Events~

Quests

Quests are assignments given by the Lord to specific groups of deer.  Those deer temporarily leave their Kingdome, following the orders of the Lord often through a Traveller guide.  The tasks the deer are set are often very vague and mysterious.  Usually, a Traveller or another animal gave word of a strange happening that somehow reaches the Lord's ear.  Quests are far out of Kingdome territory, sometimes up a mountain, through a mysterious tunnel or to scout out the closest human village.  Deer are expected to bring back knowledge and possibly useful materials.  They can be gone for as long as a couple Journeys.  Once the Lord has decided to send out a Quest, he/she will be faced with choosing a group of deer.  Normally it is lower ranked deer with potential that are sent on Quests, most are eager to go as when they return they become honored and rewarded.  Although, the Lord consults the Ring when choosing a group of deer, essentially the Knower.  They put together a group where the personalities and strengths are evenly matched.  Friendships bond very tightly through deer that complete Quests together and they're often seen together in their Kingdome afterwards.

Councils

Councils are the meeting of the Rings. Councils are held every two voyages, (weeks) behind the waterfall known as Irithin Fall. The Ring from each Kindome must come.
Councils are used to debate the Kingdoms, their safety and many other things. They normally last an entire hour. They have many traditions with them, as they were created in the era of Dawn and Dusk. They are quite repetitive and straight forward. Each member has a duty at the meetings, Lords are most important of all of them.

If a Ring member misses a meeting without excuse, there are consequences as it is their duty to be there.  

Duties

Lord: The lord’s duty is to report on dangers in the area,  how many fawns were born in that period, to what deer have gained a rank or lost one, what laws have been broken and the punishments, any suspected of treason, land conditions, plans for the festivals, food statuses, and most importantly, where the herd will be spending the next few voyages. They may report anything else they find necessary.

Chiefs: One different chief must report each meeting on the training, the best fighters, and any else they may be concerned of.

Knower:The knower must report on their search for an apprentice, if they do not have one, any concerns they have for the Kingdome, and every two quests they must report on one new piece of information they have.   Each Knower must also pass an important bit of knowledge from their studies.  A quote or something relevant to the current happenings of the Kingdomes.

Mythe: The Mythe must report on any serious sickness in the area and if they discover any new cures or illnesses.

Elders: Every third council, a elder must share a story, whether it is from their childhood or a legend.


Each time at the beginning of the council meeting, the deer recite a poem to honor another two voyages of safety, to thank their ancestors and in remembrance to Dawn and Dusk.  There are two separate poems, one solely for the Lords and another for the rest of the Ring. The meeting will not start until the poems have been recited.

Ring poem

Glimmers of hope,
shadow our past,
marking our steps,
moving the mountains,
and leading us to rest.

Lord poem

[Lords alternate the lines, Light takes the first and third of every verse and Darkness saying the rest]

In the cavern,
beneath Irithin fall,
echoes sound,
the council's call;

Gather now,
and never fear,
for new light,
draws ever near;

When the sun,
ends the day,
let our minds,
finally stay.

Festivals/Celebrations

The Berserk Toll

Who? Mainly the Chiefs, Lords and Berserkers
When? The Berserk Toll takes place on the last Voyage of December
Why? When the rutting season comes around, male deer need to compete so a Voyage-long event was organized.  
What? Berserkers and Chiefs compete amongst themselves to show off and hopefully rank up.  Lords will accept challenges from Chiefs more readily this time of year, although they still only allow one at a time.  Lords may also accept new Chiefs this time of Quest.


Quest Fest

Who? Everyone!
When? The first of January
Why? To celebrate the day Dawn and Dusk brought the Kingdomes to Salanfyer
Where? The celebration is held in the Council Hall and then on the island.  
What? Both Kingdomes and the Travelers get together to celebrate the coming of Dawn and Dusk.  They honor Phoelden and the mysterious Igur, as well as eat the grasses and berries the Herb Keepers and Foragers put together.  Dancing and storytelling take place as well as much trading, singing and other music.  

Ceremonies

Lord

The naming of a new Lord takes place at a Council where the Painter has been found and asked to join the Council.  The new Lord must have already won either a tournament or a challenge and be accepted by their Kingdome.  Then, after the opening of the Council, the Painter calls the Lord over and paints a marking on his/her face in the color of their Kingdome (black or white).  Then the entire Council says the new Lord’s name and he/she returns to their spot.  The mark will fade after a couple of days but the Painter remembers it and paints it on again at every festival.