The Long Dream

Kodiarc society has an innate problem. Like their bear ancestors, they hibernate throughout the winter. However, having the entire population unconscious for several months is a detriment to their society. Not only does everything stop, but the kodiarc are also vulnerable to anyone who wishes them harm. To combat this, kodiarc have created several methods over the years to protect themselves. Some make alliances and have others protect them, some create guardian golems to watch over them, but the most common are the Dreamwardens. Dreamwardens are an elite order who do not hibernate, instead watching over their people. This is a difficult job, but one the Dreamwardens train hard for. Many partake in rejuvenating elixirs to keep themselves awake and alert during the cold winters. They also have a deep comradery, spending their time telling stories and bonding over their shared duty.

This hibernation is not just an inconvenience however, it has become a highly religious and spiritual tradition. While they hibernate, kodiarc believe their spirits go to a dream world, to be with their god. Here they learn from their god and experience bliss. Some even claim that they have reunited with their dead loved ones while in The Long Dream. The time before the Long Dream is celebrated as well, with massive feasts and grand parties. Everyone eats heartily, preparing for The Long Dream like normal bears. Then once the chill of winter comes in full force each kodiarc comes together in a large communal hall and begins their hibernation. The Dreamwardens guard the building, keeping everyone safe.

History

Hibernation is a natural part of kodiarc life, and like any big annual event, it became a part of their culture. The yearly cycle of fattening up then hibernating through winter was hard coded into them, and so they turned it into a celebration. The events surrounding the Long Dream have changed over the years, like how the kodiarc used to isolate themselves before communal hibernation became the norm, but at the core two facts have remained: the feast and the hibernation.

Execution

The most common way to celebrate The Long Dream is a massive feast, called the Chillwind Feast for the winter chill that stokes the kodiarc's instincts. The whole population packs on as many pounds as they can in preparation for their hibernation. The whole city pitches in, having hoarded food for the rest of the year to host a citywide banquet. The week before the festival also involves every chef in the city working to prepare enough food for the entire city to gorge themselves. Foreign chefs can make some serious coin preparing meals for the kodiarc. However, this celebration also includes various games and decorations that bring the community together before The Long Dream.

Many kodiarc settlements also precede this feast with The Grand Hunt, where all the best hunters go out into the woods and compete to bring back the most food for the feast. Awards are given for both the most food brought back, as well as the most impressive kill. The kodiarc do try to take care not to wipe out local species, as their connection to the Bear Thaxom gives them a strong druidic tradition.

During the Chillwind Feast, the Dreamwardens are also showered with praise and adulations. They stay awake all winter, barring regular sleep at night when a second shift of dreamwardens keep watch. This valuable service keeps the unconscious kodiarc safe, and the dreamwardens are seen as heroes due to this sacrifice.

Participants

While the kodiarc are the ones who actually hibernate, the Chillwind Feast is a time of revelry and celebration, so in the spirit of festivity they allow other race to participate in the celebration. All non-kodiarc are escorted out before the populace actually hibernates and the Long Dream begins, but while the party's going all are welcome.