The Frithlag
What is the Frithlag?
The Frithlag is an ancient document created when the title of Thane of Alven was created a millennium ago or so. It describes the process by which a new Thane might be elected.
No one knows where the first document disappeared. The Frithlag has been copied many times over the centuries. The earliest version of it was discovered ten years ago in one of the hidden tunnels of the Lady's Clough's temple, one of The Sanctuary most famous retreat north of Hollyholm. The recovered parchment was identified through its make and language structure to be at least five hundred years old.
It is fascinating that the Frithlag has not changed much since its inception all those centuries ago. There was one major revision to the document when Thane Thingor Gremane added to it a few centuries ago when he created The Arkivon, and disbanded the Druids.
It is this version of the Frithlag that is now recognised as the law by the Alven clans. As Alven prepares for an upcoming ceremony of the Frithlag, it might be necessary to remind readers of the requirements and events for electing the next Thane.
Requirements
Since the position of Thane created a united Alven, the requirement for the position has been simple: any clansman (or even clanswoman) can earn the position of Thane if they are proclaimed the sole winner after the Fights of the Ravens .
The Fights of the Ravens
The Fights are a series of five challenges to be won over the course of three days. Some of these 'fights' are now more ceremonial than actual challenges. Each challenge represents a quality that the Thane must possess to lead the clans:
The document sets out in every detail what the challenges are and how they can be won.
First Challenge: Courage
The would-be Thanes will spend one night in the High Forest - the sprawling dark, primordial, sacred forest at the back of the The Thane's Keep. There, the postulants will talk to their chosen gods and meet the spirits of the past thanes. It is said that the Fighters' souls will be examined, and if found wanting, the unsuccessful applicant will lose their mind. See The Sacred Grove of Nessa for more details on the High Forest.
Second Challenge: Intelligence
This challenge is a chess tournament between the contestants. It is played on the Game Set of Leweyd The Many-Ones. The board is said to favour the most pious Thanes. It is also why chess is a prerequisite subject-matter for school children in Alven.
Third Challenge: Strength
This is a much-anticipated event for the Highfort crowds as the challenges are held in the open. The challenges are traditional clans' games: throwing, shooting, and wrestling. For this part of the challenge, the contestants only need to participate in one of the fights. They can nominate close family clansmen (usually Clanbearers) to be their representatives in the other bouts.
Fourth Challenge: Wisdom
Traditional language competitions (and debates) are part of Alven's culture. Writing, poetry and singing are seen as noble endeavours. The contestants engage in what amounts to a public debate (in verse). This event usually takes place on the second night of the Fights.
After the recital and debate, the clan chieftains (or their representatives) meet and decide on the two contestants who will fight on the morrow for the position of Thane.
Fifth Challenge: Skill
The last two chosen contestants fight one-on-one in the open. The winner is decided when a part of the opponent's body is deeply cut or broken or when the contestant becomes unconscious. The incumbent head of the Sanctuary refers the Fight.
On the third night, festivities are organised throughout Highfort to celebrate the new Thane.
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