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abraxasooc2021-10-16 10:23 pm
abraxasmods) wrote in abraxasooc2021-10-16 10:23 pm
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EVENT #4: EIFSTIDE - OOC PLOTTING
Event #4: OOC Plotting
The days are growing shorter. The air is getting colder - more noticeably in Thorne and Solvunn, but even on the edge of the desert in Cadens the temperatures are dropping as the season shifts. The last crops are being harvested in the farmlands and woods are filled with the sound of chopping as wood is stockpiled for the coming winter. In Solvunn, all hands are needed in the fields and the harvesting takes on an almost reverential tone. In Castle Thorne the fireplaces are burning brighter and citizens are putting sturdier shutters on their homes. The wind off Lake Circinus is blowing into Nott with even more of a chill clinging to it and the old fishermen are beginning to gripe about the cold. Hot drinks are going on the menus all across the Free Cities, and cafes are loudly advertising spiced dishes sure to warm from the inside out.
And other changes are happening.
In every land across Abraxas, the word 'Eifstide' is cropping up. And any local is happy to talk about it if asked. Of course the answers vary, depending on where you are.
In Solvunn, the season takes a somber turn. Woven wreaths of bone and branch are hung in silence on doors and old women sit out in front of their homes sewing animal skins and adorning animal skulls with dried herbs, leaves, even soot. Sometimes they sing in low voices over their work. Children too young to bring in the harvest go in groups to gather fallen apples and autumn flowers, but no laughter or play accompanies them. Even the children seem somber and severe as they prepare for the coming holiday.
Bonfires are lit before the sun fully sets, usually with a prayer, and even with the cold coming in citizens gather outside around them. Some carve eerie figures that resemble animals in passing. Some weave warding wreaths out grey barkless branches and thin animal bones. Some sew shapeless clothing out of old worn burlap. Children play with hushed voices and don't stray beyond the reach of the firelight.
Eifstide in this place is a religious affair, held in high regard. It's a time to honor the gods of field and fruit and earth, and fear the gods of the dark and mortality and urge them to pass over the land in peace. Funeral items are set out in homes, and graveyard dirt sprinkled on the floor to trick the spirits and hide the living. There will be sacred rites, the curious are told. Rites of fire and rites of death and rites to secure the safety of Solvunn. There will be a procession, with masks and cloaks and faceless effigies mounted on wooden poles. All to shelter and protect the people of Solvunn from the servants of death as they bring the seasons of dying to the world...
In Thorne, things aren't as serious. Wreaths may be being hung, but they're wreathe of bright autumn leaves and fruits. Gourds and squashes are finding their way onto window sills and doorsteps, some of them painted by children to look like animal faces or fall scenes or more abstract designs. Cheerful looking scarecrow decorations are propped out in front of shops and homes alike, dressed in clothes out of rag bins. Children are starting to put together homemade costumes and wear them around town. It's not unusual to see groups of children in clay animal masks or wrapped up like a corpse in a shroud or wearing fanciful hats and brightly colored cloaks sewn together from dozens of different patterned cloth. Joyful songs praising the harvest are on the lips of many Thorneans, from the castle itself all the way down to Nott. In the markets there's cheap hot cider every other stall, and baked apples with sugar, and little apple and nut tarts.
When questioned about Eifstide in Thorne, it is learned that it's a family celebration. A time to be thankful for the summer's bounty and say goodbye to the growing season and welcome the seasons of rest. In the weeks leading up to Eifstide Night - sometimes called Roaming Night in Nott - baking and cooking preparations seem to take over half the households. Pies and cakes and breads can be smelled baking all throughout the cities and towns, meat is salted, vegetables are jarred. All in preparation for a big Eifstide Night feast, enjoying the best of this year's bounty. And of course there's games for the children, and Roaming. Costumed children roam from door to door, be it home or business, to ask for blessings for the coming year. Which are granted in the form of a little treat of some kind, be it food or a small toy or a little favor like a new cup or mittens. It used to be taken much more seriously, those asking may be told, but that was a long time ago, and the traditions have evolved along with the kingdom. But it's tradition, and such a good bit of fun for all...
In the Free Cities, there's an air of excitement. Bookshops place hand lettered signs in their windows promising 'Frightful Tales Read By the Fire!' and 'Legends Told Here!' with set times. Oddities shops are proudly displaying crystals and hand carved pens and fanciful wooden boxes with intricate patterns burned into them. All promise they are 'perfect for your annual seance!' and 'guaranteed to be a good time'. General goods stores offer displays of place settings made out of black stone and a scroll with Soul Feast Instructions detailed on it. Decorative skulls and faceless scarecrows seem to be everywhere. Even the museums start promoting exhibits with names like Secrets of the Dead and Mysteries of the Bones.
But for all the morbidity, it's all treated with an air of fun and fancifulness. Eifstide talk in the bars and cafes seems to focus on who's going to have the best party with the most unique entertainment. If questioned on the festivities, any Free Cities citizen will say it's just a silly holdover from the olden days. Oh yes, some places still take it seriously, but not here. It's all just a bit of fun. Seance parties are very popular, people read scary stories out loud and take tours of graveyards, some throw elaborate dinner parties with special place settings to invite any wandering spirits to come and join in. But no one takes it seriously - and none of the items utilized have any real magic....
And other changes are happening.
In every land across Abraxas, the word 'Eifstide' is cropping up. And any local is happy to talk about it if asked. Of course the answers vary, depending on where you are.
In Solvunn, the season takes a somber turn. Woven wreaths of bone and branch are hung in silence on doors and old women sit out in front of their homes sewing animal skins and adorning animal skulls with dried herbs, leaves, even soot. Sometimes they sing in low voices over their work. Children too young to bring in the harvest go in groups to gather fallen apples and autumn flowers, but no laughter or play accompanies them. Even the children seem somber and severe as they prepare for the coming holiday.
Bonfires are lit before the sun fully sets, usually with a prayer, and even with the cold coming in citizens gather outside around them. Some carve eerie figures that resemble animals in passing. Some weave warding wreaths out grey barkless branches and thin animal bones. Some sew shapeless clothing out of old worn burlap. Children play with hushed voices and don't stray beyond the reach of the firelight.
Eifstide in this place is a religious affair, held in high regard. It's a time to honor the gods of field and fruit and earth, and fear the gods of the dark and mortality and urge them to pass over the land in peace. Funeral items are set out in homes, and graveyard dirt sprinkled on the floor to trick the spirits and hide the living. There will be sacred rites, the curious are told. Rites of fire and rites of death and rites to secure the safety of Solvunn. There will be a procession, with masks and cloaks and faceless effigies mounted on wooden poles. All to shelter and protect the people of Solvunn from the servants of death as they bring the seasons of dying to the world...
In Thorne, things aren't as serious. Wreaths may be being hung, but they're wreathe of bright autumn leaves and fruits. Gourds and squashes are finding their way onto window sills and doorsteps, some of them painted by children to look like animal faces or fall scenes or more abstract designs. Cheerful looking scarecrow decorations are propped out in front of shops and homes alike, dressed in clothes out of rag bins. Children are starting to put together homemade costumes and wear them around town. It's not unusual to see groups of children in clay animal masks or wrapped up like a corpse in a shroud or wearing fanciful hats and brightly colored cloaks sewn together from dozens of different patterned cloth. Joyful songs praising the harvest are on the lips of many Thorneans, from the castle itself all the way down to Nott. In the markets there's cheap hot cider every other stall, and baked apples with sugar, and little apple and nut tarts.
When questioned about Eifstide in Thorne, it is learned that it's a family celebration. A time to be thankful for the summer's bounty and say goodbye to the growing season and welcome the seasons of rest. In the weeks leading up to Eifstide Night - sometimes called Roaming Night in Nott - baking and cooking preparations seem to take over half the households. Pies and cakes and breads can be smelled baking all throughout the cities and towns, meat is salted, vegetables are jarred. All in preparation for a big Eifstide Night feast, enjoying the best of this year's bounty. And of course there's games for the children, and Roaming. Costumed children roam from door to door, be it home or business, to ask for blessings for the coming year. Which are granted in the form of a little treat of some kind, be it food or a small toy or a little favor like a new cup or mittens. It used to be taken much more seriously, those asking may be told, but that was a long time ago, and the traditions have evolved along with the kingdom. But it's tradition, and such a good bit of fun for all...
In the Free Cities, there's an air of excitement. Bookshops place hand lettered signs in their windows promising 'Frightful Tales Read By the Fire!' and 'Legends Told Here!' with set times. Oddities shops are proudly displaying crystals and hand carved pens and fanciful wooden boxes with intricate patterns burned into them. All promise they are 'perfect for your annual seance!' and 'guaranteed to be a good time'. General goods stores offer displays of place settings made out of black stone and a scroll with Soul Feast Instructions detailed on it. Decorative skulls and faceless scarecrows seem to be everywhere. Even the museums start promoting exhibits with names like Secrets of the Dead and Mysteries of the Bones.
But for all the morbidity, it's all treated with an air of fun and fancifulness. Eifstide talk in the bars and cafes seems to focus on who's going to have the best party with the most unique entertainment. If questioned on the festivities, any Free Cities citizen will say it's just a silly holdover from the olden days. Oh yes, some places still take it seriously, but not here. It's all just a bit of fun. Seance parties are very popular, people read scary stories out loud and take tours of graveyards, some throw elaborate dinner parties with special place settings to invite any wandering spirits to come and join in. But no one takes it seriously - and none of the items utilized have any real magic....