Köldrök, meaning "Cold Smoke" in the old tongue, is a dark and mysterious festival celebrated in fall, just as the days grow shorter and the nights longer in Stormhaven. Köldrök is a time when the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be at its thinnest, allowing spirits and shadows to walk among the living. It's a festival of secrets, hidden truths, and eerie beauty, where the city embraces the darkness rather than shying away from it.
Key Traditions:
The Night of Shadows: On the eve of Köldrök, the people of Stormhaven don cloaks, masks, and shadowy attire to conceal their identities as they wander the streets. It’s a night of intrigue, where whispers and secrets are exchanged in the dark, and no one is who they appear to be. Mysterious figures slip through alleyways, and masked gatherings occur in hidden corners of the city. The anonymity allows for confessions, pranks, and the airing of hidden grievances.
The Shadow Hunt: A more somber tradition, the Shadow Hunt is a ritual where townsfolk, led by the city's hunters and warriors, symbolically "hunt" the shadows of the past. Armed with lanterns and torches, they venture into the deepest, darkest parts of the city or surrounding forests, seeking to confront and lay to rest the ghosts of old sins, grudges, and unresolved conflicts. It’s believed that by facing these shadows, the community can cleanse itself and prevent misfortune in the coming year.
Witches' Fires: Throughout Köldrök, bonfires are lit in public squares and on hilltops, known as "Witches' Fires." These fires are said to ward off malevolent spirits and bring warmth to the dark, cold nights. Around these fires, people gather to tell ghost stories, share secret knowledge, and perform ancient rites. The fires are often surrounded by symbols of protection, such as runes carved into stones or painted on wooden stakes.
Feast of the Ancestors: A solemn and respectful event, the Feast of the Ancestors is held in each household, where families set out a meal in honor of their departed loved ones. An empty chair is left at the table for the spirits to join the feast, and food is offered to the spirits in the form of symbolic dishes, often featuring dark berries, game meat, and black bread. The feast is a time to remember the dead, share stories of their lives, and seek their guidance for the future.
The Whispering Tree: In the heart of Stormhaven stands an ancient tree, known as the Whispering Tree. During Köldrök, people tie strips of cloth or parchment to its branches, each bearing a secret, wish, or confession. It’s said that the tree, with its deep roots and long memory, will carry these whispers to the spirits and the old gods, who may choose to grant wishes or bring peace to troubled souls.
Atmosphere and Decorations:
Stormhaven takes on a haunting beauty during Köldrök. The streets are lined with lanterns carved from gourds and pumpkins, their flickering lights casting eerie shadows. Homes and shops are decorated with dark fabrics, dried herbs, and bones, while windows are adorned with protective symbols. The air is filled with the scent of burning wood, pine, and spices, and a chill permeates the atmosphere.