Feast of Change

OOC Event Information

The Feast of Change is an open event that the Skyrunner Tribe hosts as an open server event four times a year. During this event, we offer a place for people to come to RP out in the open world and have a good time while gathered around good food, better ale, and participating in fun RP games with a chance at cool prizes. We host this event at different locations depending on where the Tribe is currently located and really try to encourage a large crowd to come and join us as it is an IC event for the members of the tribe to gain recognition for their deeds and celebrating the changing of the seasons but it is also an OOC way for us to give back to the RP community.

History

The Feast of Change is traditionally a Skyrunner exclusive feast that happens with the changing of the seasons. While it was unofficially observed by the tribe generations before the first Chieftain it was under Chieftain Sewati Skyrunner that it first was recognized as an official observance. She also began the tradition of holding a Great Hunt for the feast each time it came around. Instead of everyone bringing what they could she encouraged the whole tribe to gather for the hunting of a great beast to bring honor to the Earthmother and to the feast as a whole. This traditional hunt in time also became part of the observance of the feast that is still practiced today.

Execution

All good feasts start with the food. Roughly a week before the feast members of the tribe will begin to stockpile food that is specifically for the feast. The Elders and skilled cooks of the tribe will then begin to transform the various goods into a mighty feast. The feast is different each time it comes about as each season and location yields a different bounty from the earth. Additionally, the Great Hunt will take place during this time which gathers nearly all the tribe up for a hunt.

During the actual feast the Chieftain or leading member will give a speech to those that have gathered which is most often short and the crowd is released to eat their fill. Ale and food are served by the leading council and high ranking members of the tribe as a representation of their humble service to those they lead and anyone else that has joined the feast that season. Once it appears that most have taken their fill the food is cleared away and the feast games begin. Usually, a single game is presented to those that have gathered and varied each time in the type and rules. Something as simple as a toss or walking over the coals, or even tests of riddles may be presented to the crowd to participate in. Winners of the games receive prizes and a place of honor at the next feast should they return.

Components and tools

Usually, the feast is decorated to reflect the coming season with food prepared specifically from the past season. In this way, they can reflect the changes in the season as clearing away the bounty of one while ushering in the new.

• Spring-

Food: Food in the Spring feast is usually light and heavy with greens and water. The lighter meal often includes fish and foul with light water-based drinks such as Morning Glory Dew.

Decorations: The decor of the Spring Feast comes in the forms of bright colors such as teal, white, light green and purple painted on tables and huts while the cloth is of bright colors to symbolize new growth. Often times Druids will work together to grow new flowers and grasses in the feasting grounds to reflect the coming spring.

• Summer- June 21th

Food: Summer feasts are full of life and flavor. Spicy and sweet flavors abound in new fruits, light bread, and fire-grilled meats of hyena, plainstrider, and swoop can be found covered in savory sauces.

Decorations: The decor of the Summer Feast comes in the forms of bright earthy tones painted about the grounds and cloth used in colors of muted and stable colors such as brown, dark green, light yellow, and maroon. Often this feast will reflect on the Midsummer Fire Festival and is the time of the Shaman and Sunwalker who give off displays of fire and light, particularly at night.

• Autumn- September 19th

Food: During the Fall feast food is given out in great bounty. Heavy ale, baked pies and goods full of fruit, and exotic meats pit-roasted are served in great abundance and usually at the end of the east preserved foods are given out to guests as a token of good faith.

Decorations: The decor of the Fall Feast comes in the forms of reds, golds, oranges, and blacks painted on tables and huts while the cloth is of bold colors to symbolize readiness for the winter months to come. Fall is the time of the mystics and the gathering of supplies for winter. Hunters and tribal mystics such as Dream-seers, Elders, and Runemasters will preform for the gathered people to act out important stories in plays and songs.

• Winter- December 20th

Food: Food during the Winter Feast of Change is usually in the form of heavy ales, winter wheat bread, Kodo stew, and heavy root vegetables.

Decorations: The decor of the Winter Feast comes in the forms of monochromatic colors of grey, white and black, painted on tables and huts while the cloth is of simple colors to symbolize the resting of the world and a return to sleep so that a proper waking can take place in Spring. Winter is the time of the warrior and brave. They stand silent vigil over the long watch as the feast's most enduring protectors through long and terrible winters.

Participants

• The Skyrunner Tribe

• Specifically members who accomplished something such as the completion of a Rite are encouraged to be there to be presented at the feast

• Any Horde or Neutral individual that wishes to participate in the event

Observance

Lining up with the Solcitices and Equinoxs of the seasons each year.

• Spring- March 21st

• Summer- June 21th

• Autumn- September 19th

• Winter- December 20th

FAQ

Who all may attend?

Any member of the tribe. It is encouraged that as many people come as possible as we honor the accomplishments and history of an individual character who is there.

When is the event held?

As close to the Solstices and Equinox as possible story allowing

Where will the next feast be?

The Feast of Change is not tied down to a single location but can be held anywhere. As a result, the feast can be held just about anywhere on Azeroth depending on where the tribe is currently

What Game and Prizes will there be this time?

The feast games vary each time based on where the tribe is at any given moment and depending on the themes of each east. Winners gain new titles and Honor Feathers for their skill or courage.

This was the opening speech from the Spring Feast of Change 2020 as an example of what to expect:

As the tribe starts to gather for the Feast of Change they would find the village to be decorated bright colors such as teal, white, light green and purple. Ribbons and painted imagry cover much of the huts and buildings and the druids have been hard at work growing various flowers all over the place. Most of the general tribe were already gathered around the large feasting tables that were set this time on the lowest level of the village. Drums and flute were already being played as Kanatu and the two elders, Narv and Nataka, stood at his side. They were all done up in highly decorative and ceremonial garb, the skins of wyverns hanging from their backs so that the wings flared out every time they raised their hands and the long plated tails dragged over the ground. A fire raged behind Kanatu as he waited for everyone to gather in for the ceremony.
Kanatu smiled at the group as he raised his arms, the unique staff glimmering in the firelight and the wings of his cloak fanned out with the motion. "The time has come yet again to bring honor to the Earthmother and the Elements. The Feast of Change is one that we hold close to our traditions and people. Each season brings about new challenges and new ways of life. This feast, for those who have not been witness to one before, is one to celebrate the moving forward into a new season, as well as to honor the achievements of the past."
Kanatu lowered his arms, planting the staff in the ground and looked to both elders at his side. "There has been great bloodshed, and great sorrow this past season. Winter was dark for us. One of the darkest in tribe memory. As our people were culled by the Night Elves we found ourselves in need of mighty allies." He motioned to Wal'ami. "The first to answer the call was Wal'ami. She has long been a friend to our people as we raised her son as one of our own. She was awarded her titles in honor of her previous service and continues to serve from her element, the shadows. Keeping us safe from unseen harms."
"As our needs grew we then were joined by many others. Enyetof Stormstride, a long-standing though nomadic companion of my past came to our aid and eventually would become a Tribesman. He has served faithfully as druid, healer, alchemist, and recently has protected us from the Black Feather Sickness and become a Plague Shifter to protect his people."
"Jaeva Leafmender has come to join our people as a Tribesman. Offering her healing touch and open heart to soothe the pains of our people. Though an outsider she has taken to our people as her very own. And I am pleased to tell you all that soon she will be leaving us to seek out her Spirit Totem. The final passage to becoming a fully realized adult within our culture. We can only hope that her time away from the tribe will have her return with more wisdom and grace to offer."
Kanatu turned then to Iko. "Iko of the Sands also joined us in our time of need. Only a few days before our battle with the centaur that made safe our people from harm. She jumped into our affairs with both paws and has not turned up her nose from getting dirty in the process. Her ever seeking heart and exploring mind have brought much to our people not only as a Tribesman but as a Windwarrior."
"Mahala Farsinger." he motioned to the one in question with a move of his staff. "She arrived at first in search of her life long friend she chose to remain here and join us as a true tribesman. Though not outspoken her heart sings with battle and with the song of the wilds. It is her inner strength that we have come to know and respect just as much as her physical power and it is with great pride and honor that I count her among the ranks of the Windwarriors now."
Towateke Nataka Longhorn stepped forward then so that he was level with Kanatu. His ornate ceremonial garb was a stark contrast in color to Kanatus but rang true with the same theme of reaching back generations. "Though many have joined us in the blood bond of our people some have chosen to live with and aid us in our travel to a new state of being. We recognize and honor you as well for your courage and loyalty even though you have not become a Tribesman of your own blood will." He opened his arms to indicate those that had not been mentioned by name and deed.
Towateke Narv Hidecrafter also moved up, though his eyes were not fixed on anything in particular though when he spoke it was not with his usual bluntess or harsh tones. It sounded honest and open for once. "And to those of the tribe who are not here tonight as they seek their destiny in the lands beyond their home we send out prayers that they may feel the love and kinship of their people on such a night. It is a regret that they are not here to witness such a night but our hearts and souls call out, blood to blood, as we honor their deeds."
Kanatu looked to the two honored elders at his side and then raised the staff up before bringing it down into the ground hard so that it would stick upright. The tealish green gem that sat at the top would glimmer as it reflected the light of the fire and the Kanatu fading sun. He would turn to the fire and move over to the bone pillar where he lifted a very large clay urn. "In honor of spring and the changing of the seasons we honor the element of Water. Let it flow freely in Desolace and the world to bring life to the earth and the children of the earth." As he tossed the urn into the fire it would shatter. Whatever was inside caused the fire to bloom and turn blue.
Nataka turned as well and picked up a bundle of herbs from the ground. When he tossed them in the smoke from the flames would turn white, reflecting the blue glow of the flames. It would fill the air with perfumed smoke causing it to smell like new flowers, rose, lavender, lilac, and dozens of other flowers and new grasses.
Narv's offering to the fire was the skull of a wyvern which he placed in the flames so that it started out at the group, eyes flaring with the blue light as the bone blackened. The fire would rage even higher and for a few moments, those that had become Kanatu tribesman would hear a faint song from the spirits. A song filled with many voices calling out in prayer and joy for the change of the season.
Kanatu moved back to his spot and gathered his staff. "Our prayers and offerings have been given. Now it is a time for joy and reflection. A feast of fish and strider has been prepared for us as we come to this new time. Song and dance will continue here through the long night though in true Skyrunner fashion no feast is complete without the lifting of our blood. Games and competitions will also be going on. This feast Sky-Reaver Wal'ami has offered to host a game, as has Muuran Skyrunner. These will be individual competitions and once winners have been chosen a team game will take place."