Patu (Paa-two)

Grievance Ribbon

Fewer things elicit both dread and excitement in equal measure within Venestrian society than that of the Patu. Consisting of a simple ribbon that is freely given to others during the Peth-Talor festival, this colorful and wildly unique item is used to elicit public discourse between festival goers as a way to help air grievances and thus create a stronger community. However, in practice, many Venestrians will tell you that it is always better to be an onlooker rather than a participant and as such it would serve one well to keep an eye on their person and belongings to prevent them from being bound.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

As varied as the Winterheart Gathering participants they are given to, the Patu comes in many designs, and, as such, it is rare to find any two that are the same. Purposefully done to ensure that confusion between festival bindings does not occur, these ribbons are often crafted the month before the festival and handed out to participants as they arrive at the festival grounds. Once they have performed their function or the Peth-Talor festival finishes, they are considered simple accessory decorations to be enjoyed however one wishes.

History

An item that has been a part of the Peth-Talor for as long as the festival itself has been around, the item has seen evolution as the quality and production of the item has changed. Initially consisting of nothing more than torn strips of hide marked with symbols or colors, the Patu has seen refinement over many centuries into strips of strong high-quality cloth. Considered a simple luxury due to its silky feel and ability to withstand general wear and tear, the ribbon often sees use far beyond its initial purpose.

Significance

While not significant outside of the Peth-Talor festival, the Grievance Ribbon's importance dramatically elevates during the festival itself. Seen as a way to help identify disputes between community members via tying it around the person you disagree with or their belongings, the ribbon carries an air of excitement around it throughout the celebration and it is not unusual for many festival goers to closely watch for attempts at binding. Should one find themselves tied up, it is considered general courtesy to then engage in a public discussion with the ribbon tier about the dispute until both parties feel satisfied. This is generally done by both parties being given a bushel of smoldering sweet-smelling herbs to wack each other with as they talk to help 'clear the air' and prevent outright violence. Once done, the ribbon is considered used and the successful ribbon tier cannot bind anyone again until the next year.

Item type

Clothing / Accessory

Manufacturer

Sanguar Institute

Related ethnicities

• Venestrians

Rarity

The Patu is a common item that can be found in any Peth-Talor gathering. Created and stockpiled in the month leading up to the celebration, the Patu is often seen as a souvenir of these events with many Venestrians and attendants to these festivals collecting their ribbons as a way to mark their participation. Outside of the Winterheart Gathering, however, these items function as normal ribbons and are often utilized as such.

Raw materials & Components

Historically the Patu has been made from locally sourced cloth materials within Venestrian communities. However, as technology and resources have expanded, it is now not too uncommon to see Patu come in a variety of different materials including synthetic, plastic, and metal. However, many Venestrians still prefer natural materials due to their feel and quality.

Tools

Generally crafted on specifically designed looms that allow for a reasonable rate of production while still maintaining the Patu's expected design differences, it is not uncommon for many Venestrian families to design and handcraft their own ribbons to take to the Peth-Talor festival.