The Quail Hunt is the
Welkin Gnome coming of age ceremony. While it was once a true hunt, today it is a closing ceremony open to those who have proven their ability to handle a
glider, but each of those who pass the trial are awarded a quail (or some other poultry) to roast in celebration with their friends and family.
Observance
The Quail Hunt is traditionally held during new years celebrations at the start of Spring, but is typically held as part of most annual celebrations in the larger settlements, particularly the city of
Flotsam. While it was once a true hunt, today it is merely a ceremonial way of announcing those who have demonstrated sufficient skill with a glider to be permitted to fly unsupervised.
One of the judges flies out around the town, with one quail figure carved from oak trailing behind their glider for each gnome to pass their trial. Then, the name of one person who passed is called out and they have to pursue on their glider and capture one of the quail figures. The order of names read out vaires, but those who barely passed are often left to the last few. Since the names of those who passed are deliberately not announced in advance, those who have not been called when there are only a couple of figures left to catch usually start to worry, which is seen as an excellent way to indicate they should brush up on their skills. Most judges make a show of the pursuit, dodging around the city and giving each gnome that passes a chance to show off a bit to the watching public.
Once everyone has their figurine, they will be awarded a quail to roast and share with a few close friends or family members. Most Welkin Gnomes rarely eat meat of any kind, as their cities lack the large expanses of land required to graze a herd of animals for meat, but it is highly prized for special occasions, so this prize is generally seen as a rare treat. The quail of the
Goldenweed Wastes live in the boughs of the
Gossamer Oaks, and are hunted by several gnomes in the days leading up to the event. In the bigger towns, chickens or other poultry are typically used instead as it can be difficult to catch enough quail to provide for the larger demand.
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