Fontinalia Festival

Name: Fontinalia Festival · Region: Fontaine · Type: Festival · Related Event: Version 4.3 Event - Roses and Muskets

Fontinalia FestivalThe Fontinalia Festival in Fontaine was established to honor the legendary Lochknights who searched for the Oceanids and welcomed the Hydro Archon Egeria. Similar to other prominent festivals like Mondstadt's Windblume Festival and Liyue's Lantern Rite, it holds deep connections to the founding of Fontaine, making it one of the nation's most important festivals. Originally, people commemorated the Lochknights by imitating them, wearing special costumes, raising golden cups, and going door to door requesting pure water. However, Lady Furina made the tradition more festive a few years ago by changing the water request to sweets. The festival is considered to be more carnival-like now and is popular among children who engage in "trial or treat" activities each year which include going door-to-door asking for candies with baskets during the celebration. During the first Fontinalia Festival the Traveler and Paimon attended, the prestigious "Furina Award," named after the former Hydro Archon Lady Furina, was given out at the end of the festival. Despite the changes in leadership, the name is still fitting for the award as Lady Furina remains a beloved figure in Fontaine. Related Entries:LochknightsAn ancient legend says that in the years when the Mistress of Many Waters was imprisoned and God King Remus ruled the lands, pure spring water had to be hidden away in concealed mountain streams, and the Lochknights were born in these sanctuaries. The knights swore by armor of silver to protect the Oceanids and to protect other knights who also keep faith in the Mistress of Many Waters, resisting the omnipresent golden power that blotted out the sky and outshone the sun. They swore to never draw their sword against those who pledge faith in Egeria and to never compromise in the face of evil. They opposed the omnipresent golden authority with a weak body of flesh and bone."We swear by the ever-blooming silver flower, that we will drive the golden usurper from the high sea, and wash away injustice with blood and tears""We swear to protect the spirits arisen from pure water, to protect the blessings left behind by the Queen of All Waters, until the pure spring flows as before"Wherever Remus's Harmost Boethius went, the natural nectar was buried, the aqueducts of the empire were built, and the spirits born of pure water (Oceanids) vanished without a trace. When the Golden City sank, the knights who resisted the usurper shed their armor, and their stories were hidden in ballads and legends.When the Golden City fell and the Lochknights faced unimaginable trials and endured sufferings never before known, the Mistress of Many Waters was freed from imprisonment and restored. The first Lochknight decided to self-exile in an attempt to repay a sin fated to be beyond redemption, so they concealed themselves in the remote wilderness.Related Entries:ErinnyesA legend says that Knight Erinnyes* of the Lakelight was the Chief of Lochknights, who worshiped the Mistress of Many Waters, Egeria. She defeated the princes of Bellouacoi, Atrebatis, and Uiromanduoi, and accepted their allegiance. And so the residents of those lands submitted to her rule with sincerity. They swore to find the Pure Grail and to free the Mistress of Many Waters from her imprisonment to atone for the sin they had borne since birth.Legend has it that the Pure Grail was a sacred vessel with the Primordial Water that can grant any wish. The Golden Grail could wipe away all the tears of the future, make the heirs of the high sea never again to suffer the pain and sorrow of the past, cure even the most terrifying of wounds, restore youth, and revive the dead. Only the purest of people can behold its glory, obtaining eternal life and wisdom unending.To celebrate that fealty and wisdom, eight days of feasting were ordered by Erinnyes in Aremori Castle. An emissary dispatched by King Remus of Capitolium joined the celebration to relay a message from the God King Remus. He asked for two gifts: water, for the purest of waters can wash away all sins, and earth, for dense earth can resist the erosion that looms. If Erinnyes would resist, death shall be sure to follow.The wise Knight Erinnyes refused to bow before King Remus and told the emissary that she was to lead the blessed army of the Mistress of Many Waters to destroy the grand city, and to cleanse Remus's army in their own blood. She ordered wondrous gifts for the Capitoliani musician and sent him back to the Golden City.Legends say that Erinnyes's home was destroyed early on by the wrathful God King, with an army from the Golden City enslaving or killing her family. Only two were to escape that fate. One met with the proud Harmost during the war and ultimately rose to inherit his authority. The other received the grace of the Mistress of Many Waters and was taken in by the Prince of Aremorica, to guard those pure waters not yet seized by the God King.One legend says that when sin tempted the City of Eternity to its fall, the Lochknights faced unimaginable trials and endured sufferings never before known. But in the end, the heartfelt longing of the people reached the heavens. Then, thanks to their pure hearts and the Pure Grail obtained through countless sacrifices, the Mistress of Many Waters was freed from imprisonment and restored.Erinnyes thanked the Mistress of Many Waters for showing her the Pure Grail and for allowing her to complete this journey. She promised that the surviving Lochknights would continue to loyally serve Egeria and her future kingdom, following that noble musician, and that they would pursue the lingering shadows, restoring justice. The knight with sea-colored eyes confessed her sins and asked to comfort her soul in expulsion and exile. The Mistress of Many Waters kindly granted the knight’s wish. The Mistress of Many Waters gave a flower as pure as Lakelight to the last Lochknight as a farewell gift. To this day, Fontaine maintains the tradition of picking a Lily and giving it to those on long journeys, wishing one another a road ahead as tranquil as pure water, and that those most precious will be able to follow its cool light, returning to their side.To ask for mercy from the Mistress of Many Waters and return the holy sword, Erinnyes threw her sword, Hauteclaire, into the waters of the lake. On the third time, the Sword of Light sank without a trace. And then she left with her head held high, never again to be seen by any in this world.Another version of the legend says that when sin tempted the City of Eternity to its fall, a singer named Erinnyes faced unimaginable trials and endured sufferings never before known. Yet, she remained unable to find that Pure Grail. But it was the heavens who chose the Mistress of Many Waters, commanding her to return from her primeval prison to take over from the golden king and rule the sea-ruins.Erinnyes said:"O Mistress of Many Waters, glorious primordial mother, I beg for your wisdom.""For you, I have killed the unrighteous and toppled countless cities.""Please tell me, this I plead, how the descendants of all seas might avoid disaster.""O Mistress of Many Waters, glorious primordial mother, please show mercy, just this once."The Queen of All Waters was moved by that plaintive plea and told the knight what she had once told King Remus. But the chieftain who dreamed of honor and glory was desperate, and her sword, long stained with blood, fell away, carrying the last thread of reason with it. Erinnyes left, never to be seen again, without witnessing the land of her dreams.*: The name "Erinnyes" is suspected to be the result of a careless error when it was first transcribed, for this name has no meaning in their language. In the script of the people of bygone times, the symbol for the sound "gh" looks quite similar to "y," and so was copied as such. There is precedent for similar mistakes. The proper pronunciation of the name should be "Errighenth of Aremorica" — in the language of the people of bygone times, "Er" signifies "high" while "Righenth" would be the feminine case of "ruler." From this perspective, the name is perhaps not her praenomen, but rather her title. However, since many scholars already refer to her as "Erinnyes," this "name" remains in history.

Roses and MusketsThe first Fontinalia Festival the Traveler experienced was presented by the Fontaine Film Association which aimed to promote filmmaking. Xavier, a film producer, faced financial issues despite securing most of the crew and copyrights due to the film's investor, Mr. Morris, lacking funds. Xavier explained the situation to Chiori who was working on the film as the overseer of the event's art direction, including the design of the actors' costumes and appearances. The lead actors, Kamisato Ayaka and Kamisato Ayato, offered to perform for free. With the Traveler on Kamera, Paimon as clapper loader, Yoimiya assisting, and Xavier as the producer, they only lacked a director until Paimon suggested Furina, known for her past skills throughout her performance in the "Little Oceanid." After she received the gift of Fontinalia Mousse and was assured complete freedom over the script, Furina agreed to direct despite lower pay.To enhance the film, Captain Chevreuse of the Special Security and Surveillance Patrol was recommended for action choreography to which she agreed upon hearing the film was based on "The Two Musketeers." Chevreuse explained the film's inspiration, "The Two Musketeers," centers around two illegitimate children born to a baron's maid, who endure mistreatment in the baron's household. After their mother is murdered and the crime is covered up, they flee but vow to avenge her. The siblings become skilled musketeers, and years later, they systematically take revenge on the baron's family members to reveal the truth about their mother's death and bring justice to her memory. This also seemed to be the inspiration of a recent murder case with similar methods. She urged the Traveler to rest and consider joining the investigation the next day.On the official first day of filming for "The Two Musketeers," Xavier introduced new crew members, Veronique and Bonnot, as prop manager and lighting technician, respectively. Furina briefed the crew on the first scene set at the baron's home. Veronique explained the prop musket uses special gunpowder. Ayaka and Chevreuse bonded over their weapons, and Ayato suggested turning his role over to Chevreuse, a change Furina approved. Filming began with two powerful scenes at the baron's estate including Chevreuse as Tulipe and Ayaka as Iris. The scenes showcased the mistreatment of the characters and the murder of their mother. After filming, Chevreuse initiated the murder investigation, focusing on locations related to musket activity in the Fleuve Cendre. The investigation revealed some clues, but Chevreuse suggested continuing the investigation after completing the film, expecting new leads to emerge with time. Ayato worked on building diplomatic relationships between Inazuma and Fontaine, and presented a well-thought-out proposal to Neuvillette, who emphasized adherence to regulations. Ayato planned to submit a written proposal to the Palais Mermonia within a week.Both the filming and the criminal investigation progressed at a steady pace over the next few days. In the final scenes of "The Two Musketeers," Chevreuse as Tulipe and Ayaka as Iris triumphed over the baron, symbolizing justice. After the victory, Iris and Tulipe contemplated their next steps, and expressed they are ready to move on and seek peace. The scene concluded with the blooming of a Rainbow Rose. Ayaka and Chevreuse received praise for their performances. Chevreuse began to explain her love for stories of justice prevailing over evil, but was interrupted by an urgent report and left. When she returned, she revealed she had received a lead about the Rainbow Rose murder case. The flower left by the killer is from a rare cultivar, and with the help of her friend Emilie, a perfumer, they have traced it to a specific garden in Fontaine.When they arrived at the garden, Baptiste, who is the author of the "Two Musketeers," confessed to the murders and revealed his vendetta against a wealthy man for his mother's death. Chevreuse doubted his story but agreed to a private conversation where Baptiste disclosed more information. He urged Chevreuse to administer direct justice as prison wouldn't be enough. Baptiste is escorted away for further questioning and Chevreuse hinted at returning to the Special Patrol and prepared for busy days ahead. The film crew faced unexpected challenges during the final round of filming. Technical issues with the cameras and a stolen film caused setbacks, but the crew managed to overcome these obstacles. Despite time constraints, the filming of "The Two Musketeers" concluded successfully. Furina and Xavier expressed gratitude to the crew, and a celebration feast followed at the beach. The crew enjoyed the festive atmosphere, meanwhile, Yoimiya invited the film's investor, Mr. Morris, to help her bring fireworks to the party.Yoimiya and Morris entered a dimly lit room, where a dramatic turn of events occurred as Yoimiya is seemingly shot and killed, a Rainbow Rose landing in front of her. Chevreuse appeared suddenly holding a musket and accused the film investor, Mr. Morris, of murdering Elisa, Baptiste's mother, brandishing a pendant that contained a picture of them together as evidence. Chevreuse declared his arrest for Elisa's murder. Veronique, upset at the fact that he wasn't killed, attempted to shoot him implicating her as "The Second Musketeer." It's revealed that Morris hired an assassin due to a scandalous affair with Elisa. Veronique, who turned out to be Baptiste's sister, shared her desire for revenge against Morris. The Special Patrol arrived shortly after to apprehend Morris and Veronique. Chevreuse revealed that the entire preceding event, including Yoimiya's apparent demise, was staged to coerce Morris into revealing the truth about Elisa's murder. The crew returned to the celebration, and Chevreuse noticed the Rainbow Roses in the garden now in full bloom.After the successful film premiere and resolution of the murder case, Xavier prepared for the award ceremony. Chevreuse discussed the culprits with Wriothesley at the Fortress of Meropide and she asked that Wriothesley distributed a newspaper covering of the case so that "a certain someone" would soon find himself the most unlucky person in the Fortress of Meropide while two others would be hailed as heroes. At the award ceremony, "The Two Musketeers" won the Furina Award and Xavier announced his film company, "Musketeer Pictures." The cast and crew took a commemorative photo, and Furina received the Furina Award. The celebration ended with cheers for "Musketeer Pictures!"

Trailers and Story TeasersVersion 4.3 "Roses and Muskets" TrailerDecember 8, 2023As the curtain rises on the Fontinalia Film Festival, it seems that everyone's where they should be — the director, the producer, the art director, and of course, the actors themselves...Now, all that's left is to time it so the muskets fire and the roses bloom only at the perfect moments. We'll leave that to you lot then.YouTube: