Nativitatis

"Hm, it seems that it's that time of year again. The night of Nativitatis has begun. This time is perfect for harvesting ripe public morale!"
"Sir, what are you talking about?"
"Oh, you wouldn't understand my sweet little pawn, just go drink in the mead hall or whatever."
"Aren't you going to celebrate?"
"I'm afraid not my dear, I have loose ends to sort out."
"Ah whatever, you're no fun."
"I suggest you don't speak to me in that tone again, no go drink or whatever the hell people do on Nativitatis."
"Y-yes sir..."
- A conversation between Proditor and one of his subordinates

History

Nativitatis first began back when Caesellius Vindex and Provectus were first founded. To celebrate the newfound coexistence between the Vindexians and Provectors, they were grateful at the time. But, once conflict ensued, the holiday formed a deeper meaning that became much more sentimental. What was once a celebration of peace has become a reminder to cherish human life, not depending on faction. The entire holiday is the only remaining tie between the two warring factions.

Execution

During the night families are supposed to greet strangers into their home and treat them with ale (or more commonly), mead. Stealing from or killing guests/hosts is generally considered bad manners and against the rules of hospitality. These individual house parties range in fun depending on the host's wealth. This split between the poor and rich during the night causes many businessmen to flaunt their riches. Once everyone has a sufficient hangover in the morning, they must be cared for until they're rehabilitated from their grogginess. Finally, when the guests leave, the host is left to clean up the mess within their home and take down decorations.

Components and tools

In preparation for the night of Nativitatis, trees are set up on street corners across Fractura. These trees are commonly decorated with small folded pieces of paper with blessings of peace written on them. Along rooftops, lights illuminate the starry night sky and give the celebrating city a sense of holiness. These lights are usually just small oil lamps, but wealthier citizens might use the glow of Dawnberries instead.

Participants

Everyone can participate, but citizens make up the majority. Those in positions of power or in the military are either far from home, or too busy to decorate.

Observance

The night of Nativitatis takes place once every full moon during the winter months. Some people are hired every year in order to predict the lunar cycle. If their prediction fails to come to fruition, they are promptly imprisoned and sentenced to death for making everyone put up decorations for nothing. Failing a prediction is considered a great disgrace upon your bloodline. All of this puts a great deal of stress on those hired to watch the moon.

Related Ethnicities

• Forverret
• Provectors
• The Vindexians

Despite being totally separate from the two factions, the settlement of Fredelig celebrates Nativitatis. Although, it is slightly different as it is restricted to small, tight-knit communities that speak the same language. Dawnberry lights are more common along with higher quality mead.