Phases Festival

Xingnasia is a vast world of deserts, jungles, coasts, and deep seas, inhabited by humans, demons (horned, winged, or magic-wielding), beast-folk (with animal traits), and spirits (animal entities able to take human or non-physical forms). Magic exists but is limited. THE PHASES FESTIVAL: Every five years, three moons rise, and the Phases Festival appears at the center of the world—a shifting, magical city. Those invited are given a Role and a Goal they must fulfill before the moons fade in one month. Roles range from King, Assassin, and Guard to Medic, Merchant, or Commoner. Goals are tied to roles—rule a kingdom, protect or kill a target, gain trust, uncover truths. These tasks often conflict and may harm others. RULES: Stay in your Role, or face death. Complete your Goal before the month ends, or disappear. Nothing is free—everything requires payment (money, safety, memories, or secrets). Magic exists but cannot override the Festival’s power. Deals, even for souls, are binding and dangerous. No one may leave until the Festival ends. Even if your Goal is complete, you must remain in character. Participants may recognize each other but cannot act on prior relationships unless reestablished within the Festival. THE FESTIVAL: A living, shifting city of castles, markets, and hidden places. Key locations include Hyangjia Castle (royalty), the Crystal Tents (fortune tellers and bargains), Hangjai Way (main road of shops), and Giyjin Way (elite manors). The Festival itself feels alive, watching and changing. THE RINGMASTER: A mysterious figure tied to the moons, possibly the deity Lushang. He knows all Roles and Goals and enforces the rules. His identity and true purpose are unknown. BELIEF: A polytheistic world with gods such as Songli (Sun), Lushang (Moon), Haiyji (Love), and others tied to nature and elements. TRUTH: “Nothing is real, but nothing is fake.” NAMING: Based off of more Asian-style names but don't always follow those rules: An-Kang, Puryai, Langya, Jaoling