Known as the day of Everlasting Sun, Zykla celebrate the longest stretch of sun for the year. Falling in the same month each year but the day can vary slightly; typically with the aid of the tribal shaman, the auspicious day is pinpointed through the use of star mapping and calculating the hours as they lengthen. In practice, the event is a big festival that begins as the first rays of sunlight touch any given part of the territory and only end when the sun has finally set.
A day of praise and boisterous merriment, many tribes offer sacrifices to Solis, drink/eat heavily and take part in sparring matches. While body painting is also a part of the holiday (many sporting sun symbols across their bodies), tattooing and scarification tents are often set up for victors or those who mean milestones in line with the longest day.
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The main focus of the festival is Solis, the Soul Eater. As such, his driving aggressive force is celebrated by worshipping Zykla in contests of physical prowess and strength. In the days prior to Sol'Xou a large fighting pit is constructed from the strongest trees that can be cut down. Stripped and hardened with fire, these logs become as hard as cement allowing for no holds bar fighting. Coals and embers are burned in the makeshift coliseum to coarsen and harden the ground. Zykla take part in playful wrestling, to-the-death matches, and outright brawling. Many choose to settle disputes or any internal grievances on this day.
This is also one of the few days where war games can take place. A Patriarch must accept any challenge made and the battle must be fought out in the ring. Fights are usually presided over by a shaman since certain matches can often be made into stories to be told throughout the year and if they are good enough, many years to come. No weapons of any kind are allowed, though Blood Force can be employed by those gifted with it. Should a Zykla be caught ‘cheating’ be it with poisons or weapons, they will be branded for their dishonor of Solis.
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Exclusive to Sun Zykla
