Halloween
Oct 24, 2014 18:42:45 GMT
Post by Tel Vinrae on Oct 24, 2014 18:42:45 GMT
October is a month of superstition within our own world's culture. Each of the cultures and religions within the setting have different views on Halloween. Some celebrate this as a day of reverie, where others hold a more religious take. The following are the common beliefs of each culture and public organisation, and their ways of celebration.
Races
The Ananta (Akosh and Ajit)
The people of the Ananta Desert believe that throughout Harvestnigh (October) the dead visit their relatives. In order to appease them, various practices are performed in order to gain their blessing including creating a bhēṇṭa, or offering. These are ritually prepared boxes that can contain various things; food, gold, alcohol, or various items that the dead believed to be important in life and are cast out in the sea or burnt so that the reach the dead. Ancestors aren't the only ones to visit; the dānava (lit: demon, but closer to an evil spirit) also come for the souls of the wicked to take them to Rael. To ward them of people adorn themselves with either the sun of Rael or the moon of Mazalel although some also carry small silver cages which they believe they came trap the evil spirit in.
The Chen Kai
The Chen Kai remember their dead at the time in autumn of equal days and nights. The festival that is celebrated is called Higan. It is a time when people visit the graves of friends and family who are dead. They tidy up the area and think about the dead people.
The Drow
Though the open practice and worship of the Dark Seldarine has been banned, there are few that still celebrate what their culture Night of Darkness, or October 30th. It is not uncommon to see those that acknowledge this day to wear symbols of spiders or rubies. Typically, it involves a sacrifice to a darker denizen of the Labyrinth within the heart of the sewers, though what the denizen is, no one knows - or those that know do not speak of such - for the very act is heresy. Many Drow still pay homage to the Spider Queen secretly, and it has been noted that there are small groups that do gather to fellowship and learn their ancient doctrine. Some of the rebellious sects of Drow (which are thought to have been silenced with the Sewer Massacre 50 years ago) still participate in this dark ritual...
The Dwarves
During this time of year, the Dwarven culture is very quiet about their celebrations, treating them as personal experiences instead of having loud or raucous celebrations like many other cultures through the continent. But don't let this make you believe it's not important to them; during this time of year, many people believe that the land of the dead passes close to our world, and to a culture that thoroughly follows their ancestors ways, it is important, with many clans holding vigils and sermons to remember those who had fallen, to give reverence to those who had come, and to spread well wishes to those who would follow. It is a time to reaffirm familiar bonds, and to note that they would always remember the men and women who helped shape their clan, but to always remember that it should only influence their futures... and that no matter where any single dwarf may be or what they follow... that they were always a part of something bigger...
The Eladrin
Many Eladrin don foppish clothes as a celebratory practice - disguising themselves as foul entities, which actually stems from ancient cultural mythologies of other races. They take this day to rejoice in the Unknown, having a more whimsical approach on this typically superstitious day. Within Eladrin culture, this is also a day to remember those that have Ascended and returned to their society through Rebirth. They hold an outdoor masquerade party within the Darkwood Sanctum to symbolise the many lives they live, for they believe that though their body decays, their souls return as the children within the culture. They will dress in elaborate clothes and intricate masque's to represent that though they live, they do not who they were or may become, but that those passed live through them. All Proven Eladrin are welcome to attend this celebration, regardless of status. They believe that though one is Reborn, most do not recall their past lives and this is how their aptitudes for understanding their would are placed.
The Elves
The elves of Meleria do not fear ghosts around the time of All Hallow's Eve, but they do dread the dark fae. It is not uncommon for elven parents to give their children wreaths of holly and mistletoe to wear in order to protect them from the Unseelie faeries they believe haunt the world. Even the rangers of Southern Nation do not patrol their forests without protection the the late days of autumn; they make sure that they are armed with cold iron to protect themselves and their kin. There are other rumours about how elves spend All Hallow's Eve as well. It is said every year at midnight, the followers of Velathariel offer sacrifices in their dark goddesses name and swear blood pacts upon the enemies of their people.
Halflings
The Halfling diaspora is vast and so current generations have adopted the All Hallow's Eve customs befitting their regional ties. A few customs remain strong within their circles, however, unperished even by centuries of migration and distance. For example, coming of age festivals are often held at this time of year, with the onset of winter embellished as "their first great test as a man/woman". More general harvest-time festivals occur throughout the month, with family and friends from abroad gathering for days-long events. They tend to be held not in prosperous urbanscapes but the rustic countryside, though their manicured gardens are lit up by electric lanterns and folksy music, harkening to the sensibilities of the first Halflings. Pranksters run amuck in these occasions, though food and drink are strictly off-limits from tampering (This is colloquially known as, "The Treaty of Grandmums Everywhere").
Yet on All Hallow's Eve itself, all notion of pomp and jest seizes for the euphemistically named "Housewatching". If correctly done, windows are to be shuttered, laced in salt and charms; the doors locked and braced; mirrors covered; and bright lights and candle in the house left on throughout the night. The playing of string instruments is strictly forbidden. Many Halflings do not actually believe ill can come of forgoing these customs; but out of respect for their heritage, modern Hafllings conduct a semblance of these preparations before heading out to some Halloween Gala, or such. Bolder sons and daughters of the race skirt the implications of these warnings and partake in an eerie tradition known as "Gloskobbling". They venture to secluded and ill-lit places, wild or urban, where they draw out parameters of certain games (supposedly known to the dead) in the blood of livestock, and invite eavesdropping spirits. This is a rarer custom, the knowledge of which survives in the dustier tomes and memories, but it is transmitted through the generations. Naturally, it tends to be that the stories tell of ghostly children answering the call. But there have been exceptions...
The Govan
During this time of the year, it is not uncommon for tribesmen of the Govan to find themselves recognizing All Hallow's Eve within the confines of the Burning Plains, as this time of year is the beginning of their season to herd the Govi north towards the Tundra, and their Sacred Mating Grounds. Consequently, their superstitions hold that on the night of All Hallow's Eve, the dead of the Burning Plains are more ambitious than on other evenings, and so carefully planned and structured rituals are observed even by those members of the tribes who are not traveling, in order to protect the spirits of their kin. Typically, the Govan hang wreathes upon the necks of all their Govi and dress their caravans in decorations that include garlic, rosemary, holly and, the most important ingredient: Osha. This plant is believed to ward off evil spirits from the herd, and large amounts of it are burned in massive bonfires. The warriors of the tribe are required to stand in the smoke of these fires for several minutes, as breathing this smoke is believed to give them the ability to see the evil spirits that may attack their camps and provide the warnings necessary to ward off such aggressors. Silence is maintained throughout the night after the bonfires settle, as it is believed by the Govan that the softest sound can bring the greatest evils upon them in that unholy place, and so no words are spoken from the time the fires burn low, until the morning dawn is upon them.
The Milerians (Omicron & Imperial Races)
Many Milerians follow similar customs to, surprisingly, the Govan tribes with many differences that emphasise geography - though perhaps they are more superstitious as there tends to be much they do not understand in this world. Milerians close to the forests will hang sprigs of Mistletoe & Holly from the cribs of the children to ward off Faeries swapping them with Fae children or elderly. It is common in Milerian holds to see wreaths of garlic, rosemary, white sage, palm grass and Oshan hung from their doors and windows, as well as lining their doorways and outer window frames with cleansed pig's blood - as it is believed that doing so will protect their homes from malevolent spirits, Fae, were-creatures, vampires, or other strange and unwanted creatures that are thought to roam openly during these times. It is also common for Milerians to be seen cloaked heavily, carrying small satchels of these herbs as well as burning white candles of sage and their heads adorned with holy oils and ash. Some even go to the extreme of dusting themselves with silver or wearing holy symbols of their faith and even carrying cold iron weapons if journeying outside of city fortifications. It is not uncommon to see Milerians dressed to resemble foul creatures, as to 'camouflage' themselves if such beings do find themselves walking among their people.
Orcan Traditions
TBA
For those who practice the forbidden arts of Druidism, this time of year brings both great joy... and frightful dread. For many, the formal passing of summer into autumn brings them to rest, and allows them to both rest, knowing that their efforts have made nature strong. However, during the times of equinox and solstice, the fae realms do grow close, and right now with autumn holding power, the more mischievous of the Autumn courts come forward to play their pranks to remind people of the inevitable of all things... back when druids were accepted publically for their knowledge and their ties to nature, they taught people how to avoid the fae by dressing up as creatures themselves, and that they were protected by putting up symbols and having symbols of nature protecting their homes and loved ones; most of these were forgotten along with Druidism, but those who still follow know you either respect nature and those tied to it... or you hide from it and hope it doesn't notice you...
The Charred Sigils
As a faction of many races and creeds, the Charred Sigil's do their best to permit the practices of all during this time of year. It is not uncommon for Guild Halls to have specific sections set aside so that different races and faiths can practice their beliefs in the comfort of others, and rivalries amidst Hopur within the Sigils are set aside for times like these in order to accommodate these practices. For the majority of Sigils, however, All Hallow's Eve is a day of great feasting within the Hall of the Bannermen, when the Einn - the Six leaders of the Sigil's - will recite the names of all deceased off the Wall of Immortality, in a ritualistic calling of their spirits to the feast. Throughout the night thereafter, it is said that members of the Sigil's long deceased will come and join the feast, taking part in the festivities and drinking and food as they share stories with the newer, younger members of the Sigils, and reminisce with the older members that may have known them in their life. Many members of the Sigil's will speak for hours on end to an individual on this night, turning away to gather themselves a new drink, and turning back to find nothing there but an empty chair.
Eamane Aanrion (The Thieves' Guild)
Like its home city, the Eamane Anarion is fundamentally a metropolitan organisation, and harbours no qualms about their members' cultural approaches to this season. For much of the month of Harvestnigh, the days and nights are rife with pranks and dancing, derived mainly from practices of harvest festivals imported by the immigrants. There is a tradition of skillfully stealing a trusted friend's treasured object, though they are expected to return them on the first noon of Farrenigh. The higher ranking individuals of the organization host secret masquerade balls where no names are shared and identities are carefully concealed by make-up and magic, breaking from an otherwise steel-clad secrecy. But on All Hallow's Eve itself, two unique practices are sombrely observed: the Fires, and the Peace. The origins of the Fires, while never officially confirmed, bear stark similarities to an Eladrin funerary practice, including the usage of their terminology. Ergo, it is believed that the first Adoesseur began the tradition.
Whether or not they are superstitions, many stories in the history of Mileria allude to the possibility that the veil between worlds mortal and spectral erode during the month, culminating on All Hallow's Eve. The Thieves' Guild necessarily neglects the fact that every victim of their actions is someone's lover, parent, child, friend, and so forth; and at no other time of year is the underworld more self-conscious of the departed and the wronged. Great emphasis is placed on remembrance and penitence towards the fallen, both friend and foe. Members confess their woes, wrongs, and perhaps pleas of forgiveness into the ear of a straw or wooden effigy, and on the midnight of All Hallow's Eve, they are burnt in ritualistic fires known as "Esheldavitu", an antiquated Elavarian phrase meaning "for the Clouds of Yesteryear". It is hoped that their whispers are borne on smoky winds to the intended. The particulars of this practice can vary--some may opt to use a collective effigy and observe its smouldering with their fellow criminals, while others might conduct it alone, drunk on wine by their home's hearth, remembering lost friends.
On the day and night of All Hallow's Eve, no violent motion is to be made amongst the criminal sects that populate the Eamane Anarion. While those outside of the Guild are not beholden to the pact, it is widely seen as vile and disreputable to breach the trust--on par with assassinating a rival at their wedding, or exhuming a corpse for ransom.
The Fae Courts
TBA
Imperial Creed
Despite its Melerian origins, the Imperial Cred itself hold that the folk beliefs regarding the season are baseless superstitions, although the clergy often turn a blind eye to the practices of the common folk if they do not grossly violate the teachings of the religion. That is not to say that they do not have their own celebrations. On the 31st, they hold a midnight mass in honor of the faithful that passed away that year as well as the deceased generals and emperors. This feast day is usually celebrated with midnight mass with a ceremony that involves lighting a candle in the honor of the fallen. In addition, most local perishes hold their harvest festivals where they give honour and praise to the hard
Order of the Eternal Watch
The Order of the Eternal Watch do not view the stories of ghosts and goblins are mere campfire tales but legitimate concerns that must be dealt with in order to protect the innocent from evil. From dusk on the 30th of Harvestnigh (October) to dawn on the 2nd of Farrenigh (November) the members of the Order take actions to make sure the things that go bump in the night do prey on the weak. Some teach the common folk simple wards against evil (like a line of salt on each door and window frame) while others forgo sleep and remain ever vigilant against the forces of darkness (although this ritual, called the Long Vigil, is usually only performed by members of the inner circle). There is also the rumoured Dark Hunt, where it is said members of the Order actively pursue evil creatures although such a sacrament is not officially said to exist.
Jing Heping & Ancetral Cults
The Chen Kai refer to this time as O-Bon. On the first day of O-Bon, people decorate their loved ones' graves with fruit, cakes, and lanterns. On the second day, spirit altars or as they are referred to tamadana, are assembled at home: Atop a woven rush mat stand the ancestors' memorial plaques, tempting vegetarian dishes, and cucumbers carved to represent horses on which the spirits are invited to ride. On the third day, whole communities gather for the bon-odori, a hypnotic, slow dance that moves in concentric circles or multiple lines. Hundreds of people often dance together. As evening falls, tiny paper lanterns are set adrift on river or sea: these omiyage gently light the spirits way back to the "other shore".
Tel Vinrae Academy of Philosophies
This time of year it is thought that the dead are able to walk freely, and with that superstition brings a weariness into the hearts of most Milerians. However, some believe this is a time to celebrate those that have passed. Stemming off of those beliefs, the Academy takes this month to celebrate and remember the dead and embrace the unknown and the Occult. Maisi Maxium, a benefactor to the Academy since her graduation and success of the Arcanium Emporium, hosts a large gathering free to the public within the Academy's Library and Golden Way's Main Centre. They take part in festivities such as dancing, costumes, activities, and of course students and professors from the Otaehym Llmaryl take part in the event by dressing up and performing ballads and tell stories of the most frightful legends. Every year through the month of October, the Academy hosts a Haunted House Competition in a cleared out section of the Causeway. May the best man or woman (or monster) win!
The Ananta (Akosh and Ajit)
The people of the Ananta Desert believe that throughout Harvestnigh (October) the dead visit their relatives. In order to appease them, various practices are performed in order to gain their blessing including creating a bhēṇṭa, or offering. These are ritually prepared boxes that can contain various things; food, gold, alcohol, or various items that the dead believed to be important in life and are cast out in the sea or burnt so that the reach the dead. Ancestors aren't the only ones to visit; the dānava (lit: demon, but closer to an evil spirit) also come for the souls of the wicked to take them to Rael. To ward them of people adorn themselves with either the sun of Rael or the moon of Mazalel although some also carry small silver cages which they believe they came trap the evil spirit in.
The Chen Kai
The Chen Kai remember their dead at the time in autumn of equal days and nights. The festival that is celebrated is called Higan. It is a time when people visit the graves of friends and family who are dead. They tidy up the area and think about the dead people.
The Drow
Though the open practice and worship of the Dark Seldarine has been banned, there are few that still celebrate what their culture Night of Darkness, or October 30th. It is not uncommon to see those that acknowledge this day to wear symbols of spiders or rubies. Typically, it involves a sacrifice to a darker denizen of the Labyrinth within the heart of the sewers, though what the denizen is, no one knows - or those that know do not speak of such - for the very act is heresy. Many Drow still pay homage to the Spider Queen secretly, and it has been noted that there are small groups that do gather to fellowship and learn their ancient doctrine. Some of the rebellious sects of Drow (which are thought to have been silenced with the Sewer Massacre 50 years ago) still participate in this dark ritual...
The Dwarves
During this time of year, the Dwarven culture is very quiet about their celebrations, treating them as personal experiences instead of having loud or raucous celebrations like many other cultures through the continent. But don't let this make you believe it's not important to them; during this time of year, many people believe that the land of the dead passes close to our world, and to a culture that thoroughly follows their ancestors ways, it is important, with many clans holding vigils and sermons to remember those who had fallen, to give reverence to those who had come, and to spread well wishes to those who would follow. It is a time to reaffirm familiar bonds, and to note that they would always remember the men and women who helped shape their clan, but to always remember that it should only influence their futures... and that no matter where any single dwarf may be or what they follow... that they were always a part of something bigger...
The Eladrin
Many Eladrin don foppish clothes as a celebratory practice - disguising themselves as foul entities, which actually stems from ancient cultural mythologies of other races. They take this day to rejoice in the Unknown, having a more whimsical approach on this typically superstitious day. Within Eladrin culture, this is also a day to remember those that have Ascended and returned to their society through Rebirth. They hold an outdoor masquerade party within the Darkwood Sanctum to symbolise the many lives they live, for they believe that though their body decays, their souls return as the children within the culture. They will dress in elaborate clothes and intricate masque's to represent that though they live, they do not who they were or may become, but that those passed live through them. All Proven Eladrin are welcome to attend this celebration, regardless of status. They believe that though one is Reborn, most do not recall their past lives and this is how their aptitudes for understanding their would are placed.
The Elves
The elves of Meleria do not fear ghosts around the time of All Hallow's Eve, but they do dread the dark fae. It is not uncommon for elven parents to give their children wreaths of holly and mistletoe to wear in order to protect them from the Unseelie faeries they believe haunt the world. Even the rangers of Southern Nation do not patrol their forests without protection the the late days of autumn; they make sure that they are armed with cold iron to protect themselves and their kin. There are other rumours about how elves spend All Hallow's Eve as well. It is said every year at midnight, the followers of Velathariel offer sacrifices in their dark goddesses name and swear blood pacts upon the enemies of their people.
Halflings
The Halfling diaspora is vast and so current generations have adopted the All Hallow's Eve customs befitting their regional ties. A few customs remain strong within their circles, however, unperished even by centuries of migration and distance. For example, coming of age festivals are often held at this time of year, with the onset of winter embellished as "their first great test as a man/woman". More general harvest-time festivals occur throughout the month, with family and friends from abroad gathering for days-long events. They tend to be held not in prosperous urbanscapes but the rustic countryside, though their manicured gardens are lit up by electric lanterns and folksy music, harkening to the sensibilities of the first Halflings. Pranksters run amuck in these occasions, though food and drink are strictly off-limits from tampering (This is colloquially known as, "The Treaty of Grandmums Everywhere").
Yet on All Hallow's Eve itself, all notion of pomp and jest seizes for the euphemistically named "Housewatching". If correctly done, windows are to be shuttered, laced in salt and charms; the doors locked and braced; mirrors covered; and bright lights and candle in the house left on throughout the night. The playing of string instruments is strictly forbidden. Many Halflings do not actually believe ill can come of forgoing these customs; but out of respect for their heritage, modern Hafllings conduct a semblance of these preparations before heading out to some Halloween Gala, or such. Bolder sons and daughters of the race skirt the implications of these warnings and partake in an eerie tradition known as "Gloskobbling". They venture to secluded and ill-lit places, wild or urban, where they draw out parameters of certain games (supposedly known to the dead) in the blood of livestock, and invite eavesdropping spirits. This is a rarer custom, the knowledge of which survives in the dustier tomes and memories, but it is transmitted through the generations. Naturally, it tends to be that the stories tell of ghostly children answering the call. But there have been exceptions...
The Govan
During this time of the year, it is not uncommon for tribesmen of the Govan to find themselves recognizing All Hallow's Eve within the confines of the Burning Plains, as this time of year is the beginning of their season to herd the Govi north towards the Tundra, and their Sacred Mating Grounds. Consequently, their superstitions hold that on the night of All Hallow's Eve, the dead of the Burning Plains are more ambitious than on other evenings, and so carefully planned and structured rituals are observed even by those members of the tribes who are not traveling, in order to protect the spirits of their kin. Typically, the Govan hang wreathes upon the necks of all their Govi and dress their caravans in decorations that include garlic, rosemary, holly and, the most important ingredient: Osha. This plant is believed to ward off evil spirits from the herd, and large amounts of it are burned in massive bonfires. The warriors of the tribe are required to stand in the smoke of these fires for several minutes, as breathing this smoke is believed to give them the ability to see the evil spirits that may attack their camps and provide the warnings necessary to ward off such aggressors. Silence is maintained throughout the night after the bonfires settle, as it is believed by the Govan that the softest sound can bring the greatest evils upon them in that unholy place, and so no words are spoken from the time the fires burn low, until the morning dawn is upon them.
The Milerians (Omicron & Imperial Races)
Many Milerians follow similar customs to, surprisingly, the Govan tribes with many differences that emphasise geography - though perhaps they are more superstitious as there tends to be much they do not understand in this world. Milerians close to the forests will hang sprigs of Mistletoe & Holly from the cribs of the children to ward off Faeries swapping them with Fae children or elderly. It is common in Milerian holds to see wreaths of garlic, rosemary, white sage, palm grass and Oshan hung from their doors and windows, as well as lining their doorways and outer window frames with cleansed pig's blood - as it is believed that doing so will protect their homes from malevolent spirits, Fae, were-creatures, vampires, or other strange and unwanted creatures that are thought to roam openly during these times. It is also common for Milerians to be seen cloaked heavily, carrying small satchels of these herbs as well as burning white candles of sage and their heads adorned with holy oils and ash. Some even go to the extreme of dusting themselves with silver or wearing holy symbols of their faith and even carrying cold iron weapons if journeying outside of city fortifications. It is not uncommon to see Milerians dressed to resemble foul creatures, as to 'camouflage' themselves if such beings do find themselves walking among their people.
Orcan Traditions
TBA
Organisations
DruidismFor those who practice the forbidden arts of Druidism, this time of year brings both great joy... and frightful dread. For many, the formal passing of summer into autumn brings them to rest, and allows them to both rest, knowing that their efforts have made nature strong. However, during the times of equinox and solstice, the fae realms do grow close, and right now with autumn holding power, the more mischievous of the Autumn courts come forward to play their pranks to remind people of the inevitable of all things... back when druids were accepted publically for their knowledge and their ties to nature, they taught people how to avoid the fae by dressing up as creatures themselves, and that they were protected by putting up symbols and having symbols of nature protecting their homes and loved ones; most of these were forgotten along with Druidism, but those who still follow know you either respect nature and those tied to it... or you hide from it and hope it doesn't notice you...
The Charred Sigils
As a faction of many races and creeds, the Charred Sigil's do their best to permit the practices of all during this time of year. It is not uncommon for Guild Halls to have specific sections set aside so that different races and faiths can practice their beliefs in the comfort of others, and rivalries amidst Hopur within the Sigils are set aside for times like these in order to accommodate these practices. For the majority of Sigils, however, All Hallow's Eve is a day of great feasting within the Hall of the Bannermen, when the Einn - the Six leaders of the Sigil's - will recite the names of all deceased off the Wall of Immortality, in a ritualistic calling of their spirits to the feast. Throughout the night thereafter, it is said that members of the Sigil's long deceased will come and join the feast, taking part in the festivities and drinking and food as they share stories with the newer, younger members of the Sigils, and reminisce with the older members that may have known them in their life. Many members of the Sigil's will speak for hours on end to an individual on this night, turning away to gather themselves a new drink, and turning back to find nothing there but an empty chair.
Eamane Aanrion (The Thieves' Guild)
Like its home city, the Eamane Anarion is fundamentally a metropolitan organisation, and harbours no qualms about their members' cultural approaches to this season. For much of the month of Harvestnigh, the days and nights are rife with pranks and dancing, derived mainly from practices of harvest festivals imported by the immigrants. There is a tradition of skillfully stealing a trusted friend's treasured object, though they are expected to return them on the first noon of Farrenigh. The higher ranking individuals of the organization host secret masquerade balls where no names are shared and identities are carefully concealed by make-up and magic, breaking from an otherwise steel-clad secrecy. But on All Hallow's Eve itself, two unique practices are sombrely observed: the Fires, and the Peace. The origins of the Fires, while never officially confirmed, bear stark similarities to an Eladrin funerary practice, including the usage of their terminology. Ergo, it is believed that the first Adoesseur began the tradition.
Whether or not they are superstitions, many stories in the history of Mileria allude to the possibility that the veil between worlds mortal and spectral erode during the month, culminating on All Hallow's Eve. The Thieves' Guild necessarily neglects the fact that every victim of their actions is someone's lover, parent, child, friend, and so forth; and at no other time of year is the underworld more self-conscious of the departed and the wronged. Great emphasis is placed on remembrance and penitence towards the fallen, both friend and foe. Members confess their woes, wrongs, and perhaps pleas of forgiveness into the ear of a straw or wooden effigy, and on the midnight of All Hallow's Eve, they are burnt in ritualistic fires known as "Esheldavitu", an antiquated Elavarian phrase meaning "for the Clouds of Yesteryear". It is hoped that their whispers are borne on smoky winds to the intended. The particulars of this practice can vary--some may opt to use a collective effigy and observe its smouldering with their fellow criminals, while others might conduct it alone, drunk on wine by their home's hearth, remembering lost friends.
On the day and night of All Hallow's Eve, no violent motion is to be made amongst the criminal sects that populate the Eamane Anarion. While those outside of the Guild are not beholden to the pact, it is widely seen as vile and disreputable to breach the trust--on par with assassinating a rival at their wedding, or exhuming a corpse for ransom.
The Fae Courts
TBA
Imperial Creed
Despite its Melerian origins, the Imperial Cred itself hold that the folk beliefs regarding the season are baseless superstitions, although the clergy often turn a blind eye to the practices of the common folk if they do not grossly violate the teachings of the religion. That is not to say that they do not have their own celebrations. On the 31st, they hold a midnight mass in honor of the faithful that passed away that year as well as the deceased generals and emperors. This feast day is usually celebrated with midnight mass with a ceremony that involves lighting a candle in the honor of the fallen. In addition, most local perishes hold their harvest festivals where they give honour and praise to the hard
Order of the Eternal Watch
The Order of the Eternal Watch do not view the stories of ghosts and goblins are mere campfire tales but legitimate concerns that must be dealt with in order to protect the innocent from evil. From dusk on the 30th of Harvestnigh (October) to dawn on the 2nd of Farrenigh (November) the members of the Order take actions to make sure the things that go bump in the night do prey on the weak. Some teach the common folk simple wards against evil (like a line of salt on each door and window frame) while others forgo sleep and remain ever vigilant against the forces of darkness (although this ritual, called the Long Vigil, is usually only performed by members of the inner circle). There is also the rumoured Dark Hunt, where it is said members of the Order actively pursue evil creatures although such a sacrament is not officially said to exist.
Jing Heping & Ancetral Cults
The Chen Kai refer to this time as O-Bon. On the first day of O-Bon, people decorate their loved ones' graves with fruit, cakes, and lanterns. On the second day, spirit altars or as they are referred to tamadana, are assembled at home: Atop a woven rush mat stand the ancestors' memorial plaques, tempting vegetarian dishes, and cucumbers carved to represent horses on which the spirits are invited to ride. On the third day, whole communities gather for the bon-odori, a hypnotic, slow dance that moves in concentric circles or multiple lines. Hundreds of people often dance together. As evening falls, tiny paper lanterns are set adrift on river or sea: these omiyage gently light the spirits way back to the "other shore".
Tel Vinrae Academy of Philosophies
This time of year it is thought that the dead are able to walk freely, and with that superstition brings a weariness into the hearts of most Milerians. However, some believe this is a time to celebrate those that have passed. Stemming off of those beliefs, the Academy takes this month to celebrate and remember the dead and embrace the unknown and the Occult. Maisi Maxium, a benefactor to the Academy since her graduation and success of the Arcanium Emporium, hosts a large gathering free to the public within the Academy's Library and Golden Way's Main Centre. They take part in festivities such as dancing, costumes, activities, and of course students and professors from the Otaehym Llmaryl take part in the event by dressing up and performing ballads and tell stories of the most frightful legends. Every year through the month of October, the Academy hosts a Haunted House Competition in a cleared out section of the Causeway. May the best man or woman (or monster) win!