Scales Nebula festival
History
The Scales Nebula is best viewed on Dritari on a clear night. The naming of the nebula was an ode to the main god on Dritari: Kelemvor. That the nebula actually resembles scales was a happy coincidence. The yearly festival is not only a celebration of the naming, but also a way to honor Kelemvor.
Not much of it has changed over the years. But the growing population on the island has also branched out to other gods, which makes the attendance to the festival dwindle almost yearly now. Much to the dismay of the Royal House of Crovan. They have tried to up the number of executions at the festival to draw in bigger crowds and honor Kelemvor.
But now voices of protest are rising up, saying not all who are executed have been proven to be guilty and that they are just executing random people to get their numbers up.
Not much of it has changed over the years. But the growing population on the island has also branched out to other gods, which makes the attendance to the festival dwindle almost yearly now. Much to the dismay of the Royal House of Crovan. They have tried to up the number of executions at the festival to draw in bigger crowds and honor Kelemvor.
But now voices of protest are rising up, saying not all who are executed have been proven to be guilty and that they are just executing random people to get their numbers up.
Execution
The main event of the festival are the executions in Kelemvor's name. Before the guilty are beheaded this text is recited:
Death is but part of life:
fear it not, evade it not, and view it not as evil.
Die with dignity, neither raging nor seeking to embrace undeath.
You will be judged by Kelemvor before you can pass the gates.
The executions are seen as a tribute to Kelemvor, giving him evil souls to judge as they enter the afterlife.
After the executions, a large banquet is presented for all who attend, bards start playing and people start dancing until in the very early hours.
Death is but part of life:
fear it not, evade it not, and view it not as evil.
Die with dignity, neither raging nor seeking to embrace undeath.
You will be judged by Kelemvor before you can pass the gates.
The executions are seen as a tribute to Kelemvor, giving him evil souls to judge as they enter the afterlife.
After the executions, a large banquet is presented for all who attend, bards start playing and people start dancing until in the very early hours.
Components and tools
The entire main square of Nevermire (the capital of Dritari) is decorated with large banners that feature Kelemvor's symbol: scales held by a skeletal hand.
Large guillotines are put on a stage, for everyone to see.
The square is filled with tables and chairs, so people can relax and celebrate while they eat.
Large guillotines are put on a stage, for everyone to see.
The square is filled with tables and chairs, so people can relax and celebrate while they eat.
Participants
The Royal House of Crovan presides over the ceremony and the leader of the land recites the text before the executions.
The executions are done by The King's Elite. Being chosen to be an executioner is a high honor, and the executioners are celebrated. This is why they do not hide behind masks or hoods.
The executions are done by The King's Elite. Being chosen to be an executioner is a high honor, and the executioners are celebrated. This is why they do not hide behind masks or hoods.
Observance
The festival takes place during the month of Ekass on day eight, in the middle of summer.
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