Lore Post: Talyron Holidays (Patreon)
Content
In honor of the holiday season, I figured I'd make a post about holidays in the world of Aylia's Story.
Royal Entry #42 – Talyron Holidays
Entry Rationale – The three “kingdoms” have evolved considerably in a surprisingly short amount of time. It was determined appropriate to compile a list of holidays across the region, as such knowledge may offer potential strategic advantages.
§ Talyron – Given that the region was once a single kingdom, there are a few holidays that are still prevalent everywhere.
o Remembrance Festival (27th of Ox Season) – A festival to honor the Divines and remember the mistakes of our past. Violence of any form is strictly forbidden, a tenet that has historically been honored even during times of war. The Church of Divinity offers sermons on the Divines, the Council and the Great War. The populace is tasked with remembering their failings and contemplating ways they might improve.
o Festival of Lights (74th of Lion Season) – The festival of lights honors mankind’s ingenuity. Records of the festival date back to our earliest literature, where people would light fires outside their homes and bask in their warmth. That tradition largely remains but has evolved into more communal fires where people will gather and celebrate.
§ Kavidan – Kavidan’s holidays focus on discipline and strength. They honor the fallen and take pride in military power.
o The March of Might (1st of Lion Season) – A large military parade conducted every year in the city of Kavidan. Attendance for Kavidanian residents is mandatory. The purpose is to bolster the populace’s confidence in the Kavidanian military and raise morale for conscripted soldiers. Over the past decade, an unintended evolution of the holiday has occurred where Kavidanian women are expected to “honor” members of the military. No royal effort has been made to discourage this practice, as it’s been seen as significant to military morale.
o Independence Day (31st of Crow Season) – This holiday celebrates Kavidan’s independence from the Kingdom of Talyron. The celebration has grown considerably throughout the years and is now often celebrated with boomsticks imported from Escala. All work is halted and most soldiers are granted a week of leave to celebrate with family.
o Ga’a’s Sorrow (5th of Ox Season) –Given Kavidan’s proximity to the Dragon’s Spire Mountains and the Cracked Lands, our kingdom has developed a love of the land itself. Legends tell of Ga’a, father of land and one of the fallen Divines. Ga’a’s Sorrow is meant to be a day of mourning for the lost God and remembrance in hopes that one day we might rekindle his flame. On this day, no mining shall occur, and residents engage in tasks aimed at cleansing the land.
§ Trellion – As the traditional seat of power in Talyron, Trellion’s holidays focus on tradition and royal heritage.
o All Royal’s Day (8th of Raven Season) – A festival to honor Trellion royalty that primarily occurs in the city of Trellion itself. Man and woman alike dress as extravagantly as possible and attend celebrations throughout the city. The royal family itself throws the largest ball in the castle, and receiving an invite is a high honor.
o The Festival of Sunsets (52ndthrough 56th of Lion Season) – A 4 day holiday at the height of fishing season. Fisherman bring in their catches each evening to fanfare and celebration, with the most bountiful catches receiving awards and honors. Heads of the top fishing families are often invited to dine with the royal family. The purpose is to honor Trellion’s long reliance on fishing and the sea.
§ Escala – The “free” city located upon desert land neither Kavidan or Trellion want to concur. Escala’s holidays focus on freedom and fertility.
o Festival of the Seed (1st of Raven Season) – Originated as a way to honor Tanaia in the hope that she would bless the desert with life. Men and women would bring small offerings of water to pour at the statue of Tanaia’s feet. The festival has since morphed into a far more scandalous affair. The festival today consists of women throughout the city adorning themselves in sheer outfits and tasked with spilling men’s seed upon the soil.
o Good Citizen’s Week (78th through 84th of Crow Season) – A week of celebration to honor the free men of Escala. Merchants tend to offer steep discounts and stands throughout the city give people free food and water. The spirit of the celebration restricts any slave trading for the week.
Sudoh Lu’Kear
Royal Cartographer and Historian