All Shadar-kai belong to the Raven Queen, and all Shadar-kai have a home in the shadow fell. But not all Shadar-kai worship their mother of shadow, nor do they choose to live in the hidden depths and shadow covered truths of their home realm.
Among the faithful, are many schools of thought behind the celebration of Raven Queen’s birth, or Assentation. Those who lived through what happened directly are bound to both their goddess and silence, refusing or unable to explain what they saw or experienced. It does not mean that those uninvolved in the event directly leading to her ascendance did not take notice the changes.
There was a week where there was no communication between the Goddess and her faithful. No songs from her birds, no magic cast in her name, only the shadows that allowed them to hide whilst they waited for any sign. At the end of the tenday, every church built in her honor and image was covered by Murders and Unkindness and Clamours. In their beaks the ruined sigils and icons of Nerull. The faithful have interpreted this in largely the same ways. That the goddess ascended and that the birds she used were to be known as sacred and holy messengers and to be protected. As such, no faithful Shadar-kai will willing harm a Crow, Raven or Rook, though most will refuse to harm other birds associated with death, such as buzzards or black birds in general.
The more traditional follows insist of a tenday taken largely in silence. Quiet worship only broken tending wounded birds or hatchlings. Some will write down messages, advice or even memories of those they have loved and lost. On the second to last day, they prepare a feast for themselves and the birds. Any one of the birds that eats at a plate prepared by a Shadar-kai has granted them a blessing from the Raven Queen, a chance to attach their message to the bird and it will be carried along, either to the Queen herself or to another follower who may need their words. The last day is spent cleaning and mediation over those who have been guided into the gentle hands of her Majesty and the memories they have of them. No bird flesh is eaten during this tenday celebration.
The main point of contention among worshipers is when this festival should take place in the year. The many sects of the Raven Queen can be sorted into which month they choose to have this tenday event. But as the Shadar-kai leave their mysterious plane to explore the other worlds and realms around them. Some bring home more than stories and trinkets, but customs as well. Leading to what was a solemn tradition of prayer and remembrance into a more joyful expression of faith. Well, as joyful as the Shadar-kai bring themselves to be.
A few Shadar-kai have even started traveling in carnivals. Making their living by travel the shadow fell and bringing something close to joy as they go. Inspired by martial realm traditions and games. Despite some of the more conservative sects looking down their nose at such flights of fancy. Many of the younger generations of the Shadar-kai view them as holding holy purpose, keeping joy and celebration going in the name of the Raven.
Some Shadar-kai who have moved permanently to other realms keep this tradition going but tend to prefer holding it on the cusp between seasons or when it can be ended on a solstice. The other tradition most held to is the festive food being hand pies filled with what would be luxuries in the Shadow fell, fresh meats and cheese, and if available fruits sweetened with sugar and spices. Modest in size, as it was meant to be easy to eat on the go as tending to the birds takes president over all other tasks during this week.
Although this is the only major holiday outsiders to the Raven Queen religion might recognize. These hand pie often marked with bird motifs are the hallmark treat any Shadar-kai will try to bring to a celebration. They do not often make large batches but will offer them to close friends and families and other who hold respect in the community.
