Triumphant Return of the Dragon Festival

All who attended last year?s Dragon Festival recall a mixture of merriment and terror dominating the weekend. The annual festival, which celebrates the rise of the Dragon Empire from the ashes of the Jade Wind, was beset by demons—harbingers of Nightfall—who threatened to cast the empire back into chaos in the name of their lord, Abaddon.

After that near debacle, Emperor Kisu canceled plans for subsequent festivals until the Canthan Guard could safeguard the wellbeing of all citizens. This dictum was recently rescinded after brave heroes ventured into the Realm of Torment and ended the threat of Nightfall. To celebrate this victory over the forces of darkness, the emperor has decreed the Dragon Festival shall proceed, not only as a testament to the strength of the empire, but to honor the victory of humanity over the demonic forces of Abaddon.

The Dragon Festival will take place over the weekend of July 6 to July 8 in and around Shing Jea Monastery, and is open to all Canthan citizens as well as visitors from other nations who have the resources to travel to Cantha.

Commemorating the Past

To commemorate the bravery of the citizens of Cantha last year in driving back the demons who threatened to ruin the Dragon Festival, this year?s festival will include dramatic reenactments of those events, and all are invited to participate in these little dramas. Whether it?s facing off against hordes of Naga and Yeti driven mad by papier-mâché demons, clearing these same "demonic" forces from a bandit camp, or accepting the calls-to-arms from Captain Rujiyo when more "demons" attack various towns across the island, participants will find numerous ways to join in the fun.

The Emperor?s Gift

On the last day of the festival, Emperor Kisu will make appearances within Shing Jea Monastery to kick off the final reenactment. At last year?s festival, demons attacked during the emperor?s speech and, to show their dominance over humanity, attempted to steal the celestial charges dropped by the Celestial Dragon. This year, festival participants will relive the excitement of tangling with these demons as they vie with actors playing the part of Abaddon?s forces over the blessings dropped by the Celestial Dragon.

But before this final drama plays out, the emperor, in his infinite charity, will give a gift to all who have proven their festival spirit by collecting 250 Victory Tokens throughout the weekend. The gift will be a special Demon Mask, crafted to commemorate the victory of Cantha over the demonic hordes at last year?s festival. Imperial Supply Master Kagno will remain in Shing Jea Monastery for one week following the festival to give attendees who missed the finale a chance to trade their 250 Victory Tokens for a Demon Mask.

Walk the Boardwalk, Race the Beetle

Collecting Victory Tokens should be easy for the seasoned festival goer. In addition to the tokens you can earn by helping out with the reenacted quests and missions, this year?s Dragon Festival will see the return of many popular events and mini-games. These games will provide participants with opportunities to earn both Festival Tokens and Festival Tickets (the tickets can be turned in for more Festival Tokens or other fun festival treats such as red bean cakes and bottles of rice wine). All weekend long, participants will be invited to walk the Shing Jea Boardwalk and play Rings of Fortune and Nine Rings, venture to the Rollerbeetle Arena to race beetles, or travel to the Dragon Arena for a rousing PvP battle against other festival participants.

Schedule of Events

The games and quest reenactments will be available all weekend long, while the missions and the finale will occur on a set schedule. Captain Rujiyo will call heroes to arms for missions every four hours on Friday and every two hours on Saturday and Sunday. The missions will be active for 30 minutes after the call goes out. Emperor Kisu will make his scheduled appearances every two hours on Sunday, July 8.

Mission and Final Event Schedule*