Samhain 2015
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/spriggan_by_elena_neriumoleander-d7uk324.jpg
....and so, the time has come. Dare you heed the call" That tempting beckon that bids you follow the wind as the leaves do down some winding, forested trail" Mind your steps this most auspicious of eves, dear citizen, for the night is dark and full of terrors; and while the night's festivities are certainly held within the safe, hospitable grip of a kindly soul to where none who enter shall remain unharmed, unharmed does not mean unchanged.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/d96a3b02c87b3d164df2d18d88680838.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/fiery_fall_forest_by_signmeupscotty-d4gyp2c.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/lost_in_the_woods_by_wilhelmine-d718jy8.jpg
Follow those whispers to a path, any path, so long as the wind still beckons, for whither you wander, over hill, over dale, thorough bush, thorough brier, over park, over pale, thorough flood, thorough fire, the magic shall lead you by some means or another to where you've mean to go. Beware those rare few who are prone to wander at night without a destination in mind, for you may find yourself walking down wooded paths without real explanation, only to be lured in by the glow of a Samhain fire, the errant scent of good food, or the unmistakable cadence of a finely wielded fiddle...
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/halloween_by_zorro40-d84f1mk.jpg
Pumpkins and lanterns will be things that mark the way for those less inclined to listen to the wind. Some lit, some seemingly asking to be lit. Fear not, it's perfectly fine to give into the itch in your fingers; take one of those unlit lanterns, light it, let it aid your footsteps if you will.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/8df1f2a0-524f-4c57-a470-9cb47782a451.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/b7567c75-fc27-4258-a1bb-9cbc5701fbc4.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/untitled_by_nondecaf-d7vfthf.jpg
Another breadcrumb encountered on those winding woodland trails would be a series of leather masks. While in a myriad of shapes that ranged between leaves and various faces found in the wild or on the farm, all of them, expertly crafted as they were, were quite devoid of depth and character. Taking one to hand, however, would bring their smooth leather surfaces to life with a series of cleverly tooled patterns and features; it was almost as if each mask were a blank slate simply waiting for the influence of a soul to color it. Masks on such an evening were important, neigh, required; it'd keep what evil that did in fact pierce the veil and wander the land of the living from finding their intended victims. Mysticism and superstition aside, Lilliana herself was thrilled at the prospect of seeing how each mask would mold itself.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/tumblr_n6zimjw4QD1qlmppmo1_500.jpg
Ah, and there as the winding path widens at last, candles, pumpkins, lanterns, crooked trees and all; they gave way to the brilliant little world that'd grown seemingly overnight. An array of near endless, gauzy streamers, fabric tents, handsomely painted vardos, and small, merry fires decorated the scene, turned the otherwise cold, open space into a kaleidoscope of color and warmth.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/beacon_of_song_by_zaratops-d321mal.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/circle_by_piratepenguinfreak-d5smpcl.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/gypsies_by_casshimeeze.jpg
Like many a solstice and equinox before, Lilliana has begged the attendance of her extensive caravan family. Their faces are easily picked from the everyday Rhydinian citizen for no discernible reason, save perhaps the good humor and general zeal that consumed them. There's blood shared there among them to be sure, but their family is large, and it's members many. A queerer clan than most, the Garridan had managed their continued existence for so long on not only the customs they kept, but the customs they'd elected not to. Exclusivity, while good in measure, spelled disaster when taken too liberally; as such, their colors varied from member to member, as did their skills. Musicians and dancers were aplenty, as were jewelers, brawlers, potters, story tellers, fire tamers, writers....you name it, such company was in attendance varied and eager enough even the most stalwart and solitary of souls could find companionship, if only for one night.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/apple-chips.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/Gingerbread-Cream-Cheese-Doughnut-Muffins-5-332x500.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/week43__pumpkin_soup_by_cloe_patra-d6sigh6.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/rustic_hand_pies_1_by_mrskupe.png http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/ff886f61-3616-4bc2-b941-d34202418c2c.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/20100516handpie_big-thumb-300xauto-89508.jpg
While music and mischief were all well and good, the plethora of smells that haunted the evening didn't come solely from the crisp autumn woods or the well-fed fire. No, it came from the many crafty cooks that'd come riding into town. Between them all they'd concocted a series of seasonal favorites; freshly roasted chestnuts, piping-hot hand pies both sweet and savory, spicy muffins rife with ginger and orange, jellied cookies that crumbled deliciously with the first bite, creamy squash soups easily ladled to an empty mug, crispy, crunchy apple chips that glittered with a healthy dash of cinnamon and sugar. Within the tents and without they could be found- wherever there was a table or a stump being appropriate as one, really. Wandering folk didn't mess around when it came to their food, so there was plenty to be had for the evening, no matter how late the hour got. In fact, one would think the overabundance would lend itself perfectly to a cold hair of the dog come the dawn! As for those hairs, well....Those dog hairs came in varied bottles and drums and casks. Alongside the hearty feast one could expect a bevy of beverages as well; rums from far off places, ales from local breweries, mead from the Garridan's own private stock, hot, fire-kept crocks of heartily mulled, spiced cider, and if one inquired, there may in fact be a few bottles of that infamous fae wine to be had...
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/pumpkin_patch_by_salamiatomi.jpg
For the souls less prone to over-indulging, other activities beckoned; the age old tradition of pumpkin carving, while silly, was something the gypsy had already taken the liberty of doing herself. All the jack o' lanterns, each with their own silly little face, lay in a great mass by themselves, dark and unlit save for the small fire that crackled and glowed beside them. Instructions scrawled onto a hastily erected wooden sign read simply: Pick one, light one, and remember those who've gone. For each candle set to a pumpkin, a score of others, enchanted and high, high above in the air, would light in an ever-growing ring set like a halo around the field. It was Lilliana's hope that they could light the sky with their own sort of stars this evening; stars born from the memories of lives long since extinguished from our own.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/d5753a27fe0f85d604acbadbf8f35cd2.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/midsummer_bonfire_by_thunderi-d54u833.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/bohemian-forest-wedding055.jpg
Samhain was a time for honoring the thin veil between this world and the next, for remembering that, even when faced with the coming cold and death that was winter, there would come a spring. Fire was the real way to symbolize such, as was their merriment. Living large, laughter in the air, fires blazing high and great, that was how one honored the dead, by living as they lived. As such, what sort of hosts would these Garridan be if they did not offer their evening's company every comfort they could afford" Fire, food, and a festive atmosphere, these were their offerings to the living. As for the dead, those were what the fires were for; a shield as much as a tribute, the largest bonfire would stand at the heart of things and would be kept lit long into the night. Give into the mood, revel in that firelight, fall sway to the beat of a drum, follow a train of dancing gypsy, start a game of cups or cards, share some secrets, eat heartily in both heart and soul...
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/tumblr_lgn7zaHVvT1qzf0d9o1_500.jpg
For those too weary or too heart-full to wander to the darkness of their own homes, safe havens and soft beds were aplenty, their paths carved and studded in candlelight. Some wagons stood open and empty for guests, while some beds lay deeper in the dark of the surrounding wood nearer the lakeside. All was well, all was safe, and all would remain into the deep, chilly bite of winter if Lilliana McClae had anything to say about it!
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Things of Note:
The masks are by far my favorite brain child for this event, so please post what your character's mask 'turns into' in the clothing, costumes, and accouterments thread! Is your character like a hawk" Or a dog" Perhaps someone's called them there rose, if they've chosen a leaf mask, that might lead into a series of lovely leather rose leaves, vines, and thorns curling to life and masking their features for the night....Imagination's the limit! :)
A character choosing to light a pumpkin will result in one to many candles sparking to life high up in the air above the whole of the Glen. The more dead your character has care to remember, the more the candles will light up! It could be one single candle, or a good several dozen, it doesn't matter, use this as you will during play- it's meant to be good fodder!
Use gypsy NPC's to your advantage, Lilli's family is large and very worldly. Music will be present all the night through till the end, so, how about a dance with a lovely rogue or an equally enchanting lady' Is your charrie a playboy' Let him wake up to a cluster of gypsy like some sort of Don Juan. Fancy a drinking contest' There's definitely a taker somewhere, arm wrestling" You've got it- if you desire NPC play inspiration, just PM me during the event!
Lastly and finally, do have fun! Any questions, concerns, comments, or queries of any sort, please shoot me a PM.
....and so, the time has come. Dare you heed the call" That tempting beckon that bids you follow the wind as the leaves do down some winding, forested trail" Mind your steps this most auspicious of eves, dear citizen, for the night is dark and full of terrors; and while the night's festivities are certainly held within the safe, hospitable grip of a kindly soul to where none who enter shall remain unharmed, unharmed does not mean unchanged.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/d96a3b02c87b3d164df2d18d88680838.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/fiery_fall_forest_by_signmeupscotty-d4gyp2c.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/lost_in_the_woods_by_wilhelmine-d718jy8.jpg
Follow those whispers to a path, any path, so long as the wind still beckons, for whither you wander, over hill, over dale, thorough bush, thorough brier, over park, over pale, thorough flood, thorough fire, the magic shall lead you by some means or another to where you've mean to go. Beware those rare few who are prone to wander at night without a destination in mind, for you may find yourself walking down wooded paths without real explanation, only to be lured in by the glow of a Samhain fire, the errant scent of good food, or the unmistakable cadence of a finely wielded fiddle...
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/halloween_by_zorro40-d84f1mk.jpg
Pumpkins and lanterns will be things that mark the way for those less inclined to listen to the wind. Some lit, some seemingly asking to be lit. Fear not, it's perfectly fine to give into the itch in your fingers; take one of those unlit lanterns, light it, let it aid your footsteps if you will.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/8df1f2a0-524f-4c57-a470-9cb47782a451.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/b7567c75-fc27-4258-a1bb-9cbc5701fbc4.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/untitled_by_nondecaf-d7vfthf.jpg
Another breadcrumb encountered on those winding woodland trails would be a series of leather masks. While in a myriad of shapes that ranged between leaves and various faces found in the wild or on the farm, all of them, expertly crafted as they were, were quite devoid of depth and character. Taking one to hand, however, would bring their smooth leather surfaces to life with a series of cleverly tooled patterns and features; it was almost as if each mask were a blank slate simply waiting for the influence of a soul to color it. Masks on such an evening were important, neigh, required; it'd keep what evil that did in fact pierce the veil and wander the land of the living from finding their intended victims. Mysticism and superstition aside, Lilliana herself was thrilled at the prospect of seeing how each mask would mold itself.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/tumblr_n6zimjw4QD1qlmppmo1_500.jpg
Ah, and there as the winding path widens at last, candles, pumpkins, lanterns, crooked trees and all; they gave way to the brilliant little world that'd grown seemingly overnight. An array of near endless, gauzy streamers, fabric tents, handsomely painted vardos, and small, merry fires decorated the scene, turned the otherwise cold, open space into a kaleidoscope of color and warmth.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/beacon_of_song_by_zaratops-d321mal.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/circle_by_piratepenguinfreak-d5smpcl.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/gypsies_by_casshimeeze.jpg
Like many a solstice and equinox before, Lilliana has begged the attendance of her extensive caravan family. Their faces are easily picked from the everyday Rhydinian citizen for no discernible reason, save perhaps the good humor and general zeal that consumed them. There's blood shared there among them to be sure, but their family is large, and it's members many. A queerer clan than most, the Garridan had managed their continued existence for so long on not only the customs they kept, but the customs they'd elected not to. Exclusivity, while good in measure, spelled disaster when taken too liberally; as such, their colors varied from member to member, as did their skills. Musicians and dancers were aplenty, as were jewelers, brawlers, potters, story tellers, fire tamers, writers....you name it, such company was in attendance varied and eager enough even the most stalwart and solitary of souls could find companionship, if only for one night.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/apple-chips.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/Gingerbread-Cream-Cheese-Doughnut-Muffins-5-332x500.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/week43__pumpkin_soup_by_cloe_patra-d6sigh6.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/rustic_hand_pies_1_by_mrskupe.png http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/ff886f61-3616-4bc2-b941-d34202418c2c.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/20100516handpie_big-thumb-300xauto-89508.jpg
While music and mischief were all well and good, the plethora of smells that haunted the evening didn't come solely from the crisp autumn woods or the well-fed fire. No, it came from the many crafty cooks that'd come riding into town. Between them all they'd concocted a series of seasonal favorites; freshly roasted chestnuts, piping-hot hand pies both sweet and savory, spicy muffins rife with ginger and orange, jellied cookies that crumbled deliciously with the first bite, creamy squash soups easily ladled to an empty mug, crispy, crunchy apple chips that glittered with a healthy dash of cinnamon and sugar. Within the tents and without they could be found- wherever there was a table or a stump being appropriate as one, really. Wandering folk didn't mess around when it came to their food, so there was plenty to be had for the evening, no matter how late the hour got. In fact, one would think the overabundance would lend itself perfectly to a cold hair of the dog come the dawn! As for those hairs, well....Those dog hairs came in varied bottles and drums and casks. Alongside the hearty feast one could expect a bevy of beverages as well; rums from far off places, ales from local breweries, mead from the Garridan's own private stock, hot, fire-kept crocks of heartily mulled, spiced cider, and if one inquired, there may in fact be a few bottles of that infamous fae wine to be had...
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/pumpkin_patch_by_salamiatomi.jpg
For the souls less prone to over-indulging, other activities beckoned; the age old tradition of pumpkin carving, while silly, was something the gypsy had already taken the liberty of doing herself. All the jack o' lanterns, each with their own silly little face, lay in a great mass by themselves, dark and unlit save for the small fire that crackled and glowed beside them. Instructions scrawled onto a hastily erected wooden sign read simply: Pick one, light one, and remember those who've gone. For each candle set to a pumpkin, a score of others, enchanted and high, high above in the air, would light in an ever-growing ring set like a halo around the field. It was Lilliana's hope that they could light the sky with their own sort of stars this evening; stars born from the memories of lives long since extinguished from our own.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/d5753a27fe0f85d604acbadbf8f35cd2.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/midsummer_bonfire_by_thunderi-d54u833.jpg http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/bohemian-forest-wedding055.jpg
Samhain was a time for honoring the thin veil between this world and the next, for remembering that, even when faced with the coming cold and death that was winter, there would come a spring. Fire was the real way to symbolize such, as was their merriment. Living large, laughter in the air, fires blazing high and great, that was how one honored the dead, by living as they lived. As such, what sort of hosts would these Garridan be if they did not offer their evening's company every comfort they could afford" Fire, food, and a festive atmosphere, these were their offerings to the living. As for the dead, those were what the fires were for; a shield as much as a tribute, the largest bonfire would stand at the heart of things and would be kept lit long into the night. Give into the mood, revel in that firelight, fall sway to the beat of a drum, follow a train of dancing gypsy, start a game of cups or cards, share some secrets, eat heartily in both heart and soul...
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af255/fellea/RDI%20Thingys/Samhain%20Scraps/tumblr_lgn7zaHVvT1qzf0d9o1_500.jpg
For those too weary or too heart-full to wander to the darkness of their own homes, safe havens and soft beds were aplenty, their paths carved and studded in candlelight. Some wagons stood open and empty for guests, while some beds lay deeper in the dark of the surrounding wood nearer the lakeside. All was well, all was safe, and all would remain into the deep, chilly bite of winter if Lilliana McClae had anything to say about it!
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Things of Note:
The masks are by far my favorite brain child for this event, so please post what your character's mask 'turns into' in the clothing, costumes, and accouterments thread! Is your character like a hawk" Or a dog" Perhaps someone's called them there rose, if they've chosen a leaf mask, that might lead into a series of lovely leather rose leaves, vines, and thorns curling to life and masking their features for the night....Imagination's the limit! :)
A character choosing to light a pumpkin will result in one to many candles sparking to life high up in the air above the whole of the Glen. The more dead your character has care to remember, the more the candles will light up! It could be one single candle, or a good several dozen, it doesn't matter, use this as you will during play- it's meant to be good fodder!
Use gypsy NPC's to your advantage, Lilli's family is large and very worldly. Music will be present all the night through till the end, so, how about a dance with a lovely rogue or an equally enchanting lady' Is your charrie a playboy' Let him wake up to a cluster of gypsy like some sort of Don Juan. Fancy a drinking contest' There's definitely a taker somewhere, arm wrestling" You've got it- if you desire NPC play inspiration, just PM me during the event!
Lastly and finally, do have fun! Any questions, concerns, comments, or queries of any sort, please shoot me a PM.