COMMUNITY - FORUMS - THE TAVERN
Design-A-Festival Contest (closed)

Welcome to the first monthly game contest, held by the Church of Mann.

This month's contest will be all about your creativity. I've chosen for this month's prize a little game called Evoland 2, to celebrate the innovation of Soulbound Studios and Chronicles of Elyria! In this game you go through all sorts of different iterations of the game, from oldschool graphics to new. I thought it was appropriate!

Winners will recieve the game as a steam code, and are welcome to do with it whatever they like.

The Rules

  • One entry per person
  • Entries must be original ideas, no copypasting or taking ideas straight from a book
  • All entries may be used by the Children of Mann in future projects, where applicable
  • Please be respectful of other participants -- make this enjoyable for everyone, guys!
  • Winners will be decided by popular vote.
  • All entries can be posted here in this thread
  • You are not required, but are certainly more than welcome, to become a follower of the Church of Mann in order to join this contest. We're going to be holding these once a month, with two weeks between, in order to have a bit of fun with the community. Followers have no obligation to the Children, but they're welcome to discuss ideas for contests and other things in our discord and on our forums, and just to become part of a good community that is here to support the people of Elyria.

The Contest

This month's contest is the Design-a-Festival!

As a guild aiming for a community and social appeal, one of the things that the Children of Mann are wanting to accomplish is to be able to create 'holidays' in game. To this end, we need ideas for festivals and celebrations that people would like to participate in.

One example would be a Spring Festival. On the third full moon after the last frost, people gather in the village squares. Farmers and hunters come from all around to drink, dance, sing, and celebrate the new buds growing on the trees and to mark the beginning of the spring planting. Traditionally, villagers will bake pies and cakes and break out the last of the winter ale. Young men and women offer each other wreath crowns, and dance and drink and make merry together until morning comes.

You can be as detailed as you like. The more creativity you put into your idea, the better your chance of winning! Use images, prose, make up your own lore... But keep in mind, the Children may use this idea in the future! Try to make something you'd like to see happen in-game. And in particular, something you think is doable ingame. Of course, "time of year" will be relative. We'll probably do it per real-time year, for things like that.

If there are enough entries, runner-ups will win other games that I have sitting around. I have a small list people can choose from. c:

You have two weeks. Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on May 30. Good luck!


5/16/2016 9:41:06 AM #1

I wish all participants the best of luck!


5/16/2016 9:41:52 AM #2

As much as I'd love to join in, I think I'll leave the festival designing to those with a better taste for creativity. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with though!


5/16/2016 9:42:24 AM #3

Caeoltoiri you should totally think of one and post it too!


5/16/2016 11:35:16 AM #4

Merethiaur

The festival of ancients

The celebration of Merethiaur consists of 1-3 days (depending on region) of festivity. It is now perceived as a celebration of Mann-kinds and their cursed souls. However, there is a record that it, in fact, originated from the celebration of the vanishing of Antepyrovians.


The preparation

The preparation starts in the beginning of the third season. This also varies from region to region due to climate differences. Mostly when the autumnal season starts, people start to make an abundance of winter clothing and store food for the cold. Today, many towns and cities make an extensive preparation for Merethiaur that every man tries to show the best of their skills to celebrate the time. There is a particular initiation ceremony at the start of the festival in big cities where knights and mercenaries show their strength in an organized combat. Many warriors prepare for this from the beginning of a year.


The 3 days of celebration

Today's Merethiaur has become much more extensive and significant among Mann-kinds that the festivity can last for the entire season. But traditionally, the festival takes 3 days e.g. most big cities and towns do not celebrate it any longer than 3 days.

For some unknown reasons, it is considered a bad luck to have a wedding on these days. Some argue that it might be related to the curse.


1st Day

The first day starts early in the morning due to the combat ceremony that begins around 9-10. The ceremony is called Maethiaur . Street food and vendors are seen at every corner of towns and cities. Yet they are much smaller than the second day. But for innkeepers, it is considered as the best day of the year due to the pouring number of travelers trying to check in.


Maethiaur

Beginning from the start of the day, it sometimes takes the whole day owing to its popularity and the number of participants. In many capitals, royals are present to celebrate the warriors' bravery. On many occasions, the winner of the ceremony is knighted by the king/queen.

In smaller communities, this may be managed by local councils including counts/barons, or town dwellers.

No ranged weapon or company of animals is allowed in the combat.


2nd Day

The second day of Merethiaur is full of food and displays of the year's outcome. It is very common that each and every man brings out their best goods. For the merchants, the day is valued the most of the year due to their soaring profits.


3rd Day

The half of the day till the sun is at its highest, people keep the street and home silent. This is thought to honor the moments of the great year. Yet many scholars dispute that it honors the moment of the vanishing. Then at noon, the biggest ceremony is prepared, the midnight firework. This is a welcoming celebration for the winter in contrast to the curse of Mann that made men be reborn anew. This signifies the positivity of Mann-kinds that the death is not the end. Sometimes the firework lasts till the dawn of the next day.


In the silence and truths we persevere: House Sepir: Friend Code: E04DAD

5/16/2016 11:44:05 AM #5

The Gaia Festival:

Pagan sort of theme.

People living too long in big towns and cities have a way of drifting away and becoming disconnected from the land and the world around them. As a result once a year everyone leaves the towns and cities for a day, people run wild in family groups (like wolf packs) they wear simple clothing and carry only simple weapons to protect themselves. People share food and drink with any other families they encounter, perhaps exchange a member or two forming new family ties and relationships,perhaps even prospective marriages.

Everyone roams nomadically for the day ultimately to arrive at a large ritual site (probably many similar sites since only one would be too far for everyone in Elyria to reach, I'm thinking something like Newgrange or Stonehenge but even larger). When night falls at the ritual site people get wilder, wear minimal clothing forget weapons (we don't want lots of deaths or murders here), and dance, drink celebrate in every way. A huge fire should roar at the center of the ritual site and this should be the only light aside from the stars and moon.

The ultimate point is for people to escape city life and the ties of day to day responsibilities and live next to nature for a day to reconnect with the world and rejuvenate your spirit (perhaps literally buffing players for participating). Interaction and inclusion of animals should be highly encouraged and they should not be expected or required to serve Mann on this day (no riding mounts, loading up your mule, driving carts or wagons).

People should be free to choose not to participate but those who remain in the cities (unless there is a critical reason) should be regarded as disrespecting nature and the bounty of life.

The ritual sites should be in wonderous locations that tie people as closely as possible to the wonder of nature. I high, flat overlook on a mountain with views over the surroundings and stunning skies, a desert community gather at an oasis or the only tree that grows in the whole desert, a clearing deep in a thick forest, the thicker a more full of life the better, and so many more ideas it'd be unreasonable to try list them all.

I kinda just made this up as I went based on what I'd find interesting and entertaining. Hope you like the idea, you can also feel free to critique and I might change it a bit but I'll ignore any malicious criticism so don't bother with any of that.


5/16/2016 12:31:38 PM #6

The Festival of Eth'Ar or the Undying Spirit

Origins

Little is known of the truth of the story, but the holiday is widely celebrated throughout the lands. Legend has it that after her husband's infidelity, Angelica the god of Light had a single child with Sanguine, the god of Death. Their product was "Tor'Valim" a burning spirit of vast proportions said to watch over the whole world and beyond.

It is said that the blessing of Tor'Valim itself if given would allow the soul to traverse the realm of the gods, even returning from death. In the early days of Mann, the world was wracked with war. Tor'Valim watched wearily as the spirits of war bringers left the world and more followed in their footsteps.

In time, the actions of a few drew his interest and admiration. There were those who acted not for themselves but the good of others. He began to closely watch a small group in the little known kingdom of Katran. As the wheels of time turned, war inevitably approached the kingdom. In an act of preservation, Tor'Valim grated a single boon, an artifact of great power that would preserve the life of an honorable soul that bore it. One man took up this artifact, and stood at the gates to the city alone.

In the days that followed, wave upon wave of the barbarous invading army fell until all was still. The unknown man was not seen again. The descendants of that kingdom spread far throughout the lands. Little more has been heard of the solitary man barring rumors and stories, but legend has it he waits, weary of the world, for a worthy successor.

Celebrations

The celebrations take place in many towns and villages throughout the lands, usually over the mid 6 summer days every 4 years.

During the day, some traveling performers hold theatrical shows, retelling the unknown mans triumph over the invading hordes. Children are commonly seen re-enacting the scene with wooden swords. Many exchange gifts or do acts of charity. The celebrations usually reach their peaks as the sun sets. Large effigies of a burning man are erected in some places. In others, the re-enactments are performed with the aid of torches, fireflies and any other props to provide a ghostly appearance to the actors.

Regardless, there does seem to be a strong tendency to celebrate the event with excessive food and drink with villagers making merry around market stalls and tavernas.


5/16/2016 12:55:33 PM #7

Regional

NOT AN ENTRY. Seed suggestions - feel free to grab one and rework it

These festivals are staggered throughout the year, but are more predominant in some regions than others.

* Angelica's Lights * Once a year around autumn harvest, Angelica's worshipers congregate to witness her presence and give thanks for her blessing. No one knows how or why, but her shrines and the areas around them are bathed in a soft glow. At night, villagers will be found holding lights of any sort, dancing around both her shrines and her blessed pine trees, said to be found scattered across the kingdoms.

* Luna's Shadow * Once a year, around mid summer, Luna's followers gather to celebrate and receive her blessing. At the peak of day, the light suddenly fades and returns, as Luna's shadow passes the sun. For the remainder of that day, her shrines are bathed in a dark light. Those passing within become briefly cloaked in shadow. Villagers will often dress entirely in black for the day, and may be found dancing and celebrating around the local taverns and shrines.

* Aos Boon * Once a year at spring, Aos boon is celebrated. Towns will be wreathed in bright floral garlands and villagers will often be seen dancing with flowers, ivy and other accessories. His shrines have been known to increase in brightness, reflecting the sunlight, and small animals and birds congregate in the area.

* Sanguine Rising * Once a year at winter a surprisingly merry event takes place, celebrating Sanguine the god of death. Villagers will commonly dress as skeletons, ghouls or whatever they can think of and party. The villages are bustling with activity at night, with the party continuing assisted with torches long into the night.


5/16/2016 2:57:24 PM #8

I love all of these ideas for festivals, I am not a creative type but I was thinking instead of seasonal festivals perhaps they should be spread at greater intervals. With the in game seasons changing daily and a yearly cycle being every 4 rl days shouldn't the festivals be spread out greater than once every 4 rl days. Maybe centennial festivals would make more sense in a game that spans generations. Just a thought keep up the good work.


I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.

5/16/2016 3:37:16 PM #9

Feast of the Four Pyres

The Feast of the Four Pyres was once called Children's Day, beginning humbly in a small village. The day was a favorite celebration of children, where they would get treats from the adults and play games instead of working or going to school. The village became a town and the town became a city. The festival grew as well; evolving into a celebration of youth and life. It grew so large that the events take place every 25 years.

Each festival cycles through the four colors of life: green for crops and fields, blue for the rivers and lakes, red for the blood of man and beast alike, and yellow for the sun and moon and stars. The city has four large pyres in the festival square, each burning a different color. To mark the start of a new festival season, the next colored pyre is lit. At the first festival of the century, all the pyres are extinguished and the first color is re-lit. Large cities try to keep these lit all the time, though if there is a shortage or need, there is nothing wrong with letting it go out for a while. Smaller villages, meanwhile, usually burn them only during the festival time.

The festivities last several days, marked by less work and more play. Smaller communities may have a large feast for everyone, while the cities have reunions of families, small and large, that celebrate together. Children usually receive special gifts from parents and other benefactors . Many businesses take the opportunity to have special sales and events. Oftentimes tournaments are considered appropriate events, to celebrate the skill of the young men and women of the area.

Although some may forget amidst the drinks, feasts, games, and flowing coin, the Feast of the Four Pyres is a celebration of the cycle of life. It celebrates the youth, those under 25 years, and prays for long life and prosperity for the individual as well as the family. Sometimes it is good to stop, take a breath, and think calmly about the life you've been blessed with and the family that cares for you.


5/16/2016 4:10:26 PM #10

Festival of Remembrance

Starting with fasting from sundown the night before, the Festival of Remembrance begins as a solemn day occurring every five year. Once the celebration part of the day starts, it can get rather rowdy. Participants wake before dawn on the vernal equinox and travel to the center of the town. There, a priest reads off the names of those who had been lost in the time between the festivals. Once the names have been read, five minutes of silence is observed by the participants. (It is understood by all that young children are not able to stay silent that long.) Then, people are encouraged to give their remembrance of those who have departed, sharing warm memories with the community. Each one who speaks is given an Angelica pine cone. Occasionally, a loss is very recent or the loved ones have not fully mourned their passing. The community will gather around the mourners and embrace them to show they are not alone. As each remembrances are spoken, a small raft holding Angelica pine cone are set upon the water in small rafts, allowing the glowing cones to be taken by the current. {If the town does not have access to a running stream, river or ocean, a pond may be utilized.} Once all the pine cone bearing rafts are released, a prayer is then given by the priest in charge of the festival thanking the gods for the lives of those departed. Then, the celebrating begins with feasting, dancing and drink, remembering that one is still alive and thankful for that fact. Gifts are exchanged among the living in appreciation, so not only are the deceased remembered, so are the living.


Countess of Tarnham

County Tarnham, Rhynelands Duchy, Vornair. Luna Server (NA-E)

5/16/2016 4:27:44 PM #11

Festival of the Burning Sword

A funeral for a king.

Phase 1

On the death of a king, a large pyre is to be built, with at thrown on top. At the end of the day, the corpse of a king situated onto the throne.

Phase 2

Players gather around the unburnt pyre, and place a weapon onto it,covering the pyre with weapons.

Phase 3

His/her heir arrives in person, placing the finest blade he could get onto the waist of the king. He then lights the fire, and a feast begins to honor the new king.

Phase 4

Once the pyre stops burning, the new king takes the blade that was placed besides the king. A statue is made of the old king, and the blade is placed in its hands, serving as the king's grave.


Count Einzbern of Aichhalt.

Kingdom of Ashland.

Duchy of Sanctaphandri.

Seated in Darmindatch.

5/16/2016 6:04:35 PM #12

Baking Festival

For one day: Different bakeries sell discounted cakes, cookies, pies, etc. and give samples. Also, there will be different performers who perform in town, a petting zoo, dancing, music, and artist stands.

I made this post on an empty stomach o_o


~Swamp

5/16/2016 6:26:56 PM #13

Feast for the Mighty

Taking place in the midwinter, the Feast for the Mighty is a celebration of those who have died.

Alt text - can be left blank

For one week out of the year the dead are not mourned. Instead, people gather with friends and companions at taverns, inns, or even their own homes, to drink, feast, sing songs, and revel in the stories and triumphs of the deceased. All personal conflicts and disagreements are put aside for the week so that the triumphant dead may be remembered properly, with song and drink and laughter instead of tears and silence.

A simple celebration, but one that stems from numerous real life cultures, including Vikings and Mexicans.


5/16/2016 9:22:25 PM #14

Ceremony of Continuation

It would be a funeral for the working man/woman, where they would be laid on their favorite chair and their best craft would be displayed at their side, where they will then be buried or cremated or whatever, where they would be compelled to get another spark of life, so that they may continue to be a part of the community they were in before.

Because that wasn't a confusing way of putting it...:/


5/16/2016 9:45:21 PM #15

Oh man, guys, I didn't expect so many awesome entries by the time I woke up! These are great. Keep it up!