Elanthian Holidays/Vernal Holidays - Revision history

GS4-VANAH: /* Night of the Luminous Rose (Arathsela) */

2025-06-07T00:02:11Z

Night of the Luminous Rose (Arathsela)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:02, 6 June 2025
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	:'''Who celebrates it:''' Nalfein Elves		:'''Who celebrates it:''' Nalfein Elves
	:'''Where is is celebrated:''' Ta'Nalfein		:'''Where is is celebrated:''' Ta'Nalfein
	:'''A short description of the holiday:''' The Nalfein tradition of arathsela, or Night of the Luminous Rose, signals the end of the summer and winter seasons, bolstering the last-minute income as tourists flood in to witness the celebration. A variety of activities culminate in the releasing of the ~~<nowiki>~~[[Arathsela lantern\|lanterns]]~~</nowiki>~~. These elaborate lanterns, painted in vivid colors and representing diverse subjects, are purchased from the night markets, and lit at the setting of the sun, when they are released across the piers, ships, and paddle boats filling the bay. Many poets have written verbose words regarding the release of the lanterns, referring to them as trailing constellations and even fireflies illuminating the amethyst-orange colors of the sky.		:'''A short description of the holiday:''' The Nalfein tradition of arathsela, or Night of the Luminous Rose, signals the end of the summer and winter seasons, bolstering the last-minute income as tourists flood in to witness the celebration. A variety of activities culminate in the releasing of the [[Arathsela lantern\|lanterns]]. These elaborate lanterns, painted in vivid colors and representing diverse subjects, are purchased from the night markets, and lit at the setting of the sun, when they are released across the piers, ships, and paddle boats filling the bay. Many poets have written verbose words regarding the release of the lanterns, referring to them as trailing constellations and even fireflies illuminating the amethyst-orange colors of the sky.

	:In the rainy vernal season, many participants choose to bring their own lanterns and candles, as a particular stormy arathsela festival halted the release of the delicate paper lanterns. Young children often gather around the lanterns as they observe the constellations, while songsmiths and storytellers wax poetic about the tales of the heavenly bodies. Bottles of moonflower-crafted liqueurs and other floral-themed treats are often sold along the promenade, the market stalls engulfed in flourishing naefira.		:In the rainy vernal season, many participants choose to bring their own lanterns and candles, as a particular stormy arathsela festival halted the release of the delicate paper lanterns. Young children often gather around the lanterns as they observe the constellations, while songsmiths and storytellers wax poetic about the tales of the heavenly bodies. Bottles of moonflower-crafted liqueurs and other floral-themed treats are often sold along the promenade, the market stalls engulfed in flourishing naefira.

GS4-VANAH: /* Night of the Luminous Rose (Arathsela) */

2025-06-07T00:01:46Z

Night of the Luminous Rose (Arathsela)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:01, 6 June 2025
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	:'''Who celebrates it:''' Nalfein Elves		:'''Who celebrates it:''' Nalfein Elves
	:'''Where is is celebrated:''' Ta'Nalfein		:'''Where is is celebrated:''' Ta'Nalfein
	:'''A short description of the holiday:''' The Nalfein tradition of arathsela, or Night of the Luminous Rose, signals the end of the summer and winter seasons, bolstering the last-minute income as tourists flood in to witness the celebration. A variety of activities culminate in the releasing of the lanterns. These elaborate lanterns, painted in vivid colors and representing diverse subjects, are purchased from the night markets, and lit at the setting of the sun, when they are released across the piers, ships, and paddle boats filling the bay. Many poets have written verbose words regarding the release of the lanterns, referring to them as trailing constellations and even fireflies illuminating the amethyst-orange colors of the sky.		:'''A short description of the holiday:''' The Nalfein tradition of arathsela, or Night of the Luminous Rose, signals the end of the summer and winter seasons, bolstering the last-minute income as tourists flood in to witness the celebration. A variety of activities culminate in the releasing of the <nowiki>[[Arathsela lantern\|lanterns]]</nowiki>. These elaborate lanterns, painted in vivid colors and representing diverse subjects, are purchased from the night markets, and lit at the setting of the sun, when they are released across the piers, ships, and paddle boats filling the bay. Many poets have written verbose words regarding the release of the lanterns, referring to them as trailing constellations and even fireflies illuminating the amethyst-orange colors of the sky.

	:In the rainy vernal season, many participants choose to bring their own lanterns and candles, as a particular stormy arathsela festival halted the release of the delicate paper lanterns. Young children often gather around the lanterns as they observe the constellations, while songsmiths and storytellers wax poetic about the tales of the heavenly bodies. Bottles of moonflower-crafted liqueurs and other floral-themed treats are often sold along the promenade, the market stalls engulfed in flourishing naefira.		:In the rainy vernal season, many participants choose to bring their own lanterns and candles, as a particular stormy arathsela festival halted the release of the delicate paper lanterns. Young children often gather around the lanterns as they observe the constellations, while songsmiths and storytellers wax poetic about the tales of the heavenly bodies. Bottles of moonflower-crafted liqueurs and other floral-themed treats are often sold along the promenade, the market stalls engulfed in flourishing naefira.

GS4-ITZEL: /* Dra'Elstin */

2025-05-08T07:41:58Z

Dra'Elstin

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:41, 8 May 2025
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	=== Dra'Elstin ===		=== Dra'Elstin ===
	:'''Name of Holiday/Celebration:''' Dra'Elstin		:'''Name of Holiday/Celebration:''' [[Dra'Elstin]]
	:'''Date of Holiday/Celebration:''' Spring, usually in Ivastaen		:'''Date of Holiday/Celebration:''' Spring, usually in Ivastaen
	:'''Who celebrates it:''' All non-city dwelling sylvankind		:'''Who celebrates it:''' All non-city dwelling sylvankind

GS4-ITZEL: /* Ivastaen */

2025-05-08T07:41:20Z

Ivastaen

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:41, 8 May 2025
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	:Children are encouraged to participate in a less violent fashion by donning a replica of the stoutfoot's short, blunt horns and attempting to ram into tart-shaped pinatas, though many opt to traditionally down a pinata with a stick painted in candy colors.		:Children are encouraged to participate in a less violent fashion by donning a replica of the stoutfoot's short, blunt horns and attempting to ram into tart-shaped pinatas, though many opt to traditionally down a pinata with a stick painted in candy colors.

			=== Dra'Elstin ===
			:'''Name of Holiday/Celebration:''' Dra'Elstin
			:'''Date of Holiday/Celebration:''' Spring, usually in Ivastaen
			:'''Who celebrates it:''' All non-city dwelling sylvankind
			:'''Where it is celebrated:''' Throughout the woods and forests of Elanthia
			:'''A short description of the holiday:''' The Dra'Elstin is no simple festival -- it is a wild, otherworldly convergence where the sylvankind abandon the constraints of ordinary existence and meet the raw pulse of the just waking natural world. Held on no specific day, but typically occurring during Ivastaen, the Dra'Elstin begins when the forest breathes out its first true sigh of life. The celebration is less a structured event and more a living ritual, shifting unpredictably based on participants and their relationship with nature.

	=== Celebration of Ataelel ===		=== Celebration of Ataelel ===
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	: '''Who Celebrates:''' Citizenry of Riverwood		: '''Who Celebrates:''' Citizenry of Riverwood
	: '''Where is it celebrated:''' Barony of Riverwood in the Turamzzyrian Empire		: '''Where is it celebrated:''' Barony of Riverwood in the Turamzzyrian Empire
	: '''A short description of the holiday:''' As well as the [[Arkati]], citizens of Riverwood often practice rites to honor [[Jes'Tamaline]], a local spirit of the many rivers of Riverwood. If Jes'Tamaline is dishonored, it is said that the trees will bear no fruit, that deer will hear a hunter's footsteps from seven miles away, and that all the fish rivers will dry to dust with all their fish transformed to stone. Jes'Tamaline is honored on the last day of [[Ivastaen]] by singing songs in her honor, dancing through the woods, and garlanding people and trees with flowers.		: '''A short description of the holiday:''' As well as the [[Arkati]], citizens of Riverwood often practice rites to honor [[Jes'Tamaline]], a local spirit of the many rivers of Riverwood. If Jes'Tamaline is dishonored, it is said that the trees will bear no fruit, that deer will hear a hunter's footsteps from seven miles away, and that all the fish rivers will dry to dust with all their fish transformed to stone. Jes'Tamaline is honored on the last day of [[Ivastaen]] by singing songs in her honor, dancing through the woods, and garlanding people and trees with flowers.

	== Lumnea ==		== Lumnea ==

GS4-THANDIWE: /* The Battle of Winter and Summer */

2025-03-04T03:16:34Z

The Battle of Winter and Summer

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:16, 3 March 2025
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	:* Evashir: Evashir, especially those in farming or gardening societies may have specific rites and celebrations around this day, and it is a common day for a town-wide celebration focused on market trades of fresh flowers and vegetables.		:* Evashir: Evashir, especially those in farming or gardening societies may have specific rites and celebrations around this day, and it is a common day for a town-wide celebration focused on market trades of fresh flowers and vegetables.
	:* Aelotoi: The aelotoi commonly refer to this day as Yllira Bre'Flyr or Wind of the Flowers in common, as it is customary for many of the petals from blooming flora to be swept by the winds into the air, causing them to swirl about. Celebrations are simple, often in the form of picnics in general gathering areas with vegetarian fare featuring a floral base.		:* Aelotoi: The aelotoi commonly refer to this day as Yllira Bre'Flyr or Wind of the Flowers in common, as it is customary for many of the petals from blooming flora to be swept by the winds into the air, causing them to swirl about. Celebrations are simple, often in the form of picnics in general gathering areas with vegetarian fare featuring a floral base.

			=== Kuon's Bloom ===
			:'''Name of Holiday/Celebration''': Kuon's Bloom
			:'''Date of Holiday/Celebration''': Ivastaen First
			:'''Who celebrates it:''' Ornathians
			:'''Where is it celebrated:''' Isle of Ornath

			: For those who wish to honor Kuon in a more gentle, yearly observance, Kuon's Bloom is a spring festival marking the first blossoming of wildflowers and herbs. On this day, healers, herbalists, and farmers leave their first harvest of herbs upon temple steps or at the edges of forests, offering them back to nature in Kuon's name. Children gather wildflowers and weave them into crowns and garlands, which they place upon shrines and doorways, or even offer as gifts to those who have dedicated their lives to healing and growth. In the evening, a quiet moment of thanks is held in homes, fields, and gardens; each person reflecting on the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and the simple gift of being able to nurture something small into something great. Kuon's Bloom is a time of gentle renewal, an echo of the greater Vigil, but one meant to be carried out with joy and gratitude, rather than sorrow and toil.

	=== The Battle of Winter and Summer ===		=== The Battle of Winter and Summer ===

GS4-THANDIWE: /* Dawn of the First Blossom */

2025-03-04T03:15:10Z

Dawn of the First Blossom

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:15, 3 March 2025
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	:In this unexpected convergence of chaos and charity, the Day of Zelia's Warning emerges not only as a day of remembrance but also as a beacon of hope and solidarity for all who call Elanthia home.		:In this unexpected convergence of chaos and charity, the Day of Zelia's Warning emerges not only as a day of remembrance but also as a beacon of hope and solidarity for all who call Elanthia home.

			=== Bericsaba Market ===
			: '''Name of the Holiday/Celebration:''' Bericsaba Market
			: '''Date of the Holiday/Celebration:''' First Full Weekend of Olaesta
			: '''Who Celebrates:''' Ornathians
			: '''Where is it celebrated:''' Sleeping Drake Harbor

			: On the first weekend of Olaesta, the harbor market of Ornath, closed for much of the year, throws open its gates for a highly anticipated annual event. Farmers, poulterers, shepherds, and artisans from across the island descend upon the bustling square, eager to hawk their wares, test their skills, and stake their claim in the island’s most prestigious culinary and craft competitions. For one weekend, the market is a whirlwind of voices calling out their goods, the scent of grilled fish and sweet preserves thick in the air, and the clatter of craftsmen setting up displays of finely woven textiles, carved driftwood trinkets, and freshly fired pottery.

			: While trade thrives, it is the competitions that draw the largest crowds, each category a test of skill and island tradition. Culinary rivalries play out over the best island preserves, where jams, marmalades, and chutneys are judged not just on flavor but on their richness, balance, and longevity. Fish dishes range from simple grilled fare with crisp citrus glazes to elaborate spiced roasts, each entry an attempt to prove its maker knows the sea best. Breadmakers, too, bring their finest, whether soft, pillowy loaves or dense, nutty rounds meant to last through long journeys. The cucumber dip contest is perhaps the most cutthroat of all; what began as a humble side dish has become a matter of pride, with families guarding their ingredient blends as closely as a jeweler guards gemstones. Even shepherds take part in the fray, presenting their finest cheeses and strongest poultry stock, with judges weighing the plumpness of partridges and rock pigeons and the depth of flavor in each sample.

			: Though prestige is the greatest prize, the market is just as much a place of mischief and gossip. Rivals keep a sharp eye on one another, some going so far as to send spies to hover near cooking stalls, listening for whispered recipes or watching for the subtle addition of a hidden ingredient. It is not uncommon for a particularly good preserve or an especially inventive dish to mysteriously reappear in another vendor’s hands the following year, leading to playful accusations - or the occasional grudge that lasts well beyond the festival. By sunset on the final day, champions are crowned, bets are settled, and old rivalries either find resolution or new fuel. As the market shutters its doors once more, the island hums with the afterglow of competition, each participant already planning for the next year’s battle.

	=== Dawn of the First Blossom===		=== Dawn of the First Blossom===

GS4-XYNWEN: /* Ta'Ardenai: Vernal Court Celebrations */

2024-06-19T14:07:59Z

Ta'Ardenai: Vernal Court Celebrations

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:07, 19 June 2024
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	: '''Who celebrates it:''' Ardenai elves		: '''Who celebrates it:''' Ardenai elves
	: '''Where is it celebrate:''' Ta'Ardenai		: '''Where is it celebrate:''' Ta'Ardenai
	: '''A short description of the holiday:''' The opening of the Vernal Court is heralded by ivory gyrefalcons with hunter green ribbons trailing stars. The three ceremonies of the Vernal Court are the Return of the Sharythian Hunters, the Rains of Amelanchier, and the Birth of Aquendilon.		: '''A short description of the holiday:''' The opening of the Vernal Court is heralded by ivory gyrefalcons with hunter green ribbons trailing stars that are sent to all courts within Ta'Ardenai and all elven city-states. The three ceremonies of the Vernal Court are the Return of the Sharythian Hunters, the Rains of Amelanchier, and the Birth of Aquendilon.

	: ''For more detail, see the Vernal Court section of the [[Ta'Ardenai/Seasonal Courts\|Ta'Ardenai Seasonal Courts]] document.''		: ''For more detail, see the Vernal Court section of the [[Ta'Ardenai/Seasonal Courts\|Ta'Ardenai Seasonal Courts]] document.''

GS4-XYNWEN: /* Ta'Ardenai: Vernal Court Celebrations */

2024-06-19T14:07:19Z

Ta'Ardenai: Vernal Court Celebrations

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:07, 19 June 2024
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	: '''Who celebrates it:''' Ardenai elves		: '''Who celebrates it:''' Ardenai elves
	: '''Where is it celebrate:''' Ta'Ardenai		: '''Where is it celebrate:''' Ta'Ardenai
	: '''A short description of the holiday:''' ~~See~~ the Vernal Court ~~section~~ of the ~~[[Ta'Ardenai/Seasonal~~ ~~Courts\|Ta'Ardenai~~ ~~Seasonal~~ ~~Courts]]~~ ~~document~~		: '''A short description of the holiday:''' The opening of the Vernal Court is heralded by ivory gyrefalcons with hunter green ribbons trailing stars. The three ceremonies of the Vernal Court are the Return of the Sharythian Hunters, the Rains of Amelanchier, and the Birth of Aquendilon.

			: ''For more detail, see the Vernal Court section of the [[Ta'Ardenai/Seasonal Courts\|Ta'Ardenai Seasonal Courts]] document.''

	=== Winterberry Festival ===		=== Winterberry Festival ===

GS4-XYNWEN: /* Ta'Ardenai: Vernal Court Celebrations */

2024-04-12T14:43:53Z

Ta'Ardenai: Vernal Court Celebrations

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:43, 12 April 2024
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	: '''Where is it celebrate:''' Ta'Ardenai		: '''Where is it celebrate:''' Ta'Ardenai
	: '''A short description of the holiday:''' See the Vernal Court section of the [[Ta'Ardenai/Seasonal Courts\|Ta'Ardenai Seasonal Courts]] document		: '''A short description of the holiday:''' See the Vernal Court section of the [[Ta'Ardenai/Seasonal Courts\|Ta'Ardenai Seasonal Courts]] document

			=== Winterberry Festival ===
			: '''Name of Holiday/Celebration:''' Winterberry Festival
			: '''Date of Holiday/Celebration:''' Spring
			: '''Who celebrates it:''' River's Rest residents
			: '''Where it is celebrated:''' River's Rest
			: '''A short description of the holiday:''' Winterberry Festival is a small festival that occurs occasionally in River's Rest. Held typically during the spring, Winterberry Festival, like Picklefest, is a celebration of a particular River's Rest fixation, in this case, winterberries. Merchants hawk winterberry-themed wares, and brewers compete for best winterberry brew. While Winterberry Festival is not an annual event, it is a fond tradition of modern River's Rest.

	== Olaesta ==		== Olaesta ==

GS4-ELYSANI: /* Lumnea */

2024-04-07T22:40:59Z

Lumnea

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:40, 7 April 2024
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	== Lumnea ==		== Lumnea ==

	FORTHCOMING
			=== The Tiralza Tempest Toss ===
			: '''Name of Holiday/Celebration:''' The Tiralza Tempest Toss
			: '''Date of Holiday/Celebration:''' Historically, the first Feastday in Lumnea
			: '''Who celebrates it:''' Residents of River's Rest
			: '''Where it is celebrated:''' River's Rest
			: '''A short description of the holiday:''' While the Tiralza Tempest Toss hasn't been popular in years, this was once an unusual and popular River's Rest annual event held on the first Saturday in Lumnea. Wheels of cheese are hauled to the top of Tempest Falls, and participants take turns in trying to fling larger and larger wheels of cheese over the falls. Rolling does not count; the wheel must be in the air as it crests the waterfall.

			:Large picnics are held, with onlookers cheering their chosen cheese-tossing champion. The drinks flow freely (even amongst the contestants), and invariably, some wheel a few rounds of cheese over to the gnomeflinger and try to take down blood eagles as well.

			:For the children, wrapped, one-eared chocolate rabbits and aardvarks are hidden throughout the riverbanks, providing additional sources of activity and entertainment.

			:Despite its name, tiralza is not actually thrown over the falls, since it is a soft cheese not suitable for large wheels. However, it is a very common ingredient in the picnic baskets, and it is believed that the alliteration was the main driving force behind the event's name -- a catchy title more important than accuracy for River's Rest residents. Indeed, the timing of the event was thought to coincide also with the visits by several Vanadre Chiras caravans who joined in the festivities.

			:From time to time, residents make noises about doing this event again, and invariably, a handful of revelers will wander to the top of the falls and hurl cheese off it in honor of the former town holiday.

			=== The Rite of Scales and Petals===
			:'''Name of Holiday/Celebration:''' The Rite of Scales and Petals
			:'''Date of Holiday/Celebration:''' 3rd weekend of Lumnea
			:'''Who celebrates it:''' Citizens and visitors of Nydds, throughout the Turamzzyrian Empire
			:'''Where it is celebrated:''' Turamzzyrian Empire
			:'''A short description of the holiday:''' The month of Lumnea ushers in The Rite of Scales and Petals, a two day fete that celebrates the blending of magic and nature in honor of the colleges of Nydds.

			:The first evening of the Rite is a celebration over superstition, where students often dress in elaborate costumery in the image of the winged serpents of legend, the creature's wings often hung with tiny lanterns and bells that softly chime along with their movements. These costumed serpents and their lantern-clad companions illuminate the evening sky as they form a processional towards the groves of oaks throughout the city, the people of Nydds using the splendor of the legendary winged creatures to "delight" the spirits of the oaks. The oral histories of the beasts and the arboreal forms are also taught as the procession continues, blending knowledge and folklore well into the early dawn, the market stalls offering coffees and teas as well as small meals for those who celebrated with more vigor than others.

			:The second day of the Rite is a showcase of gardening prowess, both physical and magical demonstrations of floral care occurring from sunrise until sundown. Farmers travel to Nydds to showcase their bounties, and it is common to see walking forms of florals as many visitors purchase their bouquets and garlands, unable to see before them as they cautiously traverse to the next stall. Young maids of the city are especially fond of wearing the woven flora, utilizing their knowledge of the language of flowers to showcase their marital status, as well as the qualities they seek in a future significant other.

			:As the classes and lectures conclude, many gather at the colleges, sitting along the hilly terrain as they watch fireworks bloom across the evening sky. These fireworks, of course, are borne of magic and are often a series of tableaus, each mage allowed a small period of time to introduce their work before showcasing their demonstration to those brave enough to gather close to such an explosive phenomenon.

			=== The Trine ===
			: '''Name of Holiday/Celebration:''' The Trine
			: '''Date of Holiday/Celebration:''' During a moon's cycle in the month of Lumnea
			: '''Who celebrates it:''' Halflings
			: '''Where it is celebrated:''' Icemule, halfling encampments
			: '''A short description of the holiday:''' Information regarding the Trine [https://gswiki.play.net/History_of_the_Truefolk#The_Trine_(sidebar) can be found here.]

			=== Otterstide===
			:'''Name of Holiday/Celebration''': Otterstide
			:'''Date of Holiday/Celebration''': 7th day of Lumnea (June 7)
			:'''Who celebrates it''': Citizens and visitors of Kraken's Fall
			:'''Where is it celebrated''': Kraken's Fall and its surrounding environs
			:'''A short description of the holiday''': As the spring season quickly approaches the summer equinox, the citizens of Kraken's Fall join together to celebrate the warmth of the sun across the waters and the legend of the Otter Queen. An often (hastily) erected lighthouse is built using planks from ships sunk throughout the year, creating a makeshift diving board from which intrepid adventurers jump into the cool waters, the highest scorer awarded the honor of being the Otter's Queen Consort until next Otterstide. The title affords very little, although the bragging rights and bravado last for a lifetime. Stories of the semiaquatic mammal are shared by the bonfire, alongside an astounding amount of rum, the revelers often falling asleep in the sand and ushering in the dawn.

			=== Sleutspel ===
			: '''Name of Holiday/Celebration:''' Sleutspel, or Tinkering Games
			: '''Date of Holiday/Celebration:''' The last day of spring
			: '''Who celebrates it:''' Burghal gnomes
			: '''Where it is celebrated:''' Tamzyrr
			: '''A short description of the holiday:''' Burghal gnomes, especially the Withycombe, gather in Vadzyrr annually on the last day of spring for a competition based around tinkering.

			:Competitors work all year to develop wonderous new mechanical devices, with prizes and recognition given in a variety of categories to the best tinkerers. The categories run the gamut from the imminently practical (such as best kitchen device) to the unusual (one year had a category for mechanical pinatas) and everything in between.

			:The unofficial celebrations start up to a week in advance as participants and spectators arrive. There are exhibitions and demonstrations, pop-up markets from past winners and future hopefuls, and an overall aura of merriment across the city.

			:The competition itself is held in a warren of small arenas and display halls, with the most popular categories housed in a larger amphitheater. The grand finale is the Last Automaton Standing, which pits together all eligible entries in a no-holds-barred, all-out, tinkered creation-on-tinkered creation brawl. All participants are placed in the amphitheater's arena, and the last automaton still functional wins.

	[[category: Races and Cultures]]		[[category: Races and Cultures]]