Cold Cycle: Arc 720
Welcome to the Cold Cycle 720. Every Cycle in Standing Trials runs over four real life months and has two in-character seasons. The Cold Cycle has Vhalar (123 Trials) and then Zi'da (93 Trials) which are open for you to play. All new threads from October 1st 2020 -February 28th 2021 should be timestamped within one of those two seasons.
Please see Timekeeping for more information and reach out to a member of staff if you're confused!
We're rolling into the new Cycle. The Cold Cycle marks the autumn and winter season of the Arc, and begins with the season of Vhalar. Vhalar is described as the season of harvest, where vegetables, herbs, and other produce are ripe for reaping one last time. During the beginning of this season, the temperature is still fairly hot, even though the second sun has moved away. As the trials progress, the weather cools while the leaves slowly change from thriving green to lively red, yellow, auburn, and purple. The grass wilts and hardly any color is saved by the end of the season except for the pines and other shrubs and trees. Vhalar takes on a chill during its final days before sinking into the cold season of Zi'da.
Vhalar lasts a total of 123 trials (days). It is a festive time for most cities as the temperature mid-season is quite enjoyable. However, each region will experience the effects of this seasons differently.
As Vhalar closes out, Zi'da begins, and the winter begins. Zi'da rolls in, bringing with it the cold winds of death. This season was named in honor of the Immortal Daia, after she was struck down at the hands of a human, thus manifesting the war between deities presently. Zi'da is a cool season that only progressively gets colder. Very few flora survive during this time and the trees, barren and lifeless. Animals have settled down to hibernate while the only real noise that disturbs the peaceful silence of Zi'da are the humans that walk about and the Immortals that fight for control. Snow is common during this season, along with freezing rain and blizzards.
Zi'da lasts for a total of 93 trials (days). Though it is considered a cold season, the weather and chill of Zi'da pales in comparison to Cylus.
All active threads from the Hot Cycle of 720 are now grandfathered. New threads must be timestamped as Vhalar or Zi'da 720 or be a Memory thread, if applicable (only playable on a season before you began playing your PC). If your PC lists their age in their CS and has a birthday this cycle, be sure to update their age.
Cities & Areas Open and Supported by City Mods
The following Cities are Open and have City Moderators presiding over them. This means they will have active Calendars, Events, and will moderate threads for players. These city moderators are on hand to provide active support for their cities.
North
Viden - Tempest
East
Nashaki - Strange & Saint
Central
Athart - Maltruism
Etzos - Maltruism
Rharne - Pig Boy, Basilisk and Squirrel
West
Melrath - Pig Boy & Compass
South
Desnind - Tempest
Quacia - Strange
Cities & Areas Open without Moderator Support
The following cities are open without moderator support. PCs are allowed to play here, however, they will have no calendar unless one is created by the community, no guaranteed events, and little to no moderator support. This means anything that requires moderator approval may not be approved.
Scalvoris
Ne'haer
Ivorian Empire
Cities & Areas Closed
The following cities are closed. PCs are not allowed to play here, and must make suitable arrangements to exit immediately following a season change if found playing within this city during this season. The status of these cities may be subject to change depending on development arrangements.
Northern
Rynmere (including Andaris and the Eastern Territories)
Eastern
Yaralon
Central
Etrusan
Volanta
If a city or area is not on the above lists, it is currently closed and/or not being actively developed. However, unless under active development or redevelopment, you may still post in that city by posting in the regional wilderness, adding the [City Name] at the front of the post title.
