Holidays on Ashkrim

SPRING

The Vernal Regatta

The Vernal Regatta in Saltmarsh takes place at the end of the third week each Early Spring with its main event, a thrilling boat race that tests the skill and endurance of sailors as they navigate the coastal waters. Teams gather with their vessels, adorned with colorful sails fluttering in the breeze, ready to embark on the challenging course.
At the sound of the starting horn, the regatta bursts into action as boats surge forward, their hulls slicing through the sparkling waves. Crews work in harmony, adjusting sails and guiding their vessels with precision as they set course down the coast towards Bear Island, a rugged landmark looming in the distance.
As the racers approach Bear Island, the challenge intensifies. The coastline gives way to rocky cliffs and swirling currents, demanding careful navigation and expert seamanship. Crews must navigate the treacherous waters, threading their way through narrow channels and around jagged outcrops to reach the halfway point of the race.
Looping around Bear Island, the boats turn back towards Saltmarsh, their sails billowing as they catch the wind. With the finish line in sight, the competition heats up as crews push their vessels to the limit, racing neck and neck towards victory.
Spectators line the shoreline, cheering on their favorite teams and eagerly tracking their progress as they race towards the finish. As the first boats cross the finish line, cheers erupt from the crowd, celebrating the skill and determination of the winning crews. The Baron awarding the winning team with a cash prize and traditionally buys them a round of dirnks at the nearby tavern, The Brine.
But the Vernal Regatta is not just about the thrill of competition. It's a celebration of the sea and the bonds that unite sailors and communities along the coast. After the race, participants and spectators come together to enjoy a festive atmosphere, with food, music, and camaraderie filling the air as they celebrate another successful regatta and the promise of another safe and profitable year on the water.

The Blossom Festival

The Blossom Festival in Hommlet, celebrated on the 15th day of Midspring, is a cherished event that brings the rugged frontier town to life with vibrant colors and joyous festivities. Nestled on the edge of the Darkenwood, Hommlet's natural beauty is unrivaled, and the Blossom Festival is a celebration of the town's deep connection to the land.
As the day begins, the townsfolk of Hommlet emerge from their cozy cabins and rustic homesteads, eager to partake in the day's festivities. The central square is adorned with garlands of freshly picked flowers, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of blossoms and the sound of laughter.
Throughout the day, there are games and competitions inspired by the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Archery contests test the skill and precision of the participants, while woodcutting competitions showcase the strength and dexterity of Hommlet's lumberjacks.
As the afternoon progresses, the town gathers for the centerpiece of the festival—the Blossom Dance. Underneath the canopy of trees, a makeshift dance floor is laid out, bathed in dappled sunlight and surrounded by blooming flowers.
Couples of all ages take to the dance floor, their movements graceful and fluid as they waltz and twirl to the music of local musicians. The atmosphere is filled with joy and camaraderie as friends and neighbors come together to celebrate the beauty of the season and the bounty of the land.
Meanwhile, food stalls offer a tantalizing array of treats made from locally sourced ingredients. Savory pies filled with wild game, hearty stews simmered over open fires, and sweet pastries infused with the flavors of spring—all are eagerly sampled and enjoyed by festival-goers.
As the day draws to a close and the sun begins to set, the town is bathed in the warm glow of twilight. Lanterns are lit, casting a soft and ethereal light over the festivities as the people of Hommlet continue to dance and celebrate long into the night, their spirits lifted by the beauty of the season and the bonds of community that unite them.

The Austral Jamboree

The Austral Jamboree, a beloved tradition brought over by miners from Austland, marks the final day of spring in the town of Restenford with joyous festivities and a delightful treasure hunt. As the sun begins its descent on the horizon, the men of the town carefully hide stones painted to resemble precious gems throughout the streets and alleyways, their colors shimmering in the fading light.
The tradition, steeped in whimsy and wonder, harkens back to Austland, where tales of benevolent mischievous creatures echo through the ages. It is said that these playful beings, reminiscent of elves, take delight in hiding the stones as a playful gesture and a token of luck for those who find them.
As dawn breaks on the appointed day, the women and children of Restenford eagerly take to the streets, armed with baskets and keen eyes, in search of the hidden treasures. Laughter rings out as each stone is discovered, its discovery heralding the promise of good fortune in the coming year.
Throughout the day, the town buzzes with excitement as families and friends compete to find the most stones, their spirits lifted by the joy of the hunt and the camaraderie of the occasion. The air is filled with the sound of laughter and chatter, punctuated by the occasional shout of triumph as another stone is uncovered.
As evening descends, the festivities crescendo with a lavish banquet hosted in the heart of Restenford. Tables are adorned with an abundance of savory dishes and delightful delicacies, while musicians serenade the gathering with enchanting melodies. Dancers gracefully move to the rhythm of the music, illuminated by the warm glow of torches and lanterns.
At the head table, adorned with flowers and candles, sit those who have gathered the most stones, their efforts rewarded with a place of honor alongside the lord of Restenford. Together, they raise their glasses in a toast to friendship, community, the coming summer, and the spirits of the Austral Jamboree.
As the stars twinkle overhead and the fires burn low, the people of Restenford come together in celebration of a day filled with joy, laughter, and the simple pleasure of sharing in each other's company. The Austral Jamboree is a testament to the enduring spirit of this mining town, where tradition and camaraderie unite to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

SUMMER

Midsummer Night's Eve

Midsummer Night's Eve in Brindol is a vibrant and extravagant celebration that honors both tradition and indulgence. Rooted in the triumph of the Duke and his warriors over a century ago, the festival has evolved into a lavish affair that captivates the city with its opulence and revelry.
As dusk descends on the eve of the Midsummer Festival, the city streets come alive with activity, adorned with colorful banners and twinkling lanterns. Locals and visitors alike gather in anticipation, eager to partake in the festivities that await.
The heart of the celebration lies in the procession through the streets, a nod to the victory parade of years past. Led by the Duke and his retinue, the procession winds its way through the city, accompanied by musicians playing lively tunes and dancers twirling in the flickering light.
Along the route, vendors line the streets, offering a tantalizing array of treats and treasures to tempt the senses. From roasted meats and savory pies to sweet pastries and exotic spices, the aromas wafting through the air are enough to make the mouth water.
As the night wears on, the revelry continues in the city square, where a grand feast awaits the hungry throngs. Tables groan under the weight of delicious fare, while barrels of ale and wine flow freely, ensuring that no one goes thirsty.
Yet amidst the feasting and merriment, there is a sense of camaraderie and community that permeates the air. Neighbors come together to share stories and laughter, while strangers become friends over shared plates and shared songs.
And so, as the stars twinkle overhead and the city basks in the warm glow of Midsummer Night's Eve, the people of Brindol come together to celebrate their history, their heritage, and the bonds that unite them as a community. It is a night of joy and abundance, a time to revel in the beauty of life and the spirit of fellowship that knows no bounds.

Midsummer Festival

The week-long Midsummer Festival in Brindol is a grand celebration that takes place the first week of Midsummer that encompasses the entire city of Brindol in a whirlwind of joy, excitement, and revelry. From dawn till dusk, the streets are alive with activity as locals and visitors alike come together to honor the arrival of summer and the triumphs of the past.
Each day of the festival is marked by a series of events and activities designed to delight the senses and captivate the imagination. From traditional rituals to modern entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this festive week.
The festival kicks off with Midsummer Night's Eve, a magical evening filled with music, dancing, and feasting as the city comes alive with the glow of lanterns and the sound of laughter. It is a time for the people of Brindol to come together and celebrate the bonds that unite them as a community.
As the week progresses, the festivities continue with a variety of events and attractions scattered throughout the city. There are market stalls offering a dazzling array of goods, from handcrafted trinkets to exotic spices and fabrics. Performers entertain the crowds with acrobatics, juggling, and theatrical performances, while musicians fill the air with the melodic strains of their instruments.
Food plays a central role in the festivities, with vendors serving up an eclectic mix of culinary delights from around the realm. Street food stalls offer everything from savory pies and grilled meats to sweet pastries and refreshing drinks, ensuring that no one goes hungry during this week of indulgence.
One of the highlights of the festival is the grand parade, which winds its way through the city streets in a riot of color and sound. Floats adorned with flowers and ribbons glide past, accompanied by musicians, dancers, and performers of all kinds. It is a spectacle that delights the senses and brings joy to all who witness it.
As the week draws to a close, the city comes together for a final night of celebration and reflection. The streets are filled with music and laughter as people dance and sing late into the night, savoring the memories of another Midsummer Festival in Brindol. And as the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon, the city begins to stir once more, already looking forward to the festivities that await next year.

The Shield Festival

The Shield Festival in Falkirk Keep is an annual tradition that brings together the townsfolk and visitors alike in a day of celebration, camaraderie, and remembrance. Held annually on the final full moon of Stellara in Late Summer within the walls of the keep, the festival pays homage to the town's rich military history and the bravery of its defenders, past and present.
As the day dawns, the streets of Falkirk Keep come alive with activity as people from all walks of life gather to participate in the festivities. Each person carries a shield, or a plank of wood fashioned to resemble one, adorned with their own unique designs and symbols. These shields serve as both a symbol of protection and a canvas for personal expression, reflecting the individuality and creativity of their owners and their contribution to the realm.
In the middle ward of the keep, a bustling marketplace springs to life, with food stalls offering a tantalizing array of culinary delights, artisans showcasing their wares, and performers entertaining the crowds with music and dance. Games and competitions are held throughout the day, testing the Skills and agility of participants in friendly contests of strength and prowess.
As the sun begins to set, the festivities move to the inner ward of the keep, where a grand open-air feast awaits. Tables groan under the weight of hearty dishes and savory treats, while tents provide shelter for those seeking respite from the evening chill. The Baron himself presides over the feast, welcoming guests and honoring the memory of those who have sacrificed their lives in service to the realm.
But the true highlight of the Shield Festival comes after the feast, when night has fallen and the sky is ablaze with stars. In a solemn ceremony known as the lantern lighting, paper lanterns are lit and released into the night sky, each one bearing the name of a fallen hero or loved one who has passed on. As the lanterns rise into the heavens, their soft glow illuminates the darkness, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in defense of Falkirk Keep and the realm it serves.
Throughout the night, the people of Falkirk Keep come together in solidarity and remembrance, honoring the past while looking towards the future with hope and determination. And as the last lantern fades from view and the festivities draw to a close, the spirit of unity and resilience that defines the Shield Festival lives on, a beacon of strength and solidarity for generations to come.

FALL

The Harvest Festival

The Harvest Festival in Orlane, which takes place on the 15th of Mid Fall each year, is a time-honored tradition that marks the culmination of a year's hard work in the fertile fields surrounding the town. Nestled in the heart of Ashkrim, Orlane is renowned as the breadbasket of the realm, its rolling hills and lush plains yielding bountiful crops that sustain the people throughout the year.
As autumn colors fille the landscape, the townsfolk of Orlane come together to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for the abundance of the land. The festival takes place in the central square, which is transformed into a bustling marketplace filled with stalls offering a dizzying array of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts.
The air is alive with the scent of ripe fruits and vegetables, the sound of laughter and music, and the vibrant colors of flowers and banners fluttering in the breeze. Families gather to sample the season's bounty, feasting on roasted meats, hearty stews, and freshly baked bread, all prepared using ingredients sourced from the local farms and orchards.
Children run through the streets, their faces painted with the colors of autumn, as they participate in games and activities designed to celebrate the harvest. There are apple bobbing contests, pumpkin carving competitions, and sack races, as well as traditional folk dances and performances by local musicians and performers.
At the heart of the festival is the Harvest Feast, a grand banquet held in the town square and attended by all. Long tables are laden with platters of food, from succulent roasts and savory pies to sweet preserves and pies made from the season's fruits. Everyone gathers around, sharing stories and laughter as they break bread together and give thanks for the blessings of the harvest.
As the sun sets and the sky is painted with hues of gold and crimson, the townsfolk of Orlane come together for a final celebration—the lighting of the harvest bonfire. Flames leap into the night sky, casting a warm, flickering light over the square as people dance and sing around the fire, their voices raised in joy and gratitude for the abundance of the land.
And so, as the Harvest Festival draws to a close and the people of Orlane return to their homes, their bellies full and their hearts light, they carry with them the spirit of the harvest—a spirit of community, abundance, and gratitude that will sustain them through the long winter months ahead.

Shadowfall

Shadowfall, celebrated on the last full moon of Nocturna in the fall, marks a pivotal transition in the rhythm of the seasons. As the unofficial end of the harvest season and the herald of winter's chill, it carries with it a sense of foreboding and reverence among those who observe it. Rooted in ancient traditions, Shadowfall is steeped in the belief that on this night, the veil between the realms of the living and the dead is at its thinnest, allowing spirits to roam freely among mortals.
For many, Shadowfall is a time of deep reflection and connection with ancestors and departed loved ones. It is a night when families gather around crackling bonfires, sharing stories of generations past and paying homage to those who have crossed into the realm of shadows. Offerings of food, drink, and fragrant herbs are left at makeshift altars, honoring the memory of the departed and seeking their guidance and protection in the coming winter months.
The custom of carving jack-o'-lanterns, originally intended to ward off malevolent spirits, has evolved into a cherished tradition of Shadowfall. Faces twisted in eerie expressions are carved into pumpkins, their flickering candles casting dancing shadows upon the faces of those gathered around. It is believed that the light of these lanterns not only repels evil but also guides lost souls on their journey through the darkness.
Despite its deep-rooted significance for many, Shadowfall is not recognized by The Covenant, the predominant religious authority in Ashkrim. In fact, some within The Covenant view the observance of Shadowfall as a heathen practice, incompatible with their teachings and beliefs. Nevertheless, for those who hold fast to the traditions of Shadowfall, its rituals and ceremonies serve as a reminder of the enduring connection between the living and the dead, and the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

WINTER

Yule

On the world of Aeldoren, Yule is celebrated as a sacred and joyous occasion, marking the winter solstice. As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, the people of Ashkrim come together to celebrate the return of the sun and the promise of renewal and rebirth.
The festivities of Yule begin on the eve of the winter solstice, when families gather in their homes to light candles, bonfires, and hearth fires, symbolizing the warmth and light of the returning sun. In towns and villages across Ashkrim, streets are adorned with evergreen garlands, wreaths, and lanterns, while the air is filled with the scent of pine, cinnamon, and spiced cider.
Included in the Yule celebration is the Yule Feast, a lavish banquet featuring traditional dishes and delicacies.. Tables are laid out with plates and platters of roasted meats, hearty stews, fresh-baked bread, and sweet treats, while revelers entertain one another with songs, tales, and merry-making. During the Yule Feast, it is customary for families and friends to exchange gifts as tokens of love, gratitude, and goodwill. These gifts are often handmade or crafted with care, reflecting the spirit of generosity and generosity that defines the season of Yule.
Yet, Yule holds a deeper significance beyond the mere celebration of the solstice. It is also a time to commemorate the formation of The Covenant, the sacred compact between mortals and the divine Powers. Legend holds that on this day, the nine gods known as The Powers bestowed their blessings upon humanity, forging an eternal bond of faith and devotion.
As night falls and the stars twinkle overhead, the people of Ashkrim gather in temples, town squares, marketplaces, and village greens to participate in communal celebrations and rituals. Bonfires are lit, drums are beaten, and dancers whirl and twirl around the flames, invoking the ancient spirits of the earth and sky and welcoming the return of light and life to the world.
Throughout the night, songs are sung, stories are told, and laughter echoes through the crisp winter air as the people of Ashkrim come together in fellowship and joy. It is a time of unity, harmony, and shared purpose, when old grievances are set aside and new bonds of friendship and kinship are forged.
As the first light of dawn breaks on the morning of the winter solstice, the people of Ashkrim greet the new day with open arms and grateful hearts, knowing that the darkest night has passed and the promise of a new beginning lies ahead. And so, as the sun rises high in the sky and casts its golden rays upon the land, the people of Ashkrim embrace the spirit of Yule and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, warmth over cold, and hope over despair.

Year's End

Year's End arrives on the cusp of winter's close, heralding the transition from old to new. As the sun dips below the horizon, communities across the land unite in a joyous celebration that stretches into the night.
Streets come alive with laughter and music, as revelers gather in homes, taverns, and public squares. Decorations adorn every corner, casting vibrant hues against the darkening sky, while the scent of festive fare fills the air.
In the heart of the festivities, friends and families come together to share tales of the past year and dreams for the one ahead. Glasses clink in toasts to cherished memories and bright futures, the echoes of laughter mingling with the strains of music.
As the hours slip away, anticipation builds for the first light of dawn—the true moment of transition. With each passing minute, the excitement mounts, a palpable energy that crackles in the air.
As dawn breaks on the horizon, a hush falls over the crowd, anticipation reaching its peak. With the first light, cheers erupt, hugs and kisses are exchanged, and joy and hope bursting forth as the new year dawns.
With the arrival of the dawn, the revelers embrace the fresh start, each ray of sunlight casting a golden glow on the possibilities of the year ahead. And as the celebrations wind down, the spirit of Year's End lingers into the new year.