The Proclamation of Hera
Hear me, mortals.
Whether you receive these words in a dream, upon the wind, from the mouth of a wandering oracle, or through means beyond your understanding, know that they come from me.
I am Hera, Queen of Olympus.
For countless generations, I have watched your world. I have witnessed kingdoms rise from dust and return to it. I have watched empires stretch across continents, only to crumble beneath the weight of time. I have seen warriors carve their names into history, builders raise monuments that outlived their creators, and scholars dedicate their lives to the pursuit of knowledge. Among your kind, there has never been a shortage of ambition. Yet there remains a question unanswered.
What makes a mortal truly great? Is it strength? Is it wisdom? Is it creation? Or is it something greater still?
To seek this answer, I have created a proving ground beyond the reach of any kingdom, nation, or empire. A place where all stand as equals. A place where greatness alone shall determine one's worth. I have cast my gaze across the world and selected competitors from every corner of it. From mighty empires and forgotten villages. From bustling cities and distant frontiers. From cultures known to history and those history has long since forgotten. Some among you know my name. Others do not. Some have prayed to me for years. Others have never heard the word Olympus spoken. It matters not. You have been chosen all the same. You are not required to worship the Olympians. You are required only to compete. Know this, however: You are mortals. Not gods nor demigods. Not legends whose stories have already been written. Whatever glory you possess, your greatest accomplishments still lie before you.
Within my Contest, there are many paths to greatness. Some will prove themselves through battle. Some through creation. Some through mastery of both. The challenges ahead will test your courage, ingenuity, determination, and resolve. Every victory shall be recognized. Every achievement recorded.
Every point earned. And when the Contest reaches its conclusion, only three shall stand above the rest. Three mortals shall rise beyond humanity to become demigods. Three shall earn the favor of Olympus. Three shall ascend and claim the title of: Divine Champion
So I ask you now, competitor: Who are you? What life have you left behind? What legacy do you hope to leave? And how far are you willing to go to claim greatness?
The arena awaits.
The Contest of Champions begins.
