Bond Festival

A festival held every cycle for a full week, beginning just after the weekend Rapids, and ending on the last day of the following Rapids. The festival is largely a celebration of firekeeping and Arenfürich's independence, and is jointly managed by the Arteries, Lords, and Stormrunners.

Notably, the ceremony isn't expected to be the last chance for pairs to be made, as some inevitably fail to find partners, but those who do are looked down upon as "leftovers," and may either negotiate an off-ceremony pairing or even participate in the next one, if desperate enough.

The festival's entertainment is not limited to the Lighter's competitions, however, as the numerous townsfolk and existing flamepairs host competitions and various art performances as well. It is not uncommon for flamepairs who wish to focus on more artistic areas to be formed during one of the events, but many simply use them as a celebration of the art which represents their freedom.

Storm Runs

One festival tradition is the Storm-runs, held on the final weekend days of the festival when the Rapids begin again by the local Stormrunner's Guild. The challenge is to navigate some course through the use of skystilts and coupling, just as the original Stormrunners did. The event is part of the Kindling Ceremony, as the demonstration for lightweight skystilts, but it is also held as a challenge for experienced veterans.

Ironblood Duels

Perhaps the second-most popular festival tradition is the Ironblood Duels. Each local festival may hold their own, which is a simple tournament of scriptlighter duels held on an elevated platform above a steamrise. In addition to the normal victory conditions of acquiring surrender or decoupling the chestplate, if one manages to push their opponent off the edge, that too is victory.

Each match is often a maximum of 3 rounds, after which the winner advances in typical tournament fashion. The ultimate winner is often gifted something useful to their profession of war, up to and including a fully functional frame, but may also be powderblade handles, pre-forged silversteel weapons or armor, or a simple cash prize.

Kindling Ceremony

On the evening of the final day, the Kindling Ceremony is held, and the scribes present their engrams to their lighters as an offer of partnership. After the successful pairings, the new couples are celebrated with wine, drink, and games until the couples retire for a honeymoon.