This month, we’ll tell you about the Earning Season, a time for trade, negotiations… and one of Requiem’s most important holidays, the Burning. The Burning is a Volkov holiday, where they release the burden of their most dire secrets and a time for all of the Fold to share in their tradition.
What Is The Burning?
The Volkov Family serves as the secret keepers of Requiem - they provide intelligence to the other families, spy on enemies both internal and abroad, and keep tabs on all activities in the Fold. Some of their secrets they have to keep to themselves, as the consequences of revealing them are too dire. To unburden themselves, once a year they put their most terrible secrets on paper to burn in a fire, releasing them from the weight of that knowledge. When they do, they invite the other Families to join them, burning some of their secrets away as well.
The Burning has two parts. First, there is a carnival, with food and games. Vendors set up shop in the Great Hall, while Seraphis Volkov stays in a tent outside. One-by-one, denizens of the Fold can go inside, asking Seraphis to burn their secrets… effectively asking the Volkovs to forget their past actions, for a price. After the sun goes down, the Volkovs shed their blue robes and masks to walk undisguised through Requiem, moving in a crowd towards the bonfire. There, all assembled burn their secrets on pieces of paper, letting them disappear into the fire.
How To Participate
There’s a few ways players can participate in the Burning.
You can set up as a vendor in the Great Hall… the theme of the afternoon is food and games (such as cornhole or a row of cans to knock over with a ball). All those who set up a food stand or a game will get a signed wager from the Volkovs, and we’ll give a prize to the best food and best game: a “Confidential Informant” (the Volkov Rank 3 item).
Also at the carnival, the Volkovs will be selling slips of paper for the bonfire, and players will have an opportunity for a one-on-one scene with Seraphis (and can potentially trade for her to burn some of their secrets).
Finally, after Sundown, we’ll have the bonfire. If you’re an Early Bird, and take part in the ritual, you’ll be able to use the Early Bird ZoM… if you’re Fractured, the unburdening that comes with the Burning will heal one Fracture. If you’re not Fractured, the spirit of the Earning Season will inspire you, and you can gain one free hour of crafting time.
Finally, any character can participate in the Burning, just by wearing Volkov Blue!
The carnival will be from 3 - 5 pm on Saturday, and the bonfire will start around 6 pm. Join us for this special Requiem holiday.