The Night of Shadows
The Night of Shadows is a somber occasion that takes place on the spring equinox in the Court of the Withered. It is the time of year when Arawn - God of Death, the god of death, sends out his hounds for the Wild Hunt. The Wild Hunt is a legendary event in which a group of spectral hounds, led by Arawn himself, ride out across the land to collect the souls of the dead.
The followers of The Circle of Eternal Death and The Circle of Guiding Light often hold private rituals on this night, seeking guidance from Arawn and the spirits of the dead. Some believe that Arawn may be appeased by a sacrificial offering, although this is a controversial and highly debated topic within the court. Regardless of individual beliefs, the Night of Shadows remains an important occasion for the fae in the Court of the Withered, serving as a reminder of the power of death and the importance of honoring the dead.
History
In the Court of the Withered, the Wild Hunt has been a part of mythology and folklore for centuries. It is said that Arawn, the god of death, sends out his spectral hounds on the Night of Shadows, which falls on the spring equinox. The Wild Hunt is said to ride through the land, led by Arawn and his hounds, chasing after lost souls and spirits.
In the Court of the Withered, the Wild Hunt is often associated with the worship of Arawn. It is a time when the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be thin, and the spirits of the departed are thought to be most active. Followers of the Circle of Eternal Death and the Circle of Guiding Light may perform rituals and make offerings to Arawn in order to gain their favor and protection during the Wild Hunt.
Overall, the Night of Shadows and the Wild Hunt are seen as powerful and mysterious forces in the Court of the Withered, representing both the power of death and the hope of rebirth and renewal.
Execution
The celebration of the Night of Shadows in the Court of the Withered typically involves rituals and offerings to honor Arawn and the other gods of death. It is a night of reverence and solemnity, as fae in the Court seek to gain insight from the spirits of the dead and the guidance of the gods.
One significant aspect of the celebration is the Wild Hunt, in which Arawn is said to lead a spectral pack of hounds across the land, hunting for the souls of the dead. Fae in the Court offer sacrifices or make offerings to appease the hounds and ensure that their own souls are not taken in the Hunt. The Circle of Eternal Death usually takes an individual fae and offers them as a sacrifice to Arawn and his hounds. Blindfolded and disoriented, this fae is released into the swamp outside the capital city Karrien Keep. It is said the hounds drag them to the afterlife to satiate their hunger.
The rituals may also involve meditation, divination, and communing with the spirits of the dead. Followers of the Circle of Eternal Death and the Circle of Guiding Light may hold private ceremonies to honor their respective deities and seek guidance from them.
Overall, the Night of Shadows is a time of deep spiritual reflection and a chance for fae in the Court of the Withered to connect with the divine and the spirits of the dead.
Observance
The Night of Shadows takes place on the spring equinox in the Court of the Withered.
Important Locations
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