There are several different traditions or events held in Twisted Wonderland, many of which are celebrated in Night Raven College as well. Some of these traditions are unique to the world, as they're based on fairy tales.
Beanfest
Beanfest is a traditional Twisted Wonderland event that is held every February.
Origin[]
In the past existed a place in this Twisted Wonderland called Happy Valley. It had a lush and fertile land and a magic harp that could sing with an enchantingly beautiful voice. The magic harp's singing brought happiness and prosperity to the valley's people, animals and even its plants drunk deep of the music.
However, there was a giant who got jealous of their welfare, and one day, they came into the valley and stole the harp. After that, the plants withered, and the people went hungry. Until a certain farmer found some magical beans that sprouted into a massive beanstalk overnight,growing all the way up to the giant's home. The farmer climbed the beanstalk to the top and took back the harp. After making it back to the ground, he chopped down the beanstalk, which resulted in the defeat of the giant pursuing him.
With the return of the harp, Happy Valley was graced with its songs and abundant greenery once again.
The folklore has two morals: when someone takes something from you, take it back. And when someone wrongs you, get them back twice as hard.[1]
Tradition[]
At NRC, Beanfest is celebrated by holding a cross-class athletic game that's based on capture-the-flag. Students are divided into two groups: farmers and monsters. Originally, the monsters were supposed to run around and get pelted with beans. However, the students assigned to be monsters became tired of it and hit the farmers back, which turned the event into a massive brawl - which is how the tradition was turnt into an organized, competitive PE activity. The two teams fight for possession of the magic harp, which is placed in the coliseum.
Students draw lots to be assigned into one of the groups the day before Beanfest is held. Before the start of the game, students all gather at the same are to get their starting kits. This includes field maps with supply points marked on them, ten beans for farmers, and boots that boost running speed for monsters. Afterwards, each student has to head to their designated starting position.
The team that wins gets extra PE credit, and even more bonus to those who contribute the most to a team's victory.[2]
Rules[]
- The playing field spans across the entire campus and each team has their own supply points. These points have crates of various tools that students can use for their advantage during the game.
- Students have to rely on their wits and physical strength. No magic is allowed.
- Years ago, magic was allowed, but it was banned due to a heated game where people got seriously injured.
- If a monster is hit by a farmer's beans, the monster is out.
- If a farmer is captured by a monster, the farmer is out.
- The farmer team loses if they fail to take the harp within the time limit.
- The monster team loses if the farmer team successfully seizes the harp they're guarding.
Halloween
Halloween is one of the biggest events held in Twisted Wonderland, taking place on October 31st. While the details differ, there are Halloween traditions among every race.
Origin[]
It's a day when the departed souls return for a visit to the living world. People set up decorations and treats to welcome their visitors from the spectral realm. They also dress up in frightening costumes to suit the occasion.
Many of the ghosts tend to pull pranks on the living during this event, but most of them will disperse if they're offered a treat. But sometimes evil spirits get mixed in, who are capable of doing worse things than simple tricks. Halloween costumes are a guise intended to ward off evil spirits by scaring them first. However, nowadays people dress up for the fun of it.[3]
Tradition[]
At NRC, the preparations for Halloween begins a month before the holiday and it's considered a major event. There's a Halloween management committee that has students from each dorm, and they're in charge of Halloween affairs to keep things running smoothly.
The week leading up to it is called Halloween Week. For its duration, students are expected to host a stamp tour for visitors from off-campus. Each dorm has to select one campus location to decorate and use as their stamp tour checkpoint. Off-campus visitors must have free and complete access to this event, as for the duration of Halloween Week, there are visitors walking the school grounds free of charge. It's also a prime opportunity for students to showcase their training to the locals.
On the 31st, the school holds a party primarily for off-campus guests, but students and ghosts can also take part in it.[4]