Yetisbane

A gathering observed primarily as a formal dance to ward away the threat of a yeti, Yetisbane is "celebrated" in many northern cultures on the day before winter.
In the Scepter, Yetisbane is a monthly occurrence, since the proximity to a mountain range frozen year-round makes yetis a very real threat at any time.

History

Yetisbane has gone by many names and is thought to be centuries old.

Execution

The dance consists of practiced volunteers, usually of elvish heritage of the Elvenstone bloodline (or the closest possible, since this connection is near impossible to make accuratly). The elves and other dancers dress in elaborate, shaggy white wool costumes that swish and shake with the dance, which is performed around a large bonfire to booming drums. The dance is designed to make the performers seem as violent, large, and intimidating as possible to draw the attention of the real yetis nearby so that when they recognize the dancing yetis, the dumb beasts believe the territory is already occupied by fierce alphas.

Components and tools

A large bonfire, usually crafted from wood, bark, and straw in the image of a prey animal. The most common representation is a mule deer, though some regions burn effigies of mythical creatures as well.

Participants

Elves tend to lead the festivities and make up the bulk of the dancers. Anyone may attend, and while the practice is considered quaint and tribalisitc, the ritual in Gavenlow is typically performed in a garden or park in High Street, since the district is closest to the Spine and the most vulnerable to yeti attack (in practice, since they are also the most well guarded district in all of the Scepter).

Primary Related Location

Faerûn