It’s a common thread throughout our known civilizations that humanity likes to celebrate or at the very least to have some kind of festival. Whether it’s setting off fireworks for the new year or eating a prized delicacy, these are times when communities come together to share in a common experience.
The world of fantasy and fiction in no different. This weeks 6d6 Think Tank was about coming up with a few ideas on what kind of celebrations and festivals might exist is fantasy worlds. Josh’s orc beer festival caught my ear particularly. It gives the Orcs a bit more culture. As to why that valley? I’m suggesting that it’s either where the Orcs first found hops or it’s where the best hops are grown. Grown by whom? Well, I’m imagining an order of Orc monks, who tend to the valley and it’s precious produce. During the festivals they serve as the organisers.
Below, I’ve suggested another fantasy festival for your perusal.
The Sacred Hunt
Despite wandering apparently at random, every five years the 16 tribes of the Yaz-Hidda congregate in a shallow valley near the source of the River Dhuth. There they prepare for the only festival these dour people celebrate. The festival starts with warriors and hunters from each tribe competing for a spot on one of two teams. By trial of violence, in the end twelve are left. One team of six will hunt for a nether-stag, the other for the berries of the Bam-Bon-Bun tree.
The upper valley where these lie is infested with mad spirits due to a confluence of shadow portals caused by the meeting of opposing lay-lines. This latent magic in the soul of the stone has caused mutation in the landscape and animals. Nether-stags are only corporeal under moonlight, viciously defend themselves and weigh up to three tonnes. Bam-Bon-Bun trees are partially sentient and guard their fruits with enslaved spirits. Often not all of the hunter return. The body of the stag is roasted over a massive fire and basted in the berry juice whilst the tribes dance around the flames. What happens next no one quite remembers, as the berries are a powerful hallucinogenic. After a week the effects wear off and the tribes return to their solemn wanderings.
P.S. As it didn’t show up in the broadcast, here’s me doing my piece to camera: