Post by Dungeon Master on Dec 17, 2016 1:56:15 GMT
The Last Night or Winter's Night and Dawnsday
The history of this holiday goes back to the creation of the world. The world was born in darkness, and for unknown eons it existed in this darkened state. The Elder gods ruled over the mortal races and used them as their toys. Elves, Humans, Orcs and the other races lived in the darkness and hated their gods. The three strongest gods of this time were the God of Destruction, the Goddess of Death and the Goddess of Magic. The moratls of this world grew desperate and began to pray for hope.
Their prayers were answered when an army of New Gods arrived and began to wage war on the behalf of the mortal races. This First War was fought often brother against sister. Elf verse Elf, and Orc verse Orc. The war raged a thousand years, and then eventually there was a truce. The world was divided equally into night and day.
This is what is celebrated on Last Night and Dawnsday. Last Night is always the last night of the previous year, and Dawnsday is always the first of the next. Last Night is a night of quiet contemplation and meditation. It is for reflecting on your life, and paying respects to those you have lost.
Dawnsday is the complete opposite. It is about celebrating the first light, and what you have in your life. There are three different events every Dawnsday and each represents one of the three New Gods that led the First War for the Gods of Light. The Sun God is honored with drunken revelry at Dawn. The moment light touches the celebrators, wine is drunk, music is played, and kisses are given. Under the God's light all is forgiven that day. At High Sun games are played to honor the Goddess of War and Rebellion whose strategy and passion won the First War. Physical and Mental games are equally honoring to the Goddess, depending more on the culture of the celebrants rather then church doctrine. Finally at an hour before dusk there is a final feast, where everyone gathers with Family and friends to honor the God of Law. People eat, and bond with their loved ones and prepare for the year ahead.