Merriment: Holiday of boasting bards and god of war
Gather friends and rejoice to a season anew!
History
At the end of each campaign the Veren Armies would celebrate their achievements, and spend a day of joyous celebration; before returning to war. However, as the empire settled, the common folk and retired soldiers mimicked to process at the end of each season.
Execution
The celebration is separated into four sections:
The Boast and Challenge:
The Boast and Challenge is held on the micro level, usually consisting of communities of a profession, families or other small groups gather for a feast (more of an appetizer) before the festival. Each one is expected to tell a tale of their accomplishments (the grander the better), and embellish as much as they wish. Then they are subject to scrutiny of the group; where they call out the lies or embellishments to try and find the truth. At the end of this meet, each man or women congratulates their fellows in a similar fashion.The Festival of Pride:
The festival happens shortly after 4:00 and lasts for three hours. The celebrations involve feats of showmanship, and boasting. For example Merchants bring their best wares, Performances show off, cooks bring dishes,etc. Musicians artists and performers are common place during these events.The Criticism:
In the last hour of the festival, rings of people are established on each street for verbal duels and bragging. Anyone in the town may participate. The duelist either does a speech where they critique the town as a whole, or they challenge someone. Although these are duels, they all end with the two parties boasting for each other. This holiday after all, is positive.The Feast and Merrian Awards:
After the festivities end the feast begins. Before food is served leader appoints the Merrian for each craft. A Merrian represents the best of that craft, in addition to being a example of Veren culture and society. Once these nominations are made, they may be challenged, but the challenges do this for sport and entertainment rather than to displace.The Games
The End of the Feast is signified by the Ballad of War. The Ballad is a play, that is performed by duelists. Each represents a different aspect of war and achievement. The play is narrated in between rounds, and pauses for expiation are commonly made. While, it is expected to end in Glory and Honor winning; the event is still a duel, and it will be up to the actors to properly tell the tale. After the Ballad is preformed, more traditional sports are held. Although many of them do follow the Merrian dueling style, and grand battles are reenacted throughout the night. .Participants
The Leader: Whom ever is in charge of the event, and decides the awards.
Merrains: Those chosen, get to make speech and sit at the high table
Actors:
Comments