Crystal Bloom
The Crystal Bloom Festival is an annual celebration in the town of Frostbite Falls. Positioned at the foot of the towering Ice Spire mountains, this intriguing spectacle takes place for a week at the peak of winter.
Background
According to local lore, the festival commemorates the time when the town was saved from eternal winter by the benevolent Ice Spirit. As a token of gratitude, the Ice Spirit sent a magical blizzard that causes the crystalline flowers surrounding Frostbite Falls to bloom overnight. These flowers, known as icebells, shimmer in the daylight, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for all to see.
Events
Grand Procession: The festival is kicked off by a grand procession. It features massive ice sculptures, pushed through the streets by teams of well-dressed townsfolk. Spectators gather to marvel at the intricate designs, each representing a piece of the town's history and lore.
Ice Carving Competition: In this unique event, artisans both local and far-flung use their skills to create ice sculptures with chisels and magic. It's a favorite among spectators, who enjoy watching the frozen figures emerge from raw blocks of ice.
Crystal Bloom Dance: A highlight of the festival is the Crystal Bloom Dance, where townsfolk and visitors alike wear costumes decorated with glowing ice crystals. The dance concludes with a stunning display of illusion magic.
Night of the Frostlight: On the final night of the festival, everyone gathers to witness the ‘Frostlight’, a phenomenon where the blooming Icebells emit an ethereal glow that illuminates the snowy terrain. It's a serene spectacle, marking an end to the festivities.
Special Rules
With the festival comes a wealth of opportunities for trading, socializing, and scheming. Fortunetellers, magic items dealers, and various types of entertainers flock to the town. However, there is a strict rule in place: no harm may come to the Icebells. It's believed that any malicious act against the flower will draw the wrath of the Ice Spirit, inflicting another eternal winter on Frostbite Falls.