Post by glamourie on Nov 23, 2009 7:47:26 GMT -5
Autumn has come once again. With the waning turn, we take a moment to reflect on our past, and contemplate our ever-changing future. We mark off another turn, and celebrate the lives of those no longer with us. Daytime is for the living. Festivities abound! Children run and play, men and women dance and enjoy all life has to offer. Then, as the shadows grow long and the moons rise, so shall the dead! Flashy robes and merry-making attire are traded in for bones and masks as loved ones dress up in effigy of those they still hold dear, giving the departed a chance to dance and drink and do all they could in life, if only for one week of every turn.
The gather is dressed to the hilt with the last of summer's flowers. Streamers and confetti are tossed about by patrons and performers alike. Skeleton-clad dancers wander about, charged with cheering the grouchy and encouraging the shy to participate. The air is filled with joyful cries, boisterous stories, and the constant thrum of music. The time has come for the living to socialize, drink and have enough fun to send the dead to rest again... if only for one more turn.
The gather is dressed to the hilt with the last of summer's flowers. Streamers and confetti are tossed about by patrons and performers alike. Skeleton-clad dancers wander about, charged with cheering the grouchy and encouraging the shy to participate. The air is filled with joyful cries, boisterous stories, and the constant thrum of music. The time has come for the living to socialize, drink and have enough fun to send the dead to rest again... if only for one more turn.
Location: Blossom Hold
Theme: Dia de los Muertos.. ?
Theme: Dia de los Muertos.. ?
Events
Storyteller's Competition
All the Gather, gather round! Harken to the sound of the truth being stretched to the point of breaking. A grand competition, the likes of which has never been seen before, is about to take place! Armed with merely their tongues and sharp wits, story-spinners will regale us with tales of daring feats, romantic ventures, and endless bouts of drinking and merry-making. Listen, but do not take heed! These brave and bawdy souls are competing for the title of "Silver Tongue" in the great Liar's Competition!
Groups of competitors will face off in a tourney-style bracket. One competitor begins, and leaves the story open for the next. When all have had there say, it is determined who told the story with the most... flare. Prize to be determined.
The contest will flow as follows:
- standard tournament-style bracket applies.
- 2 or 3 competitors per match, depending on the amount of participants.
- random draw determines the starter (herein referred to as 1)
- 1 opens the story, speaks for any amount of time, must leave his story open-ended for following competitor (2)
- 2 picks up the story and continues for any amount of time, leaves story open-ended.
- this continues until all competitors have had their say. this constitutes one round
- minimum 4 rounds per match.
- after 4 rounds, it will be determined whether or not the competitors continue the story ( has the story gone south? end it. can't wait to hear more? keep going. story will be extended by 2 rounds at a time until the deemed over)
- once the story is determined to be over, the competitor who told the best side of the story without sounding too far-fetched will be chosen as the winner. Winner will move on to the next tier of the bracket, onward to the tourney winner.
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Paper Lanterns
As the week-long gather draws to a close, there comes a time when we must, once again, say goodbye to those we have lost. Palm-sized boats, woven from reeds and flowers, are set adrift onto the lake in the hour of twilight. Atop each boat is a small paper lantern, inscribed with words of safe voyage to the never-forgotten loved ones. Small, incensed candles burn inside the lanterns, lighting the spirit's way back to the afterlife. As the last vestige of sunlight escapes the world, lake-dolphins begin to corral the vessels to the river, where they are swept out to sea. People of all creeds and backgrounds stand side-by-side, all momentarily equal as the festival draws to a warm, bittersweet close. This is a final time of reflection for the gather. Sitting on the lake's edge, watching the thousand points of light reflecting off the mirror sheen of the lake, one ponders the events of the past week, and looks forward to what the future will bring.
At the beginning of the gather, a large number of citizens are chosen to weave boats from reeds and flowers. Being chosen is considered an honor, and the weaving is done at no charge. All families, regardless of their position in the social hierarchy, will be given boats. This is done under the belief that no loved-one should go unaided into the afterlife.
Dance
What is a festival without dance, drink and music? Skeletal dancers parade around the city, spreading joy to all. The timid are encouraged to dance, the most uptight patrons let their hair down, and the most ornery of misers are cheered by the fine spirits and good times. All corners of the city are alive with the festivities. However, if one were so inclined to experience all that the gather has to offer, they would head to the edge of the Hold. A large, open area is dedicated to dancing, while all around the clearing are booths selling beverages of all varieties.
Stalls
(It is encouraged to create your own custom descriptions for the items being sold.)[/center]
Honor the Dead
One of the largest tents around, this structure is draped with thick folds of heavy black and burgundy cloth. Countless bones of all shapes and sizes adorn the framework, catching the eye at every turn. Reactions to this tent are mixed, varying from macabre fascination, to outright fear. Among the dry, clinking bones lies a full range of skull masks. Many are made as a mimicry for the squeamish, while others are completely genuine; real bone. While other keepsakes and oddities are arranged on tables and racks, what draws people to this tent are the masks
[/i]One of the largest tents around, this structure is draped with thick folds of heavy black and burgundy cloth. Countless bones of all shapes and sizes adorn the framework, catching the eye at every turn. Reactions to this tent are mixed, varying from macabre fascination, to outright fear. Among the dry, clinking bones lies a full range of skull masks. Many are made as a mimicry for the squeamish, while others are completely genuine; real bone. While other keepsakes and oddities are arranged on tables and racks, what draws people to this tent are the masks
Real bone items
Majority carved from herdbeast bones
Half-mask: 1 1/2 marks
Full-mask: 2 1/2 marks
Human Skeleton Marionette: 2 marks
Dragon Skeleton Marionette: 3 marks
Knife: 3 marks
Whistle: 3/4 mark
Ring: 3/4 mark
Bracelet: 1 1/2 marks
Pipes: 2 marks
Faux bone items:
Half-mask: 1 mark
Full-mask: 2 marks
Skeleton human plushie: 1/2 mark
Skeleton dragon plushie: 3/4 mark
Weaver's Stall
Being of modest size and homely appearance, this tent surprises all who enter. On every wall can be seen brightly colored silks and linens. Running the stall are a kind-faced pair of women; renowned master weavers. Pre-fabricated goods are offered, although one can commission an order, custom fitted to the patrons liking. Do not be fooled by the kind faces of the shop-keeps, their tag-team method of business always leaves purses lighter upon exiting the shop.
Being of modest size and homely appearance, this tent surprises all who enter. On every wall can be seen brightly colored silks and linens. Running the stall are a kind-faced pair of women; renowned master weavers. Pre-fabricated goods are offered, although one can commission an order, custom fitted to the patrons liking. Do not be fooled by the kind faces of the shop-keeps, their tag-team method of business always leaves purses lighter upon exiting the shop.
Slippers: 1 mark
Robe/gown: 3 1/2 marks
Cloak: 2 1/2 marks
Shirt: 2 marks
Pants: 1 3/4 marks
Skirt: 2 1/4 marks
Scarf: 3/4 mark
Roll of fabric: 1 1/2 mark per 3 yards
Custom order item: 2 marks on top of the original pricing of already crafted items
Leather Stall
In the corner of this tent sits a bristly leatherworker. The distinct odor of tanning compounds permeates everything. Placed about are bolts of various domestic and exotic furs, as well as a plethora of different leathers. While most of what is purchased from this shop is considered "raw material," the owner will create custom items... for a price.
In the corner of this tent sits a bristly leatherworker. The distinct odor of tanning compounds permeates everything. Placed about are bolts of various domestic and exotic furs, as well as a plethora of different leathers. While most of what is purchased from this shop is considered "raw material," the owner will create custom items... for a price.
Furs: 1 - 3 marks varies on size
Belt: 1 mark
Boots:(in varying heights) 2 marks
Shoes/Sandals: 1 1/2 marks
Jacket: 3 marks
Pants: 3 marks
Gloves: 1 1/2 marks
Custom Item: 2 marks added to any already crafted items
Jewelry Stall
The next stand is set in the open. A number of tables are arranged, adorned with an assortment of fine glass and metal work. Rings ranging from simple bands to intricate unending knots are displayed alongside various other types of jewelry.
The next stand is set in the open. A number of tables are arranged, adorned with an assortment of fine glass and metal work. Rings ranging from simple bands to intricate unending knots are displayed alongside various other types of jewelry.
Plain ring: 2 mark
Crested ring: 2 1/2 marks
Knotted ring: 3 marks
Earrings: 2 1/2 marks
Gemmed band: 3 1/2 marks
Necklaces: 4 marks
Plain bracelet/anklet: 4 marks
Gemmed bracelet/anklet: 4 marks
Toy Stall
A tent bedecked in bright blue attracts swarms of children from all around the gather. Toys of all sizes and age levels are positioned about, drawing the wanting gazes of children with a few marks to spend. Attendants keep a watchful eye on the tables and shelves, lest their wares disappear into the pockets of urchins.
A tent bedecked in bright blue attracts swarms of children from all around the gather. Toys of all sizes and age levels are positioned about, drawing the wanting gazes of children with a few marks to spend. Attendants keep a watchful eye on the tables and shelves, lest their wares disappear into the pockets of urchins.
Small-seer: 1 mark
Wooden flute: 3/4 mark
Small drum: 1 1/2 marks
Silky blue dolphin doll: 1 mark
Plush dragon: (Of all colors) 1 1/2 marks
Snarling feline doll: 1 mark
Swirly eyed Wherry doll: 1 mark
Hissing Tunnel snake doll: 1 mark
Wooden Rocking Runnerbeast: 5 marks
Meat Stall
The savory allure of fresh meat over an open fire attracts all revelers downwind. A gigantic bonfire, complete with a series of rotating spits, dominates the area. Three massive stalls are positioned around the fire, each offering their own distinctive flavor.
The savory allure of fresh meat over an open fire attracts all revelers downwind. A gigantic bonfire, complete with a series of rotating spits, dominates the area. Three massive stalls are positioned around the fire, each offering their own distinctive flavor.
Pieces 1/8 mark each.
Sweets Stall
No festival is complete without a sweets stall. Sweetsticks, candied fruits, fudges and simple overly-sweet and sour treats are available. A corner of the shop devoted to pastries offers various cream, jelly or even meat filled pies; offering wares to satisfy any palate.
No festival is complete without a sweets stall. Sweetsticks, candied fruits, fudges and simple overly-sweet and sour treats are available. A corner of the shop devoted to pastries offers various cream, jelly or even meat filled pies; offering wares to satisfy any palate.
Small candies: 1/32 mark
Medium candies: 1/8 mark
Cookies: 1/8 mark
Pies: 1/2 mark
Beverage Stall
Booze! Swill! Grog! None of your fancy Benden wine here. This stall caters to the common worker coming home from a hard day on the job. From the blackest, strongest stouts for the strongest, stoutest millwrights, to flavorful tea and klah for those of weaker constitutions, nearly all thirsts can be sated here.
Booze! Swill! Grog! None of your fancy Benden wine here. This stall caters to the common worker coming home from a hard day on the job. From the blackest, strongest stouts for the strongest, stoutest millwrights, to flavorful tea and klah for those of weaker constitutions, nearly all thirsts can be sated here.
Good wine: 1 mark
Sub-par wine: 1/2 mark
Swill: 1/8 mark (good luck getting a buzz off of this stuff, might as well just slosh mud and water together to get the same effect)
Klah: (freshly made) 1/8 mark
Tea: (offering various flavors) 1/4 mark
Milk: 1/4 mark
Water: free
Kudos go to my husband, who read over my work and cringed dramatically at my horrible grammar – he re-wrote my ideas.