» the night court «
autumn equinox
autumn equinox
T
he autumn equinox marks the transition of seasons and, more specifically, is one of two days a year where night and day are equally divided. A time of celebration but also of endings, the Autumn Equinox this year is marked by the Festival of Caligo, Burning Horse, and @festival of caligo
This is a celebration that undulates between somber and festive. The members of Denocte flock to the streets for a multi-night masquarade. One of the most definitive features of this celebration is the music that is played nonstop for the entire Carnival. The songs, for the first day of the festival, begin bright and festive; only to become increasingly morose or defiant. The nonstop music in its own way symbolizes Caligo’s one-hundred year darkness. The Festival of Caligo is accompanied by a kind of nonstop fever, an encouragement to drink and refrain from sleeping. The masks worn are unique and beautiful, and many extend them into full-fledged costumes or body paints. A “goal” of the festival is to go unrecognized by all others involved. The masks, typically, revolve around themes of all the Solar Courts. The Festival of Caligo is always ends with Burning Horse.
The Festival, however, comes with a myth; a witch from the woods is known to visit Denocte during this time, and among the festivities drops a very special coin. The coin, when found, is said to transform into whatever the finder needs most.
In order to enter the search for the coins, characters must do the following:
1. Reply to this thread with a link to a thread where the character is actively searching for the coin and interacting with at least one other character.
2. In the thread, the character must keep their identity a secret from whoever they are interacting with.
3. The thread, where the characters are searching for the coin, must contain at least 3 posts from each member.
That said, the "winner" of the contest will be selected from a pool of randomly drawn names at the end of the IC season, as long as all other requirements were met during the search for the coin. The prize, once won, can magically be transformed into one of the following: a weapon, outfit, enchantment for an existing item, or accessory transferred from the Official Night Court account to the winner.
burning horse
The construction of the Horse begins the season prior, and is overall a very work-intensive affair. The final result, however, is truly shocking. The massive wooden figure can be found on Sideralis Prairie, bringing to mind legends of, perhaps, the Trojan Horse. In the myth of Denocte, however, the Burning Horse has no relation to the Greek story of old. Instead, Denoctians come to burn away negative energies or relics. At the hooves of the Horse, woven into straw and drywood, are small figurines and knick-knacks. You might find paintings, or drawings. Or you might find clay figures. You might also find locks of hair, or clothes. The Burning Horse signifies a “letting go,” or a turning of a leaf, but also embodies much more than that. It signifies the depth of Denocte’s community; as well as the strength and might of Caligo. For one night at the end of the Carnival of Caligo, Denoctians banish the symbolized one-hundred year darkness and let go of the thoughts and materialistic items ailing them. They set fire to the Burning Horse hours before dawn, and the dancing and signing continues for the rest of the night. It is also customary to bring gifts; but these gifts are not for anyone specific but, instead, random individuals whom you feel called to.
*Full participation in this prompt (i.e. completing a thread with another character) will earn any Night Court citizen 100 signos.
coronation games
This day marks the equal divide between Day and Night; twelve hours each. The Autumn Equinox also marks the end of the Festival of Caligo, and the beginning of Sovereign Ira’s coronation. The coronation, hosted at the Sovereign’s Keep, includes a feast and several celebratory games.
If Ira were a different sort of Sovereign, his coronation might have consisted of a grand speech and somber affair. Instead, the coronation, offered to the Court, consists of a kind of celebratory affair. All entertainers have been invited to Sovereign's Keep in order to entertain. Musicians, dancers, and magicians offer a variety of "shows." The "coronation games" can serve as a writing prompt or an interactive game.
The interactive game, kottabos, comprises of drinking, of course. Amid the music and festivities of the coronation, a target is set up to the far right of a beautiful garden courtyard. The game encompasses two individuals throwing tankards at the target after drinking the contents. Whoever’s tankard hits closet the center of the target succeeds into the next round without drinking, while the other contestant must go to the back of the line. More information on participation can be found here.
