In Quel’Thalas, on Midwinter’s Day, an old ritual takes place amidst the festivities of Winter’s Veil. By some, it is observed in shrines, alight with candles and adorned with gold; others gather at a village fire, or in the grand courtyard of a noble house. Some have shaped it with family traditions, or adapted it to Light-centered beliefs. Its central elements are simple – a Solstice fire, a quiet night, and reflection on what to let go.
The purpose of Anath’Ithilion is to release that which causes hindrance or pain – a harmful habit, a personal flaw, or perhaps the echo of some event in one’s past. Some arrive already knowing what they come to cast away; others sit in the quiet of the shrine, seeking out the roots of their troubles through contemplation or with a cleric’s counsel. Whatever it may be, it is inscribed on parchment and cast into the Solstice fire, to be left amongst the ashes as one rises to greet the new year’s dawn.
This Midwinter, a small shrine on the edge of Silvermoon City stands ready to receive visitors to its Solstice fire. The attendant Sun Clerics await any who seek counsel or guidance.
While throwing things in a bonfire is its own reward, our goal is to provide an opportunity for character exploration via the chance to root out your characters’ deepest insecurities by talking them out with complete strangers. There will only be two of us, but we’ll do our best to be available to RP one-on-one with any characters who have questions or seek guidance.
Things to know:
- The event will run from 5pm to at least 7pm server time, and possibly longer depending on the energy level of the hosts. Attendees should feel free to come and go at any point in this timeframe.
- We will be at the gazebo off the road between the Ruins of Silvermoon and Sunstrider Isle. See below for a screenshot and map.
- This event has a Sin’dorei focus, but respectful non-Sin’dorei participants are welcome.
- We feel that the faction truce allows some cross-faction travel, but not unfettered access to all opposite-faction territory. Alliance attendees should have diplomatic passes and be accompanied by a Horde chaperone.
- Inky Black Potions are recommended for maximum ambiance. We’ll have a few extras for anyone who has none.
- Please whisper Kelarion-WyrmrestAccord if you need help finding us or any other information.
The Midwinter rite of Anath’Ithilion stems from a body of guild headcanon concerning traditional Thalassian religion, and we aim to present this as just one element of a diverse and evolving culture. Feel free to approach the rite as something your character has seen or taken part in before or not, according to your own preference.
