Mid Autumn Festival

===> COH <===> 9/17/2019, 8:13:38 PM <===

	The Mid-Autumn Festival is a harvest festival celebrated notably by the Chinese and Vietnamese people. It relates to Chuseok (in Korea) and Tsukimi (in Japan). The festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar with a full moon at night, corresponding to mid September to early October of the Gregorian calendar. TONIGHT? Tonight it was being hosted by Wu Hong Feng at El Fenix, and barrio chino was out in full effect.

	Mooncakes and all manner of intoxicating libations had been set out gratis. The real money would be made in generosity at the games of chance, of course.

	The interior of the space had been cleverly made up to resemble a moonlit field ready for harvest. A mix of mundane decorations and minorly supernatural effects combined with the libations on offer to lend to the aura of mystery and magic to the proceedings. Those sensitive to the otherworlds would be able to feel the Yugen building from the revels.
You paged Zua with 'gifts are always a good thing, lol! :)'

	Yay tourist! Sun Lin is enjoying the relaxed drinking laws of Mexico and Tijuana in particular cause she looks way to young to be out drinking. But she's also greeting people in Chinese and taking part in the festival. A moon cake in one hand and a colorful drink in the other.

Zua arrives with little fanfare, carrying two artfully decorated fruit baskets. Mostly filled with fruits native to southern china and bordering asian countries. After a little bit of rearranging, one basket is deposited among the food laid out for the festivities. The other is offered to Fenix, along with a small bow, as a personal gift.

It should also be noted all the fruits would normally be in season at this time.

	Fenix is the consummate host (Charisma 5, Carousing 3) and it shows. The kuan of barrio chino is ensuring that everyone is having a great time. Free booze and food don't hurt. Turning to greet Zua, he offers a respectful bow, then reaches out to accept the gift. "Thank you for coming. And for your generosity." A beat. "Oh, right. I'm Wu Hong feng - Fenix. Make yourself at home - as the larger population of locals says, mi casa es su casa - my home is your home."

	The sounds of traditional live music fill the air! Musicians on traditional Chinese instruments play ancient, eternal tunes for the revelers.

Lin smiles brightly "I thought I would miss a proper festival. This is wonderful." as she sips her drink taking it nice and slow. Enough to get a little bit of a buzz but not enough to wake up without a kidney.

	Wandering throughout the space are the courtiers of the Red Diamond court of hsien over which Fenix presides. Xiu the Hanumen, Kang the Tanuki, Bo the Heng Po, and Chin the Fu Hsi each take responsibility for one of the four cardinal directions in the space, ensuring revelry and keeping the peace, such as it were. Fenix? Despite his fiery proclivities, he occupies the center direction, serving as the hub of the space. Eyes flicker to Lin, and he offers a good-natured smile. "I have a stash of the good stuff at the host's table - help yourself."

Zua gives a small nod to Lin as well, then greets Fenix proper, "Zua Hua.". She smiles faintly, a twinkle of humor in her eye, "Wu Feng, at your service."

Lin nods to Fenix "I am good. I gotta keep it light." she wiggles her drink. "Know your limits and all that." before taking a bite from moon pie.

	Fenix nods to Lin, and then to Zua, he regards her with a curious look. "A new face, I think? Though my recall isn't what it used to be, so forgive me if we've met before. Thank you for the gift of your attendance, as well as the bountiful offerings. I -" But then its Chin, the enigmatic looking Fu Hsi, that makes his way over to whisper something into Fenix's ear. A nod from Fenix as he makes his way to a small platform in the center of the space, stepping up and sounding a small traditional bell suspended there in an effort to gather all the reveler's attention.

Zua mutters a brief, "We have not. But I am amused at things shared." Before the bell rings. Then she falls silent to enjoy the show. More will probably be forthcoming later.
Seikou comes in from Tijuana - La Mesa

Seikou has arrived. She takes up a spot near the platform, hear to listen and partake in the festivities.

	SCENE SUM-UP: The Mid Autumn Festival! Also known as the festival of the harvest moon! The place has been made out to look like a moonlit field, ready for harvest. Mundane decorations and minor supernatural effects combine with free booze and snacks to lend a magical air to the proceedings. Yugen has begun to build and accumulate from the revels!

	From a small platform in the center of the space, Fenix rings the bell. Once the crowd quiets, he steps out to address his guests. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate the arrival of mid autumn, and the goddess of the moon!" A pause. "This festival celebrates three fundamental concepts that are closely connected:

	Gathering, such as family and friends coming together, or harvesting crops for the festival. It is said the moon is the brightest and roundest on this day which means family reunion. Consequently, this is the main reason why the festival is thought to be important

	Thanksgiving, to give thanks for the harvest, or for harmonious unions, and

	Praying (asking for conceptual or material satisfaction), such as for babies, a spouse, beauty, longevity, or for a good future."

	Fenix pauses and takes a long, slow look around the space.

	It is the Yugen in the air that draws the weary traveller. The asian woman has that androgynous quality about her that can make it hard to tell, dressed in beaten up road worn clothing. She quietly slips into the festival area, taking her time to admire the decorations and savor the wondrous atmosphere.


	"I ask any who are so moved, to step forward and speak their giving of thanks, or offer their prayers," Fenix says before taking a step back and bowing to the audience.

Lin holds up her drink in salute as Fenix explains the event going on "Hen li hai!" shouting Awesome in her home language. She will step forward when the opportunity is offered "A thousand thanks to the Will of Heaven! Guiding the courses of our lives. Favor and well wishes to us all! Xie Xie!"

Zua has claimed a couple of mooncakes to munch on while she quietly listens. Enjoying the atmosphere, a healthy yang glow about her. She does not speak at this time.

	Fenix is pleased with Lin's offering! He'll ring the bell enthusiastically as his courtiers and staff hand out more drinks and food to keep the yang up! "Here, here!"

	Fenix gestures to an elaborate altar, dedicates to the moon goddess, where pastries and beverages have been offered up. He clears his throat, "And now, a story! So that we may remember why we gather!"

	"There are many tales about Chang'e, the goddess of the moon, including a well-known story that is given as the origin of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival that we now celebrate!" A pause as the space suddenly goes entirely dark! All light snuffed out!

	But then a single silvery spotlight illuminates the platform, the altar, and Fenix. A look around as he searches the crowd, then he steps forth and begins the story.

	"In a very distant past, ten suns had risen together into the skies and scorched the earth, thus causing hardship for the people." Pyrotechnics accompany the story - is it practical FX? Magic? Both? No one is telling, though Awareness checks would suggest at least a LITTLE actual magick is at work tonight!

	"The archer Yi shot down nine of them, leaving just one sun, and was given the elixir of immortality as a reward." The words are illuminated and brought to life by by some sort of hologram upon the ceiling. "He did not consume it straight away, but let Chang'e keep it with her, as he did not want to gain immortality without his beloved wife Chang'e." A pause as he allows the audience to digest the meaning of the sacrifice that had been made!

Zua listens attentively to see how this telling plays out.

	Sound and light dim and quiet once again so that Fenix can continue the tale. "However, while Yi went out hunting, his apprentice Fengmeng broke into his house and tried to force Chang'e to give him the elixir. " A dramatic pause as holograms accompany the story, dramatizing the deeds detailed!

	"She refused and to prevent him from getting it, drank it." Another dramatic pause, accompanied by suitably dramatic music from the musicians in attendance.

Lin nods along listening to the story

	The space goes dark again, and when light returns, this time the story is accompanied by puppets! Fenix continues - "Chang'e then flew upward toward the heavens, choosing the Moon as residence, as she loved her husband and hoped to live nearby him." The puppet ascends to the 'sky' and takes residence on a papier mache moon! "Yi discovered what had transpired and felt sad, so he displayed the fruits and cakes that Chang'e had liked, and gave sacrifices to her." And then all but the altar, laden with Zua's fruits, and mooncakes and such, is illuminated in a soft silver light.

	A soft silvery glow will slowly spread out from the altar, the rest of the space taking on similar illumination. On the traditional Chinese instruments? A decidedly UNtraditional rendition of Echo and the Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon". HOW DROLL! But also, how very, very, Fenix. "And now that we have properly given thanks, please - eat, drink ,and make merry. May we all be so fortunate to be so loved, and to have our sacrifices so honored!"
Zua chuckles softly.

	Ambient background music resumes and people are left to their own festive devices! Fenix hops on down off the platform and makes his way back towards Lin and Zua. "I hope it was to your liking," he says as he draws near.

Lin nods to Fenix "While I am enjoying the Americas so far.. It is still nice to taste home once in awhile." she smiles "Proper celebrations that don't just count for reasons to get very drunk and stumble around which seems to be what westerners specialize in."

	Fenix nods in agreement. "Oh, /totes/, for sure. But maybe I'll take you to one of the waigoren festivals hosted by some of my occidental counterparts in Prospect so you can really compare."

Zua snickers as she finishes up the last of her mooncakes, "It amused me.". Her english is lightly accented with one of the dialects of china. While she talks she pulls out a grapefruit and begins peeling it.

Lin is equally accented heavily. "It is difficult. I am not legal there. I get carded even at the 18 and over events." she does look very young. Specially with a drink in hand. "But I am not much of a drinker anyway. I am very much a lightweight."
Zua makes a small face at that, "I couldn't get drunk even if I wanted to. I metabolize it to fast."

	"Oh, the parties I go there are private and hosted, so no worries. We'd have guest privileges - the kind that don't require identification," replies Fenix slyly. "I'll let you know when the next one happens so you can have the opportunity to come along. " Then he looks back to Zua - color him curious! "Well, that's a handy trick and nifty feature."
Lin sighs "Exact opposite for me. Takes me forever to get over it. I get too drunk and I'm out of action for a day." before she nods to Fenix.

	Kang, one of Fenix's courtiers who clearly has the martial air of security of sorts, comes up to whisper something in the man's ear. Fenix's brow furrows as he listens, then he nods to the man before looking back to his companions. "I need to go and tend to something that may or may not be ... a thing. But I'll return as soon as I can. In the meantime? Enjoy yourselves as my guests."

	And with that, Fenix turns to accompany Kang and heads into the back of the house to deal with whatever it is that needs dealing with.

===> Log ended by user <===> 9/17/2019, 9:45:48 PM <===