Night of the Ever Dark
The darkest night each year, when all three moons around the planet are hidden and darkness covers all that should be lit.
History
The celebration of the Night of the Ever Dark began within the small following of the Goddess of Death following their banishment from the Empire of Five Kings. The followers attributed the night to the Goddess, a means of punishing those fools that had cast a God aside, and would try to warn to surrounding people of the coming danger. This was usually treated with hostility, but on the few occasions they were accepted the settlements suffered far less. Unfortunately the success of the few attributed to an air of mystery and control over the event, later the Acolytes of Death were hunted and nearly eradicated for their supposed control.
Execution
The Festival has since taken a much more unique position, as the large cities use this night to hold a massive festival. The Festival runs for 3-4 days dependant on the darkness each night, but the effect is largely the same.
In the traditional sense, The Acolytes of Death version, a "Festival" was held in defiance of the darkness. Torches and candles were lit to brighten the town, and people were told to party through the night. This procession would be protected by the strongest Arcanists and warriors present, and their skills would be tested each time. The light, magic, defense, and general air of joy aided the Acolytes of Death and allowed their efforts to succeed with far less loss.
The Festivals held within the Cities are much lighter in the sense of dangers. The Holy Triumvirate used the ideas and traditions of the Acolytes of Death, they having been a sect of the church before the banishment, and held holy gatherings and night markets within the city walls. With the relative safety of the City defenses, people were more interested in the prospects of celebrating their safety and conquering of the worlds dangers. The night markets began to spread throughout the various guilds, resulting in more people opening stands and joining the celebration. The majority of the Cities amongst the Empire were holding their own festivals each year, but this was still quite protested by the Imperial Royal Family and Elder Council overall. It wasn't until the rule of Elysian the Third that the Empire of Five Kings adopted the festival as a whole. Some cities still refuse to hold the event, citing the founding of the event as a piece of horror from a banished sect, but find controlling that rule quite difficult.
The hosting of a Night Market of the Night of Ever Dark, Festival of the Ever Dark, Night of the Ever Dark, outside of a Cities walls and protection is seen as a dangerous tempting of fate. Some prospective robber barons or lesser nobles hold the events as a way of trying to impress the higher aristocracy. The possibility of forming an agreement with a Higher Noble House, or better a renown Hero and House, is often too tempting to ignore.
In the traditional sense, The Acolytes of Death version, a "Festival" was held in defiance of the darkness. Torches and candles were lit to brighten the town, and people were told to party through the night. This procession would be protected by the strongest Arcanists and warriors present, and their skills would be tested each time. The light, magic, defense, and general air of joy aided the Acolytes of Death and allowed their efforts to succeed with far less loss.
The Festivals held within the Cities are much lighter in the sense of dangers. The Holy Triumvirate used the ideas and traditions of the Acolytes of Death, they having been a sect of the church before the banishment, and held holy gatherings and night markets within the city walls. With the relative safety of the City defenses, people were more interested in the prospects of celebrating their safety and conquering of the worlds dangers. The night markets began to spread throughout the various guilds, resulting in more people opening stands and joining the celebration. The majority of the Cities amongst the Empire were holding their own festivals each year, but this was still quite protested by the Imperial Royal Family and Elder Council overall. It wasn't until the rule of Elysian the Third that the Empire of Five Kings adopted the festival as a whole. Some cities still refuse to hold the event, citing the founding of the event as a piece of horror from a banished sect, but find controlling that rule quite difficult.
The hosting of a Night Market of the Night of Ever Dark, Festival of the Ever Dark, Night of the Ever Dark, outside of a Cities walls and protection is seen as a dangerous tempting of fate. Some prospective robber barons or lesser nobles hold the events as a way of trying to impress the higher aristocracy. The possibility of forming an agreement with a Higher Noble House, or better a renown Hero and House, is often too tempting to ignore.
Observance
The Night of the Ever Dark, and its associated festivals, are the result of the three orbiting celestial bodies completely darkening and disappearing for a night or two.
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