Soul Fasting Festival Log

[missleadingquestions]

Who: EVERYONE
What: Soul Fast
When: During Soul Fast
Where: All over Ninetails Vale and in people's houses, etc.
Summary: The Celebrations of Soul Fast Begin! More beneath the cut.



A description of Soul Fast, as provided by Sheepy:

"The Soulfasting is a week-long festival celebrating the union between the living world and the spiritual world. It was said that once, these two were not able to communicate with one another, and because of this, the spirits of those that passed were angry and restless. People did not respect their ancestors, and because of that they rebelled. Spirits and Ghost-type Pokemon alike lashed out at the people, sorrowful and angry that they could not be together.

The first masks were worn by channellers. Carved from a sacred tree, they allowed the channellers to be able to communicate with the dead and to try to quell their anger. A compromise was made: every year, the spirits of the dead and their ghost-type servants would be paid respect.

Early ceremonies for the Soulfasting involved a person dressed in a mask (usually, although not always male), a person in a veil (usually although not always female), and a third person—often a priest/ess or other holy figure. The person in the mask and the person in the veil would be tied together with a cord or rope, to symbolize the tie between both worlds, in living and in death. This is followed by a week of celebration, dance, and spending time with one’s family. Many families would even display an ornamental knotted cord in their homes to show that, even in death, they are still one with their family and friends.

Foods eaten during that time are often full of flavor, and there are offerings left out for those that have passed. These usually consist of sweeter berries and foods, as it is said that the spirits tend to prefer these. Families would often exchange sweet foods with one another to show appreciation for one another, as well as other families’ ancestors.

As time has passed, many of the traditions have fallen to the wayside, but a few things have remained. The masks have become extremely popular of late, and have even given way to costumes. While those that first practiced the tradition only used masks of ghosts, stories have circled around that mischievous spirits like to trick the living during the holiday; because of this, ghost-type and dark-type Pokemon masks, and even entire costumes, have become popular. Celebrating with family and having parties with friends is not entirely uncommon. The spirits’ love of sweets has also translated over, and there has been a small following that has started to give away treats to those that visit them on the final night of the Soulfasting. Usually children are the ones that partake in this (often in masks or some form of costume), although it is not entirely unheard of for some older people to try to snag some sweet treats from others."

I'll be putting up top levels for all the different things, but if I miss anything, please feel free to put up your own top levels!

Kids of all ages should also feel free to beg for candy, because that's what this is all about, don't you know.

Remember, masks and costumes aren't limited to ghost pokémon, and absolutely everyone is allowed to participate.

Mingle threads can reply to the post itself! Feel free to just wander around Ninetails Vale, react to the attractions, or show off your costumes. Anything goes. Also, don't feel obligated to reply to any particular top level! Many exist to show what all activities are available during the festival and don't require interaction.

Comments

Ninjas and Frogs

[kickboards]

[It wasn't hard to spot the clumsy Croagunks sneaking through the festival, hunkering down behind trash cans and concessions stands as a means to hide whenever humans strayed too close. The tell tale mark of froggy footprints, soon trampled by larger feet, were evident in the less travelled places of Ninetales Vale, or whenever there was a particular show going on somewhere on the streets.

Such mysteries, naturally, drew the curious attention of Rei Ryugazaki. Clad in a classy yukata that he had in his closets for such occassions, with a mask that resembled a Pumpkaboo's face resting against the side of his head, he decided to take a break from the actual festivities and commence his own investigation into the matter. With his Azumarill (who was wearing a pair of killer shades) and his little Zorua by his side, Rei followed the path of the little footprints in the dust.

If he ducked into the shadows of a nearby concession booth whenever someone drew near, or if anyone heard a subtle 'sasasasasasa' being muttered under his breath, it was surely a sign that he was getting far too into his investigation.]

[rainsrespite]

[Too far into it indeed. Yuuna wasn't blind, or deaf, and she was more than aware that she was being followed by Croagunks. Kintsu had informed her of that the instant she entered the Vale, and she'd caught sight of them out of the corner of her eye at least once. Rei though, cuts an even less stealthy figure. Kintsu didn't even need to tell her he was there, with as much skulking as he was doing.

So, she loops around and slips into a side alley, and when he passes by she reaches out and taps him on the shoulder.]

You're supposed to whisper a lot quieter than that.

[kickboards]

[He stiffened up at the feeling of someone tapping his shoulder with a small squeak, and immediately yelped out his reply to the small piece of unsolicited advice.]

Ah--right!

[He immediately straightened his stance and faced Yuuna, flushing furiously in his embarrassment.]

[rainsrespite]

[She gives him a sly smile, patting him on the shoulder.]

What's the deal?

[kickboards]

[He swiftly fixed his glasses, giving himself enough cover to find some form of composure, and immediately commenced to file his investigative report.]

I saw the band of Croagunks lurking around the festivities, so I thought it was prudent to look into the matter.

[There. That totally sounded cool and professional!]

[rainsrespite]

Did you now?

[Yuuna grins, giving him a pat on the shoulder. She'd seen them herself, of course, but it was good to know the kid had her back.]

Probably so. Did they see you?

[kickboards]

[He was also just immensly curious about why the Croagunks would band together for something so.....strange. Attacking Yuuna at random, and then going so far as to attack one of their own...

It warranted investigation. He needed to know, if only so he knew how to better help Yuuna should they have attacked again.]

I don't think so. They seemed more interested in whatever their current objective is.

[rainsrespite]

Were they following me, do you think?

[An honest question, but one that she thought was worth asking. Kintsu had been tailing them of course, but they'd gone all over the place. Maybe they were trying to avoid being seen with her, or attempting to ambush Geshiko?]

[kickboards]

Either you or Geshiko-san.

[Rei frowned, honestly puzzled by the whole situation.]

I still don't understand why they would attack one of their own, unless there was something bigger afoot.

[In truth, the sheer dedication of this posse was troubling. The fact that they somehow hired a Poliwrath to do their dirty work spoke volumes of the trials they would go through for their goals. Who was to say that they wouldn't try to bribe a stray Breloom next, or even one of Harima's former compatriots. The Azumarill didn't seem to think too highly of the Croagunks.]

[rainsrespite]

Well, she's some sort of heretic, actually.

[Yuuna looks down at Geshiko, amused, rubbing the little froggy's head through her hood.]

A Shifter I know helped me sort out what's actually going on. Apparently I'm some sort of prophesied boogieman. I'm supposed to bring doom to all Croagunks everywhere or something.

[Ironic, considering it all started because she likes frogs...]

1/2

[kickboards]

[Pardon Rei for a moment while he just stares in disbelief...]

[kickboards]

[And bursts out in laughter.]

You? A boogieman?

[He gasped out his question between breaths, before succumbing to laughter once more.

Really, Yuuna. That was so absurd it was hilarious.]

[rainsrespite]

I know, right?

[She chuckles along with him, but Geshiko looks oddly uncomfortable. So she gets another headrub.]

Obviously, I'm not. They just misunderstood something. Geshi's coming around at least.

[kickboards]

[Rei smiled apologetically at the little froggie. He didn't mean to upset her in the least.]

--I'm sorry, Geshiko-san. I didn't mean to tease.

[It simply was that absurd a suggestion in his mind.]

As long as they're not causing other problems, we should be able to contain it. But, what if they try getting help again?

[That Poliwrath from before was still a concern. While it was easily taken down, he wanted to know how they had managed it-- and who else they could potentially find to help in the future.]

[rainsrespite]

[The Croagunk shrugs sheepishly, continuing to enjoy headrubs.]

Well, I've got stronger Pokemon bonded this time. A whole group. I'm not worried about them, not really.

[She shrugs and looks back out into the crowd.]

They may just be here to enjoy the party. It's not like they don't have hands to enjoy food with.

[kickboards]

[Rei scratched his chin with a thoughtful hum, turning his gaze out over the festivities as if to look around for any more lurking froggies.]

This is true, and everyone's allowed to enjoy Soulfast. I know Harima's running around somewhere, no doubt collecting more sunglasses for his first holiday...

But I still think we should watch them. So long as there's no trouble then there's no reason to worry, but there's no such thing as being too safe.

[rainsrespite]

[Yuuna directs her eyes subtly skyward, indicating that Rei should look up.

And he will, if he looks up, spot both Kintsu and Ichijou, circling the area and watching.]

Already on that, Rei. So...let's relax and get ourselves some spiced miltank, hmm?

[kickboards]

[As always, Yuuna had outdone him in his own preparations regarding practical concerns. Perhaps it would be wise to follow her example in the future, but for now....

He grinned, obviously embarrassed by how small his own efforts had seemed.]

Yeah, let's. It's been a while since I got out to enjoy a Soulfast like this.

[rainsrespite]

[She ruffles his hair a bit and nods towards a meat stand.]

My treat, Kouhai. Anything you want today. Since I just got paid and all.

[kickboards]

[He laughed a little at the gesture, and gladly followed Yuuna's lead.]

Perhaps some grilled fish? [he asked, hopeful.] This is good weather for it!

[rainsrespite]

Fish? Yeah we can do fish. Magikarp okay?

[Seemed like it would be...]