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kwisatzworld · 7 days ago

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MUGELLO 1999: Valentino embraced the spirit of the ‘60s counterculture with a striking hippie-inspired helmet and bike livery. The words “Valentipeace & Love” were boldly lettered in red on both sides of his bike’s fairing, turning the racetrack into a rolling message of harmony. On the back of his helmet, a cartoon version of Valentino is seen firing not bullets, but flowers, a powerful homage to Bernie Boston’s iconic photograph “Flower Power”.

Flower Power is a photograph by American photographer Bernie Boston, taken on October 21, 1967, during the March on the Pentagon against the Vietnam War. It captures protester George Harris placing a carnation into the barrel of an M14 rifle held by a soldier from the 503rd Military Police Battalion.

CATALUNYA TEST 2003: Valentino debuted one of his boldest and most politically charged helmet designs. In the very week that the Iraq War began, he appeared on track wearing a rainbow-colored helmet—a universal symbol of peace. The word PACE (“peace” in Italian) stood out in all caps on the back, accompanied by the iconic phrase “Fate l’amore, non fate la guerra” (“Make love, not war”).

The phrase “Make love, not war” became a defining slogan of the 1960s counterculture and anti-Vietnam War movement. It called for peace and compassion instead of violence and conflict, capturing the spirit of a generation that challenged traditional values through protests, music, and art. Over time, it evolved into a timeless message advocating harmony and understanding worldwide.

MISANO 2020: Franky’s 2020 Misano helmet paid tribute to Spike Lee’s iconic film Do the Right Thing, a powerful exploration of racial tension and social justice. Amid a year marked by global protests and urgent calls for equality, Franky’s design stood as a bold statement against injustice. On the back, the word “Equality” appeared in multiple languages, underscoring a universal demand for fairness and unity across cultures.

Do the Right Thing, directed by Spike Lee in 1989, is a landmark film that explores racial tension, systemic inequality, and community dynamics during a sweltering day in Brooklyn. Known for its vibrant style and unflinching social commentary, the film remains profoundly relevant decades later. After winning the 2020 Misano race wearing the tribute helmet, Franky received a phone call from Spike Lee himself.

VALENCIA 2021: In 2021, as Valentino prepared to retire from full-time racing, each member of the VR46 Riders Academy chose one of his iconic helmet designs to recreate as a tribute. Franky selected the 1999 Mugello Peace & Love helmet. With its colorful design and cartoon Rossi firing flowers instead of bullets, the helmet became a bridge across generations, celebrating not just a racing legend, but a philosophy rooted in joy, rebellion, and peace.

Because each academy member chose their tribute helmet independently, their selections offered a glimpse into their personal taste and values. The designs they picked weren’t just fan favorites, they reflected what each rider connected with most deeply in Valentino’s long and expressive career. Whether it was humor, protest, nostalgia, or creativity, each helmet told a story, not just about Valentino, but about the rider who chose to wear it.

2022: As the Russo-Ukrainian War unfolded, Franky added a powerful message to the back of his regular-season helmet, a sticker that read “Give Peace a Chance.” Quoting John Lennon’s famous anti-war anthem, the gesture was Franky’s way of taking a stand against violence and calling for peace.

MUGELLO 2025: At its center is a massive peace symbol, filled with psychedelic flowers—daisies, sunflowers, wild blooms—reminiscent of the Flower Power era. The helmet’s back features a bright green parrot, Franky’s longtime personal emblem, perched on a pair of throttle handles and flashing a peace sign with its wing, replacing Woodstock’s dove and guitar with symbols of racing. Below it reads, “Mugello… 3 days of Peace and full Throttle.”—A direct nod to the 1969 Woodstock Festival’s call for “3 Days of Peace & Music.” But in 2025, this isn’t just nostalgia. Against the backdrop of global conflict, especially the war in Gaza, the message lands differently, racing becomes a canvas for resistance.

The official poster for the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair has become one of the most iconic images of the counterculture era. Designed by Arnold Skolnick, it features a simple yet powerful graphic: a white dove perched on the neck of a bright red guitar, set against a calm blue background. The dove—a universal symbol of peace—resting on a musical instrument captured the essence of the festival’s message: “3 Days of Peace & Music.” Held during a time of political unrest and deep division over the Vietnam War, Woodstock stood as a symbol of unity, nonviolence, and collective hope.

#valentino rossi #franco morbidelli #motogp #italian gp 2025

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talonabraxas · 3 months ago

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The Swastika Symbol 卍 The Buddhist swastika is called "manji" (卍) in Japanese, and it is known as "wan" (卍, 万)" in Chinese. In Sanskrit, it is referred to as "svastika" (स्वस्तिक), which means "conducive to well-being," derived from "su-" (good, auspicious) and "asti" (to be, to exist).

Meaning & Symbolism in Buddhism

In Buddhist tradition, the manji (swastika) is a sacred and auspicious symbol representing harmony, eternity, and the interconnectedness of all things. Its arms, usually turning to the left (counterclockwise, 卍) in East Asian Buddhism or to the right (clockwise, 卐) in Indian traditions, symbolize the revolving forces of Dharma and the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth (Samsara).

Deeper Symbolism

Cosmic Harmony – It represents the balance of opposites (like yin and yang in Taoism), reflecting the unity of all phenomena. Buddha’s Heart and Footprint – In many Buddhist iconographies, the swastika is found on the chest or palms of statues of the Buddha, signifying his infinite wisdom and compassion. The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) – The swastika is a geometric simplification of the eight-spoked Dharma Wheel, showing the ever-moving cosmic order of the universe. Four Cardinal Directions – It extends to the fourfold nature of existence (North, South, East, West), linking it to space and the infinite expanse of reality.

Esoteric Buddhist Perspectives

In Vajrayāna Buddhism, the swastika often appears in mandalas and yantras as a gateway to higher consciousness. It is also associated with certain Bodhisattvas, particularly Maitreya, the future Buddha.

In Japanese Esoteric Buddhism (Shingon), the manji is a symbol of the primordial truth and the cosmic reality of Mahāvairocana Buddha (Dainichi Nyorai)—the central deity in many tantric practices.

Connection to Other Traditions

In Jainism, it represents the four states of existence: gods, humans, animals, and hell-beings. In Hinduism, it is a solar symbol linked to Surya (the Sun), Vishnu, and Ganesha. In Western Esotericism, the swastika has been used as a solar, alchemical, and Hermetic emblem, predating its later misappropriations.

The Buddhist Swastika (Manji) in Western Hermeticism and Qabalah

The manji (卍 / 卐) in Buddhist symbolism aligns deeply with principles found in Western Hermetic Qabalah, Alchemy, and Tarot, especially when understood as a rotating force of cosmic balance, evolution, and divine will.

1. The Swastika as the Rotating Cross of the Elements (Tetragrammaton & Tiphareth)

In the Western Hermetic tradition, the cross (☩) is a foundational symbol, representing the four elements, the four directions, and the divine tetragrammaton (יהוה - Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh). The swastika, being a rotating cross, adds the idea of motion, transformation, and the eternal turning of the cosmos.

Tiphareth (תפארת), the Solar Sephirah in Qabalah, aligns perfectly with the swastika’s solar connotations, particularly in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The Golden Dawn viewed the swastika as a rotating force that could symbolize either constructive (deasil, clockwise) or destructive (widdershins, counterclockwise) currents, akin to the alchemical cycles of dissolution and coagulation.

This movement mirrors the Hermetic axiom: "As above, so below"—the continual unfolding and refolding of divine patterns in the physical world.

2. Tarot and the Breath of the Swastika (Manji)

If we think of Tarot as a breath cycle, the swastika represents the continuous inhale and exhale of divine energy through the suits and elements.

The Four Arms of the Swastika = The Four Suits of the Minor Arcana Wands (Fire) – Creative motion, the Will in action Cups (Water) – Emotional currents, the inner spiral of the soul Swords (Air) – Thought’s dynamic process, movement in mind Disks (Earth) – The physical realization of spiritual laws

Thus, the swastika aligns with The Wheel of Fortune (X) in the Major Arcana, which reflects the perpetual turning of karma, dharma, and cosmic cycles.

3. The Swastika and the Qabalistic Lightning Flash

In Hermetic Qabalah, the Lightning Flash of Creation, which descends from Kether to Malkuth (forming the path of divine emanation), has a rotational counterpart: the return ascent of consciousness—aligning with the swastika’s cyclical motion.

The descent (clockwise, 卐) aligns with the involution of divine force into matter The ascent (counterclockwise, 卍) represents spiritual return, enlightenment, and Nirvana

This matches the Buddhist idea that the swastika embodies the eternal path of awakening—a journey from illusion (Malkuth) back to divine unity (Kether).

4. Esoteric Alchemy: The Swastika as the Prima Materia

In Alchemy, the swastika symbolizes the dynamic transformation of the Prima Materia (first matter) into the Philosopher’s Stone.

The turning arms represent the alchemical process: Calcination (Fire), Dissolution (Water), Separation (Air), and Conjunction (Earth). In this sense, the manji is a glyph of transmutation—the constant reworking of base consciousness into divine gold.

This echoes Vajrayāna Buddhist teachings, which treat the mundane world as raw material for enlightenment, just as an alchemist transmutes lead into gold.

5. The Swastika as the Key to Magickal Motion (Chokmah’s Whirlwind)

Chokmah (חכמה) in Qabalah is associated with the whirlwind of divine motion—it is not static wisdom but active, living force, the archetypal "Will to Evolve."

In this sense, the swastika is a glyph of Chokmah’s energy descending into creation (Yod, the first spark) The rotation signifies the primal whirlwind, the storm of existence, which eventually crystallizes into form (Binah, structure).

Thus, the manji is a cosmic yantra of divine will in perpetual movement—never fixed, always flowing. Final Synthesis: Manji as the Breath of the Divine

The Buddhist swastika is a universal expression of the Hermetic Great Work:

1.It shows the interplay of creation and dissolution, much like the Tree of Life and the Lightning Flash. 2.It is a breath—inhale (form), exhale (transformation)—mirroring the cycle of Tarot and Qabalah. 3.It represents the eternal journey of the soul, the Wheel of Fortune turning through Samsara toward ultimate enlightenment. -Tarot of Eli

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emblemxeno · 9 days ago

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Corrin's probably an easier character to tolerate when they aren't front and center. I get that you adore their compassion, but it's that exact trait that makes them feel uncompelling to others.

First you have how their overwhelming sugary sweet compassion and naivete make them come across as infantalized, but this isn't really treated as a bad thing ever? Corrin never makes mistakes that the narrative treats as mistakes. Corrin almost got their party killed trusting an obvious traitor? That's okay, Corrin wouldn't be so great if they weren't suicidally trusting! Mistakes are only ever opportunities to confirm Corrin's priors and to claim that actually they did the right thing anyway.

Then you have how they never have to kick the dog. Corrin never has any choice but to do bad things in Conquest and characters will line up to take the burden off Corrin's hands or quite literally commit suicide so Corrin never has to do anything that might give them room to grow.

How does Corrin change over the story in any way but the most basic? They're already brave right from the start, and just learning more about the world isn't growth, nor is going from overly trusting to still overly trusting.

They're just such a nothing character if you're looking for anything more than the patron saint of trust and compassion.

I respect your view of things, even if I disagree.

To that end, as to why I disagree, it's because I think there's simply more than one way for a story to move its protagonist from A to B.

Contrary to your point of criticism regarding Corrin not developing, I believe that it's actually intentional. Or rather, the development he gets is atypical of what you'd expect.

As you say, the typical protagonist is expected to develop in a way that signifies a change in their core as a result of happenings in the narrative. Fire Emblem as a series of course, is exactly like this, with most of its protagonists showcasing a maturity or change that you can compare to earlier scenes and visibly see the difference. Leif, as an example, by the end of Thracia would not bum-rush into savior missions like he did at the start of the game.

Corrin, rather, well... when faced with having to save strangers from being brutally executed? He'd do that again by the end of the game as he did at the beginning. That's not a change, because he embodies that trait already at the start of the game.

So what's the deal? I argue that Corrin doesn't need to learn to do things differently or change a part of his personality. Rather, what he develops is the ability to stop second guessing himself or doubting his role in the world.

Trusting people is a good thing. Compassion for other living beings is a good thing. Seeking a world without brutal violence and better conditions for all is a good thing.

But Corrin exists in a world telling him the opposite. His role though, is to prove that sentiment wrong. That when he speaks of peace and unity, he means it, it's not an empty platitude.

I've encountered the same opinion you hold regarding the other characters in Fates supposedly "bailing out" Corrin so he doesn't have to suffer from his mistakes.

Yet the thing is... what mistakes? Yes, Zola tried to kill the party and kidnapped Izana, but Corrin makes a reasonable case to keep him captive as he's unarmed and without a military unit. Anthony made insensitive comments, but he's also physically quite young and small, and didn't actively do anything suspicious, so is it wrong for Corrin to give him the benefit of the doubt?

There's also the aspect of him being family to a LOT of people, including both royal families of the major kingdoms. I think claiming that characters artificially bail Corrin out of bad situations is a bit of a bad faith reading of what's presented.

These are people who care deeply about him, people who want to spare him suffering because of who he is, what he does and how he was raised. Is that not what family is meant to do? Shoulder part of the burden that comes with anything that may put yourself at risk?

Furthermore, Corrin also "bails out" his siblings as well.

In Birthright, were it not for Corrin searching for his brothers who led a charge without him, Takumi wouldn't be found and Ryoma would be stuck playing smalltime rebel without an actual way to meaningfully reach Garon.

In Conquest, were it not for Corrin exploiting loopholes and carefully using words and circumstance, the Nohrian siblings (Xander especially) wouldn't be able to fight Impostor Garon.

Were it not for Corrin giving her the push she needed to be brave, Azura would never be able to express the truth of the world and Valla. Were it not for Corrin, Xander and Ryoma would've killed each other over a misunderstanding in Cyrkensia.

But in that, I also think the verbiage of bailing someone out is very impersonal and not a good way to describe what Corrin and the siblings do for each other.

It also takes the agency of the perpetrators away. Who's truly the people who should be criticized? Corrin, for being a good person who wants to see the best in anyone and everyone? Or the people who would take advantage of that trust?

Why should a person just "learn how the world works and stop being so stupid and naive" when faced with injustice and irrationality? Why shouldn't the world change instead, to protect the ideals for a peaceful existence. Why shouldn't we instead simply punish malefactors who take advantage of good people, instead of blaming good people for having bad things happen to them.

That's what Corrin represents to me. A character who has defined morals and beliefs, who needs to develop the will to defend those things and fight for their existence. To that end, by remaining true to himself and not stooping to the level of his enemies, he gains the unconditional trust, love and support of those closest to him. He's able to turn the tide in his favor, and change the world by being himself, even though said world wanted him to mold him into something different.

Anyway, I didn't say all this to try and change your mind or anything, I just wanted to let all that out because that's truly how I feel.

#corrin fire emblem #fire emblem fates #fire emblem #fe14

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brodygold · 9 months ago

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The Golden Knight

Evan had always admired the Golden Army from afar. Their golden jerseys, their unity, their unmatched spirit on the field—all of it had an aura of grandeur. But he never imagined that he’d become an essential part of their team in such an extraordinary way.

It all began on a warm, late afternoon when Evan was called into the Golden Army’s headquarters by Captain Richard. He wasn't a player, but his contributions as a fan and volunteer had not gone unnoticed. The Golden Army needed more than just players—they needed a symbol, a beacon of their strength. That’s when Richard made the offer.

"We need a mascot, someone to embody the essence of the Golden Knight, the one who leads us in spirit even when we're down. Someone to represent our golden ideals of loyalty, courage, and unity. And we’ve chosen you, Evan."

Evan could hardly believe his ears. He wasn’t sure what it entailed, but the thought of being part of the Golden Army, even in such a capacity, filled him with pride.

Richard led Evan to a room he had never seen before. Inside, a golden suit of armor rested on a stand, gleaming under the lights. It was magnificent, every inch of it polished to perfection. The chestplate had the Golden Army's emblem engraved into it—a lion surrounded by rays of sunlight.

“This armor,” Richard explained, “was crafted to represent the heart of the Golden Army. You’ll wear it during our matches, on the sidelines, and at special events. You’ll be our Golden Knight.”

Evan’s eyes widened as he took in the suit. He had always seen mascots as fun figures who boosted team morale, but this was different. This was regal. This was a role of honor. Without hesitation, Evan agreed.

The next day, he stood before the rest of the team, clad in the golden armor. The breastplate fit snugly over his chest, and the helmet, though heavy, felt empowering. The players—Brody, Griffin, Scott, Jackson, and the others—welcomed him warmly, each giving him a pat on the shoulder or a nod of approval. Brody, especially, beamed with pride.

“You’re one of us now,” Brody said, his tone full of warmth. "Our Golden Knight."

Evan took his new role seriously. On game days, he’d march ahead of the team as they entered the field, the crowd cheering wildly as his golden armor glistened in the sun. His presence on the sidelines became a source of inspiration for the players, a reminder of their golden ideals. When a game got tough, they’d glance toward Evan, standing tall and proud, and find the strength to push through.

As weeks passed, Evan found himself growing closer to the team, no longer just a fan or a volunteer, but a true part of the Golden Army. He stood by Richard’s side during the games, offering words of encouragement. He’d lead chants, his voice booming through the stadium. The crowd began to see him not just as a mascot, but as a guardian of the team’s spirit.

But it wasn’t all fun and games. There was pressure. When the Golden Army faced their rivals, The Titans, in a critical match, tension ran high. The Titans were tough, and the game wasn’t going in the Golden Army’s favor. At halftime, the team looked deflated, their energy sapped by their opponents' relentless assault.

Evan knew he had to do something. As the team gathered in the locker room, he stood in front of them, still in his gleaming golden armor.

“Remember who you are,” Evan said, his voice firm. “You’re the Golden Army. You fight for each other. You fight for every fan in that stadium. You fight for the honor of wearing that jersey.”

The players looked up, their spirits reigniting with every word. Richard nodded approvingly, and Jackson slapped Evan on the back. “You’re right,” Richard said. “We’re not done yet.”

The Golden Army returned to the field with a new fire in their hearts, and by the end of the match, they had triumphed, securing their spot in the playoffs. As the final whistle blew, Evan couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. The players rushed toward him, lifting him high above their heads, their Golden Knight.

In the weeks that followed, Evan continued to serve loyally as the Golden Knight. He wasn’t just a man in a suit of armor; he was a symbol of the Golden Army’s unwavering resolve, a beacon of hope and strength.

And as long as he wore that armor, Evan knew he would always be a true member of the Golden Army, serving the bros any way he could.

#golden army #thegoldenteam #male transformation #golden team #gold

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alexartshere · 1 year ago

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Bernadotte (OC)

#art #my art #original character #Bernadotte #Fire Emblem Unity

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vanguarddawn · 9 months ago

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There's something I've been thinking about tonight that I really don't quite know how to explain, but I'm going to try it anyways.

It all regards a question I've received several times over the years: Why is Walhart one of my favorite Awakening characters, when Edelgard is my least favorite Fire Emblem character? Aren't their goals essentially the same?

This is a question I mostly receive from Edelgard fans who usually don't want to listen to what I actually have to say about either character, and just want to try and put the legitimacy of my biases under scrutiny, usually with accusations of misogyny being thrown in for good measure. And I've never really had an answer for them, not because I didn't want to get involved in that discussion, but because I had always judged Walhart and Edelgard based on gut feeling rather than deeper analysis.

Honestly, the more I look into them both in comparison to one another, the more vast that rift becomes. I'm not necessarily starting to like Walhart even more, but I'm definitely learning to like Edelgard even less, something I'd thought was impossible. I do not have the time or patience to write out a full Edelgard analysis, and honestly I don't want to do that either. So I'll talk about what connects them and what differentiates them.

Walhart and Edelgard are, on the surface, somewhat similar characters. They are both the leader of their nation, and seek to unify the rest of the continent through force, and ultimately intend to forge a world where man can only rely on their own strength rather than that of the gods. Both are armored axe wielders primarily associated with the color red, and both bear inhuman levels of physical strength. Both can potentially end up being defeated by the kindhearted king of the nation they invaded who seeks to strengthen the existing world through structural reform rather than wiping the slate clean, and cherish the power of bonds over the strength of the individual.

So why do I love Walhart but hate Edelgard again? Simple.

Walhart is absolutely fucking delusional. Dude is straight up off his rocker, and the game is actually willing to acknowledge this rather than trying to defend it. He truly believes in his whole "unity through conquest" bullshit, and is only willing to let go of it when he's defeated by Chrom. And you know what he does, instead of Edelgard's "if only i had your strength we could have made the world a better place together" stuff?

Walhart concedes. He basically just tells Chrom and Robin "alright, you guys won, you clearly know what's best for the world. I was wrong, might does not make right, and from now on I'm gonna do things your way." Of course he says it in his own distinctly Walhart way, but the message is still the same. While he doesn't come to accept the real message that Chrom and Robin were trying to send, one of bonds and togetherness, he does realize that his way of going about securing and maintaining peace was wrong. I understand that Edelgard also concedes somewhat in VW/SS, but in AM she tries to murder her salvation after being given one last chance to redeem herself, and in CF she successfully conquers Fódlan so there's no redemption to be done.

It also helps that the god Walhart was trying to stop to begin with was objectively evil and not just a traumatized archbishop. Yes, Rhea does some incredibly fucked up things, but comparing her to Grima, who literally destroys the entire world just for funsies, can't really be done in good faith. Rhea is more compelling as an antagonist because she actually has nuance - nuance that Grima mostly lacks.

I also want to address some localization weirdness regarding both characters. In Awakening's English localization Walhart's goal of crushing the Grimleal is only made clear after the player has already defeated him and is headed to stop the ongoing resurrection of Grima. The English localization of Three Houses, on the other hand, may as well be Edelgard apologist fanfiction with how much it rewrites her character to make her look completely justified in starting her war, including actively writing mentions of civilian conscription and execution, as well as foreign military operations out of the English script, and adding a line to her endings stating that she gives up power once her dream of a Crest-less Fódlan has been realized. She is a completely different character between scripts.

I also like how Walhart is written entirely seriously about even the most mundane of things in his barracks and DLC conversations. If you thought he was crazy about military, wait until you hear his opinion on vegetarianism (he is one and he intends to make it your problem).

Basically, I like Walhart because he isn't meant to be endearing. Awakening makes no effort to redeem him or justify his actions, because they are ultimately unjustifiable. Edelgard did essentially the same thing he did and required a whole game rewrite to justify allowing the player to side with her at all.

#fire emblem #fire emblem awakening #walhart fire emblem #walhart #fire emblem: three houses #fire emblem three houses #edelgard von hresvelg #edelgard critical

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aevumisles · 7 months ago

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╰┈➤ AEVUM ISLES :: DECEMBER FESTIVAL ❂

Throughout the month of DECEMBER is HEARTHS RISING, a festival celebrating truth, unity, and new beginnings. Although the isles are blanketed in snow and carry the cold of the northern winds, residents of Arcanus City can be found gathering from Fanalea to the shores of the Lunar Seas. Please refer to the ARCANUS ISLE COMPENDIUM for creature and plant references.

OVERVIEW:

Hearthfire Night.

Hearthfire Night is celebrated on the twenty-first (21st) night of December, with festivities and preparations for Hearthfire Night starting as early as the thirteenth (13th), and celebrations ending on the eve of the new year.

As Hearthfire Night is an occasion for loved ones to get together and share food, stories, and spend quality time together under one roof. Presents are usually traded amongst gatherings during the late evening after dinners have finished. Anything and everything from clothes, toys, tools, and so on.

Many shops in the Central District promote holiday sales, and the Waystone Tavern has a holiday specialty called “Toasted Perlberry Rum'', a velvety drink made of cream, butter, dark brown sugar, perlberry rum, and spices.

Celebration of Falling Stars.

Takes place towards the end of the month, from the 17th - 31st of December.

Meteor showers begin to light the night sky from 7PM EST - 4AM EST, leaving blazing trails in their wake.

Legend says that these stars carry all wishes made upon them across time and space, even to the realms beyond Aevum. As such, it is customary to watch the meteor showers and make wishes with friends and family. Some may even hold small ceremonies and give offerings to commemorate old friends who have come and gone.

NOTE:

For the month of December: the Aevum Marketplace will allow all members ONE (1) free MARKETPLACE ITEM between 150-300 EMBLEMS.

Purchases will be processed during Dec. 17th-31st.

ACTIVITIES:

NOTE: Other activities such as caroling, parties, sledding, gift exchanges, tree decorating, snowball fights, and snowman making are all celebrated during Hearths Rising. For event participation, however, only interactions with the listed activities/areas and below legends will be considered valid.

FANALEA DISTRICT.

Yule Log Hunting

During the month of December, a single yule log is chosen by the residents of Vesper Town, Fanalea. Each resident then places their yule log in the fire pit at the center of the town square, where each morning the bonfire is burned, and the fire tended to throughout the day. As the fire burns, citizens of Arcanus Isle are encouraged to write their wishes down on small pieces of paper and toss them into the fire. By allowing their wishes or sentiments to return to Aevum through the ash and smoke, traditions often say that the wishes will come true.

The bonfire is tended to throughout the span of the month, and Echoes are encouraged to find and choose their own yule log for personal burning during Hearthfire Night.

Yule Logs are mostly characterized by the distinct knot upon their bark, creating a perfect swirl on the outside, and a silvery wood on the inside’s heartwood. The Yule Trees are the only non-pines to still flower in the winter, and are most often found in the densely wooded areas of the Fanalean Fields, with the larger, more grand logs being cut down from the Whispering Highlands.

But beware the Bramble Lunis of the Fields, and the Dire Wolves of the Highlands, for neither pack will allow you to chop down even a single branch of their trees so easily. What the Bramble Lunis lack in size, they make up for in the sheer numbers of their packs, and the natural camouflage of their pelts. Likewise, the Dire Wolves of the Whispering Highlands will sooner ensnare you in their enchanted vines and throw you from treetops before you fell a tree.

The Snowberry Harvest.

The Vespertown Farmlands are open during the afternoons of the early season. At this time, the farmers who work there allow volunteers to assist with the Snowberry Harvest. Baskets are given to all hands at the entrance, with the goal of the afternoon to pick as many snowberries as one can fit. These berries are scattered all across the Fanalean Fields and are characterized by their bright red coloring.

They are tart fruits that may stain one’s hands and mouth a cheery red upon consumption. Those who volunteer for the Harvest are allowed to take some of the snowberries home with them in a small mason jar. By the end of the season, the snowberries will often be crafted into jams, jellies, and work will have begun in the Honeyglow Meadery to create snowberry wine.

CLEARVIEW DISTRICT.

Hearth Dolls

As part of the upcoming preparations for Hearthfire Night, it is customary to create a “hearth doll”. This doll is a small depiction of one’s own self, and is no larger than the size of one’s hand. While these dolls can go anywhere in a household, they are customarily set safely above or nearby the fireplace out of harm's way. Tradition tells that the hearth dolls watch over their household diligently, taking care of the hearth and the burning yule logs. They keep bad omens out, and the spirit of Hearths Rising, in. These dolls were traditionally made of dried hay and twine, but have since evolved into small rag dolls made of cloth, stuffing and buttons.

In the Crystal Heights Mall, (specifically: the plaza and Mimsy’s) Echoes will find supplies to make their own hearth doll – or even create one to exchange with a loved one! The natives of Arcanus Isle are willing teachers, and for those who are not so artistically inclined, hearth dolls can be commissioned from Carousel Couture throughout the month.

Krystal Count

Every year, the staff of Crystal Heights Mall create something of a scavenger hunt. Thirteen shooting stars have been created, and hidden all across the mall in various locations. Taking a picture of each of these shooting stars, and showing them to a member of staff at the mall’s plaza, will award participants a free voucher to any one of the many shops throughout the three floors. (Even Antonitta’s.) These stars are incredibly well hidden, and sometimes require searching from strange angles.

It’s something of a bragging right to complete the Krystal Count every year, and the most avid counters will even stay overnight to find the ever-rumored, secret fourteenth star. (please see the Krystal Walker for more details.)

MERCHANT TOWN.

Tinker Town

Funded by the West and East towers, Arcanus Isle invites its residents to partake in various crafting opportunities. A multitude of crafts are offered throughout Trivium Square and Traverse Trove.

In Trivium Square, more mundane tasks can be fulfilled. Ornament making, gingerbread house crafting, wreath making and gift wrapping can all be done at Tinker Town. Some areas even allow for sleds to be crafted, and at the edges of Merchant Town, snow-men and igloo-building contests can be found. Hoarders will often be spotted scurrying around the stalls, stealing trinkets and items and escaping into the snow. Be careful! Lest the Hoarders find your keys and wallet before skittering away with your belongings while you’re working.

In Traverse Trove, various mechanics and alchemists of the city have gathered, and with them comes a wide variety of more sophisticated builds. Many of these unique treasures are created utilizing scrap junk from the city, and the more rare junk that descends from the multi-dimensional portals that occasionally open up overhead.

Steampunk trinkets and gadgets can be bought or hand-made. (e.g., a mechanical bird that can record and sound short 1-3 sentence messages, a small flower music box that opens petal by petal, etc.)

Small remote control robots can be rented out and dueled against one another for awards up to 1,000 keys.

It’s an inventor’s wildest dream come true!

THE LUNAR COAST

Lunar Voyage

Although the shores of the Lunar Coast see very few visitors this time of year, an eccentric seaman says that, for a small fee, he will offer a trip from the shore to the Arcus Cove and back again, for with the winter seasons a tradition of collecting fire gems from the Grotto is popular with the more adventurous sorts. Gifting the gems during Hearth Rising is said to bring the recipient protection and good luck. (These can be crafted into small pieces of jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets.) It’s a symbol of great affection.

But, to find the grotto within the cave, an Echo must traverse the rocky winter seas and brave the cold descent into the caves.

Otherwise, an Echo may simply want to scale the side of the cove and pick the last Logus Fruit of the year. The temperamental crop can create a mischievous gift for friends and family members who prefer to create jokes for the holidays rather than share sentiment.

DOWNTOWN ARCANUS

The Starlight Soiree

Downtown Arcanus has been completely decorated for the holidays. Wreaths line the doors of shops, trees are covered in small ornaments, and twinkling lights are strung up to give the area a cozy, festive feel. Musicians play in duets and quartets throughout the streets, and hand-crafted stars mimicking the meteor showers are hung up almost everywhere you turn.

During the day, vendors of South Egg set up shop and pass out hot chocolate and eggnog to patrons or visitors passing through. The Arcanus Museum has worked alongside the Arcanus Archives to retrofit its halls in commemoration of various legends of the Isles. Its main attraction is the Legend of the Dwyrnøkk. It’s a largely informative showcase with a not-so-subtle message to not be a scrooge.

Arcanus University has decorated the entire campus grounds with lights, and during the evening allows all passersby to walk through the grounds to sight-see the various holiday decor. Generous Echoes can even give back the university for the experience by donating keys in small donation boxes across the campus.

In the south-western region of South Egg (beneath the gondola lift from Central District to Downtown Arcanus) is a massive skating rink across Shimmer Creek Lake. Looking over this rink is a large pine tree that has been decorated from top to bottom with ornaments and lights.

Residents 21+ can purchase spiked eggnog and other such spirits alongside their skating boots, with the lakeside bar open from afternoon until sundown.

The lake is open to skaters 24 hours, but is most active during the daytime. (Making a sneaky night time foray over the ice a perfectly viable option!)

NOTABLE LEGENDS:

Dwyrnøkk

This pale white horse only shows up during intense blizzards, snow storms, and thick fog during the winter. It can be most often spotted galloping over the rough ocean waves beyond the Whispering Highlands. However, it can also be spotted from Quill Pillar Shores and the Lunar Coast. Some accounts have even said the Dwyrnøkk has appeared deep in the Fanalean Fields, or around the Moonview Springs.

Those who have accounted for its witness say that it can only be spotted out of the corner of one’s eye. Getting a good look at this creature most often means that you are hiding from a truth, or otherwise not engaging with the spirit of Hearths Rising. The Dwyrnøkk is said to target people who are, in some way or another, estranged — be it by choice or by circumstance.

Some folktales and legends in the Aether Reserve say that the Dwyrnøkk will go after those who do not take part in the Hearths Rising activities, even going so far as to forcefully carry off and drown such naysayers. Other legends say that it will take you directly to the Pale Reapers who haunt the Passage of Masks in order to force the unfortunate soul to confront and come to terms with whatever the heart bids.

As such, it is seen as a bad omen. Especially upon repeat sightings.

The Frost Father

The entity known as The Frost Father was once an old shoe maker known as Old Man Jack, who lived deep in the mountains of Fanalea. Jack was well known for being outstandingly generous and jolly, always looking out for his neighbors and enacting a little bit of good everywhere he went. A surviving quote from the man’s journal from many centuries past states that he believed that “one good act always sparks another.”

After a violent storm overtook the Arcanus Isle, ravishing the land and leaving many families struggling to recuperate, Jack took it upon himself to bring a bit of cheer back to his neighbors and friends during the closely following winter. He worked to create clothes and new shoes for fathers and mothers, and created small dolls and wooden toys for young children seven days leading up to Hearthfire Night. According to historical accounts, it is often assumed that he was the originator of Hearth Dolls.

Jack continued this tradition for many years, working with winter owls and Frostlight Cerdae to deliver his gifts. It seemed that one year, though, when Jack was old and gray and withered, he completely disappeared. Not a trace was left behind as to his whereabouts, or a body found to announce his passing. But over the next few years, the Frostlight Cerdae continued to deliver gifts and bring people to lose things just the same as they always had. Thus it is said that the Frost Father can be found in a small cabin deep in the woods of the highlands, filled to the brim with toys and mechanical parts across his workshop.

The Frost Father’s Cabin

The cabin is well hidden in the snowy forests, but it CAN be found by watching carefully where the wind blows, and where the Frostlight Cerdae gather. Going inside the old cabin will allow young children, and those with high spirits, to meet the Frost Father. He may even give the Echos who find him a personalized gift, or request that they deliver one to someone who might need a bit of cheer.

Frostlight Cerdae

These antlered, deer like creatures all boast magnificent antlers coated in fresh down. Between the tines, dew covered vines reminiscent of willow tree branches, each with small frozen droplets of ice that glitter in the sunlight. These creatures are positively jovial and tend to be found in large fields and open spaces, skipping in groups together and bounding up to Echoes who linger around their herds for just long enough.

Should a traveler decide to make friends with the Frostlight Cerdae, these little deer will lead the Echo to small treasures found all across Aevum Isles: usually items that the Echo had misplaced, or to useful trinkets that the Echo just so happened to require for a project or a gift. If an Echo requires company, the Cerdae may lead an Echo who follows them to another lonely soul who needs a little bit of fun, or friendship that day.

The Frostlight Cerdae are said to be helpers of the Frost Father. They help him give gifts to everyone in the Isle.

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