Ve Lifstala, 565 E.S.

[CheekyNolan 5420]

Spoiler

 

 

 

THE SEVENTH HAESENI SOCIAL SEASON

Issued by

THE ROYAL COURTS

On this the 10th of Vzmey ag Hyff of 564 E.S.

VA BIRODEO HERZENAV AG ELDERVIK,

 

ANOTHER GENERATION HAS GROWN AND BEGUN TO COME INTO THEIR OWN. It is at this time in the life of many Haeseni that a Lifstala is best held and put to use to create bonds and relations between the Kingdom’s people and indeed even with visitors from abroad that are welcome to participate. In the past we have been influenced heavily by the customs of our Heartlander cousins but this time there will be an importance on the traditions of our ancestors and a more importance placed on those who will lead the world into its future getting to know one another better as well as the typical chances for courtship. The theme for this Lifstala will be the Haeseni mythologie, the beliefs held by our ancestors and how they relate to us now in a series of events that will be sure to form lasting memories.

 

---

 

A DAY OF WINTER

 

 

FULL MOON RISING ON THE WATERS OF THE LAKE, SHINING AND FAIR. To begin this Lifstala, and in keeping with its theme, the setting of the inaugural festivities will take place around Lake Georg at the mouth of the River Lahy, north of the royal city. We know that the moon is a blessing from Godan but our ancestors knew it as Nikul even if they were not aware that it was a gift from the Creator. All the same, they paid it reverence and given our motif we shall all have an inkling of what our ancestors were like when we make merry on the banks of Lake Georg under the moon.

 

I. ICE SKATING

Before nightfall every participant shall don their skates and take to the frozen Lahy. Whether alone or skating with someone, all are welcome to partake in the quaint activity and poking fun at people who slip is encouraged. 

 

II. GAME OF NIKULTAG

A game involving an iced over layer of snow over a hole that contestants bash out with shovels to try and have their opponents fall into said hole. The last one standing atop the original layer is the winner. It is a game with roots spanning further back than even the Kingdom of Ruska to when records begin. [It’s spleef]

 

III. BOAT RACING

Duos will take to the row boats at the docks and set sail for a full lap around Lake Georg. One rows while the other's task is to help however they can. Whether that be by toppling competitors’ boats should they get too close or by shouting encouragement to their teammate, the only rule is to follow the race route and the rest is up to you.

 

IV. EVERWINTER CRAFTS

Just as night begins to fall that is when we will need to collect firewood and no firewood is better up that far north than that of the everwinter tree. The wood burns blue and has played a part in the lives of hinterlanders for centuries. The sap and seeds will also be put to special use as well if anyone is fortunate enough to collect some. 

 

V. ICE FISHING

Lit by the blue everwinter braziers, holes will be punched in the ice and the fishing rods doled out to every would-be fisherman. For those wishing for some sport to the fun, there will be a prize for the one who catches the largest fish and as is customary they should bestow their fine catch to one who has caught their eye or who has been a true friend throughout the festivities. 

 

VI. NIGHT SKY FIREWORKS

To complete the evening on the Lake and with the night taking hold fully, we gather under the night sky with the moon at its highest point. To keep the interest of those who want a little more excitement, the festivities will officially conclude with a round of spectacular fireworks.

 

The festivities will take place during:

 

The Month of 

WZUVAR AG BYVCA, 565 E.S.

on the

MOUTH OF THE RIVER LAHY

 

[WEDNESDAY, 15TH OF JANUARY @3PM EST]

 

---

 

A DAY OF ARTS

 

 

ART COMES IN A GREAT MANY FORMS AND BEAUTY BLOOMS FROM IT. The second Saint’s day of Lifstala is themed around Gevok, or the Divine Scrivener, as our ancestors knew him before being reintroduced to the true faith. Gevok, before becoming the greatest of scribes, was originally of modest stock but rose to great heights thanks to his masterful poems. So too will be like the Scrivener’s story and showcase our talents be it a knack for poetry, singing, musical instruments or crafting something of great beauty. Let us show to this world of ours what we might create.

 

I. POETRY COMPETITION

To set the tone for the day’s events, those who have prepared a poem may take centre stage and recite it for the crowd. Everyone will be judged by the audience and the victor decided by them and the Amador twins who will bestow a gift created at their own cost to the winning poet.

 

II. FAVOUR MAKING OR VEREVKEMAR

Here the men and women split themselves apart and begin making very important tokens of affection, verevka belts or favours respectively. The men make the traditional belts given to the one they are courting as a sign they wish to wed and the women make favours that will be bestowed later in Lifstala during the day at the tourney grounds. 

 

III. BATTLE OF THE BARDS

Those who are musically inclined will be involved in the day’s closing event. The Battle of the Bards will have any would-be musician or singer pitted against one another and perhaps even in teams to quickly make music that will likewise to the poetry competition be judged by everyone present.

 

The festivities will take place during:

 

The Month of 

JULA AG PIOV, 565 E.S.

in the

NEW VALDEV GARDENS

 

[THURSDAY, 16TH OF JANUARY @5pm EST]

 

---

 

A DAY OF REVELRY

 

 

THE MIDDLE OF LIFSTALA IS DESERVING OF A MERRY BREAK FOR ALL FILLED WITH JOY AND LAUGHTER. We gather on the third Saint’s day of Lifstala to come together for some harmless fun and antics involving a few of the Haeseni’s favourite pastimes such as drinking and snail racing. Our ancestors best attributed their skill in drinking to their pagan God Haruhtrow who in the myths was freed by Saint Joren himself. While a great craftsman, Haruhtrow was famed also for his mastery over a good time and that is what we will seek to embody on this fairest of days.

 

I. LIFSNAILA 500

The inaugural Lifsnaila 500 will kick off the day’s festivities. In this one-off special race, participants shall team up with someone who they have grown close with during the course of the season, in the ultimate test of companionship, cooperation, and speed. Their snails shall be tied together, and they shall race to take the win, in a battle where the winner takes it all! To learn more about the Lifsnaila 500, see the 564 HFSR Lifsnaila 500 Rules and Regulations. 

 

II. SHEEP DOG

Thereafter, the attendees as Kovgrad shall participate in a game of “Sheep Dog”. One shall be chosen as the Wolf, while everyone else shall be Sheep Dogs. The Sheep Dogs shall stand on a line, while the Wolf calls out “Sheep Dog, Sheep Dog…” followed by a question describing a trait, for example: One’s favourite colour. Those possessing the trait shall run across, avoiding being tagged by the Wolf. If one is tagged by the Wolf, one too becomes one. The last Sheep Dog standing is the winner. Multiple rounds may be played. 

 

III. DRINKING GAMES

As with any good day where merriment is encouraged, drinking will be a focus. There will be drinking games aplenty starting with the coming of age tradition where the party goers will sample one of every drink popular in Haense. This will be followed shortly by your bog standard drinking competition to see who can drink the most the quickest and will end finally with a game of Kenemarv. Kenemarv requires two participants and the aim is to successfully link arms but remain drinking without pause until the entire mug is emptied.

 

IV. A HORSE AND AN ASS

For an end to the Day of Revelry, when every bottle within Kovgrad has run dry, men and women alike shall rush for their horses. Drunk and dastardly brave, they shall race from the walls of Kovgrad to the walls of New Valdev, with the first inebriated equestrian to reach the capital awarded a replica of the famed magickal flute of Harunyllaes, as well as a years supply of Carrion Black.

 

The festivities will take place during:

 

The Month of 

VZMEY AG HYFF, 565 E.S.

in the

BARONY OF KOVGRAD

 

[FRIDAY, 17TH OF JANUARY @5PM EST]

 

---

 

A DAY OF COMBAT

 

 

IT IS I WHO SLEW THE DRAGON AND I WHO MUST BE KING. These were the words of Saint Joren who our ancestors, before being enlightened to the truth of it, believed to be a demigod by reaching the heavens and its treasures. As he was ambitious and strong in his pursuit of his goal, so too should the young men and women of Haense. Gather together on the fourth Saint’s day of Lifstala and display your prowess or merely show off your newfound goods be it a sword needing broken in or a gleaming set of armour. There will surely be an event for everyone with prizes aplenty. 

 

I. MARKET STALLS

Before the fighting, jeering and cheering begins it is only right that we all make sure we are well equipped for the day's competitions. Whether that be with some Haeseni courage from a fresh pint of Carrion Black or with a new sword, helmet or painted shield to showcase your wealth and status, there will be plenty of goods on offer before the main events commence.

 

II. ARMORED MELEE

As opposed to the normal means of conducting melees in Haense, we will instead seek to cut the shape of a true Bogatyr head to toe in armour and equipped with good steel. Participants will have to ensure they bring their own armour and weapons before they step into the ring for a chance at glory. 

 

III. THE COUPLED KERFUFFLE

The Ladies of the Realm shall hopefully feel inspired by the previous event. In the ensuing melee, teams of two will take each other on, to show not only prowess, but also cooperation. The women are given free choice amongst the gathered men, but may only pick one as their partner for the kerfuffle, so pick with the heart!

 

IV. GRAND LIFSTALA JOUST

The highlight of the Lifstala season is undoubtedly the Grand Joust which is conducted similarly to any other joust but with far more importance placed on the etiquette penned by the Haeseni King Georg himself as well as courtly conduct. It is commonplace for the men partaking to be bestowed or request the favour of a lady to win, or lose, in their name. 

 

V. ARCHERY CONTEST

To close the day’s events there will be an archery contest where contestants will take aim for targets of increasing difficulty. When one misses they are out until there is only one left. Should an indefinite tie happen a tie-breaker involving marksmanship will be decided on by the King.

 

The festivities will take place during:

 

The Month of 

GRONNA AG DROBA, 565 E.S.

in the

NEW VALDEV TOURNEY GROUNDS

 

[SATURDAY, 18TH OF JANUARY @3:30PM EST]

[RP AND STALLS @3:30PM, MELEE BEGINS @4PM EST]

 

---

 

A DAY OF COURTSHIP

 

 

THE WARMTH OF OUR HOMES IS SECOND TO COMFORT WE BRING ONE ANOTHER. Likewise with Saint Joren, our wayward forebears misunderstood the nature of the divine and believed Saint Tara, the wife of Joren, to be a demigoddess and one associated with love. While that belief is not ours now, Tara is the patron of wives and flowers which is fitting for the final Saint’s day of Lifstala. During this auspicious day it is encouraged to formalise courtships, betrothals and anything else while the palace is filled with flowers and decorations to mark the occasion and its events.

 

I. HEART OF THE CARDS

The first dance of the night shall be decided by fate itself. The attendees shall partake in a quiz designed with the advice of the line of Galahar. After the quiz, every participant shall be given a card depicting a figure from Haeseni mythologie. Their first dance of the night shall then be the person given the matching card. 

 

II. THE LIFSTALA DANCE

Following the introductory matching and dances, the festivities will continue with the attendees able to now choose their preferred partner and continue dancing to their heart’s content. This is the time to reflect on the relationships formed during the entire Lifstala and to make fond memories with one another that you’ve grown close with. Everyone is expected to invite at least one person to dance, even if it is simply for a bit of practice.

 

III. ROYAL BLESSINGS

To formally conclude the evening of dancing and mingling, the King will sit the throne and hear petitioners should it relate to the Lifstala season. It is customary at this time that those wishing to court or those who intend to wed come before the King and seek his blessing. Matches made and given the royal favour are considered especially lucky and it is assured that the marriage that comes from it will be a fortuitous one. 

 

The festivities will take place during:

 

The Month of 

JOMA AG UMUND, 565 E.S.

in the

KASTELL LESANOV THRONE ROOM

 

[SUNDAY, 19TH OF JANUARY @4PM EST]

 

╠═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣

Spoiler

 

For those that want to skip reading it and just find the dates and times:
Wednesday the 15th @3pm EST up the river north of the Haense capital
Thursday the 16th @5pm EST in the gardens through the barracks in the capital
Friday the 17th @5pm EST at the Barony of Kovgrad, east of the capital
Saturday the 18th @3:30pm EST for the market and @4pm EST for first melee at the capital tourney grounds
Sunday the 19th @4pm EST in the throne room in the capital