Frogmas

**Frogmas** is a religious holiday observed in Ranism. It was first celebrated by the Kibbutzniks and later adopted by the rest of the Tortugan region of Monterre.

## Origin

Long ago, The early peoples of Kibbutz were repairing the ancient city of Ozhaliz so they could move in. The city was flooded, abandoned and falling apart. However, under Confibula’s guidance, they knew they could get it done.

As the last of the leaves began to fall from the trees, the cold of winter began to set in. The rain turned to snow, and the water turned to ice. These things reminded the people of Kibbutz of their last winter, before they found Kibbutz. They remembered the freezing cold and the people they lost to it, they remembered the frozen ocean they crossed to make it to the peninsula. The people were scared of what was to come.

A man from a nearby city rode into Kibbutz on horseback. He briefly stopped and told them of the blizzard that was headed their way. After telling them this, he rode south, leaving the city.

The blizzard hit the next day. Large chunks of the buildings were being tossed by the winds.

The Kibbutznicks were forced to seek shelter in the old storage room under the town hall, despite it being flooded. The almost freezing water was up to their knees.

The holy man told everyone to pray to Confibula for help. He thought this was a test to prove whether they were worthy of living in the holy city.

After 8 hours of constant praying, bells could be heard from the sky. It was morning now and the snow had stopped falling. The people looked to the sky and say a miracle. A sleigh being pulled by giant frogs was above them.

Many boxes fell from the sleigh. The kibbutznicks ran towards the boxes and opened them. Inside were warm clothes, enough coal to light 1000 fires and food to last them an entire year!

The people looked up again and thanks Confinbula with tears in their eyes. Every year since, the people have celebrated Frogmas and they giev eachother gifts. It is believed that Confibula still arrives once every year to give the poor and needy the things they need most.

## Frogmas Uprising

Amidst the resounding cheers of the Instourian crowd gathered before Anderson Montpelier's Statue in Monterre, Governor George Aldrich, a figure of great influence, stood proudly. His commanding gestures hushed the crowd, paving the way for his momentous speech.

"Citizens of Instour! The holiest of days, Frogmas, draws near with eager anticipation!" The crowd erupted in cheers. Aldrich waited for the clamor to subside before revealing his plans.

"Confibulas angels approach to shower their blessings upon us. Our preparations will be grand, adorned with exquisite decorations and fervent prayers." He paused, taking a deep breath. "Yet, we shall not extend such hospitality to the unsophisticated peasants beyond the old Town. Only the true citizens of Instour deserve Confibula's great gifts!"

A chuckle swept through the crowd, laughter intertwining with Aldrich's words. The Grand Marshal of Monterre, alongside the Lord Governor, announced stringent measures.

"On Frogmas night, the gates of old Instour will be sealed, guards securing the Plaza to ensure no undesirables infiltrate our sacred space."

The crowd's cheers reached a crescendo. Meanwhile, atop a distant building, a group of modestly dressed men strained to comprehend the distant spectacle. Adan, the youngest among them, voiced his frustration.

"Can you believe that? These bastards are shutting the access of the common instourian people to the most holy day! It wasn't enough that our rations have been shortened to nothing but scrums.”

As the crowd reveled in anticipation, Adan's frustration echoed amidst the distant buildings. His companions shared somber glances, silently acknowledging the injustice woven into the tapestry of festivities.

Determined, Adan rallied his comrades. "We can't let them bar us from Frogmas! If they won't open the gates, we'll find another way in a way that doesn't bow to the whims of the privileged."

The group, united by a shared sense of defiance, descended from their vantage point. Navigating through Monterre's labyrinthine alleys, making their way up the northern bridge and entering the northern slums of the city.

Whispers of discontent rippled through the city's hidden corners, as the common people of Instour heard of this great injustice towards them.

Within the northern slums, Adan's group made their way to the western corner of the slums and entered a big wooden church of Confibula. One of the only buildings that seemed decent within the giant slums.

In the sacred confines of the church, at its forefront, stood Eok, an aged priest draped in a weathered green robe adorned with patches. Having just concluded an discourse on the enchanting history of Frogmas, he gracefully shifted his focus to Adan and his companions, acknowledging them with a gaze that held both wisdom and affection.

Eok, with a weathered but kind face, lit up as he acknowledged Adan and his group with a warm smile and an affectionate nod. "Ah, Adan, my close disciple, it warms my heart to see you seeking solace within this humble abode of Confibula. What brings you and your companions to our sanctuary today?”

Adan stepped forward, a mixture of determination and frustration etched across his face. "Father Eok, we seek guidance and a path to justice. Governor Aldrich denies the common people of Instour entry to Frogmas, claiming only the privileged are worthy. We cannot stand idly by."

Eok's eyes reflected a deep understanding. "Injustice tarnishes the spirit of Confibula's teachings. If you seek to challenge this exclusion, remember, our faith encourages compassion and unity. The path to justice may not be easy, but it is one worth traversing."

With a glance at the gathered congregation, Eok raised his voice. "People of the northern slums, let us join our hearts and voices. Together, we shall strive for a Frogmas that embraces all Instourians, regardless of station."

The humble church resonated with a collective murmur of agreement. Eok, with a quiet authority, led the congregation in a prayer for unity and justice. As the echoes of their voices intertwined, a sense of solidarity filled the sacred space.

Guided by the priest's wisdom and the shared conviction within the wooden walls, Adan's group felt a renewed strength. The wooden church of Confibula became a haven for those who dared to challenge the oppressive decree and seek a more inclusive celebration of Frogmas.

Amidst the flickering candlelight, the dissidents prepared to venture forth, armed not only with determination but also with the unwavering belief that Confibula's teachings would guide them towards a just and equal celebration.

In the shadows of the city, where alliances were forged in secrecy, the Prince of Crips saw an opportunity. With a network extending into every corner of Instour, the underworld leader contemplated how this movement might serve their own clandestine interests.

In the dimly lit corridors of the underground, the Prince of Crips, known for his cunning and strategic mind, deliberated on the potential alliances this burgeoning movement could offer. The quest for a more inclusive Frogmas celebration presented an opportunity to leverage discontent and redirect it towards his own mysterious goals.

Through discreet channels, the Prince reached out to Adan's group, offering clandestine support. A cryptic message arrived at the church, expressing solidarity and hinting at shared objectives. Adan, initially skeptical, saw an unexpected ally in the Prince.

As the dissidents prepared to challenge the sealed gates, the alliance between the common Instourians and the clandestine underworld took shape. In the shadows, a delicate dance unfolded, blending the fervor of the people with the calculated maneuvers of the underworld.

On the eve of Frogmas, the city pulsated with anticipation. The sealed gates loomed large, guarded by the enforcers of Governor Aldrich's decree. Unbeknownst to the privileged few, a coalition fueled by the common Instourians and guided by the Prince of Crips quietly assembled, ready to defy the oppressive barriers.

The wooden church of Confibula stood as a symbol of unity, bridging the gap between the common folk and the clandestine underworld. As the dissidents, fueled by determination and a sense of justice, gathered at the church, they felt an unexpected strength coursing through their veins – a fusion of the people's will and the elusive power of the underground.

The city of Instour teetered on the brink of change, caught in the delicate balance between the festive celebration above and the clandestine machinations below. The echoes of rebellion resonated through the cobbled streets, setting the stage for a Frogmas night that promised to rewrite the narrative of power and privilege in the heart of Monterre.