3rd of the Stranger

Mistfaith

The Masquerade of Inden

The Masquerade of Inden is a holibell in the Mistfaith religion, where the celebrants obscure their faces with masks or other coverings. It is also common to dress up in fancy clothes among the wealthier observers.

The masking is done for a two reasons. One is setting aside ones ordinary identity for some time, to speak and act freely without the usual consequences. Another entirely different reason is that it is believed that Inden herself uses the occasion to visit the mortal realm. By masking themselves, the revelers in the masqurade grant the deity both a crowd to hide in, eyes to watch through, or even bodies to inhabit. The exact nature of her manifestation is not agreed upon and varies somewhat from city to city, but most are accepted by the church.

After shedding the burden of heavy secrets, and expressing oneself freely, the festival culminates in a dance with music and song.

Celebrations on Orn

In the Mistwreath, the holibell is celebrated in the most traditional way. A time to dance, cavort, and shed inhibitions.

In most other nations derived from the Mistwreath culture, this holibell is celebrated. Usually in different, more organized ways - like parades, parties, and drinking. The parades are accompanied by music, dancers, and take slow routes through the main streets. Bystanders are encouraged to join in by participants, by accepting a simple mask offered to them.