All Hunter's Eve

All Hunter's Eve takes place every year on the 31st of Redfall and is the one day of the year where the sun does not rise. Legend says this is because it's the birthday of the Mother of All Evil Omien however some more mystically minded speculate it has something to do with the sheer force of magical presence in Winval creating an astrological anomaly. Whatever the reasoning, it results in one day of the year where the entire continent is sent into darkness.

History

In less civilised times, when towns lacked walls and defences and much of Winval was still unexplored, All Hunter's Eve was notoriously the most dangerous night of the year as the monsters and beasts of the land would use this near endless night to hunt and feast in the safety of darkness. Because of this danger, every town would traditionally elect their most skilled and capable warriors to band together and bravely venture out into the night in order to hold back the waves of beasts attacking their homes. When the night was done, the Hunters would return to their towns often bringing trophies of their spoils to show their neighbours that they have nothing to fear and to ward of future attacks. Another common occurrence was that the fighters would often return wearing the pelts and hides of their kills as a sign of their prowess on a battlefield.
Many elements from this ancient practice have found their way into modern traditions over the years. It is tradition on All Hunter's Eve to dress as a monster, reminiscent of the ancient hunters wearing the pelts of their kills however over the years this has been simplified to just wearing any costume on the day. Ghost Gourds are also a tradition that has stood the test of time, originally townsfolk would carve warding runes and protective symbols into the side of gourds and would then light the insides with ghost fire as a form of minor protecting against evil. Ghost fire is a mystic blue flame that can only be created via a spell and is used because it doesn't give off heat, so they burn brighter and longer as no energy is lost as heat. This tradition is still carried out today however many now just carve interesting patterns or designs into their gourds rather than mystic runes.