St. Nicolau’s Day

In Wretinridge, the third Caelodias (Skyday) of the month of Ventusis (Wind) is celebrated as St. Nicolau’s Day, also known as Brightfather Day, celebrating the end of the Arbor and Anvil War.

This war, between the Redanvil Dwarves and Mournwood’s Forest Slyph (with Wretinridge aligned with the dwarves) appeared lost.  Much of Wretinridge was overrun and left a smoldering ruin until the Slyph contracted a weeping pustule pox, a disease humans were largely immune to but to which the Slyph had no natural immunity. Veremund was said to have blessed Wretinridge by afflicting the Slyph, and Veremund was also credited for sending the city Nicolau Saravia - a brilliant strategist and commander, who was instrumental in winning a pivotal battle turning the tide of the war - The Battle of the Broken Bough - though he was grievously wounded.

On Brightfather Day - the Slyph surrendered, commemorated by the construction of the Cosmologic Clocktower. Brightfather day is still observed as a day of feasting, family, and making peace with enemies in Wretinridge, alternatively known as St. Nicolau's Day.  Pipe and drum music fill the streets, accompanied by song and dancing.  Children weave wreaths of evergreen branches, representing resilience, and gift them to elders and neighbors, even former rivals. This reminds them of making peace with an enemy.

At dusk, the streets leading to the Cosmologic Clocktower are lined with paper and candle lanterns representing the light of hope bestowed by Nicolau, honoring his legacy.