The Cold Cycle, Arc 719
Welcome to Cold Cycle 719, peeps! 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 - January 30th should be timestamped within one of those two seasons. For clarity's sake, Cycle change goes into effect at 12:01am February 1st, UTC. This will be 8:01pm EST January 31st.
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 final seasonal changes of the Arc, and begins with 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 and returned the night to the world. 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, bringing with it the cold winds of death.
Zida 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.
All active threads from the Hot Cycle of 719 are now grandfathered. New threads must be timestamped as Vhalar or Zi'da 719 or be a Memory thread, if applicable. 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
Scalvoris - Pegasus
Central
Athart - Maltruism
Etzos - Maltruism
Rharne - Basilisk and Squirrel
West
Ne'haer - Octopie
Melrath - Fairytale and Strange
South
Desnind - Pegasus
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. You can find more details on these cities here.
Eastern
Nashaki
Central
Ivorian Empire
Southern
Quacia
Cities & Areas Closed and in Development
The following cities are closed and are currently undergoing development or redevelopment. 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.
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.
