Camulocus di Somniati
Unknown AD
Tindrem, Forum Tindrem, first building south of the Arena Fatalis district gate, 2nd floor.
Mortalitas
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Autumn is a time of harvests, and we would be fools to not partake in the many gifts from the gods! Join me, Camulocus di Somniati, on a journey through the many festivals and activities you may choose to participate in during this season!
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The Wine Festival of Red Leaves is held nearly every year, and has no specific day it is held. Instead, the people wait patiently for the leaves of the trees planted around certain vineyards to redden and become vibrant.
Tents and tables are quickly brought to the villas surrounding the vineyards, where the winemaking families traditionally host a great feast in honor of the leaves changing color. And what would a feast at a winemaker's villa be without wine?
To receive an invitation to the festivities, to be sure either extent your interest (if you happen to be a nobilita), or perhaps offer your services as an attendant of the feast if you are not. The families have plenty of slaves between them who are more than capable of handling the more arduous tasks, leaving you the lighter and more social work.
I have spoken to many who have found work at the feasts there, from courtesans, to musicians, to servers of food and pourers of wine. They are always given generous amounts of time to participate as well, so reliably that it has become tradition.
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This particular game happens at night, and can be quite thrilling!
The story behind this celebration is ancient, originating from a small farming village out in the heartlands of Tindrem. It is said that a powerful venefica from the surrounding woodlands was executed in an especially brutal manner after poisoning a well-loved man of the village. It was only after her death that it was revealed that he had rightfully earned his demise.
It is said that after her death, her spirit still roams the fields, seeking to subject any she may encounter to the same tortures she endured.
The game itself involves a woman, deemed the “venefica” of the night, who is given two chances to win.
First, she must flee those chosen to represent “villagers”, who will chase her through a field with lanterns. Her goal is technically to remain hidden for as long as possible, though it is rare the venefica won't allow herself to be found.
This is because once she is caught, a small ceremony will be held where everyone will dine on malus fruit and various desserts, drinks, and sweets made from the fruit.
Once they are full and have let their meals settle, the villagers are then sent out into the fields, where the “venefica” will chase after them. If every last villager is caught before an hourglass settles and a horn is blown, another ceremony is held where the villagers ask her for their forgiveness.
The choice to forgive them is, of course, up to the mood of the venefica of the night. There are three accepted speeches:
One where she accepts their plea, allowing everyone to go home as they were.
The second is where she denies their plea, and the revelers who lost have the “I” of an Interfector painted on their foreheads with a pigment meant to dye their skin for several days.
The third choice is for her to choose for them to be her walking dead servants, who must not speak and obey every order she gives.
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