ph_logs | December Event - Candlelight Revelry

December Event - Candlelight Revelry

Candlelight Revelry

The Longest Nights

{ CONTENT WARNINGS: grief, especially in a winter/December context, exclusive to Mourner's Night. All others should be mostly cw free! }

It is always interesting to consider that across many cultures, and indeed across many universes, there is something that is shared across numerous groups of people from many, many different backgrounds, and that is the concept of winter holidays. Not every culture has them, of course, and they vary in importance, involvement, reason, and length pretty wildly. But it's fun to think about the fact that all kinds of humanoids all across time and space looked at that bleak stretch of time between the end of November to the beginning of March and thought to themselves, "we should put some kind of party in there so we don't all lose our minds." The people of the Emerald Isles, of which Marrow Isle is one, are much the same in this regard.

Since its inception, Pumpkin Hollow has celebrated the two main winter holidays common among the various nations across Northern Leviathan, which are Mourner's Night and Givingstide. Additionally, it's become a bit of a new tradition in Pumpkin Hollow to join in offworlder celebrations, such as Hanukkah, Solstice, and Christmas--- often with more being added each year as newcomers arrive with their own traditions! And somehow, each year, it seems as though for a few weeks all of the evils take a rest as well. Is it because this time of year is simply too sacred for them to create trouble and pain? Or is it because the weavers of this world are too busy booking family dinners, plane flights, and road trips to subject their little toys to more horrors? It is one of the great mysteries of the universe, isn't it?

Anyway, here's wishing you a cozy, restful, blissful holiday season, regardless of your traditions. May this next year be just as full of adventure and fun, with far less trials and tribulations. (For the players. The characters should continue to endure the torment nexus, of course.)

Local Customs

MOURNER'S NIGHT | December 10th

Nightfall comes early this time of year, so it isn't too long of a wait for the sky to grow fully dark. Dressed in mourning clothes and warm coats, the people of the town gather in little clusters in the streets, in near silence. Lanternbearers dressed like undertakers carry tall posts with blazing lanterns hanging from them, faces painted like skulls. There hasn't been a true and final death in Pumpkin Hollow for years now, but that doesn't stop the people here from holding their annual vigil for those that were lost before the barrier.

The lanternbearers guide the groups through town, converging on Main Street, where they are awaited by a long-bodied black carriage drawn by black horses with white skeleton-markings painted on them. A hearse. In the driver's seat, a woman in a tight black dress and a mistletoe-patterned black veil, which gives only the smallest glimpses of her pale hair. It's Fever, acting in the role of Mortanne.

Very few words are exchanged as this procession makes its way through the cold to Fall's Promise Cemetery, where by the light of candles and lanterns alone, Reverend Clayton retells the story of Mortanne's final kindness. Those who pass away are met where they find their end by a horse-drawn hearse, where they ride with Death and recount their life until they reach their destination--- the afterlife they've earned. A mournful hymn is sung that seems to make the sky itself ache, and then…

Silence.

Stay at the candle light vigil for as long as you want. Remember those who you lost back home, honor those who passed away before you arrived but whose influence you still feel every day, or simply pay respects to yourself. You died to be here, after all. And then, when the cold starts biting too much to bear, part ways, and find your way home with a candle in hand. You will surely be left with much to think about.

Those who gravitate towards the outskirts, however, or linger after most have gone, may spy another woman in a black dress and veil. For a moment, it would be easy to mistake her as Fever--- the resemblance is striking. But then you see much longer, stark white hair spilling out of the bottom of the veil, and feel a gaze meet yours that feels like it's calling you home.

GIVINGSTIDE | December 22nd

Ah, Givingstide! After the somber observance of Mourner's Night, you only have to wait eleven days to have some proper winter-themed fun!

Held on the day after the longest night of the year, this holiday is a "thank goodness, we made it" tradition that celebrates the beginning of the sun's return and the first step in the journey towards spring. All across numerous countries in Concorde's Northern Hemisphere, communities gather in large communal spaces to eat, drink, and be warm together while exchanging gifts. And for Pumpkin Hollow, that takes place in the Oak & Iron, the beloved tavern where most spend their first nights on the island.

A massive feast is held, where the tavern itself, local restaurants, and amateur chefs collaborate to create a menu of warming, hearty dishes. Soups and stews, pasta, roasted meat, bread, root vegetable dishes, and sweets galore are served alongside hot cider, cocoa, coffee, tea, mulled wine, and mead. Paper horses and snowflakes line the walls, and boughs of pine and holly create beds for skulls on tables and above the fireplace. A miniature sleigh is set up in the center of the room, piled high with gifts that everyone placed in it upon their arrival. Once everyone has gotten their food, the mayor and Dahlia take turns plucking parcels from the pile and reading off who they are for so as to hand them out. Although some do prefer to give the gifts directly. (The mayor, for once, looks relaxed.)

With all the gifts passed out, songs are sung and instruments played in groups while others dance or sit by the fire. Some will go out to play in the snow, and by the end of the night, more than a dozen snowmen will have popped up outside the tavern. Others still will remain inside, basking in the warmth of being among their community. Children play with toys, adults laugh, desserts are overindulged in, and all is well.

OFFWORLD TRADITIONS

Winter Holidays from Around the Universe

The interfaith space within the Temple of Sacred Roots stays busy this time of year! Since most local traditions are celebrated outside the temple, many of the main areas are offered to the pursuit of offworld religious observances for much of December.

Hanukkah is up first among the larger celebrations, running from December 14th through the 22nd this year. The island's Jewish population consists primarily of Anzu, Lev/Lyubov, and Zivia, though they'll warmly invite friends and family to join in on the festivities.

Christmas, of course, is on December 25th, though the preceding evening is also a busy time. Despite being a Pumpkin Hollow native, Dahlia Leeds has partners who observe the holiday, as well as a gaggle of young housemates and a television who are all very enthusiastic about Christmas. As such, she's made the decision to host a fairly well-appointed and cozy Christmas Eve party in her home (though she largely allows Radar and the teenagers to select the guest list). Dress in your Christmas best and have dinner at Leeds Estate before proceeding to the Temple for midnight mass! Non-partygoers are invited to attend the ceremony by candlelight as well, as usual. Christmas Day celebrations vary by household!

But for those who don't have anything in particular to do on the afternoon of the 25th, a recent town addition is also hosting a celebration for the Feast of the Winter Star from her own home world. Those who signed up can participate in the "secret gift exchange" organized by Haley. But you don't need to be in the exchange to come and have fun! Light and decorate a holiday tree in the snow, enjoy a potluck with friends new and old, and enjoy some stargazing afterwards--- it's a perfect way to cap off the day, whether you're incorporating it into your own holiday or just there to have a nice time.

Other holidays celebrated throughout the month are:

Saturnalia on the 17th, celebrated by Gaeta
Winter's Crest on the 20th, celebrated by Cassandra
Dongzhi on the 21st, celebrated by Shen Qingqiu alongside his found family
Mittvinter on the 21st, celebrated by Hector, Capochin, Godpoke, Patty, and their found family and close friends
The Birth of Hathor on the 23rd, celebrated by Marik
The Winter Solstice celebration on the 25th, celebrated by Sorceress and Wizard
and Gyftmas on the 25th, celebrated by Mettaton and Papyrus

And of course there's New Years Eve on the 31st, celebrated by both locals and a majority of offworlders! Share some holiday cheer with your friends from all across the multiverse and take some time to get to know how your neighbor spends the season this year, and cap this year off with a wonderful, festive bang!

Happy Holidays!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That gets a small smile out of him. "Born and raised in Luxor."

In the Valley of the Kings but that's not important right now.

"Have you ever been?"

“Never,” she says, still beaming. “I woulda loved to go, of course. See the pyramids and all.”

"They are quite impressive." He puffs up slightly. "So much of our ancient history is really fascinating."

“I’ll say.” She shakes her head in near-disbelief. “Can’t believe we got real-life Egyptians here. And I didn’t even get your name yet!”

Grace, you're feeding his ego. Marik puffs up again with pride.

"My name is—"

Ah, if only he could say his real name. Maybe... someday. He isn't sure yet.

"—Namu."

Mesopotamian. Like his family name, strangely enough, despite being purely Egyptian in his heritage.

Oh, if only it was that easy with everyone.

“Namu.” Grace puts a hand on her chest and dips her head in a little performer’s bow. “Well, I’m sure charmed to meet you. I’m Grace Holloway. Ms. Holloway, if you like.”

Charmed to meet him. Has anyone ever genuinely been happy to meet him?

"It's nice to meet you too, Ms. Holloway." A pause. "Would you... mind if I joined you at your table?"

“Mr. Namu, I’d be delighted.” She manages to push the detritus of someone else’s abandoned plates across the table in a somewhat orderly way, leaving Marik his choice of proximity on the bench she’s sitting on one end of. “You’ve got to tell me more about Egypt. I insist!”

Oh. Mister.

... That was what everyone referred to his father as: Mister Ishtar.

"Just Namu, please."

But he joins her, leaving a decent amount of space between them.

"What would you like to know? Anything in particular?"

“Of course,” she says easily. “And I’ll tell you, Namu, I just don’t know where to start. I’m embarrassed to say I don’t really know much at all. The city I’m from took a lot of art ideas from ancient Egypt, and I did always wish I could visit, but I never did make the time to read up. You must think I’m a right philistine.”

"Not at all. Sometimes it's difficult to get information on ancient cultures."

He could mention his sister. That she's a historian and leads expeditions to find and preserve their culture now that the tomb keepers are disbanded.

But that would be unwise. He'll need to make his story more vague.

"Where are you from? I'm curious what places have taken inspiration from my homeland."

“Oh, it was a whole movement, maybe five years before I was born,” Grace says enthusiastically. “Art Deco, it’s called. I’m from…” She pauses, assembling an explanation. “Hm, you know that ocean east of Africa? We call it the Atlantic?”

"Art Deco..." He blinks. "I... think I may have seen a bit of that in Domino City..."

Marik takes a moment to ponder, muttering the name to himself a couple of times as he envisions a map. He moves his finger around while looking up. "Kemet, Egypt... Afru-ika, Africa... Aethiopian, Atlantic..."

The more Latin/Grecian names the places were given. Right.

"You mean West? The ocean that leads to the Americas if you continue, yes?"

Grace watches with patient fascination as he works it out. “That’s right, pardon my misstep,” she smiles. “And — pardon me, Domino City?”

"It's fine." He shakes his head with a smile. "Ah, Domino is a big city in Japan. Known for its trading card game circuit. There's a good amount of art deco and modern mixed in its architecture."

“Never been to Japan, neither,” Grace says wistfully. “Well! If you’ve seen that, you know how much Art Deco loves Egyptian looks. The patterns, the shapes, all of it. The place I’m from…” She pauses for a brief moment. “They started building it about ten years before I moved there, under the Atlantic ocean. On a ridge on the ocean floor, that is.”

"I'm well aware museums love our stuff as well." It's not said maliciously. Given the state of his country and how his heritage was almost wiped out, he wants things to be preserved.

Just... them displaying mummies isn't a good thing.

Marik tilts his head slightly. "In the ocean? How?"

“Not that I know any of the technical details of the building side of things,” Grace demurs. “It was something about the stuff they used for the outer structures, especially the glass. Plus all the botanists making plants grow without the sun so we could breathe and eat, and the people making sure the automated systems kept going, and the fishers, and the desalination technicians…” She waves a hand, as though to say I could go on forever. “At any rate. Took a lot of work, I’ll tell you that.”

Marik listens intently, curious about this strange underwater place Grace hails from.

"It sounds like it. To live underwater... seems almost impossible in my world. What year is it for you?"

“Assuming we’re thinking of the same calendar, it’s 1968. There aren’t any other underwater cities, mind. Far as I’m aware. Just the one.”

"That's still very impressive, given the level of tech in my world. It's currently 1998 for me."

Kaiba could likely build an underwater city if he wanted. Ugh.

"The most impressive thing we have are solid state holograms at the moment."

Grace visibly mouths the words to herself, squinting slightly. “… I’ve heard of holography, and I know solid-state physics, but I’m guessing ‘solid state’ means something else here.”

"It's essentially creating a solid version of a projection. It's being used for a card game currently. You're able to summon monsters and see them come to life as you battle them against your opponent."

The thing that runs his world: Duel Monsters.

“Quite a card game,” Grace comments, after a few moments processing this. “… How solid are we talking?”

"Solid enough you could climb on the monster."

Solid enough a cage could keep you trapped while lava began to encase it.

But that's beside the point.

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