Event 3: The High Toast

On the High Toast of the Day of the Family

Much has been made of the upcoming celebrations for the “Day of the Family.” As has been rumored, Nepheris decided to resume formal observances, though his motives are unknown. Indeed, it has been quite some time since anyone in Circadia has seen a formal celebration of the Day of the Family overseen by anyone other than ranking clergy–to have a God invested in such a celebration seems like the stuff of old legend.

More information has been released about the proceedings, and it confirms that Nepheris and/or his Brother have decided to return to not only “the Family Dinner” but the opening tradition of the “High Toast.”

The High Toast traditionally opens Day of the Family celebrations. Dynastic hymns are played and, afterwards, four toasts are offered. The first toast is made in honor of the Gods, the second toast in honor of the Devout, and the final toast in honor of the Dynasty. Generally, these toasts are given by local Devout, one for each toast. The final High Toast is only given in the presence of a God and is generally delivered by a High Clergy member.

Classically, the High Toast is considered to be a great honor, and its delivery generally marks the speaker as the highest ranking Mortal in Circadia. Of course, traditions have shifted, and it is somewhat less formal now.

The first three toasts are often short but delivered with expert oratorship–they are frequently times during which Devout exercise their own political agency, though this is only done with extreme tact and skill. The High Toast is often longer and sometimes read aloud from a written proclamation–the High Toast is almost always some sort of political maneuver.

This year, it seems the High Toast is being offered “field style.” “Field style” refers to celebrations given during times of war, upheaval, or anticipated hardship. It refers to Devout troops celebrating while deployed in the field, though more generally indicates a “dressed down” affair. While Devout are still expected to attend the toast with proper pomp, they are not required or expected to leave their field assignments, and celebrations happen in the spare accommodations deployment allows.

The Current Invitation to the High Toast (4.13)

Please don’t forget to register for our April 13 2024 one-day event. Register and read more here.

Registration for April 13 2024 Open

Registration is open for the April 13 2024 one day at Camp Middlesex.

Join us and register here: Event 3, For the Family.

This is a full combat event. Read below for the in-game description of the event.

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The Day of the Family

No day is met with as much pomp and controversy as the Day of the Family. Observed carefully by followers of the Brothers, Nepheris and Beodhen, the Day of the Family is a celebration of kinship but, more centrally, the Dynasty of Le’neris, Pel’Pyri, and their Descendants.

No Devout hold this day in closer esteem, of course, than those pious to Verine. The day is a time for togetherness and grand festivity–moreover, it is a day acknowledging the complicated duty family sometimes necessitates. Verine and her followers’ omnipresence at Day of the Family events has long wreathed the holiday with somewhat uneasy laurels.

It is said that, for the first time since the end of Blood War, Nepheris and Beodhen have agreed to hold a formal celebration of the Day of the Family at Gods Road. The reason for this return to festivity is unclear, though Nepheris apparently stated he was offered, “a gift unexpected and reclaimed from shadows” and, in recognition of the current cohort of Devout, has convinced his brother they ought once more sponsor observance–perhaps in direct opposition to or support of their Aunt, the Goddess Verine.

It is rumored that High Priestess Myr’naianesa, High Priestess of Nepheris and Mynair, has been asked to preside over the opening ceremony of such festivities. Recently, the High Priestess has been brokering peace with disaffected Mynaira off the north east coast of Circadia. Her current political leanings, undoubtedly strategic if unpredictable, are mostly unknown.

High Priest Cyriaque of Verine has already expressed his displeasure at her invitation. Casual onlookers divested from the longtime (one-sided) rivalry are eager to see if any fireworks might grace the presidings–Myr’naianesa is never one to shirk controversial overatures, and Cyriaque is never one to let an insult, however implicit, slide.