as above, so below...

As the Pyre of the North leaves a smoldering path behind in its mindless rampage, the skies over Ivras have slowly shifted, revealing brilliant hues and glittering stars that fill the sky with celestial flames to mirror the fires below.

So what’s the explanation for this strange phenomenon?

In a combined effort, researchers from the university of Faline, together with the astronomy department of Namarast, have recently presented a ground-breaking discovery: a stellar marvel, something that has not been visible for over two millennia. The research draws from both empirical observation as well as poring over old texts and more recent works (though anyone mentioning hotly-debated scholar Keita Archijd's Corruption Echo Theory has been quickly hushed by their superiors…).

In the harshest part of winter, there is a stillness and chill to the night air, and as luck has it, this is the best time of the year for stargazing and to observe this spectacle of the night sky.

the skies reveal a well-kept secret

Mages and scholars have long suspected, and now confirmed, this momentous cosmic event: stars and planets align, the stellar curtain is drawn aside, showing the night sky as a rich tapestry of colours and constellations: beast and monsters out of deep time, fateful events and old history, written in stars and cosmic dust.

These nights are meant for stargazing, telling stories, and singing of songs; a time to reminisce of glorious battles, past horrors, and imagine monsters and times long, long before.

No matter where you are in Ivras, it is clear that the people are out to observe the night sky. Many smaller towns and villages see an uptick in visitors, especially those in strategic locations, with uninterrupted views of the night sky. Trade is flourishing and commemorative events are held in many places.

📚 Event prompts

All this has created a newly emerging enthusiasm for astronomy all over Ivras; both scholars and amateur stargazers eagerly turn their attention to the constellations and phenomena of the sky.

Storytellers and entertainers have been quick to jump on the opportunity, spinning new tales and legends; others view it as a somber occasion, a time for remembrance and recalling the past.

Strangely enough, even though the Pyre still smolders in the north, the event has made many people view mages in a new, somewhat more positive light. Whether it is a temporary reprieve or not remains to be seen…

📖 story prompts

This event, we have three different prompts for players to explore. One of them is a story prompt, the other two are open-ended (but still gives rewards!) Of course, you are welcome to write or draw for the event even without the prompts.

For a story prompt, we've got A Witchfinder Waltz; for the open prompts we have Nightlights and Join the Chorus!

🌌 collaborative prompts

Earn double gold with these collab/roleplay prompts:

• What does your character enjoy the most? Watching the drama of the skies, being delighted by the entertainers, or cozying up to a warm fire in the cold? And who would they bring along to share the experience with?
• Character may have differing opinions about this celestial event. Is it simply a natural phenomena to marvel at, or does it foretell something? Your characters may have an argument or a friendly debate.

If you have any questions about the event, feel free to comment on this bulletin, or in the ask-staff channel on Discord!