WESTWOOD EVENTS
These are the events hosted at the Westwood Academy of Magical Learning. As some of you have so wonderfully created original characters for the world of Westwood, I have formed a list of occasions which your characters can attend. They will be featured in the main story and hopefully they give you the opportunity and inspiration to make more content for your OCs. Any content is welcome, should you wish to write something – an interaction, a conversation, a moment – or make a gifset or manip taking place during one of these happenings!
The Founder's Ball
Open to all students and teachers, The Founder's Ball is a celebration of the First Families – in particular, Destrian and Vera Vanderbilt, the Founders of Westwood Academy. It also serves as a welcome for returning students should they have spent the holiday off campus.
The Fáilte
Taking place on the summer solstice, The Fáilte is the only day when the Seelie Court is open to all creatures of the Recondite Citizenry. It is a notable Fae celebration, and honours all Fae royalty. Coronations are also often held on this day.
Westwood Derby
Participation is compulsory from all Houses. Due to a lack in numbers from Houses Morrigan, Merlyn, and Lamia, they have banded together to form the Troika to ensure even competition. The Derby is held annually as a display of physical prowess from each respective species of the Recondite Citizenry. Victory earns the highest respect from even the Eldritch Council, who have been known to spectate.
The Lycan Debut
A social introduction, the Lycan Debut is a large milestone among the Werewolves. It is an opportunity to be introduced to the Recondite Citizenry and to find your "mate." Should your debut prove unsuccessful, and no mate is found, you will debut again every year until mated. All nearby Packs are extended an invite to Westwood as it is a well-protected stronghold and thus the best place to host such an event. All Houses are able to attend should they be extended an invite from a Werewolf.
The Trials of Hecate
Taking place on the autumnal equinox, the Trials of Hecate is an arcane tournament between the Troika (Houses Morrigan, Merlyn, and Lamia). On this one day, all magic is balanced. It is a show of knowledge, wit, and skill. An evenly matched magical contest with only one winner, and the blessing of Hecate as the crowning glory. Held in the Coliseum, this is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and is spectated by all students.
Samhain
Masks are tradition but not required on Samhain. A feast, followed by a night of music, dancing, magic and mayhem, Samhain welcomes the "darker-half" of the year with open-armed embrace. Even Houses Noctem and Phoebus put aside their differences for one night. The masks make it easier to pretend.
Induction
Members of the Vampire Coven Consortium – a Vampire council independent of Citizenry rule, though represented by Hadrian Umbra within the Eldritch – attend the winter solstice gala in order to meet with their kin who have been sent to Westwood for rehabilitation. Covenless Vampires, if proven to be stable and worthy, can be offered potential positions in covens. Exiled Vampires can appeal to have their cases reopened. Attendance of other species is by invite only.
Yuletide
A ten day long affair, Yuletide celebrates Christmas in its entirety. Many feasts, house-wide gift exchanges, and a farewell ball for all those who are leaving for the holiday are expected during this time. Many students remain on campus, however, and elect to have their holidays at Westwood (if not otherwise mandated by the Eldritch Council).
