Annual Beltane Celebration in Kalti

[Nightsong]

Fire Festival of the Aos Si​

“Celebrate the first signs of summer with the Aos Si Fire Society! The festival will mark the changing seasons with a wild mix of drums, fire and physical theatre. As darkness falls and the fire torches are lit, our drums will thunder and the May Queen will awaken. Across the night She leads her court around the hill and through a great arch of fire; the Green Man will be stripped of his Winter guise and be reborn; and together they will light the traditional Beltane bonfire. Join us and revel in the first joys of Summer!”

Spoiler: About the Fire Festival

Our festival is a living and dynamic celebration and has become a central focus for the Kaltian community, bringing many people together to acknowledge and revel in the birth of Summer. Beltane is traditionally characterized by a celebration of the return of the fertility of the land. The word ‘Beltane’ roughly translates as ‘bright fire’ and, as such, one of the most important rituals, concerns the lighting of the Beltane bonfire. Fire is seen as a purifier and healer and is walked around and danced/jumped over by the members of the community. The important point to note is the joy and the revelry that is fostered in the ritual. It is about casting off the darkness and celebrating the light. It is a time for celebrating fertility, both in the context of our biological functions as well as our own creative energies, the fertility of our creative community.

The festival takes place on Icenic Hill. It is a procession, which starts at the the Acropolis and proceeds anti-clockwise around the path meeting various groups along the way. The procession is driven by the beat of drums which urge it inexorably towards summer. At the procession’s head is the May Queen and the Green Man, followed by a cavalcade of characters who are intrinsically linked to them and their journey. Their destination is punctuated by various groups who either help or hinder their progress towards the Green Man’s fate and the May Queen’s destiny. After a dramatic stage performance signifying the inception of summer the May Queen and Green Man spark the birth of summer by lighting a huge bonfire. The performance then moves into its community phase. All the participants congregate in a place called the Bower. From here the finishing movements of the festival are played out in a dance of reds and whites. This is also where the home comforts of warmth, food and drink are provided to the performers and crew. The boundaries between performers and audience then fades and the festival, performers, music and audience drift off into the night, taking away the memories of a unique and special event.

With the 01 May and the start of summer quickly approaching, Prime Minister Nightsong and Prime Minister Holbach have set aside a number of tickets for foreign leaders and government officials that may be interested in attending the annual Fire Festival of the Aos Si which is traditionally held outside of the Free City of Caerleon in Kalti. The festival will run from 30 April to 02 May with the main feast and bonfire on the 01 May. For those who do attend, you may either watch and enjoy the festivities and entertainment being provided or you may join in on the drumming circles and entertainment.

The Fire Festival of the Aos Si is presented as ‘investigative theater’; set outdoors and with no physical curtains or barriers. We at the Society advertise a ‘doors open’ time along with an approximation of when the performance will begin (when the sun goes down) and of course a set time for the public to leave. There are few barriers between the audience and performers which offers up opportunity for an immersive experience. It is one where you are likely to come face-to-face with one of our colorful characters, or can step back and marvel at the scale of the production. The presentation may leave you figuratively in the dark regarding what is being portrayed, but there is also a chance you may find yourself literally there too. One suggestion is to ‘head to the high ground and then follow the sound of drumming’.

If you haven’t experienced the Festival before you’ll likely have deduced that there is no central point where everything is performed, rather there are multiple points of focus that are spread around the marvelous parkland. A large part of the story follows the Procession of the May Queen around the Hill, but there are also counter-performances and roaming groups which have evolved to bring balance to the darker parts of the park (again: follow the sound of the drums). The Procession’s presence awakens one group after another, each then continuing to play a part throughout the evening; the Hill comes alive, mirroring the Earth’s awakening through Spring.

In general the we at the Society try to shy away from the use of actual staging as that presents an instant barrier between performance and witness. That’s not an exclusive rule however, as both of the major ‘set piece’ performances utilize staging to help balance their sheer scale. The first is during the spectacular opening sequence and the second during the penultimate event of the evening: The Death and Rebirth of the Green Man. In other words we attempt to match the tool to the job. Finally, the Fire Festival of the Aos Si is a continuous performance lasting over three hours. Attendees have the opportunity to create their own breaks in which to step back and raise a toast to the onset of Summer.

Should your nation and its leaders wish to attend this festival, we ask that you fill out the application below and respond by the 29 April so that a final tally of foreign leaders attending can be taken.

Nation:
Name of Attendees (max of three):
Number of Security (max of three):
Days Attending:

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda
Chairwoman of the
Aos Si Fire Society

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Spoiler: Attendees

• The Merilian League: Solveig Nightsong, Damien Holbach, Mônica de Lacerda
• Flakeyland: Skitt Flakey, Savannah Sawyer and Aaron Laurens
• Goyanes: Jon Norberg and Madison Norberg
• Andrenne: Olivia Wehrn and Anna Wehrn
• Sil Dorsett: Claidie Dorsett and Sariah Mesny
• Lebanoro: Sally Daoud and Joe Smith
• Syrixia: Jodha, Bhudev, and Rajesh III
• Xentherida: Heidi Aberg and Jonas Dalin
• Equitiar: Maria Montrez and Portia Jackson
• Wolfensjaeger: Ziska Josef
• ABC: Avis Axl, Highton Isle, Everly Blanche
• SAA Kanada: Johann Leonit, Grace Kanad III, Johann Kanad II
• Ceretis: Maggie Callahan, Owen Callahan, Morgan Callahan
• Ninhundland: Dominik Huhrmann and Andrei Huhrmann

 

[Flakey]

Nation: Flakeyland
Attendees: 3 (4 including charlie) (leader Flakey vice delegate Savannah Sawyer prime delegate aaron laurens)
Security (max of three): A guy who is a security guy whos name is charlie
Days Attending: All

 

[Goyanes]

Nation: Goyanes
Name of Attendees (max of three): Prime Minister Jon Norberg and his wife, Madison Norberg
Number of Security (max of three): 3 bodyguards
Days Attending: April 30 - May 2

 

[Nightsong]

To the nation of Flakeyland,

The Aos Si Fire Society welcomes Skitt Flakey, Savannah Sawyer and Aaron Laurens to the Fire Festival of the Aos Si and we look forward to welcoming them on the 30 April.

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda

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To the nation of Goyanes,

The Aos Si Fire Society welcomes Jon Norberg and Madison Norberg to the Fire Festival of the Aos Si and we look forward to welcoming them on the 30 April.

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda

 

[Andrenne]

Nation: Andrenne
Name of Attendees (max of three): Prime Minister Olivia Wehrn, and her wife Anna Wehrn
Number of Security (max of three): 3 bodyguards
Days Attending: April 30 - May 2

 

[Nightsong]

To the nation of Andrenne,

The Aos Si Fire Society welcomes Olivia Wehrn and Anna Wehrn to the Fire Festival of the Aos Si and we look forward to welcoming them on the 30 April.

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda

 

[Sil Dorsett]

Dear Ms. de Lacerda,

We would be honored to be permitted to attend the Fire Festival of the Aos Si. As the Merilian League provided considerable assistance to The Principality of Sil Dorsett during a recent humanitarian crisis, it is my hope to begin repayment of this charitable contribution, both financially and through cultural exchange, by first gaining a deeper understanding of the rituals and culture of the Merilian League, specifically that of Kalti in this event. Ms. Sariah Mesny, Chairwoman of The Dorsettian Blue Shield Association, shall accompany me in addition to three security personnel.

Upon acceptance, we look forward to seeing you on the 30th of April.

Nation: The Principality of Sil Dorsett
Name of Attendees (max of three):

• Claidie Dorsett, Princess of Sil Dorsett
• Sariah Mesny, Minister of Health and Human Services and Chairwoman of the Dorsettian Blue Shield Association

Number of Security (max of three): 3
Days Attending: April 30 - May 2

Sincerely,

 

[wicheye]

Nation: Lebanoro
Name of Attendees (max of three): Deputy Foreign Minister Sally Daoud and Foreign Minister Joe Smith
Number of Security (max of three): 3 highly experienced bodyguards
Days Attending: April 30 - May 2

 

[Syrixia]

Nation: the Syrixian Empire
Name of Attendees (max of three): Empress Jodha, Princess Puja, Crown Prince Bhudev, and HIM Emperor Rajesh III
Number of Security (max of three): 2 Imperial Sentinels
Days Attending: April 30 - May 2

Note- Puja will be arriving late.

 

[Nightsong]

To the nation of Lebanoro,

The Aos Si Fire Society welcomes Sally Daoud and Joe Smith to the Fire Festival of the Aos Si and we look forward to welcoming them on the 30 April.

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda

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To the nation of Syrixia,

The Aos Si Fire Society welcomes Jodha, Bhudev, and Rajesh III to the Fire Festival of the Aos Si and we look forward to welcoming them on the 30 April. We also welcome Puja and thank you for letting us know that she will be arriving late.

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda

 

[Xentherida]

Nation: Xentherida
Name of Attendees (max of three): Heidi Aberg (ambassador to Merillia), Jonas Dalin (Xentheridan MoFA)
Number of Security (max of three): 2 plain-clothes Xentheridan Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection officers (each armed with a Glock 17 pistol).
Days Attending: April 30 - May 2

 

[Nightsong]

To the nation of Xentherida,

The Aos Si Fire Society welcomes Heidi Aberg and Jonas Dalin to the Fire Festival of the Aos Si and we look forward to welcoming them on the 30 April.

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda

 

[Equitiar]

Application


Nation: Equitiar
Name of Attendees (max of three): Prime Minister Maria Montrez and Foreign Minister Portia Jackson
Number of Security (max of three):2 security personnel
Days Attending: April 30 - May 2

 

[Nightsong]

To the nation of Equitiar,

The Aos Si Fire Society welcomes Maria Montrez and Portia Jackson to the Fire Festival of the Aos Si and we look forward to welcoming them on the 30 April.

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda

 

[Nightsong]

To Claidie Dorsett,

We are always honored to help a fellow nation in a time of need during a humanitarian crisis and are glad to see the refugee problem in both Sil Dorsett and Scallendovia being taken of. I want to wish you a Blessed Beltane and hope that you and Sariah Mesny have a wonderful time at the festival. The Aos Si Fire Society looks forward to welcoming the both of you on the 30 April.

Regards,
Prime Minister Solveig Nightsong

 

[Nightsong]

(* YOU MAY RESPOND IF YOU WISH TO THIS PRIMER UPON THE ACCEPTANCE OF YOUR NATIONS APPLICATION TO ATTEND THE FESTIVAL *)​

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To: All Accepted & Attending Nations
From: The Aos Si Fire Society
Subject: Fire Festival Primer for Foreigners

We here at the Aos Si Fire Society are fully aware that many, if not all, foreigners may be unfamiliar with the particularities involved not only in this Beltane festival but in the cultural and religious nature of the Federation of Kalti and the Federation of Andalucia. As such, we have prepared the following guide to help familiarize foreigners with our traditions and customs that surround these festivals, mainly the Fire Festival of the Aos Si. We hope this will prove to be a valuable learning tool and look forward to sharing this unique festival with you. Below we have included a traditional Beltane Blessing similar to what you will hear recited at the festival, general information surrounding the holiday of Beltane, a Who's Who guide to who will be on the Hill the night of the Festival as well as information on the Aos Si, the Lady and the Lord. This primer is in no ways a comprehensive guide to the Wiccan religion practiced in the Merilian League but it is enough of a general overview to help familiarize yourself with the basics.

Should you have any questions about the material presented in this Primer or wish for further details on a subject, you may post a message directed to Mônica de Lacerda, our lead organizer for the Fire Festival of the Aos Si, and she will be more than happy to help you.

Bless, O twofold true and bountiful,
Our Lady and our Lord.
Bless everything within my dwelling and in my possession,
Bless the kine and crops, the flocks and corn,
From Samhain Eve to Beltane Eve,
With goodly progress and gentle blessing,
From sea to sea, and every river mouth,
From wave to wave, and base of waterfall.

Be the Maiden, Mother, and Crone,
Taking possession of all to me belonging.
Be the Horned God, the Wild Spirit of the Forest,
Protecting me in truth and honor.
Satisfy my soul and shield my loved ones,
Blessing everything and everyone,
All my land and my surroundings.
Great gods who create and bring life to all,
I ask for your blessings on this day of fire.

Date: 01 May 2017
Times: 2000 – 0130 (08:30pm - 01:30am) (performances begin at sundown)
Location: Icenic Hill, Caerleon, Kalti

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Festival Activities to Participate In
There are many theatrical performances to watch and be entertained by but the nine main events of the evening are listed below. Your level of participation in these events in entirely up to you. Should you wish to participate fully, a member of the Blues shall walk you through what is required as well as the proper customs and traditions. Should you wish to hang back and watch from a distance, that is acceptable as well and the Stewards will be on hand to answer any questions you might have of the ritual or ceremony being performed.

Of the nine events listed below, they are further broken down into three groups, those being the Welcome, the Ceremony and the Farewell. These groupings mark the major turning events of the Fire Festival and are spaced out enough to give festival goers time to enjoy the drumming, the performances, take a break and to grab some food or alcohol.

• Opening Ceremony
• Calling of the Watchers
• Invocations to the Goddess and to the God

• Crowning of the May Queen
• Welcoming the Green Man
• Kindling of the Baelfire

• Revelry and Welcoming Summer
• Bidding Farewell to the Watchers
• Parting Ceremony

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About Beltane
This festival, known as Beltane, officially begins at moonrise on May Day Eve, and marks the beginning of the Summer season. Contact with fire is interpreted as a symbolic contact with the sun. This is a holiday of Union--both between the Goddess and the God and between man and woman. Handfastings, marriages in the Merilian League, are traditional at this time. It is a time of fertility and harvest, the time for reaping the wealth from the seeds that we have sown. Celebrations include braiding of one's hair (to honour the union of man and woman and Goddess and God), circling the Maypole for fertility and jumping the Beltane fire for luck. We celebrate sexuality (something we see as holy and intrinsic to us as holy beings), we celebrate life and the unity which fosters it. The myths of Beltane state that the young God has blossomed into manhood, and the Goddess takes him on as her lover. Together, they learn the secrets of the sexual and the sensual, and through their union, all life begins.

Beltane is the season of maturing life and deep found love. This is the time of vows, handfastings and commitment. The Lord and his Lady, having reached maturity, come together in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust to celebrate the joy of their union. This is a time to celebrate the coming together of the masculine and feminine creative energies. Beltane marks the emergence of the young God into manhood. Stirred by the energies at work in nature, he desired the Goddess. They fall in love, lie among the grasses and blossoms and unite. The flowers and greenery symbolize the Goddess and the Maypole represents the God. Beltane marks the return of vitality and the passion of summer.

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Drumming
Beltane may be known as a fire festival, but it may as well be considered to be a drum festival too. Drums are the beating heart of Beltane that create the rhythm of the festival, drive the procession forward, and are the soundtrack to the changing of the seasons.

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Who’s Who On The Hill
The Processional Drummers are the fanatical drummers driving the procession around the Hill with unrelenting, air-tearing rhythms. The Drummers devote all their energy and focus into drumming at the exclusion of all else. They will be playing Basses, Toms, Snares, High Tension Snares and other assorted percussion instruments.

The Blues are the guardians and preservers of the rituals and traditions of the Fire Festival of the Aos Si. On the night of Beltane, they open, hold and maintain the space in which the May Queen comes to life, serving as guides and protectors of Her procession as She leads the Green Man to his death and rebirth, and the lighting of the Beltane Fire.

The Whites are strong, sure footed, serene and confident beings. They know there is change in the air, trials to face and lessons to learn. They choose to put their complete faith and trust in the May Queen as She is their guide and they are Her companions as they travel together around the hill. The Whites rise with Her from the Earth and survey the barren landscape, knowing they must journey forth to create fertile lands once more. The May Queen’s intentions work through The Whites to help protect the procession from the forces that threaten and test it. In turn She gives them purpose and shows them where their destiny lies.

The Reds are elemental creatures of chaos and misrule, representatives both of summer and of the Green Man’s love for the May Queen. They are born on the night of Beltane, and come to maturity by the end of the ritual, where they are united with the Whites. Along the way the Reds wreak merry havoc, playing with audience members, putting up human pyramids, charging with fire, pranking the main procession and generally reveling in an irrepressible spirit of beautiful pandemonium.

The May Queen is a Goddess figure and representation of Summer. She rises from the Earth and blesses the elements and welcomes the audience. She undergoes a major transition but her counterpart; the Green Man is still in his winter guise. Beltane Eve is a liminal night as both deities are discordant with each other. The May Queen embarks on a journey around the Hill to gather the new season while the Green Man must cast off the residues of the past winter. Only when he is ready will she accept him as her consort and this culminates with the death and rebirth of the Green Man.

The Green Man begins the night in his winter guise, of which he must be stripped before Summer can be brought in. The crucial aspect of the Green Man’s role is his death and subsequent rebirth, which provides the centerpiece of the festival’s ritual. The May Queen, having gathered the many elemental forces around the hill, spins them into a vortex, creating the right conditions for the Green Man’s return. This powerful death and rebirth sequence binds all festival goers together in our hope and desire for renewal. The Green Man then presents himself to his Queen – if he is worthy, she will accept him as her new consort.

The Tech Team builds the fire sculptures and props for the performing groups, preparing everything to be taken to the Hill. In the days immediately before and on the day, they prepare Icenic Hill for the festival. During the event, as well as looking after the safety of the audience and the performers, they make sure that all the performers have the light and toys that they need along with some pyrotechnics. At the end of the festival and on the day after, the Tech Team takes everything down.

The Torchbearers stand between the darkness and the light allowing the audience to see through the veil and witness the festival. Torchbearers are the physical representation of the veil between worlds and are a visual barrier between the audience and the performance.

The Stewards are the friendly human face of the Fire Festival of the Aos Si. They work with the production crew, emergency services and the performance groups to make sure everyone has a safe and joyful Beltane. They are not a performing group but do interact heavily with the audience, telling them about the significance of the celebrations and about some of the things they will see so that they can make the most of their experience.

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Who Are The Aos Si
The Fire Festival of the Aos Si, along with the other major religious holiday festivals, are traditionally held in honor of the Aos Si with the Lady and the Lord being the highest guests of honor and to whom all the rituals and celebrations are dedicated towards. The Aos Si are central to the national religion of Wicca and are, at their core, the physical embodiment of the four elements, those being Air, Earth, Fire and Water with each element being represented by a particular Elemental Lord or Elemental Lady. Air is represented by the Elemental Lady Eolande, Earth is represented by the Elemental Lord Durin, Fire is represented by the Elemental Lord Alesdir and Water is represented by the Elemental Lady Saoirse. As you can see, there is a clear duality and balance between the masculine and the feminine with two elements being assigned to each gender and this reflects the Merilian viewpoint that society should always strive for a balance between the two. During a Beltane ritual, a circle will be cast with the High Priest and High Priestess, the residing religious officials overseeing the ritual or ceremony, calling the quarters. What this boils down to is calling upon each of the four Elemental Lords and Ladies at their assigned cardinal point and asking for them to assign a watcher to a watchtower and provide blessing and goodwill upon the ritual or ceremony. This is a highly formal event that we traditionally do not ask outsiders to participate in as they may not feel comfortable with the entire concept but we will always welcome any who wish to step outside their comfort zone and experience a Wiccan circle casting first hand and to the fullest experience possible.

Spoiler: The Aos Si

EOLANDE
ELEMENTAL LADY OF AIR

[c]

DURIN
ELEMENTAL LORD OF EARTH

[c]

ALESDIR
ELEMENTAL LORD OF FIRE

[c]

SAOIRSE
ELEMENTAL LADY OF WATER

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Wiccan View on the Divine
The Wiccan views of divinity revolve around a Goddess and a Horned God, thus being ontologically dualistic in nature. Ontological dualism is a sacred gender polarity between the complementary polar opposites of male and female, who are regarded as divine lovers. This form of dualism is distinct from moral dualism in that moral dualism posits a supreme force of good and a supreme force of evil. As such, there is no supreme force of evil in Wicca.

The Lord (God) is seen as the masculine form of divinity, and the polar opposite, and equal, to the Goddess. Traditionally he is seen as the Horned God, and associated with nature, wilderness, sexuality, hunting and the life cycle. Many depictions of this deity show him with either horns or antlers upon his head thus emphasizing the union of the divine and the animal, the latter of which includes humanity.

The Lady (Goddess) is seen the feminine form of divinity, and the polar opposite, and equal, to the God. Traditionally she is seen as the Triple Goddess, and associated with various beliefs and views depending on whether the Goddess is viewed as Maiden, Mother or Crone. As The Maiden, the Goddess represents enchantment, inception, expansion, the promise of new beginnings, birth, youth and youthful enthusiasm; as the The Mother, the Goddess represents ripeness, fertility, sexuality, fulfilment, stability, power and life; as The Crone, the Goddess represents wisdom, repose, death and endings.

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The Lady (Goddess)

I am the Lady, worshiped by all creation and existent prior to their consciousness.
I am the primal female force, boundless and eternal. I am the chaste Goddess of the Moon, the Lady of all magic.
The winds and moving leaves sing my name. I wear the crescent Moon upon my brow and my feet rest among the starry heavens.
I am mysteries yet unsolved, a path newly set upon. I am a field untouched by the plow.
Rejoice in me and know the fullness of youth. I am the blessed Mother, the gracious Lady of the harvest.
I am clothed in the deep, cool wonder of the Earth and the gold of the fields heavy with grain.
By me the tides of the Earth are ruled; all things come to fruition according to my season.
I am refuge and healing.
I am the life giving Mother, wondrously fertile.
I am the Crone, tender of the unbroken cycle of death and rebirth.
I am the wheel, the shadow of the Moon.
I rule the tides of the oceans and of women and men.
I give release and renewal to weary souls.
I am the Goddess of the Moon, the Earth, the Seas.
My names are many, yet know that by all names I am the same.
I pour forth insight, peace, wisdom and understanding.
I am the eternal Maiden, Mother of all, and Crone of reckoning, and I send you blessings of limitless love.​

Hear ye the words of the Goddess;
She in the dust of whose feet are the hosts
Of heaven, and whose body encircles the universe

I who am the beauty of the green earth,
The white moon among the stars, and the mystery
Of the waters call unto thy soul;
Arise, and come unto me.

I am the soul of nature who gives life to the universe.
From Me all things proceed, and unto Me all things must return.
Before My face, beloved of gods and of men, let thine
Innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite.

Let My worship be within the heart that rejoices,
For behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.
Therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion,
Honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.

To thou who thinkest to seek Me, know that thy seeking and
Yearning shall avail thee not unless thou knowest the Mystery.
If that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee,
Thou wilt never find it without.

For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning; and
I am that which is attained at the end of desire.​

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The Lord (God)

I am the radiant King of the Heavens, flooding the Earth with warmth and encouraging the hidden seed of creation to burst forth into manifestation.
I lift my shining spear to light the lives of all beings and daily pour forth my golden rays upon the Earth, putting to flight the powers of darkness.
I am the spirit of all beasts wild and free.
I run with the stag and soar as a sacred falcon against the shimmering sky.
The ancient woods and wild places emanate my powers, the birds of the air sing of my sanctity.
I am the harvest, offering up grain and fruits beneath the sickle of time so that all may be nourished.
For without planting there can be no harvest; without winter there can be no spring.
I am the thousand named Son of Creation.
Know that by all names I am the same.
The spirit of the horned stag in the wild, the endless harvest.
See in the yearly cycle of festivals my birth, death and rebirth and know that such is the destiny of all creation.
I am the spark of life, the radiant Sun, the giver of peace and rest.
I send my rays of blessings to warm the hearts and strengthen the minds of all.​

My Law is Harmony with all things.
Mine is the secret that opens the gates of life
And mine is the dish of salt of the Earth,
That is the eternal circle of rebirth.
I give the knowledge of life everlasting,
And beyond death I give the promise of regeneration and renewal.
I am the sacrifice, the father of all things,
And my protection blankets the earth.

Hear the words of the dancing God,
The music of whose laughter stirs the winds,
Whose voice calls the seasons:

I who am the Lord of the Hunt and the Power of the Light,
Sun among the clouds and the secret of the flame,
I call upon your bodies to arise and come unto me.
For I am the flesh of the earth and all it's beings.
Through me all things must die and with me are reborn.
Let my worship be in the body that sings,
For behold all acts of willing sacrifice are my rituals.
Let there be desire and fear, anger and weakness,
Joy and peace, awe and longing within you.
For these too are part of the mysteries found within yourself, within me,
All beginnings have endings, and all endings have beginnings.​

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[Wolfensjäger]

Chairwoman de Lacerda,

Thank you kindly for your cordial invitation to Kalti for Beltane. I hereby tender my wish to attend the festival. In the shadows of the Cogorian conflict, a celebration of new beginnings, freedom, divine at-oneness, and love could not be more poignant. As an armed neutrality, Wolfensjaeger is committed to peace through understanding and compassionate strength. With Beltane fostering romantic unity, may this communal experience also encourage international harmony.

Nation: Wolfensjaeger
Name of Attendees (max of three): President Ziska Josef
Number of Security (max of three): 0
Days Attending: 30.04 - 02.05

With warmest regards,

Ziska Josef
President of the Republic of Wolfensjaeger

 

[abc]

Dear Monica de Lacerda,
The State of ABC is happy to accept his invitation and wishes to attend this cultural event and celebration. It is our hope that the leaders of ABC will learn all about your nation's vibrant culture.

Most sincerely,
Avis Axl - PM of ABC

Nation: ABC
Name of Attendees (max of three): Avis Axl, Highton Isle, Everly Blanche
Number of Security (max of three): 3
Days Attending: April 30th-May 2nd

 

[Nightsong]

To the nation of Wolfensjaeger,

The Aos Si Fire Society welcomes Ziska Josef to the Fire Festival of the Aos Si and we look forward to welcoming them on the 30 April.

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda

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To the nation of ABC,

The Aos Si Fire Society welcomes Avis Axl, Highton Isle and Everly Blanche to the Fire Festival of the Aos Si and we look forward to welcoming them on the 30 April.

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda

 

[abc]

Thank you!

 

[Kanada]

Nation: SAA Kanada
Name of Attendees (max of three): Prime Minister Johann Leonit, Princess Grace Kanad III, Johann Kanad II
Number of Security (max of three): 3 guards
Days Attending: May 1st - May 2nd

 

[Nightsong]

To the nation of SAA Kanada,

The Aos Si Fire Society welcomes Johann Leonit, Grace Kanad III and Johann Kanad II to the Fire Festival of the Aos Si and we look forward to welcoming them on the 30 April.

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda

 

[Nightsong]

(SIGNUPS ARE CLOSED. IF YOU WISH TO STILL PARTICIPATE AND JOIN LATE, PLEASE PM ME HERE ON THE FORUMS OR SEND ME A MESSAGE ON DISCORD. I WILL BE POSTING A WELCOME MESSAGE ADDRESSED TO ALL ATTENDING NATIONS LATER TONIGHT AFTER WHICH YOU CAN RP OUT YOUR ATTENDEES ARRIVING IN KALTI.)

 

[Nightsong]

Mônica sent out a letter addressed to all foreign national representatives attending the festival to welcome them to Kalti and the Fire Festival.

“The Aos Si Fire Festival warmly welcomes you to the Federation of Kalti and the 2017 Fire Festival that will be hosted on Icenic Hill. The weather during the festival should be hovering around the low-70s/mid-60s during the day and dropping down to mid-50s/low-50s at night. Accommodations have been arranged by the Kaltian Tourism Office at the Caer Regency Resort and Spa. The top floor of the hotel has been reserved specifically for foreign nationals attending the festival and access to the floor has been restricted to the room cards for that floor to add an additional level of security and privacy. Furthermore, the hotel has passes for everyone should you wish to utilize the spa or fitness room while you are here. Lastly, private vehicles, the Viriatus Model X SUV, will be on hand for your use and convenience throughout the festival and will be picking you up from the airport on arrival. Each foreign nation and their attendees has been assigned a chauffeur and a car and the details of this can be found below. Should you have any further questions or concerns, you may bring them to the attention of your chauffeur who has a direct line to both myself as well as Prime Minister Nightsong and Prime Minister Holbach."

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• Flakeyland: Atílio
• Goyanes: Mateus
• Andrenne: Marcos
• Sil Dorsett: António
• Lebanoro: Benjamin
• Syrixia: Gustavo
• Xentherida: Rafael
• Equitiar: Pedro
• Wolfensjaeger: Éric
• ABC: Silvio
• SAA Kanada: Raul
• Ceretis: Júlio
• Ninhundland: Anibal

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(OOC: Feel free to write out a short little blurb of my nations driver greeting you on arrival and if you are unsure what to write, you may ask me via Forum PM or Discord DM.)

(For those participating, feel free to post about your nations attendees arriving in Kalti.)

 

[Sil Dorsett]

"Are you sure you're alright?"

Sariah had been worried about Claidie's health throughout the entire trip, with the princess only being a day removed from a major accident that her sister downplayed on Fluttr. The princess was clearly still in pain and struggling to move around. The palace medical staff had recommended she stay home, but to her, that was no option. The Merilian League had been supportive of her efforts to accommodate the refugees of a nearby war, and skipping such as a major cultural event was inexcusable in her mind. Her thoughts instead centered around whether she should have skipped the race in Westton to ensure her well-being for Beltane.

The party met up with their driver, António, to head off to the Caer resort. Claidie asked António if it was alright to drive herself and give the chauffeur a break.

António looked over at Claidie with bemusement. "Many people not from the League aren't comfortable with driving fully electric vehicles, but if you wish to drive from here to the hotel, I will allow it on the grounds that I drive you around for the remainder of your stay here in Kalti."

However, Claidie's doctor, Élisa, would have none of it. "Miss Dorsett, you're not driving. Please let him handle driving responsibilities for the entire trip. You're clearly still in pain from that crash and I don't want you to start feeling worse by pushing yourself when you really should be resting," Élisa said, admonishing the dauntless princess, much to Claidie's dismay.

"Oh? What happened, if you don't mind me asking?" António asked.

"Racing incident. I lost control and slammed into a tyre barrier," Claidie explained.

"At thirteen Gs," Sariah added.

Hearing Élisa's objection and the reasoning behind it, António recommended another option for the princess. "Might I recommend that when we get to the hotel that you ask the concierge about our local Merilian Massage? It is designed for sports enthusiasts and incorporates various yoga positions to help relieve muscle tension and restore range of motion from tense or sore muscles. The hotel also offers a Stone Massage which utilizes heated stones to help tension and sore muscles if you aren't feeling up to doing yoga."

"That might not be a bad idea. Anything at this point..." Claidie replied.

And thus the party headed off Caer, where they would have a much needed night of rest before the next day's festivities, as well as a much-needed treatment for Claidie's pain.

 

[Kanada]

Johann Leonit, soon-to-be-prime-minister-AGAIN, was talking to Grace III as they sat down in their airplane seats. Johann Kanad, Grace's cousin, sat across the isle. Leonit scratched his neck when he brought up the topic of the last Queen to Grace, her mother. She had died only a few days before the trip, heavily dampening Grace's mood.
"Hey, I know your mom d-"
Grace glared at him, and he understood it as his que to stop. He was intimidated by a girl half a foot shorter and ten years younger than himself.
"I don't want to talk about that. I just want to go to Kalti and relax for a bit, okay?" She asks. He nods and pics up a nearby magazine for the flight. He sighed as he opened the front, "Understood, Gracie."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The plane decended after a long flight. Grace, who was sleeping, was woke by her cousin, who kept throwing paper airplanes at her. She grumbled and threw one back at him before she yawned and stretched out her body. She waited as the plane hit the ground and once it stopped, she rose from her seat. She walked sleepily down the stairs to the ground, wearing just a t-shirt and sweatpants. She and her two accomplices walked towards their chauffeur. He smiled at Grace, ""My condolences, Princess Grace, on the passing of your mother. If there is anything at all you need that would make your stay here more enjoyable, you need but ask myself or any of the staff at the hotel." She smiled back, "It's fine, thanks." She stepped into the car.

 

[Nightsong]

[LATE SIGNUP]

Nation: Kingdom Republic of Ceretis
Name of Attendees (max of three): Tsarina Maggie Callahan, Owen Callahan, Morgan Callahan
Number of Security (max of three): 3
Days Attending: 3 / All

---

To the nation of Ceretis,

The Aos Si Fire Society welcomes Maggie Callahan, Owen Callahan and Morgan Callahan to the Fire Festival of the Aos Si and we look forward to welcoming them on the 30 April. You have also been assigned Júlio who will be picking you up from the airport on your arrival and will be your personal chauffeur around Caerleon for the length of your stay.

Regards,
Mônica de Lacerda

 

[Wolfensjäger]

President Josef hurried through Terminal 1 of Caerleon's airport, adjusting the Erbsenmuster camo duffel bag slung across her back. The place was colossal, though given the sheer amount of tourist traffic that the Merilian League received, it wasn't at all surprising. Unlike most airport terminals on Eras, the ones in Kalti were far from plain; on the contrary, this one was an architectural masterpiece with gold-flecked marble tiles, elaborate and gilded spiral columns, and a modern blend of sleek polished metal and colored glass. The atmosphere was quite different too. Elsewhere, Ziska had noticed a relatively common trend where passengers mostly walked with their heads down, as though moving into a ferocious wind, and carried their luggage as if they were the burdens of the damned. Here, there seemed no hint of lethargy, and actually the presence of a proverbial spring in one's step.

Still, the jet lag won't be fun, she thought as she tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn. She exited the concourse through an automatic dilating door. A cool breeze punctuated the warm evening air as she scanned the seemingly never-ending row of vehicles waiting outside the airport for new arrivals. A distinguished-looking gentleman waved in her periphery, standing next to an elegant white SUV with Wolfensjaeger's flag temporarily emblazoned on the falcon wing doors. As she approached, he clicked open the door with a flourish.

"Welcome to Kalti, President Josef," he said with a warm smile and Kaltian brogue that Ziska had always found charming. "My name is Éric, and I'll be your chauffeur during your stay. May I help you with your luggage?"

"Nice to meet you, Éric," she replied, extending her hand. She shook in true Wolfensjäger fashion: one quick grab, vertical jerk, and release, with a firm squeeze in the middle. "And no, thank you."

"Very well."

Ziska tossed her bag into the middle row and slid onto the premium leather seat. Éric let the door down and raced around into the driver's seat. After checking for traffic, he pulled out from in front of the concourse and sped off—though unfortunately not at ludicrous speed.

"So you actually took a commercial flight?" he asked.

"We don't have a dedicated transport for government officials, so I use either military craft or a Luftmarck liner."

"Must've been interesting for the passengers, having a nation's leader with them, I mean."

"I think the novelty's worn out for most Wolfensjäger, but outlanders find it brilliantly peculiar. It's positive, for the most part."

"I was also surprised when Prime Minister Nightsong informed me you wouldn't have a security apparatus."

"Oh… we can handle ourselves," Ziska said, reminded of the familiar weight of the standard-issue pistol she always carried concealed at her hip. "And I hardly think we shall need any on this occasion. We would say politician security is a waste of money and, yes, we're crazy."

Éric chuckled and shook his head. "If you say so. Any plans for tonight?"

She briefly pressed the heels of her palms into her eyes. "Probably just have a drink and go to bed."

"If you like hard liquor, might I suggest some of our Cileni whiskey?"

"I've heard good things. What's it like?"

"A blended Kaltian whiskey aged in bourbon casks. It has a creamy nose with notes of soft spice and mellow, spun sugar. Just a hint of woody vanilla."

"I may well just try it."

"A word of caution: it creeps up on you very quickly, and has been known to dispatch even the biggest guys straight."

Ziska smiled. "I'm sure I'll be fine. Wolfensjaeger labels some of its alcohol with an octane rating."

Éric laughed heartily, and slowed as he pulled the SUV around the impressive stone fountain to the front of the Caer Regency Resort and Spa. The doors raise with the touch of a button. "As you know, check in at the front desk and the concierge will tell you everything you never wanted to know."

Ziska smiled wider as she looped an arm around the duffel's para-aramid strap. "Thank you, Éric. You can take the rest of the night off."

"Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow, then. Maybe…"

"I'm sure. Have a great night."

"And you have a better one."

Ziska pivoted out of the car and entered the Caer.

 

[Ceretis]

<<75,000 feet above the ocean en route to Kalti>>​

The co-pilot began preparing the aircraft for decent as the pilot was finishing talking with Caerleon International's tower. He signaled the cabin crew to get everything set on their end and get everyone back into their seats.

Morgan had been lounging on one of the couches reading when she saw the crew getting everything put away. She knew she'd have to crawl out from under the warm blanket she was wrapped in soon. Sure enough one of them spotted her "Morgan, we'll be landing soon, you'll have to head back to your seat." With a slight sigh she agreed but only feigned compliance. She knew that she could get a couple more minutes before they'd be back, and she wanted to finish the chapter. Hurriedly she read the last couple pages when suddenly her book was snatched from her hands. "Who... what... OWEN!" She could see her brother walking off with her book down the hallway. "To your seat 'M'"
Finding her book sitting on her seat she buckled in and looked out the window. All she could see was the vast ocean below whipping past. Pulling up their flight information she could see they were nearly at the Kaltian shores. The tone of the engines changed as their speed dropped steadily from cruising, 2,300 mph, 2,200, 2,100....

...

Júlio sat on the nose of the car drinking his tea and reading the newspaper waiting for the jet to finish taxiing to the hangar, it'd still be a couple minutes he thought as he paged to the business section. As the guards exited the aircraft he knew the royal family wouldn't be far behind. Tossing the rest of the tea in his cup he capped up his thermos, folded his paper and stowed them in the trunk. Popping a couple breath mints he straightened his suit just in time to greet everyone. "Good morning! My name is Júlio, I'll be your driver." With a pleasant smile Tsarina Maggie returned the greeting "Good to meet you Júlio, I hope we haven't made you wait too long."

Moments later they were off to the hotel where all the dignitaries would be staying. On the way Júlio pointed out locations of interest and chatted with the family. As usual the press had gathered at the hotel to report on the Who's who arriving. Turning to Owen and Morgan in the back Maggie reminded them "Ps and Qs." Reaching into her handbag she pulled out a small box with a custom lapel pin inside. "A token of our thanks for assisting us on our stay here." With that they existed the vehicle to the clamor of the media.

 

[Goyanes]

Norberg spoke to one of his aides on the airplane. He was sitting across from him.

"Eh, Goyanes is without two of its most important figureheads at the moment. But it's ok. I heard they had some good spanner at Beltane anyways. It'll probably take my mind off of it."

"Sir, you shouldn't be too intoxicated on this trip. You still are the Goyanean head of government." replied the aide.

"For the last time, Feinberg, they told me there won't be any press there."

The captain clicked on the seatbelt sign, and he went back to the seat next to his wife. Madison was visibly high already. Her friend, a native Kaltian, had given her a jar full of spanner for her birthday. Jon looked at her. She was gazing out to the deep blue ocean below her. The flight probably felt like ages for her.

The coastal towns of Kalti came into view now. They were almost arriving.

The plane landed smoothly at the airport. Norberg had to walk his wife off the plane.

---

Spanner is the native Gojan word for Marijuana

 

[Nightsong]

With foreign nationals arriving for the festival and having them all stay at the Caer Regency Resort and Spa was making Senhora Sarrat’s job much easier. While Kari currently carried the title of President of the Kaltian Federation for the 2017 Political Year, she was at heart the Kaltian Councilor of Culture and Tourism. She had always loved visiting foreign countries and seeing their culture and how it differed from her home country and was ecstatic when she was elected to her current Council position. Now she had the opportunity to show off a local custom of the Merilian League and one that not many people were familiar with.

Since this festival was being hosted in Caerleon and not Sindri, her hometown, Kari decided to take some much needed vacation time. Of her two personal vehicles, she decided to go for the Ilvata Asterion, her new hybrid sports car and one that she hadn’t had many opportunities to drive. Once she was out of the Sindri city limits, she was thankful that it was a straight shot to Caerleon on the KR1, one of the main highways of the country that had no federally mandated speed limit except near urban areas, accident prone areas and areas under construction. The Asterion had a total of 900 horsepower between its engine and its electric motors and a top speed of 320kph which got Kari to Caerleon in no time and once she arrived at the hotel, she valeted her car and then headed inside to the Ironwood Bar to grab a drink and greet any foreign leaders that were around at the hotel.

 

[Kanada]

Grace walks down from her hotel with a single guard, who she jokes with on the way. As she walked, she pulled down the hood on her hoodie and put her hair in a loose ponytail. Before she went into the bar, she looked around. Kalti truly was a beautiful place. She goes to the Ironwood Bar and sees Kari, she walks over and sits next to her. "Hey, bartend, I'll have a Pale Moon. Hi, Kari." She says to her, smiling.

 

[Nightsong]

Kari was sitting at the bar drinking some Cileni on the rocks and chatting with the locals who were staying at the hotel for the festival when she saw Princess Grace III from SAA Kanada walk into the bar with one of her guards. Noticing that Grace was heading over to the bar, Kari broke off her conversation with the locals and turned to greet the princess.

"Hello Grace, welcome to Kalti. I do wish your visit was under more happy circumstances and I'm truly sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, Queen Grace II. It is a sad day for all nations that such a shining leader has passed on but I'm sure you will more than live up to your mothers example and leadership. Know that you have the full backing of the League's government and we are more than willing to help with aid or relief following the riots and protests that have broken out in your nation. And tomorrow night at the festival, I have talked with Prime Minister Nightsong and Senhora de Lacerda and they have both agreed to incorporate a poem about your mother's passing and a moment of silence into the start of the festival if you are so inclined. Though if you aren't feeling up to that, I can have them pull the whole thing."

 

[Kanada]

Grace smiled as she took a sip of her drink, "That'd be great, thanks. Also, no need to be so formal. We're supposed to be at a festival, right?" She chuckled, and stretched out a little. "After my mom's passing, I think I need a little time to relax and celebrate the good she did in her life."

 

[Nightsong]

"Sim, I should be on vacation and relaxing but I just came from my office and formality is the norm there. Kind of hard to get out of that mindset for the rest of the day though this whiskey is helping quite a bit with getting into the vacation mode. Anyways, we have you all set up here at the Resort and the concierge should have handed you a pass when you checked in. It will cover all the expenses for anything you might need to pay for at the fitness center and will cover any massage at the spa. So you should find plenty here at the hotel to help you relax before the festival begins tomorrow night and there is quite a lot of nightlife out and around Old Town Caerleon which is just down the street from here."

 

[Sil Dorsett]

The Dorsettian delegation settled into their rooms, but Claidie felt the need to explore the resort. Convincing Élisa she would be fine, she walked around on her own, gingerly, and eventually making her way to the Ironwood Bar. There, she recognized a pair of prominent faces, Senhora Kari Sarrat, and Princess Grace III conversing with her. Ignorance of who world leaders were would not be an issue for the young princess this time.

Taking her time, she walked up and sat at the bar, ordering a Costeiro Kaltic Pale Ale, allowing for Kari and Grace to finish their conversation.

At the moment she felt the time was right, she jumped in, introducing herself and offering her condolences to Grace. "Senhora Sarrat... Your Highness... pleasure to meet the two of you. I'm Claidie Dorsett," Claidie said, her hand extended to shake those of Kari and Grace.

Addressing Grace, she offered words of solidarity and sympathy. "Your Majesty, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I know the feeling, losing a parent and being thrust into the spotlight as monarch. My father passed away less than a year ago, placing me in the same scenario. If you need anyone to talk to, please feel free to reach out to me."

Turning slightly towards Kari, Claidie seemed more joyful. "Senhora Sarrat, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. How are you?"

 

[Nightsong]

Kari finished off her drink and ordered another Cileni on the rocks from the bartender before turning to address Claidie.

"Ah Claidie, Your Highness, it's so good to see you. I hope the humanitarian aid from the Merilian League was more than enough to help your people deal with the refugee crisis that spilled over from Scallendovia due to the Crown Conflict. Anyways, it is good to see you up and about following your crash at the race. Now I know your doctor's are probably going to hate me for saying this but I had the opportunity to drive my Ilvata Asterion over from Sindri. It's an absolute pleasure to drive on the Kaltian Rodovia when there is little to no traffic and you can really open up on the gas and experience the thrill of 900 hp and a 0 to 60 time of around three seconds. Should you want to go for a ride in it or drive it yourself, I can always have the valet bring the car around."

 

[Kanada]

A message beeped on Grace's phone, she slipped it out and checked it. She typed a quick text and put back her phone.
"A car like that sounds awesome, not that I know much about cars." She took another sip of her drink, and turns Claidie, "Thank you, your highness. I will." Grace sighed, "It feels like a mess of a nation has been shoved towards me. It's a real fixer upper."

 

[Wolfensjäger]

After checking in and dropping off her bag in her suite, Ziska resisted the urge just to collapse in the all-too-inviting bed. Éric had piqued her interest in trying Cileni, and the concierge had directed her to the Ironwood Bar. The accommodations were stellar, with plush "sculptured" (if that was the correct term) carpeting. She oriented herself as she entered the modish lounge, automatically noting the exits and patrons. The dim recessed lighting provided an elegant, though cozy, atmosphere. Ziska took a seat at the bar not too far from the apparent ladies' club of world leaders so as not to interrupt, eyeing the backlit rainbow of alcohol as the barkeep came over.

"And what would you prefer, ma'am?" he asked. He was tall with dark green eyes, a lefty, maybe 98 kilos, and knew how to handle himself.

And likely whatever weapon he has stashed under the counter…

"I'd like to try a shot of Cileni."

"If you think you can handle it."

Ziska grinned. "We'll see."

He returned momentarily with a glass of the amber liquid. She downed it, letting it settle on her tongue first. It was exceedingly smooth, on the sweeter side than dry or bitter, but well-balanced in flavor. Then came the heat, rising from her stomach, into her throat, and flushing her cheeks. She inadvertently exhaled sharply—not a cough, but the alcohol content was palpable.

The bartender chuckled. "Not too bad, huh?"

Ziska nodded. "Fantastic, though it'd be even better chilled. I'll have a few fingers of that on the rocks, please."

"You got it." He poured the drink and set it down on a stone coaster. "Be careful with that."

"I'll try," she said, taking a sip and making a mental note to purchase some on the market.

 

[Goyanes]

On arrival at the hotel room, Madison told Jon she would be staying in the room for the night. She was far too high to be around without stirring some sort of trouble.

Norberg got in the elevator, and went down to the Ironwood Bar. He looked at the shelves behind the bartender, and did not see a single bottle of Jaktmester.

He walked out onto the driveway. Mateus hadn't left yet. He signaled to him, and the side gullwing door opened. "Old Town Beer, Wine and Liquor" he said. It was the local foreign liquor shop.

Upon entry to the store, Norberg laid his eyes on the shelf full of Jaktmester. He grabbed about five bottles.

He returned to the hotel, the bag of Jaktmester in hand. He walked into the Ironwood Bar, laying the bag full of alcohol on the table.

"You guys need some of this here". Norberg said to the Bartender.

The bartender took out a shot glass, and Norberg poured himself some of his favorite alcohol. He downed several shots before proceeding to a table to order bar food.