Year of Souls

A tumultuous year finally comes to a close. From reshaped lands to new political dynasties, there is no doubt that the past year has wrought many changes upon Alva. Now, the Year of Souls ushers in a new era - one of volatile fate and fortune, where anything might be possible in this new world. 

For the first time in Alva's history, Starfall Night is observed without its namesake stars. Under aurora-streaked skies, people feast, sing and hold vigils until the last hours of the year. Resolutions and confessions are written and burned, and wishes are made upon the floating embers. In what may be the start of a new tradition, many also recreate the stars in some way - be it through paper lanterns, hanging ornaments, or spangled novelty hats. 

The turn of the new year is greeted with cheer, celebrations and overflowing drinks. Remembrance and regrets are left behind as everyone looks forward now, into a future they hope will be filled with peace and opportunity. 

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Below are some specific New Year's traditions celebrated by certain cities:

Delverne

In Delverne, the custom is to fast on the last day of the year - dedicating this time to prayer and purification of the soul - and then to break that fast at the sun's peak on new year's day. The time of awakening is marked by a long cascade of bell song from each cathedral, an extravagent bell-ringing event that many would travel to witness. This year it's the Red Tower that heralds their awakening, and the first fruits of their underground crops that make up their feast.

Belport

Belporters congregrate on the docks near midnight, wearing veils to remember those who aren't here to greet the new year with them. As the old year ends, so does the solemnity, and a city-wide street party begins: the veils are thrown into the air or the sea, musicians bring out their instruments and fireworks light up the sky. Glowing, star-shaped candies are handed out on every corner, filling the first hour of the year with sweetness.

Valsk

In Valsk, the great halls bustle with good food and merriment. This year, the halls are canopied with heavy blue woollen drapes, sewn with glittering gold thread, glass beads and polished coins. These mock stars twinkle over the revellers in the radiant hearth light. When the night draws to an end, attendees are given a small package of bread, firewood and mead so that the first-foot bears gifts and good fortune for the rest of the year.

Koben

In Koben, the new year means new clothes to manifest prosperity. Many save their best new outfit to be worn first on new year's day - and that means it's time to go out and be seen in their new threads. Parks are full, theatres run from morning to night, and the streets become a display of the best that life has to offer - whether that's the opulence of the rich, the adventurous tastes of the youth, or simply nice little adornments that bring joy.

Iadlain

Like most of their celebrations, Iadlain marks the new year with a multitude of rituals and superstitions. Buildings are cleaned thoroughly beforehand, sprigs of apple and yew are hung from rafters, and bread is banged against walls to drive off bad luck. At midnight, households open all their doors, set extra plates for 'unseen guests' and enjoy a hearty meal together, before dark-haired residents get to work paying first-foot visits to their neighbours.

Estraude

In Estraude, Starfall is presided over by Mareus, where change is at the forefront of the celebration. The days before are dedicated to cleaning and washing, and when Starfall finally arrives, the river banks and boats come alive with food, music and dance. In the city, fish lanterns and iridescent streamers fill the rainforest canopy, and the clear river waters cleanse the city through gleeful water fights.