider Phase II as a separate contest. At the same time, if you participated in Phase I, you will also be able to continue your characters' stories in Phase II.

If you have any suggestions for the organization of the contest or prizes, feel free to write me here ❤️

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Update: And here are the winners! It was really hard to choose and congrats to everyone who joined!
And I can tell you more: in the Phase II there will be a continuation of the first task and you will be able to develop the stories of your characters even more! The start will be on August 18, stay tuned for the announcement!

🏆 >> Winners, you prizes will be based on your stories. In some exceptions I can change it to whatever you want - contact me in Notes. Also I will do only SFW (no NSFW, please).

The process of working on your prizes will take some time. I have a high workload of commissions, but I will try to complete everything for you in August.

>> For Prizes please contact me in Notes or I will write you by myself 😊

🎨 Spiritus Protocol — Phase I Winners:

🥇 1st Place — Paran0idPossum
An absolute favorite. Powerful, majestic, epic.

I absolutely loved the transformation scene in your story! The way you described Esmerelda becoming a dragon was so vivid and powerful, I could clearly picture every detail. It felt like stepping into a grand, magical moment full of energy and freedom. Your story gave me that perfect mix of adventure, beauty, and a feeling of a brand new life starting right here.

Prize: Colored Full Body painting.

🥈 2nd Place — ShadowUltralord (with Zyr)
Even though your story is short, it’s incredibly impactful! I loved how you managed to capture the essence of the artifact’s power and the transformation so vividly in just a few sentences. It’s concise, but every line has weight, and it leaves you with that “wow” moment at the end. Definitely a strong and memorable entry.

Prize: Colored Half Body painting.

🥉 3rd Place — Ourobol and chibiclem

• Ourobol: for me your story feels so professional and deep that I could almost imagine it as part of a larger novel or cosmic legend or tale. I loved the philosophical side of it and the scale of the ideas. The only thing I missed was a more direct description of the artifact’s effect, but even without it, the story is fascinating and full of grand, cosmic vibes.
  
  

• chibiclem: your cosmic manta-ray-like being is so unique and beautiful! I really liked the feeling of movement, light, and space in your description. The story feels serene and powerful at the same time, and even though the birthday theme is subtle, the whole text radiates the energy of a special day and a new beginning.
  
  Prize: Colored Headshot painting (for both).

✏ Black & White Sketches

1. MimiGalaxy5 — the very first participant*, I loved how you described a warm and sincere story about your character's dream of having a birthday. Such a lovely story!
   
   

2. AbNom — I like your large and interesting story with a unique character speech style. It feels more like the beginning of something really big rather than a complete story. It would be great to see a sequel and find out how the artifact will affect your character's fate.
   
   

3. ThatLeafsFan — your character's tragic past is emotionally powerful, and it was very touching to read the final scene of her reunion with her brother.
   
   

4. LualaDy — I liked how you described the process of choosing an artifact, and especially the ending of the story. Behind the birthday atmosphere on the main character's face, you can read not just emotions of fatigue, but something deeper — as if hinting that your story has a much larger plot.
   
   

5. ChromiaCat — I really liked the mysterious hints in your story and all the subtlety (hidden meaning for the reader) in O'Num’s words. You described the process of choosing the artifact very well, and it was very interesting to wonder what effect it had on your character and what her birthday was like. In any case, the beginning was intriguing.

* If your story was submitted earlier, please let me know in Notes, I might not have noticed.

❤️Honorable Mention

CascadeAnimations — I liked the contrast in your story, starting in a dark and hopeless place and ending with freedom. It felt like a birthday gift in the purest form — a chance to live again. It would have been even more powerful to see more details about how the artifact itself influenced this change 🌟

zycorie — your worldbuilding and the details of your cyborg character’s transformation were fascinating. Seriously. I really enjoyed the strong sci-fi vibe and the determination your OC showed. Including a more direct connection to the artifact’s properties could make the story feel even more complete.

ArikinGR — your short, poetic style gives the story a special atmosphere. It feels like a glimpse into a bigger world hidden behind just a few lines. It would be very curious to see more details about your character’s transformation (or changes) and birthday to fulfill the challenge fully.

SeramArthur — I enjoyed the rich worldbuilding and the history of your civilization. The ending made the desire for sunlight feel like such a precious and heartfelt wish. Adding a scene with the artifact’s influence or a clearer transformation could bring it even closer to the contest’s requirements 😊

atomphatom2004 — your story feels like a snapshot from an epic journey. I liked the historical and adventurous touch, and it gave me a sense of being part of that voyage. Including a more vivid description of the artifact and how it shaped the character’s experience would make it feel more complete.

storm1nd — hey! ^^ I really liked the warmth and sincerity of Luna’s birthday celebration. The quiet, personal atmosphere felt very touching and special ❤️. It would make the story even stronger if there was shown a bit more about how the artifact was chosen and what effect it had on her life.

Fluffypuppy77 — damn, it was a nice, cute story with happy feeling and with the princess enjoying her day as just another foal. For me it was light, joyful, and easy to imagine. It would be great to also see the artifact’s role and how it shaped this special day.

ShadowUltralord - first of all, thank you for sending three stories at once - I found them all very interesting to read. In my opinion, the plot with Zyr turned out to be the most powerful; I could easily imagine an illustration of this character, and it would look truly epic. That said, I also enjoyed the transformations of your other two heroes. You did a great job describing the choice and effects of the artifacts, as well as how the “birth” happened - just cool! In the other two stories, I personally felt a bit of emotional depth and detail was missing, but overall - bravo!

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Hi everyone!

July is my Birthday month and I decided to make a short 2 week event with prizes for you and called it "Spiritus Protocol". It's based on my original sci-fi universe "The Spiritus" but don't worry, I won't bore you with complicated terms. This challenge will be more about your characters and your stories so just read the rules and descriptions and have fun!

❤️Also, thank you all so much for your birthday wishes! I really appreciate and love you guys!

> Main task - Phase I:

~ Greetings, little Spark.

I am O’Num, god of creators — from the greatest architects of galaxies to the tiniest makers of moments.

You exist outside of time, without form, without memory.

Before you, three artifacts levitate, pulsing with hidden potential:

✦ One glows blue.

✦ One burns orange.

✦ One shimmers violet.

Their powers are unknown — only you can decide what they will awaken in you.

Choose one.

Then, in a short story, describe the greatest Birthday your new self could experience.

Tell me about the world you are born into, your surroundings, your skills, and your new form.

Will you emerge as a child or as someone already grown? A hero, a wanderer — or something else entirely?

Surprise me. Inspire me. And I shall reward you well.

But choose quickly — the artifacts will vanish in 14 days.

> Phase II:

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> The Rules:

1) To join you need:
- To be my watcher (to get updates and prizes).
- Fav this page.
- Choose 1 from 3 artifacts (blue , orange or purple ) and based on it write in the comments a short story about your OC's greatest Birthday in a new world ✏️.
- Attach a reference, image , or short description of your OC to qualify for bonus prizes.
- Keep your story between 100–500 words (please no long texts).

2) No AI please.

3) No spam or negative messages, please be polite to everyone.

4) You can submit up to 5 short stories (one per OC).

5) Deadline for Phase I - August 1, 00:00, 2025.

6) The event may be extended or adjusted at the organizer’s discretion.

7) Winners will be selected manually by the organizer (not through random generators). Please allow up to 1 week after the deadline for results.

8) "Phase I" is only part of the event. "Spiritus Protocol" will have at least 2 Phases, each with prizes and tasks connected to each other.

> Prizes:

🏆1 Place:

- Colored Full Body painting with your 1 OC (Example)

🥈2 Place:

- Colored Half Body painting with your 1 OC (Example)

🥉3 Place:

- Colored Headshot painting with your 1 OC (Example)

> Additional Prizes:

- From 1 to 5+ people will get black and white sketches based on their stories. They can be awarded before deadline in random time. All sketches can be turned into ink or color paintings.