Hepeth's Full Moon Celebration

History

During the Age of Magic, worshipers of Hepeth, Queen of the Night, later to become the Oracles of the Moon, began this ceremony as a means to honor their goddess.
The ceremony began as a simple dance, the Dance in the Full Moon.  As the years progressed the ceremony became more elaborate, involving more members of the church's hierarchy.  Eventually the celebration of the full moon devolved into a carnival celebrated by a variety of peoples beyond the church:  Oracles of the Moon.

Execution

If the celebration is honoring it's historic intent, rather than simply being an excuse for a carnival, a Singer of Hepeth opens the celebration with the Song of the Moon at dusk. The song is followed by a homily by a priest of the moon, which should be met with lots of cheering by her worshipers. This homily is followed by Helpeth's musicians playing dance music and the priestess of the night leading the dancers in a series of dances beginning with the Dance in the Full Moon.  All dances are meant to honor the goddess of the night.

Components and tools

Moon ale is often served at these celebrations, even the non religious variety.  It is a magical alcoholic drink produced by the church.  The drink induces feelings of euphoria, temporarily increasing an imbiber's charisma while diminishing their intelligence.

Participants

Several leading members of the Oracles of Moon church are required to properly observe this celebration.  Even the carnival type celebration requires musicians and someone to lead the dancing.  The religious celebration requires a priest, a priestess, a song master, and a musical conductor.

Observance

This celebration occurs every full moon, though the first full moon of each season is accorded more pomp and circumstance.