[OOC] Ceremonies

[Ctrl F Greenie]

Please do not post here, this is for reference materials only.

 

[Ctrl F Greenie]

Ceremonies

Althing - A meeting where all the leaders in the pride, which is to say the Captains and the Lawspeakers and the Priests, gather to discuss points of law, theology, or anything else which is required. Complaints are brought to be judged and reparations are made for damages incurred in blood feuds. On the death of a Warlord (where there isn't already a new, self-appointed one) this meeting is called to elect a new Warlord.

Askorun - The specific challenge that takes place when an outside lion wishes to fight for a place in the pride. One of the defending Reavers will fight them, and if the challenger is victorious or the fight ends in a draw they will be admitted into the pride and then taken to a lawspeaker and a priestess to be added to the pride officially. A challenger who is defeated may try as many times as they wish.

Breytast Vindar - The season of the changing winds. A time when anyone may anybody can attempt to better their station in the pride by proving their worth. This is how the pride ensures that those most fit to lead, the smartest and strongest of the pride, are not being led by inferiors. During this time, and this time only, a reaver may challenge a captain for leadership of their band. A freeborn may challenge a priestess or lawspeaker for their position. A thrall may challenge a freeborn. A captain may challenge a warlord. In some cases the challenged lion will lose their position to their challenger and in others only the challenger's position can change.

First Raid - Just what it sounds like, it's the first raid a Freeborn goes on, after which he or she is counted as a Reaver.

Homecoming - The much more raucous celebration thrown for a raiding band after its successful return, wherein the Reavers share their stories and show off their loot. Sacrifices are usually offered in thanks.

Holmgang - A challenge where anyone offended may challenge the other party to holmgang regardless of their differences in social status. Sometimes a capable warrior will volunteer to fight in the place of a clearly outclassed friend. This could be a matter of honor, ownership or property, demand of restitution or debt, legal disagreement or intention to help a wife or relative or avenge a friend. Holmgangs are fought within a week of the challenge and according to predetermined rules. Rules can determine the allowed weapons, who is eligible to strike first, what constitutes a defeat or forfeiture and what the winner receives. The winner can claim everything the loser owned, or service, or some public penalty or act of contrition. If the person challenged does not turn up for the holmgang, the other is considered just in his challenge. If the offended party does not turn up for the holmgang, or are for some reason unwilling or able to defend their claim, they are considered without honor.

Sending-Off - A celebration thrown for a raiding band before its departure, where they are wished well. There is usually lots of singing and historical tale-telling and other blood-stirring activities. Sacrifices are usually offered for good luck.

Viking - When a Captain takes his or her band out to collect more Thralls or loot of other sorts, such as herds of preybeasts. The booty from this raid is first offered to the Warlord, and then the Captain gets to choose, and then it is divided among the raiding band.