Harvest

But even the single most skilled among us cannot match the true gift our blood—the power to connect. Six hundred years ago, Alden Ó Flaithrí and Móirín Ó Ciardha led the fight for our freedom from the fire-breathers. However, as countless fire-breathers descended upon them, the warrior Móirín took her husband’s hand, thinking that they would all die. Instead, the ground began to shake. And mountains rose up around them, a shield against the shapeshifters who would have murdered them and all their fellow fighters. This was the first convergence. Today, as Alden and Móirín’s direct descendant and his future wife take the arena, we honor them and the greatest gift endowed on us by our Creator: the power for two to become one.

— Lord Alistair Colbreak Evenbrook, Colbreak Manor Harvest 1313

Myth and Origins

According to pre-colonial Crathlian legend, evil and mischievous fairies run rampant on the night of the autumn equinox and try to steal the harvest. In order to prevent this, the people wore costumes to a bonfire that night to make the fairies believe they're fae themselves.

History

The colonization wiped out many ancient Crathlian traditions, but the less-powerful part-dragons who weren't kept in compounds (usually city-dwellers) kept this one alive. However, it is the male human warriors who escaped their compounds that ensured the holiday's importance today. Upon learning about the holiday's basis, they incorporated a tradition from their compounds: dueling. They displayed their powers in an attempt to show that they could fight back against the fairies—which became a metaphor for the shapeshifters.
The discovery of convergence by Alden Ó Flaithrí and Móirín Ó Ciardha was immediately incorporated into Harvest celebrations, showing that while one part-dragon on his or her own might not be able to stand up to the "fairies", two working in harmony are capable of so much more.
Once the shapeshifters were overthrown and Crathlia returned to being governed locally by whoever could protect them from the aignaoithe, the naered, and the occasional Leutish or Aviumi invader, the tradition of crowning a local Knight of Harvest was established.

Written by Cordelia Colbreak Evenbrook

Related Ethnicities

• Amalgams
• Dregs
• Paragons

Observance

Harvest is celebrated each year on the evening of the autumn equinox, Dagal 1st.

Traditions

Houses are decorated with natural items like leaves, chrysanthemums, other autumn flowers, and food representative of the bountiful harvest.

Paragon Traditions

• Duels are held the afternoon of the autumn equinox. Formerly, they were open to the public; now they are usually broadcasted (exempting professional duels held specifically to be attended by non-Paragons). The final duel is ceremonial, finished with a convergence.
• The winner of the dueling tournament is crowned Knight of Harvest.
• A grand feast is held that night, followed by a masquerade ball.

The Knight of Harvest

In a traditional Paragon dueling tournament, a representative from each family (which used to mean household, but now refers to a family name) chooses an opponent out of a hat. They then fight until one is held immobile for ten seconds. The winner progresses to the next round, while the loser is eliminated.
The overall victor of the tournament is crowned the Knight of Harvest. During the Dark Age, in the original context, the Knight of Harvest would be called upon in times of trouble throughout that year. As the greatest warrior in the land (or region), he or she would be the first to respond to a need, such as a mainland attack or a threat from another warlord.
Nowadays, the pool of duelists is usually concentrated with teenagers. The Knight of Harvest is often forgotten by the next day. He or she has no particular responsibilities.

Urban Traditions

• Often attend professional Paragon duels. Some Amalgam and Paragon organizations hold their own duels.
• Feasts are usually held at home among extended family, but some churches and other organizations host feasts for their members as well.
• Masquerade balls are hosted by the city, a church, a social club, or another organization.

Rural Traditions

• Many communities hold bonfires. The costumed dance is often then held outdoors.
• Feasts may be held at home or at a central location, such as a church or the house of an important member of the community. Drinking is usually involved in the feast. (According to Vinny Bowman, at least.)