The first festival of Auspicious Ascending was held by Duke Brance Indirik in the year 2008. The following is an account of the beginning and the end of the festival.
| Roleplay from Brance Indirik |
| Message sent to All nobles of Sanguis Astroism |
As the sun set over the inner sea of Dwilight, Duke Brance Indirik entered the Temple of Sanguis Astroism in Libidizedd, accompanied by the local priest in charge of the temple. Behind them were the faithful noble followers of Sanguis Astroism. Trailing behind them were the commoners who followed the worship of the Blood Stars.
Brance and the priest were both attired in formal robes of full members of the order of Sanguis Astroism. They led the procession into the central hall of the temple. The nobles occupied the seats in the center of the temple that offered the best view of the Stars through the three-paned glass ceiling of the temple. The commoners spread around the outside of the chamber, finding space wherever they could.
When the nobles were seated, and the noise had subsided to an acceptable level, the priest began the ceremony of the Festival of Auspicious Ascending. As the ceremony proceeded, the Blood Stars began to shine through the glass ceiling. The Stars were easily identifiable as Auspicious and Maddening, with Auspicious taking the ascendant position. In the middle of it's dark period, Maddening was nowhere to be seen. As was the intention fo the temple's designers, the stars positioned themselves squarely behind the cities located at the center of the map etched into the panes. In the center pane was the city of Libidizedd, with Auspicious shining brightly behind it. To the west of Libidizedd was the city of Eidulb, with Maddening shining through. To the east was the city of Mimer. The pane was dark with the conspicuous absence of Austere.
As the priest lead the ceremony, the voices of the faithful were raised in supplication to the Blood Stars, led by the local priest. Their songs and prayers carried out of the temple, down the cliffs, and into the city of Libidizedd itself.
When the ceremony was complete, Duke Indirik stood and stepped up the central platform next to the priest. The priest motioned the crowd to silence., and Duke Indirik began his speech.
"People of Astrum, followers of Sanguis Astroism, I am pleased to announce that tonight is the celebration of the first Festival of Auspicious Ascending. Tonight we give thanks to the Blood Stars for guiding us to the city of Libidizedd, and protecting us as we expand to encompass all of the island. While Auspicious provided the success we needed to reap the bounty of the lands and Maddening gave us the derive to conquer, Austere kept us ever mindful of the trials that wee before us, and remain there still."
"But tonight, Austere is absent. Auspicious leads us in this celebration of faith, with Maddening shining brightly to drive us in our feasting. Go now, followers of Sanguis Astroism. Go forth into the city and spread the word of the Blood Stars to every part of the city, and then to every corner of the island! Tonight begins the Festival of Auspicious Ascending!"
With the final declaration Duke Indirik raised his hands and swept his arms toward the doors of the temple. With a great rush of enthusiasm, the commoners rushed forward out of the temple, and flowed down the road toward the city to partake of the revelry of the Festival. |
| Brance Indirik (Duke of Libidizedd) |
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| Roleplay from Brance Indirik |
| Message sent to All nobles of Sanguis Astroism |
From atop the Tower of the Auspicious Star in the Temple of Sanguis Astroism in Libidizedd, Duke Brance looked out over the city. The previous 24 hours had seen the largest festival ever held in the city of Libidizedd. Revelers had come from all across the island, including Libiddo to the south-west, and Dizeddo to the south-east. The Festival of Auspicious Ascending had been a great success. It was unfortunate that so many of the nobles of Astrum had been away in the city of Eidulb, and could not attend the festivities. Perhaps next year they would be able to attend. No doubt it would be an even more impressive festival then.
As the sun slowly set and the skies darkened, lights started to appear in windows all across the city. The traditional red candles, blessed by the priests of Sanguis Astroism, were being lit and displayed in the windows by the followers of the blood Stars. In a short while it would be full dark, and the stars would begin to appear. Then the two bright red points of light to the west that were the Stars Auspicious and Maddening would again appear, signifying the close of the Festival.
Duke Brance stood and watched the sky, waiting for the Stars. He did not have to wait long. Auspicious, the patron Star of Libidizedd, was first to appear. A few short minutes later brought the arrival of Maddening, the patron Star of Eidulb. Austere, the patron Star of Mimer, would not appear tonight. Not for a few more days. Duke Brance muttered a short prayer to the Stars and headed down the stairs of the Tower, headed back to the Royal Palace of Astrum. The Festival had brought a welcome diversion from the duties of overseeing the city. But that kind of work never goes away, and it would come back tomorrow with a vengeance. |
| Brance Indirik (Duke of Libidizedd) |
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