Festivals & Holidays

Day later than planned due to a bout of illness but here is this week's post.

Recently we've had various holidays, celebrations and days of observances which got me thinking about similar days and events in Darmonica. I've long kicked about ideas for events linked to the deities of Darmonica, like for example an April's Fools style day linked to a trickster god, but I've still have a great deal of work to do on both the calender and the deities themselves.

Regardless, heres a few examples you may find useful for your games.

Armistice Day - A relatively new event that has risen in the decade or so since the end of the Great Darmonican War, both to celebrate the War's end and to honour those who lost their lives during the conflict. It typical involves a parade of veterans and current serving soldiers with a memorial service.

Commonwealth Day - Originally a celebration of the Commonwealth that involved an organised and ritualistic veneration of the Commonwealth flag. In addition schoolchildren were given the afternoon off to attend further events that were usually held in their local community. However with many Alyeskans feeling a sense of betrayal and abandonment by the Commonwealth the day is now marked by a toast in pro-Commonwealth taverns and private clubs.

Death's Chase - Actually an air race but it has grown into an annual event year in the pirate haven of Broken Spires and draws many people as the Spires takes on a carnival-like atmosphere. The race itself involves three laps through the twisting canyons and caves that surround Broken Spires, it requires a great deal of piloting skill to ensure that you don't crash into a rockface. A few number of racers drop out during the first or so-called 'Sounding Lap', though its the second and third laps where things get interesting. The other two laps are 'weapons free', the racers are allowed to shoot one another down but only if they're BEHIND their opponent (they're not allowed to swing round for an attack, though some racers learn the route to know where they can get the drop on somebody).

In short, its race where it pays to NOT be in first place.

Founding Day - Different in every settlement of Alyeska, each city and town has its own unique way of celebrating its Founding Day. These festivals often include carnivals, parades and competitions such as bareknuckle boxing and air racing.

Shrouded Days - Occurring the winter months in the more northern regions of Alyeska is a period where the sun never rises, which can range from a few days to a month effectively being a polar night. The beginning is marked by the Exodus where a large number of people leave the north to spend the period with relatives, though a number of people stay behind. A celebration called Dwanfest happens when the first sunrise happens, typically involves partying and drinking to celebrate 'surviving through the night'.

Summerfaire - A week long festival representing the middle of summer, frequently involves carnivals and communal events. In northern region it co-insides with the 'White Nights' or polar day that is centered round the summer solstice.

Tarfest - As the year rolls round into winter during the month of Tarblawan high winds beset Alyeska, rising to a point halfway through the month where it becomes too windy for flying before the weather settles down again. Aviators typically spend this period grounded and drunk whilst the more devout offer up prayers to Taran, the Goddess of the Sky.

Winterfest - A festival occurring during Midwinter, a time for gatherings of family and friends to celebrate the end of the year and herald the new one. Feasts are quite popular, so is gift giving.