These aren't set in stone, of course, so details (both IC and OOC) are subject to change.
For one thing, the discussion remains open. If you have any new ideas, whether they be for festive events themselves or how to implement them, please feel free to - Continue the Discussion HERE. Any updates to the schedule will be documented below as replies to this post.
We'll also always strive to take note of what works and doesn't, the opinions of all the players of KL, and try to be adaptable from one event to the next.
Keep in mind that even if a character doesn't actively participate in one of these event threads, they might still reference celebrating the occasion, or simply make passing mention. There are also other ways to celebrate than the public threads. In fact, some of these holidays might not even have boardwide open threads. Smaller fetes, gatherings, personal scenes between chars, and more are always an option.
Yearly Holidays and Events
Midwinter - The first, and most widely celebrated of D'Angeline holidays is, of course, the Longest Night. An ancient tradition from long before Elua walked the earth, it marks the end of a cycle, light overcoming the hold of darkness, and the passing of one year to the next.
As usual, we're looking at starting MW sometime in early January, after the rl holidays are through. Always the biggest boardwide event of the year, this will at least include the usual three main party threads, with the possibility of more besides. Planning will begin soon!
Elua's Spring Faire - A festival lasting some days, honoring Elua and reveling in the return of warmth and life after winter's chill has faded. There are blossoms and maypoles, dancing, merriment, and camaraderie. Love as thou wilt. A celebration of life and love and unity in all its forms.
I'm thinking this event will start early in April, and will involve one main public thread, though there could be more.
Azza's Trials - A festival often accompanied by tournaments and contests, though unlike Camael's holiday, the focus is less on martial prowess and more a matter of pride and competition. Events include naval races, mazes, games, and other challenges based around themes of navigation, strategy, and hidden knowledge.
Celebrated sometime in May, mostly observed in Azzalle, though scions elsewhere might mark the occasion with offerings to his temple. Don't think we have enough Azzallese to have a public thread, so mostly for reference and passing remarks.
Naamah's Day - Widely observed, this holiday is one mostly celebrated on a more personal level. Lovers exchanging tokens of affection, desires confessed, passions indulged. Some celebrations can be rather... bacchanalian. There are also many offerings made to Naamah's temple, and it is customary to be more generous with her servants. While Night Court adepts can still contract on this day, unlike on Midwinter, they aren't obliged to and are free to honor their lady as they see fit.
Mid-June, perhaps? RP-wise, I imagine this to be mostly passively observed, or in individual threads. We could consider an event similar to Pride for the less represented identities and proclivities amongst D'Angelines. Those who are into Kushiel's arts, are ace, aro, non-cisgendered, etc.
Camael's Tourney - This is a holiday in two parts. It is a time of reflection, honoring the dead. Offerings are made at temple, graves visited and decorated. This side of things is especially significant in Camlach, or amongst his scions. On the other side, a much broader celebration. Tournaments are held, with all manner of martial contest testing strength, endurance, and prowess. Including such things as duelling, archery, foot races, and more.
June-July. For roleplay purposes, I would say that it's a week or two in mid-summer. I envision several event or theme specific threads available for participants and observers.
Shemhazai's Expo - A large gathering held in Siovale that celebrates invention and innovation. People come from all corners of Terre d'Ange to participate, to learn, or simply to observe in wonder. From agricultural advancements to mechanical marvels, it is above all a monument to knowledge and human ingenuity.
Beginning in August. I'm thinking just one big open thread, but with some planning details may evolve by then.
Eisheth's Eve - An occasion marked by story and song. Concerts and recitals are common, and Mendicants find themselves more welcome than usual, their audiences more rapt. It is an especially significant date in Marsilikos, where Eisheth is particularly revered, but is observed throughout Eisande - and wherever there is a musician or a storyteller or a healer to honor her.
Sometime in September. Another more passive observance, but would be a good opportunity for threads involving musical performances and the like.
Anael's Harvest Festival - Much like the Longest Night has always been observed in some manner or another, people have always had reason to be grateful for bountiful harvest. Anael's gift to D'Angelines was agriculture and animal husbandry, and it is in those things he is honored. Some communities pay homage to him with the annual shearing of the sheep. Others with wine tastings and feasts. Many hold a festival at harvest time.
Oct-Nov. I'm thinking a street faire type celebration mostly focussed on the common folk. Though, scions and others might wish to hold their own feasts and such - or even rub elbows with the peasants.
Kushiel's Reflection - A solemn occasion in early winter, around the first frost. Most significant in Kusheth, and amongst his scions and adherents, it is a time to reflect on one's actions and regrets. To repent and seek atonement. It is an intensely personal observance, and can include such things as fasting and self-flagellation (or not-so-self-flagellation)
Mostly an individual thread topic or reference point, rather than a board event.
