#amity celebration

[aevumisles]

╰┈➤ AEVUM ISLES :: APRIL FESTIVAL ❂

AS THE TWILIGHT SUN finally begins to beyond in the westernmost shores, citizens of Arcanus Isle count their blessings, and happily look forward to the rest of the spring-time season. 

Although the Amity Celebration has come to a slow close, the memories of loved ones continue to burn on. The Aether sighs, contented, and returns to rest...

In Conclusion:

All muses who have participated in The Amity Celebration (2024) will receive +300 Emblems! Be sure to add this to your currency pages.

Thank you all to those who have participated in this year's April Festival!

[silentaura]

−−−  ꧁ the vendor had paused at her request : several wooden boats . zelda was a 17 year old , who needed several boats . and even then , several was not yet enough to carry all her memories . so , the vendor had stopped her at just seven .

allegedly , they're supposed to sink to the bottom of the sea .

purchases in tote . . . some days , zelda still felt like jumping into water and never getting out . some days , she felt like drowning in a spring would have been the correct option . some days , it felt too cruel of her to keep breathing . like running uphill , her chest tightened at the realization that climbing a peak wasn't an ending . . . but a midway point . it wasn't done and over , although it should be . being left alone with a memory was far more lonely than solitude could even fathom .

in silence , zelda knelt beside the bay , taking out her small boats one by one .

one for mipha . she had served her duty with the grace of a true princess and emblem of the zora's resilience in the face of adversity . one for revali . he had trained so tirelessly to stand brave against fate and represent the best and brightest of the rito . one for daruk . he had looked over her with an unwavering kindness and a strength . one for urbosa . she had dared believed in her -- dared to loved her when nobody else could .

throat strained and choked on her silence . this is supposed to feel cathartic , but it only feels heavy and threatening . seven boats , in total , and even then they couldn't hold the weight of her grief . a flower petal for each to remember life by , a coin to buy them some peace , and a torn prayer to forgive her by some grace of the goddess .

sweat-laced hands pass out her offerings when snot begins to run from her nose , and in shame zelda catches it with the back of her hand . a hiccup in her breath ; there wasn't enough oxygen in the world to make it easier to breathe . seven boats blur into one as the princess sits , unmoving and weighed by the heaviness on her mind . focus . focus on your training . you were born into this .

one for mother . she had died believing that zelda would someday grow to be a capable leader as she had been . one for father . he had died believing that her utter incompetence gave her no right to possess the name zelda . one for all the people of hyrule . they had become the ghosts to her guilt .

bubbling , festering , boiling : zelda dug her hands into the sands and threw a handful in a fit . and another . another . it just wasn't fair . life just wasn't fair to her . why did the world hate her so much ?? why did the goddess hate her ??

the girl gasps a breath . why , she was even terrible at being quiet !!

defeated , zelda folds inwards , hiding from the world as frustration turns to emptiness . she is 17 years old , and she needs several boats . she needed several , but the vendor had stopped her at seven . he didn't get that seven just wasn't enough .

[aevumisles]

Heyo, I have a question about the Amity Celebration! What is the process of making the Tapestry of Traditions? Is there some way that the memories and emotions are extracted and woven into the tapestry? Are the people present for the entire process or is it more of a collection (of the memories/emotions) and later on the tapestries are given to the recipient?

Hello, Nonny! :)

The process of making the Tapestry of Traditions is ultimately a simple one. The Weavers are present for the entire process of creating the tapestry, as they are actually made quickly, never taking more than about 30 minutes if there are no unpleasant memories causing hiccups in the process. (If there are hiccups involving memory or negative emotion, this process can take up to 1 hour.)

The Echo will be asked to sit with the Weaver in front of a large loom housed inside the Padedeu Temple. They will then be asked to participate in the process by feeding the Sovenance Thread through a spinning wheel (the Echoes do not need to physically attend to the wheel; it is enchanted to spin on its own.)

It's through the spinning wheel and the Echo's involvement in physically handling the Sovenance Threads that allow the magical item to gain the memories that the Echo wants to immortalize in tapestry.

The Weavers themselves make sure the spinning wheel and the loom don't become disrupted.

It is an automatic stop when an Echo's negative emotions and memories overtake their mind. The threads will tangle up, knot, and/or the loom and spinning wheel will stop weaving even without the Weaver's intention.

If an Echo is failing to hold on to a memory, or simply does not have one to feed through the Sovenance Threads, the spinning wheel will simply refuse to start to spin, and so the loom will be unable to create a tapestry of the memories at all.

For those who need visuals: the threads start off as a mousey brown before being touched, and are held in a wicker basket at the foot of the spinning wheel. As far as the Echoes know, these threads can be spun infinitely and do not run out.

When passing through the hands of the Echo creating a tapestry, they glow silver. The silver threads are then fed into the loom and change colors to best fit the memory being woven together.

The process is overseen by the Weaver who tends to the enchanted loom and will encourage the Echo to continue to focus on their memory until the tapestry has been completed.

They are then handed the tapestry and the main motifs and underlying meanings are noted to them by the Weaver. (For Echoes who would like to support the Temple for this service, there are donation bins throughout the temple on their way out.)

— Mod Leillis 🌸

[aevumisles]

Why are heaven's mirror used for the may crownings? Can other flowers be used too?

Yes! All flowers can be used for the May Crownings.

The heaven's mirror/deaths lights are often sought out for May Crownings due to their ties with life after death. The heaven's mirror flowers carry symbolism for life-long friendships and everlasting bonds. Getting these flowers and weaving them into flower crowns expresses a deep devotion. One that is generally to be taken more seriously than a May Flower.

— Mod Leillis 🌸

[aevumisles]

can the tea effects be mixed and matched or overridden by another?

The tea-lip alchemy teas can be mixed and matched! They DO NOT override one another.

EXAMPLE:

Your muse drinks a cup of tea that gives them the color-glow effect. Drinking another cup of tea, the muse would continue to color-glow, and now has to speak in rhyme. The effects would last 24 hours, and 4 hours respectively.

— Mod Leillis 🌸

[aevumisles]

What does the Logus Fruit taste like?

Logus Fruit have the texture of apples, but are citrusy, like oranges!

— Mod Leillis 🌸

[aevumisles]

A question about the vouchers! Are they one item use and do they work for ability unlocks? If we bought two ability unlocks would they both be discounted or would one be half off and the other full price?

The voucher is limited to one item use, and do not count towards ability unlocks! You can use it for anything else on the Tier 1 page, though!

— Mod Leillis 🌸

[aevumisles]

╰┈➤ AEVUM ISLES :: APRIL FESTIVAL ❂

THE AMITY CELEBRATION is itself a celebration of families in Aevum, from mothers, to fathers, and siblings alike. Some may even gather to celebrate friendships during this season of holiday. Cafes, restaurants and stores across Arcanus City can be found discounting items and featuring seasonal sales. City parks can often be found themed in whites and golds, with various family-friendly activities across the small venues. Please refer to the ARCANUS ISLE COMPENDIUM for creature and plant references.

OVERVIEW:

Logus Pocus Day.

During the month of APRIL, the Aercons of Arcanus Isle celebrate the coming of spring. Starting first with “LOGUS POCUS DAY”, residents make sure to engage in a full day of mischief and good-natured fun. After which, the preparations for spring are sure to follow. 

(see: Logus Pocus Day, cont.)

The Blossom Dance

Taking place on the FIRST FRIDAY AND SATURDAY of April (2023, April 6th-7th), the Blossom Dance is a large gathering hosted by Fanalean residents in the Fanalean Fields. Participants and onlookers are expected to wear their springtime finest and join locals through the weekend for locally-made foods such as the May Flower Honey and Zephyr Lily Wines. The farmlands host strawberry harvests, and during the White Nights, Star-Step Moonelopes and Sunbeam Ceredae are more common to spot in the wilds around this time of year.

Towards the far west of the fields, along the border of the Aether Reserve, Wyrd Fae leave small gold coins for curious children. Legends say that only those pure of heart can find the coins, though they can be gifted to others once in the individual's possession.

Taking significant others to the Blossom Dance is a popular date choice, especially during the White Nights.

The White Nights.

During the 28th of April to the 3rd of May, Aevum experiences a natural week-long phenomenon colloquially known as “THE WHITE NIGHTS”. During this time, the sun does not set, casting a perpetual twilight well into the midnight hours. Schools are closed and workplaces observe reduced hours. The White Nights are a signifier that spring has come, and is often reserved as a holiday for families to enjoy.

NOTE:

Known as THE AMITY VOUCHER, LIMIT: 1 PER CHARACTER.

For the month of April: the Aevum Marketplace will allow TIER 1 MARKETPLACE ITEMS to be discounted to 50% off its market price.

Tier 1 items can be BOUGHT AND GIFTED to other members for the duration of the month.

Purchases will be processed during April. 27th-May 5th.

ACTIVITIES:

NOTE: Unless specified, ALL activities listed for the Amity Celebration are observed throughout the Arcanus Isles.

May Crownings

May Crownings are a small rite of passage between young people within Arcanus Isle. Youth will spend some time crafting flower crowns and garlands for their best friends. The flowers of choice, despite the name, are daisies, bluebells, and marigolds. Some eleven attempt to weave heaven’s mirror into their garlands for their crushes. Receiving a crown often is synonymous with “you are important to me”.

Adults who like to continue the tradition may instead weave wreaths to hang for their loved ones. The more colorful flowers that fill the wreath (as well as the size and volume of the wreath), the more of a point of pride it is between friends.

Occasionally, some choose to utilize the may crownings to deliver crowns, garlands, and wreaths that speak of not-so-pleasant feelings towards other individuals. It is not entirely uncommon for anonymous wreaths to be left at a doorstep that say, in no uncertain flower-speak terms, “I don't like you even one bit”.

Logus Pocus Day (cont.)

Logus Pocus Day marks the first day of the Amity Celebration season for many arcanus residents. Fishermen gather the logus fruit from the small islands scattered around the southern perimeter, and sell them at the piers throughout the day. Logus fruit is known for its playfully chaotic characteristics, and many residents who partake in the holiday craft all manner of pranks featuring the fruit.

Eating the fruit produces a random effect that lasts 1 hour per bite taken. There are six cataloged effects:

Your voice changes to sound operatic, higher or lower pitched, or, in rare cases, speaking backwards.

Randomly change the color of your skin, eyes, and/or hair with wildly different shades that slowly peels off.

Particles appear coming off your body, which take the form of flower petals. The petals are unique to the person.

Your body becomes elastic, making you unbreakable … However you will be unable to grip anything at all.

The gravity of your body changes, making you incredibly dense, or float.

You turn into a Luna Flock. (No, you cannot lay eggs.)

CLEARVIEW DISTRICT:

Tea-lip Party 

In the spirit of good fun, the Tea-Lip Party is hosted in Nourriture Avenue’s Gazebo. Teacups made of tulips line round tables for an afternoon tea party. Tea is served to guests who partake, all with the knowledge that drinking from the cup may mean a variety of random effects — for the tea poured into each cup is spiked with various alchemical potions courtesy of JUNIPER’S CHARMS AND REMEDIES. 

This year, when ingested, the following effects may occur:

Your body progressively starts to glow any singular color of the rainbow. This lasts 24 hours.

You feel your tongue begin to twist. You can only speak in rhyme for 4 hours.

Your dominant hand is switched from right to left, or left to right. If you are ambidextrous, you now have no dominant hand. This lasts 2 hours.

You cannot tell a lie for 24 hours.

You will be followed by a little cloud of personalized weather, good or bad, usually taking the form of a small cloud. This lasts 6 hours.

All of your inner thoughts are audibly heard for 4 hours. You’re convinced everyone else is a mind reader.

(Felix often lost his cats and brewed this potion to make them easier to find.) You leave glowing footsteps that persist for 1 hour.

Your thirst is perfectly quenched for 2 hours. This drink is the quenchiest. (Also subjects the drinker to vivid hallucinations for the same amount of time.)

Many of the neighboring restaurants partake in the Tea-lip Party, offering various hour-de-vours to go alongside the precariously enjoyable beverages.

DOWNTOWN ARCANUS.

Coating Colors Day

Downtown Arcanus celebrates the Amity Festival with various color based festivities in celebration of the spring. One such tradition is to gather residents for a full day of color dusting the old roads of the main street. Residents engage in fun banter with each other by throwing small balloons with colored water and powder at each other.

Very often, this activity turns the streets into a colorful labyrinth. The elderly will partake by creating the colored powder solutions using various ancient methods and plants that grow across the Fanalean Fields and Silverbrook Hollow. The most famous of these colors are the pale blue, phosphorescent powders that come from the Zephyr Lilies, and the bright orange powder that comes from May Flowers.

As the Amity Celebration is traditionally a festival revolving around the bonds of friendship, family and neighborhood, this is an especially popular event for most Arcanus Isle residents to spend with their loved ones. 

Luminescence Concerts

Sponsored by sweetheart idol Opal Luminescence, the Amphitheatre is fitted into a grand stage where the residents of Arcanus Isle can compete against one another to see who has the best, and most influential, musical talents. Those who partake can perform covers of their favorite songs, write and perform entirely original ones, or even simply join in as part of the judge table. 

Despite the competitive nature of the concerts, the end goal of the performances are to promote creativity, artistry, music, and having fun. Opal often mediates the shows, congratulating all participants and rewarding them with various small gifts of their choice. (Usually musical in nature.) The pop star meets and greets her fans, often ending the week with a large concert showcasing the most popular covers and original music voted on throughout the week, as well as her own songs.

A majority of the proceeds gained by merchandise sales, sponsorships and so on are given to the St. Azalea Foundation.

THE AETHER RESERVE.

Tapestry of Traditions (April 28 - May 3rd)

As the White Nights finally make their appearance, the residents of Arcanus Isles turn their attention from the coming of spring, to the celebration of families properly. At the Padedeu Temple, groups of acolytes gather to create tapestries for paying residents as part of a fundraising event. 

These tapestries are created from spun wool and silks - called Sovenance Threads - with both versions hailing from a long-lost region. The threads are used to create an image of an individual’s home (metaphorical or otherwise), and often depicts important subjects and people in their life. Sovenance threads draw on the memories and true feelings of an individual’s heart to create these depictions. One or more people can contribute to a tapestry to create the finished product, and they can be extended once a year.

These tapestries are some Aercons way of preserving family traditions, mottos, and other elements of livelihood, and often serve as heirlooms to be passed down and continued from one generation to the next.

A Sovenance Tapestry can depict (and be influenced by) the following things:

An individual’s family. The definition of a “family” will always reflect the Echo’s definition of what a ‘family’ may be. This can include biological families, found families, friendships, work-family, neighborhood communities, pets, and so on. People of significance may also appear here, but never wholly negative individuals, such as a mortal enemy or a deeply personal rival. (These individuals may be hinted at by motifs instead. See below.)

Memories, Emotions and Unique Relationships Due to the nature of the event, acolytes will ask Echoes to focus on a happy memory for the threads to depict. These positive memories will take precedence over negative ones. However: neutral and negative emotions can still influence the tapestry if the emotion (or lack thereof) is strong enough. Neutral (or lack of) emotions or memories will contribute nothing to the tapestry being created by the acolyte, causing the Sovenance threads to simply halt in place. If a negative emotion or memory influences the tapestry, the effect is more varied, creating anything from a wholly unclear or distorted image, to an image that simply contains small symbols that relate back to any unfinished business, hidden afflictions, or unresolved conflicts. In the case of both positive and negative influences, the tapestry’s symbols and motifs act very similarly to dream symbolism. (e.g., a backdrop of poison ivy may indicate hostile attitudes or scheming thoughts; jealousy, anger, and revenge. A lit candle may symbolize seeking hope, comfort or enlightenment.)

A birthplace or other Significant Location. A tapestry’s backdrop may depict elements of an Echo’s home, favorite place, or other objects that relate back to this location. (e.g., a star motif for characters related to, or greatly influenced by, space. Or an artistic rendition of a significant landmark that is important to the Echo.)

(More on) Influential Objects, Symbols, and Motifs Throughout the entire tapestry, symbols, objects, and motifs that tie in to the Echo will appear scattered throughout the piece. These typically depict elements of the Echo’s personality (or personalities, if more than one Echo is contributing to the tapestry). What motifs appear are directly influenced by the memory or relationship being depicted on the tapestry being woven. People who influence the memory of the Echo who are not directly involved (or are a deeply negative experience) will appear as symbols and motifs (see above) throughout the tapestry rather than as a significant focal point of it.

THE LUNAR COAST.

Candlelight Passing

Also spearheaded by the Padedeu Temple staff is the Candelight Passing ceremony. This ceremony takes place from 7PM - 4AM during the White Nights. When the Midnight Sun basks the land of Arcanus Isle into a perpetual twilight, denizens of the Isle gather at the shores of Arcus Reef to send off small wooden boats (often letter-sized boxes) filled with offerings to loved ones who have passed on. 

These wooden boats are specifically fitted to eventually sink underwater, as the Aercons believe that when a member of the community passes on to become one with the Aether, the moment that the boats sink and its contents make contact with the water, the deceased are briefly able to feel the love of their remaining friends and relatives.

Those who observe the ceremony may gather incense, flowers, small sculptures, or paper memories into their boat before sending it off into the cove.

[aevumisles]

A festive season seems to approach Arcanus Isles...

coming APRIL 1ST !