Celebrations and Festivities
Throughout the many years upon which the Descendants have reigned one thing has remained a constant. Community gathering that bring people together, ranging from blood sports to shogging.
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Love Thy Neighbor
A holiday to celebrate community and all those who contribute to a better world. Often celebrated at a community level with festivities, parties, feasts and contests. Common among the Dwarves and Orcs especially, many Humans are too busy harboring dislikes of each other for them to celebrate the holiday frequently.
The Gauntlet
The Gauntlet refers to two challenges that have appeared in Aegis, Asulon and Anthos.
The Gauntlet was a challenge located near the front gates of Laurelin and attached to Dawn's Bakery. It consisted of many platforms that had to be jumped across, all over lava. There were clearly severe consequences should one lose their footing. It cost 50 minas to play with a 10000 mina prize for a successful run. There was a spectator area above so that anyone could watch those brave or foolish enough to try. In the past, it had been used as a way to get rid of criminals.
In 1348 the Gauntlet was attacked by the Undead Vardak and destroyed, with a portal to the Nether raised where it once stood. In early 1349 a ritual was performed by Mages designed to seal the portal. It backfired and strengthened the power of the portal, releasing Ghasts and Pigmen. As Laurelin came under attack defenders flooded into the city. Combined power of the Druids, Mages and Ascended sealed off the portal. Great trees grew at the spot where the portal stood. In 1351, the portal raised by Vardak was used by the Champions of Aegis to enter the Nether and seal away the Undead, subsequently unleashing the full power of Iblees upon Aegis, leading to its fall.
In Asulon the Gauntlet was a semi-regular challenge for those looking for danger, adventure and rewards. The challenge was similar to that of Aegis, but longer and more difficult. The Gauntlet was reached through use of a boat.
The Gauntlet in Anthos is located in Luminaire, the capital of Malinor. Very near to the front gates of the city, the challenge is quite similar to the one in Laurelin. There is a viewing area above the course so that spectators can enjoy an ale or cup of tea while watching participants burn horribly in the lava below.
Halfling Festivals
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Halflings, while very secluded in normal times, they throw great festivals that bring together humans and dwarves, orcs and elves, even during the bloodiest wars. They include many events such as drinking games, feating, shog tournaments, as well as pig races! The festivals tend to revolve around good harvests, halfling holidays, weddings, new leaders, or just when the halflings decide its time to have a massive, fun time!
Festival of Ale
The Festival of Ale is merely when friends and family gather to meet, greet, and drink ale. Although it is called the 'Festival of Ale', it is simply a day of celebration, whether you drink ale or not. Halflings and Dwarves are highly likely to take part in these festivities, while the idea has never really caught on among Orcs and Kharajyr.
Warning: Drunken stupors are common, and it is advised that children or those with low alcohol tolerance do not partake in such festivities.
Festival of Spring
As the season of Anthos shifts to Spring, the citizens of Anthos hold feasts, balls, and other festivities to welcome the new season. Rebirth and renewal are celebrated across the lands. The Elves are most likely to shun the celebrations, as it represents something they cannot have, while Humans are most likely to embrace the holiday. Usually celebrated in conjunction with the Great Hunt.
Red Rose Day
Red Rose Day is a celebration of affection towards a special someone in your life. As signified by it's name, participation simply dictates that you give a Red Rose to a person of significant importance, whether it be a sign of love, or a simple greeting to a dear friend. It is one of the most commonly celebrated occasions. Humans, Elves and Kharajyr are most likely to participate in these festivities, while many Dwarves prefer to give other gifts such as ale.
Nature's Boon
Nature's Boon is a celebrated holiday of Anthos concerning the flourishing of nature. Festivities include planting of saplings, flowers, and other growths to pay homage to the bountiful land of Anthos, free from the impurities of the old lands peoples inhabited. The Elves are most likely to celebrate this day, as do many Halflings.
The Great Hunt
During the Feast of Spring, hunters from all corners of Anthos gather together and take part in the sport of hunting beasts of the wild. During spring, the animal population is at its highest. Other crops such as carrots, potatoes and wheat are also consumed along with the meat. Kharajyr and Orcs are most likely to pick up their weapons for the hunt, while Halflings usually plant crops instead.
Anthos Tournament
Traditionally held by Dwarven or Orcish governments and their respective leaders, the Anthos Tournament is an event meant to decide who is the greatest fighter in the whole of Anthos. It's a somewhat peaceful festival (if such can be said for Orcs), and there are generally no deaths by participants, save for the slaves. Gear is provided on the day; usually a wooden sparring sword, or wooden equivalent of the preferred weapon. The prizes vary each competition, but it's most commonly an expertly crafted weapon, or suit of armour. In addition to the physical prizes, however, the winner of the tournament will earn the title 'Champion of Anthos', to be known by all men as the strongest warrior in Anthos.
Known Champions
- Eldak Songsteel (Ballnazor)
- Gronkk (_Aislin_)
Black Moon Festival
The day of a lunar eclipse in Anthos. Once night falls, you won't feel the warmth of the sun for many hours to come. Although a rare event it occurred a few times in Asulon. Some denizens of the world took it as a sign of the end everything while others cerebrated the strange event. During this time the rates of crime increased dramatically as criminals took advantage of the unexpected darkness.
