Haimanyx Festival

The Haimanyx festival is held on the night of the Blood Moon, a celestial event occurring only once a year, when the moon turns a deep crimson. This night is believed to be the time when the veil between the physical world and the spirit world is thinnest, allowing the ancestral spirits to witness the ceremony and bless the unions.

 

Ritual Preparations

Days before the festival, the royal families prepare by fasting and performing purification rituals. The purification rituals involve bathing in sacred waters blessed by the High Elven priests, who chant  spells to cleanse the body and soul. The women, especially those participating in the ritual, are dressed in white robes symbolizing purity and are adorned with gemstones that represent the different Guardian Gems.

 

Past Dragon Sacrifice

In the past, the people of the land would sacrifice dragons.  Dragon blood was believed to carry strength and pure power which was needed to activate the guardian gems that are a beacon for the wards. The sacrifice would take place on Haimanyx and the dragon's life force would be released in a controlled ritual conducted by the High Elven priests. The dragon's blood is collected in a ceremonial chalice made from the bones of ancient dragons.  As the Blood Moon reaches its zenith, the couple would gather in the Sacred Forest of Ebonwood. They would sip from the chalice, feeling the surge of power from the dragon's blood coursing through their veins. Elven blood and Dragon blood now mixed, they then would slit their palms and let their blood flow onto the Guardian Gems, which are embedded in the Gem Stones. The blood absorbed by the gems is believed to rejuvenate the land and strengthen the protective wards around Drakoria.

​

Currently

The discovery that the Zephyr bloodline carried Draconic essence brought an end to the sacrificial practices involving dragons. A single Zephyr could offer their blood directly to the Guardian Gems, but when two Zephyrs combined their blood, its potency was significantly amplified. This revelation led to the tradition of Zephyrs marrying within their own family, often cousins or close relatives, to preserve the power of their lineage. During the sacred ritual, the couple would slice their palms, letting their blood mingle in a consecrated chalice. A priest would then offer this mixture to the Guardian Gems, renewing the ward’s power for the years ahead.

Royal Marriages

Royal marriages are highly anticipated during Haimanyx. The night is considered the most auspicious for tying the knot, as the union is believed to be blessed by the ancestral spirits. After the ceremony, the newlyweds are escorted to the Royal Tent, where they spend the night under the eyes of the Guardian Gems. This consummation is said to ensure that the bloodline remains pure and powerful.

 

Significance of Female Purity

The emphasis on female purity is tied to ancient beliefs that the womb must remain untouched by foreign blood to ensure that the lineage remains uncontaminated. It is believed that any impurity would weaken the bloodline, leading to the downfall of the royal family. The women participating in the ritual undergo rigorous scrutiny and must pass tests of purity conducted by the High Elven priests.

 

Festival Conclusion

The Haimanyx festival concludes with a grand feast, where the royal families and their subjects celebrate the renewal of the bloodline. The night ends with a dance under the Blood Moon, where the participants thank the ancestors and the dragons for their blessings.