Summer's End

Summer's End can be understood as the Altairian equivalent to Halloween. It is a recognition of the end of the warm seasons and the start of the cold seasons. It takes place from October 31 - November 1 in the northern hemisphere and from April 30 - May 1 in the southern hemisphere. At this point in the year, Unseelie magic (Earth, Water, and Dark) is stronger than Seelie magic, but it is not yet at peak strength.

History

Unlike the traditions associated with the solstices and equinoxes, the traditions associated with Summer's End are quite modern. By the time Summer's End rolls around, the leaves have already fallen, the harvests are gathered and stored for the winter, and most Altairians are yearning for some fun and relaxation. In the late Golden Era, the Circus of Shadows created the Dark Carnival, which provides patrons with cheap harvest food, carnival rides, and various other forms of entertainment.

In the Post-Separation era, Summer's End has also come to signify the struggles that Altairians went through during the War of the Wendigoes and the heroism of the six Champions of Altairus. The Great Strombolio, the Champion of Darkness, is a performer in the Circus of Shadows, and their performances at Summer's End in particular give him center stage. His performances are bigger and flashier during Summer's End than they are at any other time of year. Surprisingly, he no longer uses Lethal Joke in his act, instead keeping it proudly displayed on the wall in his dressing room.

Execution

Starting in mid-September and ending just a few days after November 1, the Dark Carnival travels all around Altairus, stopping in communities that tend to be somewhat rural, such as the Nursery Rhyme District. When it's time to close up shop, the rides and attractions are put away and the harlequin gremlins go back to their homes.

Components and tools

Most of the rides and attractions in the Dark Carnival are made out of wood. They function through the use of nekomata magic, which has the power to animate dead or abiotic materials. The food served at the Carnival, while indulgent, is not nearly as artery-clogging as American state fair food. Instead, foodstuffs traditionally associated with autumn, such as hot cider and candied pecans, are served.

The Dark Carnival also offers entertainment that is more traditionally associated with fall. Corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and haunted houses are all offered as entertainment at the Dark Carnival.

Participants

The Dark Carnival is staffed mainly by harlequin gremlin performers and carnies and nekomata engineers. The latter are needed for their ability to give artificial life to inanimate objects. This magic is what allows the rides at the Dark Carnival to function.

Observance

The Dark Carnival runs from September 15 - November 4 most years. It tends to be most crowded on Summer's End itself, as that is when most Altairians prefer to attend.