Festival of the Sun

The festival began a year to the day after the Great Eclipse when Felotl’s light returned to the city enabling its people to repel invading forces. Initially though there was no festival and it was a solemn day of prayer and thanksgiving giving those that had lost their lives during the battle a chance to grieve for the heroes that had fallen. As the years passed and reality became more myth and stories told by mouth expanded and contracted in greatness it slowly evolved into a grand celebration that encompassed the entire city. Over decades the festival expanded to include various traditions symbolizing the enduring connection between Hacuito and Felotl. During this time members of the Sol Invictus - The Unconquered Sun patrol the streets to ensure safety for all followers during the festival of the sun.

The Festival begins with the Ceremony of the Dawn where priests light the Great Sun Brazier atop the The Sunspire Temple a flame kept burning throughout the festival. It begins in the pre-dawn hours, with citizens gathering in the plaza before the temple dressed in gold or white or some form of reflective material. Family of those fallen are allowed to move towards the front of the crowds and the soft hum of wind instruments are played, mimicking the stillness before the dawn. The city is illuminated only by lanterns prior to the lighting of the great brazier. At the light of the first dawn the great brazier is lit the ceremony begins with a moment of silence. Citizens all kneel reflecting on the history of the great eclipse and giving thanks to the lives that had been lost and the sacrifices made to ensure the safety of the city. As the brazier burns acolytes and other faithful emerge holding orante, sun-shaped lanterns and lead a procession through the city streets symboling Felotl's light spreading across the city and forcing the darkness to retreat. Citizens are urged to follow and to carry their own decorated lanterns as the procession moves throughout the city. The procession ends at The Oasis of Sólara where the priests spinkle water from the oasis onto the fires of the lanterns to extinguish them marking that they have carried the torch of light and now with the bright sun shining through the city they can rest easy in Felotl's warm and guidance. After this bells ring out across the city as performers take to the streets, markets come alive with music, stalls begin preparing food for the celebration.   During the daylight hours many events begin. In the morning there is the Sunwalk Parade where citizens dressed in golden attire participate in a grand parade through moves throughout the city. Elaborate floats drawn by camels depict scenes played out by citizens of Felotl's legends and of course the main attraction during this is the telling of the story of the great eclipse and how utilizing Felotl's strength they were able to overcome the darkness. A number of musicians, dancers, and performers of all walks of life entertain the crowds along the route. Throughout the day there are also competitions known as the Sun Trials that local athletes and performers participate in that require a deal of skill and creativity; these challenges range from archery tournaments, crafting competitions, and obstacle courses set up to test the worthiest of foes. The elders of the city host storytelling sessions, recalling tales passed down by their ancestors of the great eclipse. Around these storytellers are workshops set up for children and adults, but teach crafts like lantern making or sun painting but it also leads up to the great Sun Hunt. Into the afternoon the children of the city are sent on a scavenger hunt to find sun-shaped tokens around the city that have been hidden. Some of these tokens are hidden and some of them are gifted for committing acts of kindness or from listening to a storyteller. The sun hunt is finished as the sun is setting and the tokens are traded in for small trinkets or treats.   The final event of the Festival of the Sun is a spectacular, city-wide celebration known as the Radiance of Felotl. As the sun begins to set the city's focus shifts to The Sunspire Temple where the standing Zenith of Radiance leads the faithful in one last offering to honor Felotl's light and his blessings. The Zenith recites an ancient hymn to Felotl thanking him for his guidance and calling for his protection for the coming year. The chant reverberates throughout the city as citizens join in the sacred refrain.  

"Walk in Radiance bright and clear; In Felotl’s light we hold no fear. Shadows may fall but truth remains; Guiding souls through sunlit plains." "Guide the Lesser and lead them near; Through the light they shall not fear. Illuminate with sacrifice; Purify the heart and pay the price." "Defend the light, from shadows deep; Guard the flame our hearts to keep. Embody virtue strong and true;In Felotl’s light we start anew." "Accept the chance with open heart; In faith we rise and never part. Mercy, wisdom, courage to face the storm; In radiant light, we are reborn."

  As the hymn concludes the Zenith conjures an orb of light that rises high into the now night's sky and then explodes into a grand display. It is at this time that from the depths of the Sunspire temple more and more orbs of light fire into the air, exploding and fragmenting the sky with lights like fireworks. Sparks of gold and white streak across the city's skyline as the sun disappears for the last time of the festival, symbolizing that the light will continue to fight the darkness.

During this time the The Sunward Council as well as the Zenith of Radiance makes appearances; however, surrounding them are the Sol Invictus - The Unconquered Sun acting as body guards and not letting anyone get too close. Mostly it is the priests and priestesses of light that handle most of the activities and the Illumined Custodians that handle the rituals and maintain order throughout most of the festival. It is also during these times that some of the priests and priestesses of light can utilize the chaos of the festival in order to make a good impression, allowing them to climb the ranks faster in the faith.