Festivals

Festivals are special events that award extra gold, xp and unique magic item trophies.

There can also be other minigames during these festivals. They are inspired by real-life traditional Chinese festivals.

## New Moon

*January - February*

*Inspired by Lunar New Year*

#### Description

The Liondance family -- in collaboration with the Yuxue Alliance, give out gold pieces in red packets sealed with melted gold to every civilian in Xiaojiang. After all, they own a share in everything, so when the money is given out, it all eventually returns to their pockets. To them, it is just a stimulus check.

However... The Yuxue Alliance collects the money en masse, and require their members to achieve good grades on the annual ACE (Alliance Cultivation Exam) in order to be given this gold.

## Ancestors' Day

*April*

*Inpired by Qingming Festival*

On Ancestors Day, the Xiaojiangese visit the graves of their ancestors in order to pay respects to them... as well as watch their most notable ancestors -- all Apotheosis cultivators -- duke it out in the Arena of the Ancestors in Tianting (aka Celestia in Faerun) -- for true ascension to an eternal immortality!

This day is well known for allowing beings from the prime material plane to look up at Tianting.

Ancestors can mean many things for many people. A direct ascendant, a creator, a hero. Whatever it means to you, when you go to honour them, you too will see into Tianting, watching the one you're honouring as they prepare for battle. Each year's experience is unique, and brings you more experience and insight in your own path of cultivation.

(the Hunger Games RNG is used)

## Ghostmark Festival

*July- August*

*Inspired by hungry ghost festival*

On Ghostmark Festival, cultivators register to be marked with a *guiwen* which allows them to participate in a fierce trial... with a twist. These cultivators are called Ghostmarked, and their trials are a celebrated festival in Xiaojiang, a showcase of their resilience, wit, and mental fortitude. The trial itself consists of pitting teams of four Ghostmarked against each other, and takes place across two planes. The first phase occurs on the mortal plane, and the second occurs in the uppermost gate of the 18 Gates of Hell. ‎‎

###### *Guiwen*

Also known as a Mark of the Ghost, the ***guiwen*** applies a condition called Spirit Malnourishment. Spirit Malnourishment is a form of 'ascetic cultivation' where their abilities and innate strengths are supernaturally weakened, forcing them to become more resourceful and strategic, making do of whatever they end up with.

Alaikka herself performs a mass weakening on cultivators marked with a Guiwen on the 15th day of the 7th month. Indulging in her love of playing pranks, she distorts a Ghostmark's abilities alongside weakening them.

###### *Mortal Realm: The Raft of the Dragon*

*Phase 1* The first phase of the Ghostmatch takes place on a colossal dragon boat anchored in the Clear-Water River, visible from Xiaojiang city's harbour.

###### *Hell's Gate: Judgement Hand of Yama*

*Phase 2* This phase of the tournament occurs in the uppermost gate of the 18 Gates of Hell. All 4 members of the last team standing receives a trophy: the Judgement Hand of Yama.

## The Moon Ball (TBA)

*October*

Inspired by moon festival

## Winter Solstice (TBA)

*December*

Inspired by dongzhi