Major Annual Events
The Adventurer's Guild Convention
(January 8-14 in Arcanus)
The Adventurer's Guild Convention is a week-long annual summit in Arcanus where the Guild settles the coming year's budgets, contracts, resources, and regional responsibilities. Lexica, Goddess of the Mind, presides over the proceedings with her Archivists, while Concordia, Goddess of Pacts, and many of her Maidens oversee the agreements that come out of them. Delegates represent every major Guild branch, as Guildmasters are rarely able to leave their posts while the demonic wars continue. They are joined by delegations from the Navy, the Courier's Guild, Dwarven corporations, Titania, and other major factions.
The Convention is largely closed to the public, but its outcomes shape the year for every adventurer in Endros, and its halls are filled with lobbying, negotiation, and political maneuvering. Many delegates remain in Arcanus for the Apex Colloquium that follows.
The Convocation of the Gods
(January 22-24 in Skywood)
The Convocation of the Gods, commonly called the Meeting of the Gods, is an annual private gathering hosted by Concordia, Goddess of Pacts, in Skywood. The Gods and their representatives discuss the defense of Endros, divine agreements, and matters too sensitive for the Convention, building on the agreements made there. Its proceedings are never made public, and every representative must be bound by pact to secrecy before entering. Skywood celebrates outside the Palace throughout, with Lyra usually leading the public festivities rather than staying for the proceedings.
Attendance is never complete, and who attends is closely watched:
- Lexica rarely attends in person. She sends four or five Archivists and participates through her hive mind, often holding several conversations at once.
- Adonis attends once every few years, or when major issues arise. Otherwise, one or two Starborn attend on his behalf.
- Kratos seldom attends unless something incentivizes him. When Concordia judges that a matter demands his attention, the meeting is held in Titania instead. In most years, Concordia invites Titan Overlords or other high-ranking Titanian dignitaries to keep him informed.
- Valkyrie almost never leaves the warfront to attend, and Titania's representatives speak for her as well.
- Artemis usually attends as the face of the Adventurer's Guild, though may leave early to return to the Darklands.
- Amara attends every year, accompanied by her Shepherds, who advocate on her behalf as much as she does.
- Aedron attends with a few trusted Factors, chiefly to negotiate commitments for relics and World Wonders.
- Ursula attends in a land form, escorted by her Sirens, and speaks for the seas.
- Varga's attendance is unpredictable, though he is noticeably more likely to appear when Kratos does not.
- Dragon Gods rarely care to attend.
- Sylvara has occasionally appeared out of curiosity when she happened to be in Skywood.
- Nautilus never attends, but he takes more interest than the other Dragon Gods, and Sirens carry word of the proceedings to him.
The Apex Colloquium
(January 15-21 in Arcanus)
The Apex Colloquium is an esteemed, week-long annual gathering in Arcanus, serving as a platform where scientific, cultural, and philosophical ideas are exchanged, debated, and immortalized. Scholars, mages, engineers, and intellectuals from all corners of Endros journey to participate in this prestigious event.
During the event, participants engage in rigorous debates on philosophical, ethical, magical, and societal topics that have significant implications for the future of Endros. Research breakthroughs and new technologies are unveiled in grand forums. Scholars seek to prove their merit through eloquent argumentation, logical reasoning, and depth of knowledge, with the most exceptional thinkers standing out. During downtime, scholars trade rare manuscripts and texts, and meet in local taverns and cafes to discuss and formalize their ideas.
Lexica, the Goddess of the Mind, oversees the event along with her Archivists and close disciples, who arrange for a set of final debates and unveilings by the strongest candidates. Up to three individuals who demonstrate unparalleled wisdom, research, or the potential to impact Endros most profoundly are given the extremely coveted Arcan Award. It represents the pinnacle of academic achievement. Recipients of the Arcan Award are recognized as legendary academics through history and will receive Lexica's Sacrament as essence permits throughout the next year.
The Tournament of Legends
(April 15-21 at the four Adventuring Academies)
Official week-long tournament of the Adventuring Academies, held at all four at once: Arcan Academy in Arcanus, Haven Academy, Onyx Academy, and Skywood Academy. The Titan Academy holds its own tournament in Titania the same week.
The Revelry Tour
(June 17 to August 16)
The Revelry Tour is an 84-day musical and performance tour across the major cities of Endros, drawing significant attention due to the presence of Lyra, the Goddess of Revelry. Lyra travels with a small, well-protected fleet and performs only in cities her ship can reach, along with Onyx, Hearth, and Stormcrest by Magtrain. This tour mimics the general formula of the Bard's Jubilee festival, including exaggerated performances, magical displays, spontaneous performances, and competitions.
The tour heads out along the south and west coasts to Anchor, then returns through the cities it passed on the way out, resting a day between each city, and ends with a short homecoming in Stormcrest. Most of the tour's staff and performers are locally sourced. Only Lyra and a handful of her chosen Maestros perform at each city. Lyra encourages each city to express their culture, traditions, and customs. The tours attract significant pilgrimage from neighboring towns and contribute a significant amount of Prana.
Tour dates are as follows: Onyx (June 17-22), Hearth (June 24-27), Talon (Sol 1-4), Eldara (Sol 6-10), Skywood (Sol 12-17), Arcanus (Sol 19-22), Alwich (Sol 24-27), Wyrm (July 1-4), Haven (July 6-11), Anchor (July 13-16), Starfell (July 18-21), Marindel (July 23-27), Meris (August 1-5), Titania (August 7-12), and Stormcrest (August 14-16).
Skywood Sports Festival
(Sol 1-14 in Skywood)
World-class sports tournaments hosted in Skywood.
The Bard's Jubilee
(October 22-28 in Stormcrest)
The Bard's Jubilee is a week-long annual festival in Stormcrest hosted by the Bardic College. It celebrates music, storytelling, dance, and performance. The city transforms into a sanctuary of creativity and artistic expression: vivid clothing, banners, lanterns, and magical light displays. Wing-suited performers soar overhead in synchronized aerial displays, and stage designs reflect each performance's theme. Competitions take place in Stormcrest's amphitheaters and stages, while spontaneous performances fill streets, taverns, and plazas. The event is hosted by Lyra, the Goddess of Revelry, drawing artists and spectators from across Endros.
At the end of the festival, winners in each category are crowned and awarded honors, with many of these awards serving as stepping stones to the rank of Virtuoso. The festival's greatest prize, the rank of "Maestro," is bestowed upon a single performer who receives Lyra's divine Sacrament, solidifying their fame and opportunity across Endros.
The Titan Games
(March 1-7 in Titania)
The Titan Games are a week-long, grand annual event held in Titania, the heart of the Titan Order and home to Kratos, the God of Conquest. This military-themed competition attracts warriors, soldiers, and ambitious fighters from across Endros, all vying for glory, recognition, and a chance to elevate their rank within both the Titan Order and society at large.
The Games begin with a grand procession through the streets of Titania. Participants, dressed in their military uniforms or battle gear, proudly bear the banners and insignias of their regions or units. Citizens line the streets, cheering for their favored contenders as the procession passes by. Before the competitions commence, all participants swear oaths of loyalty to Kratos and the Titan Order, underscoring the event's deeply rooted religious and military significance.
The core of the Titan Games lies in a series of large-scale, grueling battles between military teams. These contests are designed to test not only raw combat skill but also tactical prowess, leadership, and unwavering loyalty to Kratos. The tournament progresses through multiple rounds of elimination, culminating in a final showdown where one team emerges victorious. The winning team is instantly elevated in rank and status, with its leader receiving Kratos's divine blessing of anointment, promotion to the rank of general within the Titan Order, and a Lordship title of nobility.
While only one team claims ultimate victory, Kratos often recognizes other exceptional participants, offering them promotions, special assignments, or opportunities within the Titan Order. They may be invited to join elite units or serve directly under prominent Titans.
The most significant competitions take place in the Titania Coliseum, an awe-inspiring stadium known for its majestic battleground. The Coliseum is adorned with crimson draperies, golden accents, and martial symbols—swords, shields, and the imagery of conquest—setting a grand and imposing stage for the battles.
Kratos himself presides over the Titan Games, observing the contests from a grand throne within the Coliseum. His presence amplifies both the pressure and prestige of the event, as he may offer personal commentary, issue challenges, or even participate in demonstrations of combat prowess.
The Clash of Blades
(March 15-21 in Titania)
The Clash of Blades is a week-long annual tournament held in Titania, and generally the only time when Valkyrie bestows a Sacrament. Unlike the militaristic Titan Games, the Clash of Blades is dedicated to the art of pure martial combat in one-on-one duels. It draws the most skilled warriors, duelists, and martial artists from all over Endros who aspire to test their mettle, prove their superiority, and perhaps gain the attention of Valkyrie herself.
Participants engage in a series of duels at arenas throughout Titania, with the most important matches occurring at the Titania Coliseum. Duels are fought with various weapons or unarmed, depending on the tournament category, and are adjudicated by respected judges. These challenges are carefully regulated to ensure fairness. Cheating during the Clash of Blades will result in your swift execution.
Valkyrie participates in the final days when the strongest warriors have been identified. Being offered a duel against Valkyrie during the Clash of Blades is considered a great honor. If one sufficiently impresses Valkyrie with their duel, such as by inflicting a wound, they may be eligible to receive her Sacrament. Losing to Valkyrie is expected, and does not impact one's status negatively, nor does it affect one's position in the tournament. Regardless of the final tournament's outcome, the true victor is whoever Valkyrie bestows her Sacrament upon.
There is no uniform or prescribed dress code, as the event emphasizes individual expression. The Clash is meritocratic, serving as a reminder that true hierarchy among Valkyrie's followers is determined solely by one's prowess in battle, not by wealth or social status. Exceptional warriors of the tournament may earn titles and have their names inscribed in sacred scrolls kept within the Hall of Legends, ensuring their talents are remembered by future generations.
Aethertech Convention
(December 1-7 in Onyx)
Giant tech and engineering convention, contests, Aethertech displays. Organizations, nobles, and wealthy adventurers come to discover new technologies.
Onyx Sports Festival
(December 15-28 in Onyx)
World-class sports tournaments hosted in Onyx.
The Grand Exchange
(February 22-28 in Marindel)
A week-long trade fair in Marindel that draws merchants from across Endros and many Merfolk, whose Nautilus Day festival falls in the middle of the week. Its headline is a great salvage auction of Navy and Guild salvage, wreck recoveries, unclaimed cargo, and retired Aethertech.
The Queen's Gala
(December 14 in Marindel)
A night honouring Ursula that closes the Opaline Procession's stay in Marindel. The great Merfolk lineages present their most gifted young in song, water sorcery, feats of swimming, and gifts. It is not officially a selection, but Ursula often attends, sometimes unannounced in another form, and more Sirens have been chosen at the Gala than anywhere else. The chosen leave for Meris to begin their transformation.
The Guild Muster
(April 22-28 in Haven)
The Adventurer's Guild's recruitment week, held in Haven after the Tournament of Legends. Guild branches, parties, clans, and factions recruit Academy students and free adventurers through tryouts and open challenges, and rivalries over the best picks often outlast the week.
The Great Hunt
(Sol 10 to July 10)
A Guild-sanctioned bounty season against the shadowlands of the Darklands, Ironwood, and Aegis. Each region is run from its own headquarters in Haven, Riven, and Miston, with its own leaderboard of kills, recoveries, and cleared territory. The Hunt ends on Hunter's Day, when the regional champions fight the Final Duel in Haven, during the Revelry Tour's stop in the city.
Meris Aquatic Games
(July 15-21 in Meris)
The Grand Games Federation's week of world-class aquatic sports, held under Merfolk-inclusive rules. Events include submarine races, swim races, water sorcery contests, Merfolk team sports, and ship contests.
The Grand Stratagem
(September 8-14 in Arcanus)
The Grand Games Federation's week of strategy and mind games, including Stratagem, Conquest, and Reign. Archivists oversee the records, and the strongest players are courted by Guild commanders, noble houses, and the Navy.
The Arcanum Convention
(May 8-14 in Skywood)
Hosted by the Divine Alliance, the Arcanum Convention is the one gathering for spellcasters of every tradition: Sorcery Orders, Wizard and Weaver Circles, Witch Covens, Druid and Seamage Circles, the Soulborn Church, and more. The Divine Alliance does not speak for the others, but organizing the Convention is a mark of its prestige as the only institution large enough to do so.
Artisan's Week
(October 1-7 in Onyx)
A week of Dwarven craftsmanship that builds to Terra Day and Forge Day. Guilds compete for prestige, masters' marks are awarded, apprentice contracts are signed, and commissions are taken for the year. Rare materials are traded, nobles compete for the best commissions, and sabotage between rival guilds is common enough to be expected.
The Summons
(November 15-17 in Eldara)
Each year, Prince Draven calls every immortal of the Immortal Order back to Eldara. Publicly, it is the grandest gala of the noble season, hosted by Princess Megaera in the Grand Salon. What passes privately between the Patriarch and his immortals is unknown, though it is widely understood that Draven has called his own to account. Those who left the Order, such as Aria and Dahlia, are not summoned, and absences are closely watched. Prince Azrael attends only when it suits him, and the tension between Draven and Prince Xavier is on open display.
The Wild Crown
(October 8-14 in Skywood)
The Beastmaster Guild's championship and the final of its Circuit season, held at the Wildcourt and Skywood's arenas. Teams compete in the Open and Shardbound divisions across Stampede, Slipstream, Beast Conquest, Beastmaster Battles, and Pairs Artistry. The winning beast is crowned as the Crown Beast for the following year, and its handler receives the Crownbearer's Mantle for life.
Major Holidays
There are many holidays throughout Endros, often unique to specific cultures, but a few that are well known and widely observed:
New Year's
(January 1st)
Celebrates the arrival of the new year and new beginnings.
Amara's Day
(February 10th)
Amara's Day, originally named the Festival of the Forgotten, was a tradition started by Amara herself. This festival involves community members leaving anonymous gifts at Sanctuaries for those who are often overlooked, such as beggars, laborers, or children. The gifts are handed out by the local priests, as they are often familiar with those who are most in need within the community. Small altars or memorials are built for those who passed away without recognition. Participants wear plain clothes to emphasize humility.
Primordia
(March 16th)
Primordia, also known as the Day of the Dragons, celebrates the elemental forces and Dragon Gods who embody them. Decorations are rich and symbolic, featuring motifs of dragons and the elements. Streets and homes are adorned with banners and flags in elemental colors. People wear garments incorporating the colors and symbols of their favored Dragon God. Face paints, masks, and accessories like dragon-shaped jewelry or elemental talismans are common. Children often dress up as little dragons or elemental spirits, adding a playful atmosphere to the celebration.
Day of Saints
(April 4th)
Citizens gather for a day of widespread Prana generation.
Druid's Day
(June 5th)
Druid's Day is an all-day festive outdoor celebration of open farmer's markets, street performances, village potlucks, and parades. The atmosphere traditionally features acoustic instruments, singing, belly dancing, and iconic group dances that date back to harvest rain rituals. The parades feature large animals dressed up and decorated for public appearance, with candied fruits being handed out to children by the parade attendants. Decorations across the festivities tend to include bright flowers, wreaths, bouquets, colorful fruit displays, and other natural imagery.
Women wear skirts and tops with flowery styles. Men wear shorts and often go bare-chested or have light summer tops. Flowered wraps are worn around the neck or hips, and can be rewarded by others when you do something fun. It's not unusual to see well-trained animals perched on people's shoulders. Men and women can provide a traditional gift of fruit or a flower bouquet to someone they like to signal interest, or as gentle reminders of their affections to their partners.
Festival of Lights
(Sol 2nd)
The Festival of Lights is a loud, extroverted, hard-partying, all-day festival of drinking and socializing. Cities are adorned with dazzling lights, lanterns, and magical luminescence. Events take place on major streets and sporting arenas. Kiosks are set up where people congregate. Unofficial sport matches are played with a common emphasis on gambling among the crowd. Drunken sports are also common, requiring players to be drunk to participate.
The streets emphasize food eating competitions, spicy food challenges, drinking contests, and gambling games. People dress in more stylish, flashy, and eccentric styles of clothing than usual. Body paint and funny hats are commonplace. Everyone rejoices in being more boisterous and loud than usual, dancing or cheering like a maniac, and trying to impress romantic partners with hilariously bad singing. The day ends with the annual meteor shower at night. People gather to stargaze and make wishes upon the falling stars.
Hunter's Day
(July 10th)
Hunter's Day celebrates and honors the living adventurers and historical figures who risk their lives to protect humanity from extinction. The day is filled with storytelling, martial displays, and competitions. Children dress up as their favorite heroes. Bards gather in public squares to recount epic tales of past deeds and glory. Dramatic reenactments of historical battles occur using volunteers, guild members, and trained beasts to simulate the intense battles that have shaped history.
At the heart of Hunter's Day are the arena matches, where warriors gather to prove their skill in combat. Fighters showcase their prowess in one-on-one duels, while group battles allow adventuring parties to show off their coordination and strategy.
After the midday battles, feasts are held in the city squares and guild halls. During the feast, adventurers share stories of personal battles and victories. After the feast, a warrior's memorial is held in observation for those who have died in battle. Adventurers and citizens alike pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the defense of Endros. Many use this time to make offerings, leaving tokens of respect at shrines and statues honoring legendary adventurers.
The night culminates with the Final Duel, a massive, ceremonial battle between high-ranking, well-matched adventurers in the community. While it is mostly symbolic, the outcome is eagerly anticipated. Spectators cheer and drink from the stands, and the atmosphere is electrifying. The victor is said to receive favor from Valkyrie and Artemis, and the duel marks the end of Hunter's Day.
Grand Masquerade
(September 26th)
People conceal their identities in costumes and masks.
Spiritus
(November 26th)
Spiritus celebrates fairy tales, ancient mythologies, the paranormal, and the magic of unknown worlds. People dress in elaborate costumes to roleplay as story characters, and spend most of the day on fun activities. Well-meaning pranks are expected, and people generally don't take things too seriously. People attend parties together and entertain themselves with communal social games and bizarre gift exchanges.
Minor Holidays
Minor holidays may be recognized throughout Endros, but don't include widespread festivities.
Nautilus Day
(February 25th)
Celebrates Nautilus, Dragon God of Water. Festivals in Anchor and Marindel.
Kindred Day
(May 12th)
Households across Endros honor their beasts and companions with treats, ribbons, and portraits, and Courier birds are given the day off. Beastmaster Guild halls open their doors to the public.
Sylvara Day
(May 28th)
Celebrates Sylvara, Dragon Goddess of Nature. Festivals in Skywood and Rune.
Pyros Day
(July 1st)
Celebrates Pyros, Dragon God of Fire. Festival in Hearth.
Tempest Day
(September 21st)
Celebrates Tempest, Dragon God of Air. Festival in Stormcrest.
Terra Day
(October 3rd)
Celebrates Terra, Dragon Goddess of Earth. Festival in Onyx.
Festival of the Veil
(November 1st)
A night of black and silver finery to honor the dead, held on the night of November's Darkening. Its customs come from the followers of Thanatos, though many observe it without religious intent. Templars of the Soulborn Church hold their past-life rites that night. Festivities in Arcanus.
Local Holidays
Ancestor Day
(February 11th in Onyx)
Dwarven holiday that recognizes their ancestry and major historical figures.
Coronation of Steel
(March 8th in Titania)
The day after the Titan Games, the Titan Order publicly anoints its new Titans in the Titania Coliseum. It marks the highest elevation possible within the Order.
Maiden's Day
(April 20th in Skywood)
Concordia and many of her Maidens gather at the House of Maidens. Celebrations take place across Skywood.
Breeders' Show
(May 15-21 in Sanctum)
House Goldthorn hosts the Beastmaster Guild's breeders' show at Sanctum's Familiar Market, drawing Beastkin breeders from across the Fellowship. It is the loudest stage of the yearly debate over bred and wild-caught beasts.
Circuit Stages
(Alwich, March 22-28; Eldara, May 22-28; Titania, June 22-28; Haven, August 8-14; and September 11-17 in Rune, Fang, Everglen, Feyroot, Wyrm, and Cairn)
The Beastmaster Guild's qualifying stages for the Wild Crown. Four major stages are held through spring and summer in Alwich, Eldara, Titania, and Haven. The final regional stages follow in September, held simultaneously so that Elven, Beastkin, Orckin, and Dwarven teams need not cross Endros to compete. Rune's regional stage is the largest and coincides with the Moonlit Revelry's annual visit.
Heartspear Night
(September 23rd in Sanctum)
Sanctum's founding festival honors Veyla and the Heartspear. Tribes from across the Beastkin lands camp in the Camp Meadow, and a procession runs from the Trail Gate through the Hide Market to the Heartspear Court. Varga is always invited and comes when he chooses, so no one knows in advance whether he will appear.
Forge Day
(October 4th in Onyx)
Forge Day celebrates craftsmanship, industry, and dwarven ingenuity. Artisans set up stalls, demonstrating their crafts to visitors. Dwarven guilds compete for prestige in professionally ranked competitions. Dwarves exchange finely crafted tools, jewelry, or personalized trinkets as symbols of friendship, admiration, or respect. Many proposals or declarations of loyalty are made with the presentation of a hand-crafted gift. Food and drink are hearty and simple, with large stews, fresh-baked bread, and tankards of strong ale.
Aedron Day
(December 8th in Onyx)
Major cultural event featuring crafts and pseudo-religious undertones.
Lantern Night
(Every New Moon in Alwich)
On the night of each Darkening, lantern boats fill Alwich's Lantern Basin around its floating stage, and performers take to the quays.
Raven's Ball
(September 26th in Alwich)
On the night of the Grand Masquerade, Princess Morgaine hosts Raveneye's invitation-only masked ball in Alwich. Invitations are highly sought among the nobility. Behind the masks, deals, secrets, and favors change hands, and the anonymity makes it easy to express a need for Raveneye's more discreet services.
Grove Moot
(Sol 15-21 in Rune)
Druid Circles from across the enchanted forests of Endros gather with the Dryads at their council grove in Rune at midsummer, when the Dryads are strongest. Elders share memories and Druidis grafts are gifted. Druids have free access, but others still require an audience. Fey are drawn to the Moot in great numbers.
Sisterhood Gathering
(October 15th, the Red Moon, in Miston, Riven, Arcanus, and Starfell)
On October's Red Moon, the Sisterhood's senior witches gather in four regional circles at once, so that members need not travel far: Miston for Aegis, Riven for Ironwood, Arcanus for Eloria, and Starfell for the Darklands. Apprentices are vouched for, and witches from allied covens are often invited.
Celestial Events
The Darkening
(Every New Moon, at midday)
Because Seraphis orbits in perfect alignment with Gaia's path around the sun, it eclipses the sun at every New Moon. For several minutes the sky darkens, stars appear at midday, and Sol saturation briefly collapses, weakening fire magic and Soltech across the realm. Most Endrosians treat it as an ordinary monthly occurrence, though soldiers and Pyromancers plan around it, and demons have been known to time their assaults to it.
The Red Moon
(Every Full Moon, at night)
At every Full Moon, Seraphis passes through Gaia's shadow and turns a deep red for about an hour. It is a popular time for gatherings, vows, and romance, and many believe that promises made beneath the Red Moon carry special weight.
Leylight
(Irregular, near leyline convergences)
Leylight is a shimmering aurora that appears when strong pulses of Prima travel along the leylines from the Manaheart. It is most often seen near convergences such as Skywood and Rune, and is considered a good omen. Weavers and Astralei scholars watch it closely, as Aether surges briefly along its path.
The Starcrown
(February 12-14 in Starfell)
Once a year, Leylight gathers over Star Hill in Starfell and crowns the Astralei portal ring for three nights. It is the only Leylight that can be predicted, and the most beautiful in the world. Aether surges across the city, sorcery is amplified, and the portals of the Convergence grow stronger and easier to pass through. Scholars, Weavers, and sorcerers gather to study it and attempt workings too great for any other night. Many believe the Astralei built the city to call it, and rumors persist that the Starcrown wakes something in their old works: doors that open only on these nights, and knowledge the Astralei left behind.
The Starfall
(Sol 2nd)
The annual meteor shower that closes the Festival of Lights. People gather to stargaze and make wishes upon the falling stars.