Wintersday 2007: Annual Battle between Grenth and Dwayna

Wintersday approaches, can you all see the signs?
The grentches and snowmen will all soon align.
For a battle in the end is what we all face;
To decide the wintry fate of the whole human race.

Dwayna and Grenth will vie for our favor;
Through threats and presents of a wintergreen flavor.
In the end one shall win, one shall surely prevail;
And the length of the winter is the final detail.

So stock up on snowballs and clear all your packs;
For gifts of all sorts will rain down on your backs.
And if you should see a small urchin or three;
Remember the spirit of the season—'Tis better to give than receive.

Wintersday is almost upon us. That time of year when the gods Dwayna and Grenth fight over who will control the weather during the coming months. Will Grenth have his way and plunge the world into eternal winter or will Dwayna be able to melt enough hearts to bring about an early thaw? You will have the final say as the gods vie for your vote during the grand finale.

The Wintersday event begins at Noon Pacific time (-8 GMT) on Friday, December 21, 2007 and runs for 12 days. During the event, the cities of Kamadan, Lion's Arch, Droknar's Forge, and Ascalon City will shine like beacons in the winter night sky with festive Wintersday decorations, while holiday NPCs walk the streets lending their holiday spirit to this jolly season. Visitors to these four cities will be invited to participate in special holiday quests, missions, and games, all with their own rewards. And don't be surprised if a snowball fight breaks out before the end of the festival.

In addition those activities, the Wintersday grand finale will take place in Lion's Arch and Kamadan every three hours during Wintersday itself. The first finale will begin at 12:01 AM Pacific on Tuesday, January 1, 2008, and the final event will begin at 12:01 AM on Wednesday, January 2, 2008.

So, mark your calendars and be sure to show up for another special Wintersday event in the world of Guild Wars. It promises to be the event of the season!

Holiday Events

Even before the grand finale, wherein Dwayna and Grenth promise the crowds gifts to gain their favor, Wintersday will provide many opportunities for wintry fun and presents. Here's what you can expect:

• The return of two well-known Wintersday quests, which give you the chance to side with Grenth and his grentches or Dwayna and her snowmen before their final showdown. Unsure which deity to support? Try both quests to pick your favorite!
   
• The return of two quest chains unveiled last year involving polar bears, reindeer, and devious presents—oh my!
   
• Two new repeatable quests set in the (previously) Secret Lair of the Snowmen. Help save the snowmen, and all of Wintersday, or lead a group of grentches in for a final "bah, humbug" of the season; it's your choice.
   
• Venture into the Underworld for a series of repeatable snowball fights against the forces of Grenth or the forces of Dwayna. Take control of piles of presents to insure your side's victory in this frosty fray.
   
• For another dose of snowball mayhem, try out the PvP snowball fight. Random forces will unite within an arena to fight for either Grenth or Dwayna. The first team to gather five presents for its patron deity wins the day.
   
• And, if you believe the old adage that it is better to give than to receive, try your hand at the city event game in Lion's Arch, Droknar's Forge, Kamadan, and Ascalon City during the festivities. Deliver presents to the children before the grentches destroy Wintersday. You never know, the little urchins might reward you with something special for your generosity.
   

Holiday Rewards

In addition to the seasonally appropriate headwear you can receive from Dwayna or Grenth at the end of the grand finale, here are some other gifts and items you might see during the Wintersday festival:

	Wintersday Gift: What surprise will you find inside? Unwrap it to find out.
	Snowman Summoner: Need an instant snowman? This gift is for you.
	Eggnog: The holiday season's staple drink.
	Spiked Eggnog: A more potent glass of 'nog for the hale and hearty. Please imbibe responsibly—don't drink and quest.
	Wintergreen Candy Cane: The return of the adventurer's favorite candy treat.
	Rainbow Candy Cane: A different flavor of candy cane that should also make long days of questing more enjoyable.
	Yuletide Tonic: Drink this tonic if you want to be one of Dwayna's little helpers during the festivities.
	Globs of Frozen Ectoplasm: You'll need some of this collectible item when you get low on Yuletide Tonic.
	Fruitcake: Another holiday staple that is sure to put a spring in your step.
	Candy Cane Shards: Collect these colorful fragments by questing and competing. The outcome of Wintersday could hang in the balance. Besides, you never know what somebody might trade for them, (but you might want to hold onto your shards until the finale, and use them for good…or mischievous…intent).

Special Reward

In the tradition of the season, you will also receive special holiday-themed headgear if you attend the Wintersday finale. And this year, the hat you receive will depend on which deity wins the day, so choose wisely.

We look forward to seeing you this Wintersday. Come join the fun, and don't get left out in the cold!