Festival of Rebirth

After the Harrowing of Aetherford at the hand of the archdevil Glaysa, and her defeat by the Last Word, the citizens of the city and the realm were left destitute and hopeless. Almost two-thirds of the population was sacrificed in the she-devil's plans along with the fact that a large portion of the capital was left in ruin. Once defeated, the Platinum Dragon Bahamut granted each member of the Last Word a boon for their triumph. Reznokov, seeing the devastation of the Harrowing asked the dragon god for a new home for the people who remained.

That home became Bahat, a sprawling city with the newest of innovations from the now reigning king. Some would call him a mad arms dealer, others a genius innovator, but what cannot be denied is that this new city became a new home for those who had lost everything. A year hence and a new tradition has sprung from the hearts of the people. A day of remembrance for the fallen and love for those still here. A worthy sentiment, I would say, for a city that holds much on its shoulders."

— The Wanderer, Lands of Azuremir - 16th of Vynterbun, 1332 F.A.

History

The Festival of Renewal began as a anniversary for the tragic events of the Harrowing. It is said that the year after the Harrowing was one filled with industry and sadness. A city was being built, but everyone carried a scar of loss. When the day came that a year had passed and an entire city laid before the people's eyes, it is said that they weeped for those they lost who would never see the beauty they had wreathed with their own hands. With the next day came the new year, and like the calm that washes over the body after weeping, so did hope wash over the citizens of Bahat as they witnessed their triumph over grief. Celebrations were held, feasts had, and merriment flooded the spirit.

Over time as the number of people alive who were alive that day dwindled, the sting of it slowly faded. Now, the holiday is more focused on the present and the future, on the family and friends one has around them, and hope for a good planting in the new year. There is a small sect who take the time to visit graves and loved ones who have passed, but it is a dying tradition. Newer is a penchant for gift giving and bacchanal feasts.

Execution

For the general citizenry, the execution of the holiday is personal. Typically, loved ones exchange gifts and hold feasts with one another, and there are even winter games and festivals held by some.

The Temple of the Platinum Light holds a special service for the day. In the morning, there is typically a sermon focused on learning from the past and remembering those who have passed, and throughout the rest of the day the younger wyverns of the church are given leave for the day. While they are gone, there is a gathering held at the Starlight Conservatory where the High Wyrms of the temple choose new initiates into their priesthood. The selection is seen as a high honor to join the light of the priesthood as the chosen possess the highest capacity to uphold justice and honor.

Timeline

One the first day, at midday, the King holds the first speech, the Speech of Remebrance, at the palace. This is a speech that recognizes the accomplishments from the past year, any notable deaths of well known people, and remembrance for those lost in the Harrowing. During the evening, there is a play put on by the best of performers of the city detailing the day of the Harrowing and the heroic acts of the Last Word.

One the second day, at midday, the King holds the second speech, the Speech of Hope. This speech announces new plans for the year, the chosen initiates for the Platinum Light are given a ceremony and celebration, and celebrates expecting couples. For the enterprising citizen, anyone can pay to have an advertisement put at the end of the speech.

Observance

The Festival of Rebirth takes place on the 16th of Vynterbun, the Winter Solstice and ends on the 1st of Vynterbrak, the new year.

Primary Related Location

Bahat, City of Heroes

Important Locations

• Temple of the Platinum Light

Related Organizations

• Kingdom of Bahat
• The Platinum Light

Related Ethnicities

• Bahatian