Oct 31 – All Sprites Day
Finally, it’s Halloween proper! We’ve reached the center of the ritual cycle, the hinge between Questions and Answers. Tonight is the night the Hypogeum opens and all of the monsters trapped inside by Anthuor are released into the world. To the Quatrians, the most worrisome of these creepy critters were the Memlen.
If The Vernow didn’t get you last night, you’ll want to be sure to avoid The Memlen today. The Memlen are difficult to explain, but decidedly sinister; when the Memlen symbol appears during divination, one must conclude the reading immediately, as it implies that the diviner has drawn the attention of the Memlen, and they are approaching.
- The Memlen are scary. They are said to steal children, to curse pathways, to obstruct plant growth. Memlen could replace sap with ink, or cause rain to fall that never puddled, or granted eyesight to the blind but only a single color.
- The Memlen cannot be detected. Said to be smaller than the smallest grain of pollen, it’s possible to conceive of Memlen as what we might think of as “microscopic” entities. As microorganisms to the human biome, so Memlen are to “spirits” — but with far greater license and self-determination. Some say the Memlen speak in a language which can be seen.
- The Memlen are unbound by form. A mysterious black drink offered by a human-sized pigeon, labelled “MEMLEN Elven Cola.” An exact replica of a constellation which appeared ten thousand years prior. A mask, scented with perfume, containing a single feather. A table. An acorn.
- The Memlen are generative forces. It wouldn’t be correct to claim that the Memlen are malevolent by nature. Instead, they forge paths that humans simply can’t explain or conceive of. In some old tales, they are even said to have benefited those deserving of assistance by generating positive momentum.
Every member of Middle Quatrian society received a special whistle upon coming of age, with which they could defend themselves if beset by Memlen in dark places.
Memlen north and memlen south; Memlen east and memlen west. Keep a whistle in your mouth If you’d fain avoid this pest. — Early Quatrian Folk Rhyme
Today, while out and about– ESPECIALLY while trick or treating– we carry a special whistle to blow if we feel beset by Memlen. Otherwise, there’s not a lot we can do if they decide to close in on us….
We can’t talk too much about this day, and can’t offer assurances about what you’ll experience. The Memlen are the kind of primal energy that defies explanation or clarity. They are fickle and unpredictable; it’s wise not to read too much into anything you may perceive or learn this day, as it may be a trick. You may feel confused. Disappointed. A feeling of wanting to turn back even though you’re halfway there. You may even decide that this level of uncertainty makes you want to take a break from the ritual, or from daily life, which is fine!
If nothing else, the Memlen are here to serve as a reminder that everything is a process with a beginning, a middle, and an eventual end. No matter how many tricks are played on you, no matter how mysterious or dark things seem, even the darkest day will pass and the tricks of the Memlen will fade away.
Share a picture or video of your whistle using the hashtag #13LiminalNights.
Read more about the #13LiminalNights here.