Night of Wandering Souls

On the longest night, the mists of the dead usher the old year to its grave. By candle's light, we welcome the New Year with the wandering spirits of our ancestors, and the relics of their bones.
— Vombro Mistbright

In the lingering nights of late fall, ships leave Crossroads Island laden with Relics to be returned to the families of the dead. Each ship carefully times their arrival, aiming for the longest night when fall gives way to winter and the old year cedes to the new. Often, they will keep station just off the horizon or hidden among rocky spires, to ensure timely delivery.

Each island has a designated 'death port' where the relic ship docks. There, they are greeted by shores lit with candles held by people waiting to deliver bones of those who died in the past year, or collect relics of those who died the year before.

This liminal time -- when the old year ends and the new year begins -- is a traditional season of reflection on the cycle of life. It is a time for sharing stories ancestors and the relics they left behind. Also, community gatherings are a common way to celebrate with traditions and rituals that represent the local people and resources.

History

The origin of the celebration has been lost to the mists of time Before the time of Tige and Talla.

Popular (but Untrue) Origin Stories

First held to honor the passing of Talla of Smouge

First held to honor the passing of one of the great Dragon Lords of the Lost Age.

Execution

On the shores of the islands all across Argentii, People gather, each holding a candle. The light is meant to guide the ships that come returning relics from Crossroads Island and also to help light the way for the wandering spirits who have not yet been processed that they might accompany the ships back to Crossroads.

Does it actually work to summon and/or guide the spirits? No, though it is interesting to note that some spirits keep with the tradition after death. They will linger with whomever is bearing their bone to the collection, adding an eerie mist to the shore that then departs with the ships in a rather spectacular display of shimmer.

Each island has its own garden of local customs, traditions, and rituals both during the waiting and the exchanging. Many islands have traditional songs, recipes for hot drinks and travel meals. For instance, on Smouge every family has a favorite recipe for Long-night Pie, while on Tilth, the ashes of the deceased are turned into an intricate porcelain box which then holds the tiny bones from the inner ear.