Otuna's Favor

Otuna's Favor is a cultural event held irregularly in the Drembari Isles. At its heart, it is a contest designed honor the past of the Isles while providing guidance and structure for its future. The "Favor," as it is informally known, has been called for various reasons throughout the years--to avoid escalating conflicts between Isles, to promote unity among the Bari people, to uncover and explore the unrecorded history of the Unknown Era, and more.
It is named after the Matron of The Vast, the goddess Otuna.

History

The inaugural Favor was held soon after the official formation of the Isles, called by Sea Sibyl Rissan Ravoregh in 893 AC. Since then, the Favor has occurred 26 times, with the last iteration called by Sibyl Wavetower in 1072 AC.
Notable Favors:

• 903 AC--called by Sibyl Warxif Wimlunor to avert an all-out war between Matahak and Awa. Partially successful in its endeavors.
• ingenuityinquisitiveness
• 1067 AC--called by Sibyl Faraster to seek out the ancient histories of the Isles. Uncovered vast quantities of research currently stored in the Scriptorium in Awa.

Execution

The actual contest (or contests) of the ritual vary from iteration to iteration, from Sibyll to Sibyll. Regattas, musical competitions, and cultural presentations feature in a large percentage of recorded Favors. While physical or martial prowess is indeed present in several articulations of Otuna's Favor, no intentional deaths have ever been recorded. The Favor, while designed to be challenging, is not designed to be lethal for its participants.

Participants

Each Isle sponsors an entry. This can either take the form of a ship or boat crew for sailing and regatta events, a musical trope, an archeological taskforce, or even a single individual. Generally speaking, most entries call the sponsoring Isle home, but there is no rule or requirement that stipulates that guideline.

Observance

Otuna's Favor is held on no regular timeline, but is rather called at the discretion of the Sea Sibyl. Many Sibyls did not call for the Favor during their tenure, while a few called multiple Favors during their time in office (with Sibyll Rancor Skileth calling a record 7).