Prayers against the Invader Stars

Reckoning Week

In many other worlds, those nighttime twinklings of light--the stars--brighten the night sky and serve as guides to that world's people. They often manifest in the myths and mysteries of numerous cultures too.
But here on Moecc, the stars are only visible upon the high pampas of northern Manatz and the Gauthran people of those regions celebrate this fact. For those pinpricks of light are treacherous, god-like beings whose attempts to invade the world were thwarted thousands of years ago in a century-long war.
More than a reenactment of a battle, The Prayers are a celebration of life and earth and a contemplation of the person you have become and the person you wish to be. Though its meaning has faded over the millennia, the holiday is a pillar of Giant cultures all across the continent and is celebrated still to this day.

The Eleven Prayers against the Stars

The festival begins on August 3rd and proceeds over the next eleven days, ending on the 14th. Each day is dedicated to one of the eleven invader stars and a different virtue that helped the people of earth overcome their enemies. Each virtue is observed through common traditions though some prefer to celebrate in their own fashion or even sit out certain days.

August 3rd, the first day of the virtue of Awareness

People listen to themselves, to one another, and--most importantly--the earth. It is a day of understanding others and appreciating the people closest to you.

August 4th, the virtue of Commitment

Old promises are fulfilled, vows are renewed, and causes reevaluated. Many marriages and political events are held on this day.

August 5th, the virtue of Preparedness

A day of planning and coordinating the celebrations of the following days. Also looking forward months and years and reevaluating plans for the future.

August 6th, the virtue of Kindness

Traditionally, many feasts are held on this day and people are invited unconditionally to them all. For those unable to provide for themselves or their families, alms are given without question.

August 7th, the virtue of Ardor

Passions are reembraced and new skills are taken up. It is a day of art, music, and literature and those with talent are encouraged to show it.

August 8th, the virtue of Adversity

In a dramatic turn, the day is spent in silence and without food or water. Leftovers from the feast are offered to the fields and to the wild animals. It is a time for knowing ones place and keeping to oneself.

August 9th, the virtue of Pain

Pain is embraced on this day and people remember that pain is proof of living. But just as much as pain is felt, it is consoled and soothed.

August 10th, the virtue of Loss

Lost loved ones are respected and paid tribute. Graves are revisited and sad stories are told by the low-burning hearth. Those who have not suffered great loss contemplate the loss of others and offer their condolences.

August 11th, the first day of the virtue of Perseverance

Another day of fasting. This is a day of work and hardly resembles a holiday to the outside observer: people are expected to perform their duties as members of society. It is typical for people to skip sleep this night and remain awake until the next dawn.

August 12th, the second day of the virtue of Perseverance

The last day of fasting. Preparations are made for the following two days and the work of the previous day continues. Most retire early this day, before sundown.

August 13th, the virtue of Reckoning

The past is contemplated and the self is evaluated in naked honesty. Even criminals and politicians pause a moment to consider how their actions have affected others. The day concludes with an enormous feast at the center of town with dishes prepared by everyone. A performance of song and dance often follows.

August 12th, the second day of the virtue of Awareness

The previous 10 days are contemplated and a final effort is made at closing past wounds and preparing for future endeavors. The earth is respected as the supreme giver of life by listening to its heartbeat and feeling the magic running through its mountains, trees, and streams. The festival concludes at sunup and some stay up all night for one last day of revelry.

The Ancient War

The beings called Noixiem (NOY-icks-EEM) called out to the people of earth in the distant past, perhaps as early as the year 5000 Anterior. Many people listened and were beckoned to the sparsely inhabited northern pampas where they began digging for an ore called Ewriorite. Under the Noixiem's distant instructions, they forged weapons and armor and built towers of intricate designs. The first of these enormous towers was completed around 4330 Anterior.
The Deik-shw of that region who had not fallen for the Noixiem's whisperings knew that the towers and weapons did not bode well for Moecc and so they wielded earthen magic and summoned the Earthenborn. Accompanied by the Earthenborn, many other Gauthran, and a host of Padnamanor, they marched on the supporters of Noixiem and persuaded them to cease. When words failed, violence broke out and the century-long war commenced. When the fighting ended in 4560 Anterior, no supporters of the Noixiem remained. Though their towers lasted, indestructible as they were, the stars went silent and did not attempt to resume their operations on Moecc.