Rowan's Day

11th Hay-moon
In the central Wild Lands the summer breeze smells of sulfur and smoke between Delta Lake and Thennas in even the smallest unnamed villages as they celebrate a regional holiday that dates back to the final years of the Old Empires' War.

History

While the other side of the world was steeped in war, strange things took place elsewhere and what would have been extraordinary stories of heroes were shadowed by stories of the world's largest conflict. But one story endures of a hero whose skill and valor saved an entire region.
Along the Blacksand River, a reign of terror was established by a demon whose appearance was as sudden as his atrocities were daunting. He plagued the steppe people in their camps and villages from Thennas to Delta Lake, ruining production for regional trade and disrupting the abilities of locals to meet basic needs. Destruction was his only desire; no gift, no flattery, no sacrifice could appease Hadorof, the Walking Plight. Every hero who dared intercede against Hadorof was slain viciously, their remains put on brutal display for the Wilders to witness. On 11th Hay-Moon, Hadorof attacked yet another hero who was attempting to drive him out. The hero was caught of guard and unable to draw a weapon. With nothing else to be done, he engaged the demon weaponless. His hands were burned. His legs were pierced by the demon's claws. But his arms were wrapped around the demon's throat when their fight concluded, and the Walking Plight lay unconscious at his feet. The hero Rowan finally had time to draw his blade, and with it he took Hadorof's head.
Every village that had been subjected his cruelty saw Hadorof's severed head paraded through their streets by the one who had slain him. And in each of these places they celebrate the day of Hadorof's defeat in the name of their hero.

Execution

Some preparations for Rowan's Day last all year. In settlements that celebrate, every sixth egg is set aside and put in a clay jar. When the jar is full, it goes into a community cache and another jar is dedicated to the sixth eggs. When Rowan's Day comes around, everyone carries these clay jars outside the village and opens them. The sulfuric smell of rotten eggs wafts upon the breeze and replicates the scent left by Hadorof's demonic corpse rotting in the steppes. Towns feast and dance among the pungent odor until the sun sets. Torches illuminate a designated area after dark where locals gather to hear a retelling of the events being celebrated. After the honored storyteller completes the saga, the town's wrestling tournament begins. The winner is declared the local Demonslayer until next Rowan's Day, where their title will be lost unless defended.

Components and tools

• eggs, left to rot in clay jars
• torches
• hardy breads and heavy ales
• freshly slaughtered meat
• flat ground or stage for wrestling

Participants

Pretty much everyone who lives along the Blacksand River participates in Rowan's Day. It's a favored custom in this part of the world.
There are two main roles to the day: the story teller and the Demonslayer. The former usually serves for several years, and the latter is lucky to defend their wrestling title for more than two years in a row.

Primary Related Location

Blacksand River