The Gathering of Shadows

Xolldo celebrates its founding each year with a festival known as "The Gathering of Shadows," a week-long event that honours the city's history, its founders, and the successes of its pirates. The festival includes competitions, storytelling, and a ceremonial tribute to Rina, Kael, Jorn, and Selene.
"The Gathering of Shadows" is not merely a festival; it is a testament to the resilience, cunning, and unity that define Xolldo. As the city transitions from the shadowed secrecy of its origins to the illuminated prominence of its present, this week-long event weaves together the past and present, celebrating the rich tapestry of its history, the legendary exploits of its founders, and the continued successes of its pirates.

Opening Ceremony

The festival begins at dusk on the first day with the Opening Ceremony, held in the Plaza of Shadows. Here, amidst the ancient obsidian pillars, the entire city gathers as the High Pirate, Vespera Nightshade, inaugurates the event with the Lighting of the Shadowflame—a mystical fire that burns with a dark light, symbolizing the spark of rebellion that founded Xolldo. The flame is kept alight throughout the festival, serving as a beacon for festivities and a reminder of the city's enduring spirit.

Competitions

A core feature of "The Gathering of Shadows" is the series of competitions that span the week. These contests are designed to test the skills essential to a pirate's success and survival:
The Shadow Duel: A tournament where the city's best fighters clash in one-on-one combat, showcasing their martial prowess. It's not just about strength but also about strategy and cunning.
The Stealth Run: A challenge that tests participants' ability to move unseen and unheard through a specially designed course filled with traps and observers. The fastest and most undetected wins.
The Navigator's Quest: A race across the dimensions, where teams must use their knowledge of portal technology and clues hidden in various locations to find a hidden treasure.

Storytelling and Bardic Circles

Each night, after the day's competitions have ended, the citizens of Xolldo gather around bonfires for storytelling sessions. These are times for sharing tales of daring raids, mythical adventures, and the legendary exploits of the city's founders. Bards and minstrels from across dimensions are invited to perform, their songs and stories weaving the rich tapestry of Xolldo's history into the hearts of all who listen.

Ceremonial Tribute to the Founders

The penultimate night of the festival is dedicated to a solemn ceremonial tribute to Rina, Kael, Jorn, and Selene. The Council of Shadows leads a procession through the city, stopping at monuments erected in honor of each founder. At each monument, a member of the Council shares tales of that founder's contributions, sacrifices, and vision for Xolldo. The ceremony concludes at the Founders' Hall, where a grand feast is held, and offerings are made to the spirits of the founders, ensuring their legacy continues to guide and protect the city.

Closing Ceremony

"The Gathering of Shadows" concludes with a grand closing ceremony, where the winners of the week's competitions are crowned and honored before the Shadowflame. The High Pirate delivers a closing speech, reflecting on the festival's significance and reaffirming the unity and strength of Xolldo. As the Shadowflame is extinguished, fireworks light up the night sky, symbolizing the end of the festival and the beginning of a new year of adventures and challenges.
This festival, with its blend of competition, tradition, and celebration, not only honors Xolldo's past but also reinforces the bonds that unite its citizens. "The Gathering of Shadows" is a vivid reminder of the power of unity and the strength found in the shared history and collective ambitions of the people of Xolldo.

Primary Related Location

Xolldo

Related Organizations

• The Council of Shadows