Role-Playing Themes Project

ROLE-PLAYING THEMES

During a recent ALL TOWNS GATHERING (an amazing event, please attend if you have not already) whilst partaking in the RP Breakout Session with a handful of folks to include Kazyn Phoenixfyre, Stryker and Minerva, much was discussed in regards to RP concepts and themes as well as various plans to enhance immersive RP options currently available in Pre-Alpha. Please join us in brainstorming existing SOTA Themes, holidays both SOTA and player created, and most definitely... Community Created Themes.

Themes which are known to all parties in RP allows for players to interact on common ground whilst providing a backdrop for more personal storyline to be inserted. Many SOTA themes are commonly known and continually referred to during RP which can provide a great opportunity for others to learn about SOTA lore, but you might notice after some time, certain themes centering on topics such as “The Fall” or “The Oracle” etc might come up so often, you find yourself searching for additional themes to pursue as the dominant ones become a bit weathered.

For us table-top gamers, there was an easy solution to this--game modules, random scenario cards or matrices. If you are stumped for content ideas whilst designing an adventure for friends, reference material was very helpful to insert lively ideas into your RP sessions. In the video game world, for folks RPing in MMO’s, game themes are prevalent but do not come very quickly when new content is desired (expansions every year or two with occasional live events). So what do we do when we’re stumped for theme ideas during adventure, biography or POT/Guild background creation when new game themes are unavailable?

If we devise a themes/scenario pool, this would provide a valuable resource for experienced role-players stumped for new ideas and new role-players that can sometimes struggle with initial story creation.


Theme Categories:

The main reason it is important to categorize our theme ideas (and many may fit multiple categories) is that the categories themselves inspire the mind to think of different theme concepts. For instance, and the mention of a Reoccurring Theme, instantly people start delving into thoughts of holidays, daily schedules, farming chores, routine visits, bills... taxes... harvest... so many items come to mind. Thinking of categories can almost be as important as thinking of the themes themselves due to what they might inspire! So take a glance at the categories so far, and let us know what you think

• Persistent: these themes will always exist and would be available due to their overarching and sometimes general relationships with lore. For instance, “The Fall” will always be a great source for story ideas. One can always create story based the Cataclysm and how it has come to affect your Town, Guild or Character.
• Reoccurring: one can come to appreciate the routine of certain reoccurring themes since each time it is revisited, story and RP for that theme could be enhanced and your story could build each time as the event reoccurs. Let’s say… Holidays. By listing a pool of holidays, and lets say you’ve had opportunity to celebrate “Harvest Festival” several times, you would be able to pull from past experiences to enhance RP in the upcoming event. AND, you might even see people start to establish traditions or habits. Other examples could be Planetary Alignments or Anniversaries to key events.
• Forecasted: with these type of themes, we can preplan large community events which could have a shared theme. Having prep time for an upcoming event with a particular theme could really enhance RP during that session. Imagine an RP session where everyone is surprised by the storyline and must react to it off-the-cuff. Impromptu type preparation can be fun, most certainly, but if you have some idea of what the upcoming theme for the event will be? This will give you time to formulate your thoughts and perhaps portray your character precisely how you wish them to be portrayed in such an event. Example: seeing how everyone might react to a forecasted theme of a Kobold Invasion might be quite interesting to see. Imagine the RP community all diving into carefully prepared story related to this shared forecasted theme. So many interweaving stories could ensue as a result. So many tangents could be explored and the resulting web of exploration of this theme might take us into some very interesting directions.
• Random: need a theme for an adventure or spur of the moment plot advancement? Why not consult the pool of random theme ideas? Likely these will be smaller in scope or impact, but not necessarily. They could be anything from a weather change, possible common reactions or behaviors from certain creatures or races in your party or perhaps even random encounters. The more items we add to this random theme pool, the greater resource it could become for spur of the moment theme ideas for your RP session or story creation.
• (Insert Theme Category Name): got another idea for a theme category which could could spur on more theme ideas? Let us know!

Cross Referencing Two Themes to Create a Scenario:

Perhaps this concept's title isn't worded quite right to best portray what I'm describing, but please let me elaborate. Imagine a matrix. Along the X axis there are all the themes, one after the other, regardless of which category – they’re all there, probably by category then alphabetically. Then along the Y axis, bammo, the same list of themes is also present. And within the matrix grid are cells which contain information which describes how the two interconnecting themes relate. Within those cells is a list of scenarios which are derived from the cross-referenced theme pairs.

For instance… you select the theme “Harvest Festival” along the X axis and “Kobold Invasion” along the Y axis. Hmmmm, what type of scenarios might I discover in the interconnecting cell?

• You just sit down for your Harvest Festival feast, and a party of Kobolds show up bringing pumpkin pie and cornbread stuffing.
• Harvest Festival has come, but Kobolds invade, stealing all your sweet potato pie!
• Harvest Festival is coming. Your town members learn of a Kobold village nearby which is suffering from starvation due to a recent drought in their lands. Your people decide to pack up foodstuffs into a cart and bring a caravan of supplies to the nearby village.
  • The Kobolds accept the food and become allies to your town
  • The Kobolds attack, taking not only the foodstuffs, but all of your personal belongings.

Sure, some of those examples might be a bit silly or obvious, but imagine as we build the scenarios together how diverse the possibilities might become?


Plan of Action:

So, as you can see -- if we smack our heads together, we might be able to muster up a very diverse set of themes which could be utilized here or elsewhere in RP. Please, let us join together and brainstorm themes. Let's get this list populated for all to use!



List of Themes:

Below are the list of themes that will be utilized in the Theme/Scenario Matrix. If you think of more theme categories which might inspire more theme ideas? Please suggest these as well!

• Persistent:
  • Surviving The Fall: Retreating to the Caverns
  • Surviving The Fall: Escaping New Britannia
  • Surviving The Fall: Taking to the Seas
  • Surviving The Fall: Staying Topside
  • Causes of The Fall: The Avatars
  • Causes of The Fall: Symbol of the Avatars, The Lost Symbols
  • Causes of The Fall: The Virtues
  • Causes of The Fall: Unknown Mystery
  • Aspects of The Fall: Occurred on Other Worlds besides New Britannia
  • Aspects of The Fall: "Lamentation of the Fall" by Sariah the Blind
  • Aspects of The Fall: New Chaotic Animals & Plants Twisted by Shard Falls
  • Aspects of The Fall: Twisting of Magic
  • Aspects of The Fall: Knowledge Lost
  • Aspects of The Fall: Daedalus, Shattering of the Moons
  • Predated The Fall: Battle between Gods of Man and the Avatars
  • Predated The Fall: City of Desolis
  • Predated The Fall: City of Midras
  • Predated The Fall: City of Alabastia (The City of the Sky)
  • The Rift
  • Shard Falls
  • Astronomy: Planets (List each Planet/orbital body)
  • Astronomy: Constellations (List each Constellation)
  • Council of Might: Formation
  • Council of Might: Members
  • Council of Might: Downfall
  • Obsidian Empire: Formation
  • Obsidian Empire: Expansion
  • Obsidian Empire: Obsidian Eye
  • Obsidian Empire: Downfall
  • Obsidian Empire: Undead
  • Obsidian Empire: Elves
  • Obsidian Empire: Trolls
  • Obsidian Empire: Satyrs
  • Avatars: Origins
  • Avatars: Why they Resurrect
  • Avatars: Weapons, Blades, Relics
  • Avatars: Blade, The Eye of Scales
  • Avatars: Magic
  • Avatars: Ambitions or Intent
  • Avatars: Outlanders
  • Lord Brinist
  • Lord British
  • Titan: Opalis
  • Titan: Granus
  • Titan: Boreus
  • Titan: Sequanna
  • The Oracle
  • Virtue: Truth*
  • Virtue: Courage*
  • Virtue: Love*
  • Virtue: Compassion
  • Virtue: Honor
  • Virtue: Spirituality
  • Virtue: Justice
  • Virtue: Humility
  • Virtue: Honesty
  • Virtue: Valor
  • Virtue: Sacrifice
  • Virtue: Conflicting virtues! Pick at least 2 virtues and come up with a plot which puts the party at odds with one of the virtues by taking the path of the other. For instance: A street beggar, starving, steals fruit from a vendor... do you promote compassion and love and let them take the fruit, or do you promote honor and justice and honesty by putting a stop to the crime and ensuring the criminal is punished for their crime!
  • Path: Order
  • Path: Chaos
  • Town Histories: Player (Yes, List Each City )
  • Town Histories: NPC (List Each City)
  • Character Backstories: "Blade of the Avatar" (List Major Characters)
  • Character Backstories: PC (List only this item as a reminder for folks to delve into their own backstories as a theme)
  • Character Backstories: NPC (List each NPC we encounter eventually)
  • Faction Backstories: PC (List only this item as a reminder for folks to delve into faction backstories as a theme)
  • Faction Backstories: NPC (List all in-game factions)
  • Location, Natural: Tar Pit, your stuck or perhaps you must decide if you'll cross or go around...
  • Location, Natural: Quicksand? your stuck or perhaps you find someone stuck, but either way, do you attempt to cross or go around this bog?
  • Location, Natural: Chasm, falling debris, twisting maze like paths
  • Location, Natural: Sinkhole, it looks like somethings down there, a cavern system??
  • Location, Natural: A lagoon, the water is like glass, but a shipwreck is in the middle of it! Wait, it seems other creatures/beings have noticed it and are rummaging!
  • Location, Natural, Body of Water: A raging river with no bridge, how do you cross?
  • Location, Natural, Body of Water: Bay of Storms
  • Location, Natural, Body of Water: Naryad Channel
  • Location, Natural, Body of Water: Stormwater Lake
  • Location, Natural, Body of Water: Spindrift Bay
  • Location, Natural, Body of Water: Lake Equitas
  • Location, Natural, River: Shimano River
  • Location, Natural, River: Cascade River
  • Location, Natural, River: Upper Shimano River
  • Location, Natural, River: Oso River
  • Location, Natural, River: Abundis River
  • Location, Natural, River: Tears River
  • Location, Natural, River: Fortus River
  • Location, Natural, River: Sanctus River
  • Location, Natural, River: Jaana River
  • Location, Natural, River: West Jaana River
  • Location, Natural, River: Fogladden River
  • Location, Natural, River: Blood River
  • Location, Natural, River: Barren River
  • Location, Natural, River: Frigian River
  • Location, Natural, River: Tempest River
  • Location, Natural, River: Rage River
  • Location, Natural, River: Solace River
  • Location, Natural, River: Atra River
  • Location, Natural, River: Eylo River
  • Location, Natural, River: Brisach River
  • Location, Natural, River: Camarer River
  • Location, Natural, River: Meino River
  • Location, Natural, River: Brookwash River
  • Location, Natural, River: Fallion River
  • Location, Natural, River: River Fall
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Whiteguards
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: Spectral Peaks
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: Brightbone Mountains
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Crags
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: Serpents Spine Mountains
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Sirens
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Vauban Mountains
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Sawtooth Mountains
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Blackblade Mountains
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Highvale Mountains
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Pillars of Night
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Mariah Mountains
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: Rumor Peaks
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Thrones
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Bone Spires
  • Location, Natural, Mountains: The Owls Aerie Mountains
  • Location, Natural, Forest: South Ravenswood
  • Location, Natural, Forest: West Ravenswood
  • Location, Natural, Forest: Deep Ravenswood
  • Location, Natural, Forest: Greymark Forest
  • Location, Natural, Forest: Savrenoc Timberland
  • Location, Natural, Forest: Deep Savrenoc Timberland
  • Location, Natural, Forest: Solace Forest
  • Location, Natural, Forest: North Brightbone Woods
  • Location, Natural, Forest: South Brightbone Woods
  • Location, Natural, Forest: Restless Woods
  • Location, Natural, Hills: Crag Foothills
  • Location, Natural, Hills: Desolate Hills
  • Location, Natural, Swamp: North Celestial Wetlands
  • Location, Natural, Swamp: South Celestial Wetlands
    
  • Location, Natural, Swamp: West Veiled Swamp
    
  • Location, Natural, Swamp: East Veiled Swamp
    
  • Location, Natural, Swamp: Whiteguard Foothills
    
  • Location, Natural, Swamp: Southmarsh
    
  • Location, Natural, Swamp: Mysterious Swamp
    
  • Location, Natural, Swamp: Northmarsh
  • Location, Region: Hidden Vale
  • Location, Region: Grunvald
  • Location, Region: Drachvald
  • Location, Region: Midmaer
  • Location, Region: Perennial Coast
  • Location, Region: Quel
  • Location, Region: Elysium
  • Location, Region: Longfall
  • Location, Region: South Paladis
  • Location, Region: Forsaken Vale
  • Location, Region: Verdantis
  • Location, Region: North Paladis
  • Location, Region: Regalis
  • Location, Region: Norgard
  • Location, Cities: Add all Villages, Towns and Cities
  • Location, Points of Interest: Add all landmarks, ruins, dungeons, keeps, caves etc

• Reoccurring:
  • Holidays (see Enderandrew's post or Bowen Bloodgood's post 1 or post 2 for details and more holiday conversation from the community. Bowen also posted many of the details to his holidays in the thread below):
    • Janus
      • Moon Days (Ender)
      • Fall Day (Ender)
      • Daedalus Day (Ender)
      • Day of the Shattered Moon, Theme: Remembrance (Bowen)
      • Emergence Day, Theme: Overcoming Tragedy (Bowen)
    • Februa
      • Sequanna Day (Ender)
      • Confession Day, Theme: Love & Arts (Bowen)
      • Response Day, Theme: Love & Arts (Bowen)
    • Marse
      • Noroc Day (Ender)
      • _______ Day, Justice Related (Bowen)
    • Apru
      • Karelia Day (Ender)
      • _______ Day, Sacrifice Related (Bowen)
    • Maia
      • Jaana's Ford (Ender)
      • _______ Day, Valor Related (Bowen)
    • Juno
      • Boreus Day (Ender)
    • Julius
      • Kingsday (Ender)
      • King's Day, Theme: Honor (Bowen)
    • Augus
      • Recommitment Day (Ender)
      • Confession Day, Theme: Truth (Bowen)
      • Liar's or Fool's Day, Theme: Anti-Truth (Bowen)
    • Septembre
      • Reaping Day (Ender)
    • Octobre
      • Granus Day (Ender)
      • Ancestor Day, Theme: Spirituality (Bowen)
      • Festival of Rangers, Theme: Morality, Nature (Bowen)
      • The Spirit Festival, Theme: Spirituality (Bowen)
    • Novembre
      • Harvest Festival (Ender)
      • _______ Day, Humility Related (Bowen)
    • Decembre
      • Festival of Lights (Ender)
      • _______ Day, Compassion Related (Bowen)
  • More Holidays
    • Discharge Day, Theme: Maintenance of Moon Towers (Bowen)
    • Buttress Day, Theme: Maintenance of Town Defenses (Bowen)
    • Brewer's Day, Theme: Oktoberfest Concept (Bowen)
    • Larder Day, Theme: Sharing, Feast, Distributing Extras (Bowen)
    • Ring Rain, Theme: Astronomical Event (Bowen)
    • Festivity Ideas:
      • Day of Rest
      • Merchant Sales
      • Gift Giving
      • Feasts
      • Festivals
      • Traditional Foods/Candies
      • Family/Group Gatherings
      • Scavenger Hunts
      • Tournaments/Games
      • Traveling Door to Door (Halloween/Caroler Style)
      • Day of Thanks
      • Day of Forgiveness
      • Day of Paying Off Debts
      • Day of Sacrifice
      • Day of Worship
      • Day of Righting Wrongs
      • Day of Renewing Friendships Lost
  • Traditions
    • Burning of effigies
    • Warding off spirits, using lanterns/light, incense, dolls, sacrifices
  • Kobold Holiday (need ideas for kobold holidays)
  • Elven Holiday (need ideas for Elven holidays)
  • Sylvan Holiday (need ideas for Sylvan holidays)
  • Other Race Holidays (need ideas for other sentient races which could have holidays)
  • Village/Town/City/Region/Continent Holidays: eventually this will be an extensive list of each location with their unique holidays. Keep in mind, if you have a POT and have a list of holidays, please please submit them below! And ideas for NPC areas? Do so as well!
  • Anniversaries: To the best of our ability, come up with a list of NB calendar dates so we can always recognize anniversaries of significant events in NB official lore.
  • Annual Games/Sports Competitions: each event garners a title and perhaps other prizes to the victor! But could their be plots at hand to give competitors an upper-hand? Might some competitors have the benefits of spell and others fall victim to curses??

• Forecasted:
  • Astronomy: An omen! A comet streaks through the sky, perhaps it leaves a trail of dust which enters the atmosphere having a particular effect?
  • Astronomy: An omen! A comet streaks through the sky, perhaps magic behaves in a strange way during the nights of the comet?
  • Astronomy: An omen! A comet streaks through the sky, perhaps rare creatures come out of the woodwork upon its passing?
  • Astronomy: An omen! A comet streaks through the sky, perhaps a certain location can be reached or something is now visible upon the coming of this comet
  • Astronomy: An omen! All or some of the planets align? Does each alignment mean something to your character, faction or city? What happened when these last aligned?
  • Astronomy: An omen! All or some of the planets align? Perhaps rare creatures come out of the woodwork upon its coming?
  • Astronomy: An omen
  • Beauty and the Beast: never assume ugly is evil and beautiful is good!
  • Birth: A child is born!
  • Birth: Deliver a child!
  • Birth: Deliver an animal, creature, livestock etc...
  • Birthday: Party
  • Birthday: Recollection of the past...
  • Birthday: Coming of age to inherit... something...
  • Carnival: A carnival comes to town and brings interesting events along with it! The freak show seems quite profitable but quite unscrupulous. You suspect many of the strange creatures and disfigured humans are essentially slaves to the carnies. Perhaps you demand they bribe you for your silence? Perhaps you free the freaks? Perhaps you negotiate a more symbiotic relationship between both parties? Perhaps your meddling backfires and both freak and carnie attack! Perhaps if you free them, some of the freaks attack your village in a crazed rage -- do you slay them or try to recapture them?
  • Carnival: A carnival comes to town and brings interesting events along with it! The palm reader gives you a fortune of amazing adventure, and hints at a way to find this destiny. OR, the palm reader hints at your death, giving you some idea on how to avoid it in your near or distant future. OR, the palm reader hints that you are a descendant of a forefather previously unknown to you... and tells you of where his hidden fortune might
    
  • Carnival: A carnival comes to town and brings interesting events along with it! Children become missing in the town, and the townspeople storm the Carnival with pitch forks. Do you join in their witch hunt? Do attempt to defend the carnies? Do you attempt to find the children whilst their fighting rages?
    
  • Calling: Something pulls you or a party member to... somewhere...
  • Campfire Fun: A night of storytelling
  • Competition: to win the favor of their people, a lord hosts a tournament with prizes… archery! but what is the prize?
  • Competition: to win the favor of their people, a lord hosts a tournament with prizes… pvp! but what is the prize?
  • Competition: to win the favor of their people, a lord hosts a tournament with prizes… Gustball! but what is the prize?
  • Competition: to win the favor of their people, a lord hosts a tournament with prizes… art, crafting, storytelling, poetry, but what is the prize?
  • Disappearances: People keep disappearing many of the nights as time passes, abducted by an evil sorceror for experiments?
  • Disappearances: People keep disappearing, wait… they’re forming a competing faction or planning to rise against… someone?
  • Disappearances: People keep disappearing, wait… you’ve found a body… are they being murdered, is there a serial killer?
  • Disappearances: Artifacts, belongings etc keep vanishing… is a pixie or some hoarding creature taking them?
  • Disappearances: Artifactions, belongings etc keep vanishing… connect the dots… are the related, could they offer some clue to who stole them?
  • Disease/Curse/Spell/Affliction: local community is overcome by a d/c/s/a, people are slowing changing form! Your party must rush to help or run but are also changing form!
  • Disease/Curse/Spell/Affliction: local community is overcome by a d/c/s/a, people are overcome by anger, hatred and suspicion! Your party must help or run but are also overly aggressive and warlike!
  • Disease/Curse/Spell/Affliction: local community is overcome by a d/c/s/a, people are stricken by a plague! Your party must find the cure or run whilst also stricken by the disease!
  • Disease/Curse/Spell/Affliction: local community is overcome by a d/c/s/a, people are stricken by overwhelming laziness! Your party must find the cure or… relax… whist also stricken by this mind bending spell or curse!
  • Disease/Curse/Spell/Affliction: local community is overcome by a d/c/s/a, people are overcome by jealousy! Your party must find the cure or run whilst coveting thy neighbors’ arse!
  • Disease/Curse/Spell/Affliction: local community is overcome by a d/c/s/a, people are displaced in time! Your party must find the way back or stay in that time whilst dealing with the troubles of that era!
  • Diverging Road: Take the seemingly more dangerous but quicker route??
  • Doppelganger: You learn someone is doing good/harm in your name!
  • Doppelganger: You come across your twin, possibly opposite in alignment
  • Doppelganger: An evil creature assumes your form and attacks!
  • Fishing: Simply a day of fishing and pleasant conversation
  • Fishing: Wha... an artifact just got fished up! What adventure might you embark upon to learn of its origin, possible powers, and who might desire its return?
  • Fishing: Unusual fishing companions, you notice another creature (See Encounters in random section) fishing nearby. Perhaps exchange tall tales? Perhaps borrow some tackle? Or is this fishing spot not big enough for the two of you? Steal its fish? Leave or simply continue to fish ignoring the odd companion?
  • Fishing: You've pissed off an amphibious creature and it comes to land to give you a piece of its mind or perhaps a bite in your arse!
  • Fishing: A peaceful sea dweller surfaces such as a mermaid, who wishes to learn of your world above. Perhaps if you capture her, you could extort her existence as a side-show in a carnival? Perhaps if you accommodate her, she might reward you for your knowledge provided?
  • Fishing: A siren type creature attempts to ensorcel you and your fellow fisherman. Can you resist? What is her goal after enchanting your minds?
  • Fishing: Swallowed by a whale! Spend a day trying to get back out Pinocchio style!
  • Framed: For murder!
  • Framed: For a burglary!
  • Framed: For spying!
  • Framed: For sabotage!
  • Gathering: Rare herbs needed to heal the sick
  • Gathering: An infestation of non-native plants needs thinned
  • Home: Quest to return home after a venture, do you receive a homecoming? What is the state of your home upon your return?
  • Home: Quest to regain favor within your homeland. Why did you lose favor? Will it be enough to appease their anger?
  • Home: Quest to save your town or homeland from strife. What has befallen them, and will your aid be enough?
  • Home: Quest to destroy your home in an act of vengeance. What has brought you to this level of hatred, and will you succeed?
  • Invasion: a race or faction invades - they are beaten back, do you pursue?
  • Invasion: a race or faction invades — they succeed and your location is occupied, how many months can you endure before help arrives?
  • Invasion: a race or faction invades — but why? Can you discover the cause and perhaps use reason to deter them?
  • Let the Games Begin: You have been selected to form a sports team (such as Gustball or dueling) to champion a lord, dost though embark upon this task or refuse the challenge?
  • Let the Games Begin: You have been selected to officiate a competition between the peoples of the lands. What drama might ensue as all vie to compete for the title proving their greatest over the realm? As this is primarily for role-play, the more drama, cheating, bribery or political maneuvering the better!
  • Life Quest: Coming of age type quest
  • Life Quest: Seeking one's heritage
  • Life Quest: Seeking a lost home or people
  • Message Delivery: You've been asked to deliver a message
  • Message Delivery: You've discovered a fallen messenger and now have his message
  • Message Delivery: You must stop a message from being delivered
  • Message Delivery: You must forge a message to be delivered
  • Mistaken Identity: Town thinks someone in your party is famous
  • Mistaken Identity: Town thinks someone in your party is infamous
  • Mistaken Identity: Cult thinks you or a party member is the Chosen One
  • Mistaken Identity: Barbarian village thinks you or a party member is a Great Ancestor from a past life
  • Mistaken Identity: Everyone thinks you or your party are delicious
  • Murder: Clues clues everywhere! Who did it? How? Why? What was the impact?
  • Negotiation: Attempt to convince a rampaging sentient monster from attacking your town/city etc instead of taking up your sword
  • Negotiation: You're path is blocked by robbers demanding tribute, but perhaps you can negotiate a way past without giving up purse or shedding blood?
  • Negotiation: You learn that your lord has declared war against another lord. Do you try to broker a peace between the two? Support your lord's war? Do you attempt to become an opportunist in the conflict and profit from the warring parties?
  • Negotiation: Your city/town etc is likely to be besieged by rampaging monsters and you've but one choice, run to the nearby bandits/mercenary camp in hopes you can negotiate for assistance. But... if they help, will they simply retreat back into the woods after aid is rendered? Might they betray you and join the site of the monsters? Might they let the monsters sweep through your village then come in to pick off the scraps for themselves? Decisions... decisions...
  • Prophecy: Signs that a prophecy is coming to be... prepare, prevent, run etc...
  • Seeking Shelter: A horrible storm forces your party to seek shelter in a nearby village. All seems kosher and everyone is quite accommodating until you see what's floating in the giant stew kettle in middle of the inn... a human arm floats to the surface, and as you turn, everyone in the inn grins at your party members with menacing smiles and licking their lips!
  • Seeking Shelter: a village you've taken shelter in turns out to be a society of shape-shifters! Are they friendly or evil? Perhaps misleading events cause you to believe they are evil yet they are actually good (or vice versa). Perhaps one of your party becomes infected and also becomes a shapeshifter in future adventures.
  • Seeking Shelter: as you all duck into a dark cave in hopes to avoid the raging storm outside, you all make fire and sing song and tell tale whilst warming your hands. Odd though... as the evening progresses, your party seems to be disappearing! Where have they gone! Just as you notice the missing members, creatures attack attempting to take the rest. After the battle, you must find where your mates were taken to. Deeper into the cave perhaps?
  • Time Travel: after a horrible occurrence, you discover a strange artifact which zaps you back in time to just before the event. Can you prevent it from happening? Or will you make it worse? Or will you all time to remain unchanged and accept the previous fate?
  • Time Travel: Groundhog Day... yep... you guessed it! Your party begins to experience the same event/day/time period over and over! How can they end this loop! Must they right a wrong? Must they find Virtue where there had been none? Must they discover something in the world or within themselves before time continues? Must they discover the entity which would/could affect time so and confront them in some way to restore the timeline? Is there a natural occurrence which is causing a localized time distortion.... perhaps if they get further away or figure out a way to halt the occurrence?
  • Training: Seek a renowned wizard to teach a difficult spell or to take you on as their apprentice or will you simply steal what you wish to know?? Their laboratory is filled with spell books, scrolls and potions!
  • Training: Seek a renowned archer to teach the ways of archery or perhaps to help with guidance on the ways of archery specifically for hunting or combat. Perhaps you will accompany them on hunting or combat expeditions as their apprentice?
  • Training: Seek a renowned melee combatant to learn the arts of a melee weapon. Perhaps you become their squire or simply wish a singular lesson?
  • Training: Seek a renowned crafter or gathering to learn the arts of their trade. Perhaps you will become their apprentice? Perhaps you will steal their secrets??
  • Transport: Large and/or dangerous creature/monster
  • Transport: Dangerous or highly sought after artifact or magical item
  • Transport : Food supplies to those in need
  • Transport: Medicine to those in need
  • Trapped: Your party is caught in the webs of a nest of giant spiders or a single giant spider, how dost thou escape?
  • Trapped: Your party was captured and trust into a deep, dark and dank dungeon with no equipment. How dost though escape… or pass the time if all hope escapes thee?
  • Trapped: Your party was buried by an avalanche or building collapse, how dost though escape?
  • Trapped: Your party is caught in a series of primitive traps from unknown creatures, and you hear them approaching, what do you do? Might they be Ewoks or something more sinister and hungry?
  • Trapped: Sometimes political entanglements can leave one trapped between to warring lords. They vie for competing objectives and both have asked your party for assistance. Do you please both of them… somehow? Do you pick a favorite? Do you decline and lose face with both of them? Do you attempt to broker a peace between them? Do you… kill them both and take their fortunes? Hmmmmmmm. Inquiring minds want to know!
  • Wedding: Let's get hitched! Lots of parts and be sure to add in some intrigue...
  • Vision: A party member see's the future... prepare, prevent, run etc...

• Random:
  • Ambush: You've been ambushed!
  • Ambush: You must ambush another!
  • Ambush: You discover someone being ambushed!
  • Ambush: Double ambush! It seems to groups of creatures, villains had the same idea and ambush you simultaneously! They seem confused at first... do they fight you? Do they fight you and the other ambushing party?? Or do they run??? What does your party do????
  • Auspicious Event: You find a glowing spork in the road.
  • Auspicious Event: You spot a bunny with big, nasty sharp teeth
  • Auspicious Event: Your left hand glows blue
  • Auspicious Event: You find an abandoned encampment with a strange encoded note
  • Auspicious Event: A package arrives from the future
  • Blight: Vegetation suffers disease
  • Campfire Fun: You awake to find snakes in your bedroll!
  • Campfire Fun: You awake to find insects or tiny corpions in your bedroll!
  • Campfire Fun: You awake and your belongings have been stolen!
  • Campfire Fun: You awake to find yourself surrounded by bandits!
  • Campfire Fun: A nearby creature traps your mind into an unrelenting dream!
  • Campfire Fun: You awake to find yourself... in another place or time!
  • Consequences: Unexpected, negative and possibly ironic
  • Consequences: Unexpected, positive and possibly ironic
  • Cry in the distance: It's an abandoned baby!
  • Cry in the distance: It's a creature which sounds like a baby, roll for initiative!
  • Discover: Corpse, a destroyed looted caravan and a dead merchant lies before you. What do you do? Do you attempt to bring the merchant's corpse and his effects to the nearest town for rest and return to his family? Do you take what you can and press on? Do you leave it be and let nature take its course?
  • Discover: a magic circle of symbols or stones is stumbled upon, and you notice you and your party are drawn inexplicably towards its center. Do you resist the temptation and not enter the circle? Do you succumb and enter and if so, what occurs? Teleportation, dimensional shift, time shift? Or perhaps one of the enchantments below?
  • Drought: Rain is scarce causing thirst and bad crop yields
  • Enchantment: Blessing, agility
  • Enchantment: Blessing, eloquence
  • Enchantment: Blessing, true sight
  • Enchantment: Blessing, fearless
  • Enchantment: Blessing, strength
  • Enchantment: Blessing, detect lies
  • Enchantment: Curse, clumsiness
  • Enchantment: Curse, stutter
  • Enchantment: Curse, speaking gibberish
  • Enchantment: Curse, cannot tell a truth
  • Enchantment: Curse, cannot tell a lie
  • Enchantment: Curse, sweating profusely
  • Enchantment: Curse, unquenchable thirst
  • Enchantment: Curse, insatiable hunger
  • Enchantment: Curse, blindness
  • Enchantment: Curse, petrification
  • Enchantment: Curse, turned to stone
  • Enchantment: Curse, slowed
  • Enchantment: Curse, fear
  • Enchantment: Curse, weakness
  • Enchantment: Curse, shrunk to insect size! Now, even the smallest insects are a danger to you!
  • Enchantment: Curse, grow to giant size! Now, with the large size, comes a large appetite!
  • Enchantment: Mind Control, forced robbery
  • Enchantment: Mind Control, forced murder
  • Enchantment: Mind Control, forced labor
  • Enchantment: Mind Control, forced guardian
  • Encounter: Lost Children, bring them back to their parents or the nearest village
  • Encounter: Lost Children, ack! The little bastards are actually robbing you after you let your guard down!
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Elementals
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Elves
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Humans
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Bandits
    
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Children "Bandits"
    
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Tribe of Primitives
    
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Children Tribe of Primitives
    
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Kobolds
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Satyrs
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Trolls
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Mythical Creature
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Rare Creature
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Criminal
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Holy Man
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Wizard
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Ranger
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Hunter
    
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Escaped Slave
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Traveling Merchant
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Skeletons
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Zombies
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Lich
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): Shadow
  • Encounter (Friendly, Secretive, Passive, Aggressive, In Distress): *any entity
  • Encounter: You stumble across an errand boy who's desperately attempting to gather/locate # items for his master (insert dire reason), do you assist or perhaps offer some of your own inventory? Or do you take what he has and leave him back where he started?
  • Forest Fire: Run or... extinguish?
  • Forest Fire: While camping at night, an intelligent woodland creature runs to your camp to beg for assistance -- do you help rescue its young and/or extinguish the fire! You see the glow of fire approaching quickly, what do you do!
  • Hunt: Forest Animals
  • Hunt: Criminals
  • Hunt: Trespassers
  • Hunt: Nearly extinct or rare creature
  • Hunt: Come across other hunters, are they friend or foe? Have you trespassed upon their land?
  • Hunt: Accidentally (or intentionally perhaps) hunting on forbidden lands such as the hunting grounds of a great lord, ancient burial grounds, cursed lands, diseased lands, dangerous lands such as swamps with ROUS's!
  • Insects: Bite, hallucinogen, enjoy the trip!
  • Insects: Bite, poison, seek a healer!
  • Insects: Swarm, run or... fight?
  • Inversion Zone: Party encounters an inversion zone! This is a zone besought by chaos magic, causing those passing through the zone to become greatly disoriented by altered perceptions. Up seems like down. Left seems like right. Backwards is perceived to be forwards! Of course, the "opposite"nature of this could also be a random variation or a specific alteration to perception. Keep in mind, all senses are effected and sensory input! Language is jumbled or backwards! If you're left handed, you suddenly become right handed!
  • Mystery: Mysterious lights in the distant darkness...
  • Night: As you sleep, a strange sound awakens you! You rouse your party in time for… creatures attack!
  • Night: As you sleep, a strange sound awakens you! You rouse your party in time for… you hear loud snoring nearby, a troll or dragon!
  • Night: As you sleep, a strange sound awakens you! You rouse your party in time for… bandits are trying to stealth and peek in your belongings!
  • Night: As you search for a camp location, the scent of food invites you… other campers invite you to join them
  • Night: As you search for a camp location, the scent of food invites you… omgorsh! Cannibals have a human on a spit! Ummm… do you join them?
  • Night: As you search for a camp location, the scent of food invites you… enemy creatures or humans are camping there, were you spotted? Do you ambush them?
  • Outsider: An outsider arrives… a ranger arrives to town, what news or stories could he have of the nearby or far away lands?
  • Outsider: An outsider arrives… a wandering wizard arrives, what could be be doing here? What magics could he bestow or what ambitions does he have?
  • Outsider: An outsider arrives… a traveling knight arrives, what is his mission? Could his lord be at odds with your people or lord?
  • Outsider: An outsider arrives… a traveling merchant arrives, what wondrous items does he have? Could he have a mystical artifact that leads to another adventure?
  • Outsider: An outsider arrives… a storyteller, minstrel, bard, glimmer man arrives, what tales or song could have secret meaning? Might his words hold the truth you’ve been searching for?
  • Outsider: An outsider arrives… someone in distress seeks shelter in your town, could it be a ruse? Should you help? What might befall your city if you do help?
  • Outsider: An outsider arrives… could one of the outsiders above be an imposter? what is their purpose for posing as this person?
  • Toll: Bandits (or other entities) demand a toll before you can pass
  • Toll: You demand a toll of those attempting to pass
  • Summoning: Stumble across a creature or demon being summoned
  • Summoning: Stumble across a failed summoning, and the sorcerer is losing/lost control
  • Trees: They speak and have a secret?
  • Trees: They're angered!
  • Unusual Punishment: You come across someone being stoned for a crime...
  • Witness: a robbery!
  • Witness: a beating!
  • Witness: a pickpocket picking pockets!
  • Witness: a beggar stealing food

Theme/Scenario Matrix:

to be generated using RPOTA database tools, and extractable as embedded code for anyone to use elsewhere on any fansite. Essentially it allows for any theme or theme combination to be selected to help produce an overall scenario for an RP event.


Random Theme Generator:

to be generated using RPOTA database tools, and extractable as embedded code for anyone to use elsewhere on any fansite. Essentially it allows for random selection of unified themes for weekly, monthly and perhaps annual periods which allow for background themes to exist for unified role-play storyarcs. Let’s say the weekly theme is a kobold invasion of a particular village, and as people see this is an available unified theme, they could choose to incorporate this story into their own RP activity. Essentially its like unified rumors, news and events, but subtle background concepts which help keep RPers somewhat on the same page for more pleasurable interaction.


That's what we got so far, friends! Let us know what you think -- all feedback, suggestions, ideas, themes, and cookies (oatmeal only) are accepted!

@WrathPhoenix
@Stryker Sparhawk
@Minerva
@Balec Fares deCani
@Bowen Bloodgood
@Womby
@Vyrin
@enderandrew
@Gabriel Nightshadow
@FireLotus
@Asclepius
@Winfield
@Amber Raine
@Alecs_Graham2
@royalsexy
@Ulf Berht
@Spoon
@monkeyrogue
@Duke Vallas [BEAR]

 

Well first before I read all of that later.. to comment on holidays.. I don't think there ever will be official NB holidays. Every time it comes up Richard gets all excited over players "discovering" holidays like those related to astronomy events.. and otherwise seems to shy away from suggesting anything official. I expect that any and ALL holidays will be up to the community.

 

You bet Bowen, and frankly -- nothing above are "official" holidays. Holidays are traditions to peoples small and large, regions near and distant. We needn't all celebrate the same holidays, though if we did on occasion have holidays which overlapped for celebration, then it could benefit RP. And the more holidays suggested strengthens our pool of holidays to pick from.

Each guild and POT could have their own unique holidays which might one day get adopted by their neighbors. Traditions spread and grow, and then wane and die. But alas, here is a list of holidays presented by Enderandew which were quite well thought out, and certainly are an excellent beginning to a list of holidays, for those seeking such ideas, to pick from.

Very good point though, and well noted.

 

I don't suppose you could make your point with terminology OTHER than "theme"? Maybe it's just late for me but I'm still not sure what you mean or how it's intended to be applied.

 

Then why do you keep forgetting mine?

 

Hahaa! I'll add them to the list!

I do remember you showing me these a while back, but I can't recall which of our conversations you linked them in! You've provided an excellent example to the overall concept of this post--ideas are posted, and get added to the list above

Thanks Bowen

 

what is your holiday bowen?
and i would be pretty surprised if we @ the mori did not pick up several of these holidays within our own culture as well

 

I extracted some of Bowen's work out onto the list, but the meat of it is still on his original post -- a great discussion over there, much of which seems virtue based holiday themes which is a really good idea. Bowen, I might not have done a great job pulling information from your post. If you feel I could add more, let me know

 

Follow my link in the above post.. the only ones listed here so far that are specifically mine is King's Day.. and I'm not particularly happy with the name. Ender picked that one up from my thread.. I'm not sure but he may have renamed a couple of others.

Well ok let me skim my thread and pick out the ones that are actually mine..

I think Daedelus Day may have been part of my 2 holiday event.. for New Years Eve and New Years Day.. centered around themes of endings and new beginnings.

There was also a 2 day valentines.. Confession & Response days similar to how they do Valentines in Japan with Valentines and White Day..

Quite a few others were not quite as defined but suggesting virtue themes for particular months.. ie Valor for May (memorial day).

'Ancestor Day' for spirituality.. or a spirit festival or ranger festival in October..

Those ideas would be mine specifically.. but a lot of others posted some good ideas as well.

 

ok I actually did a write up and sent it to Portalarium way back when.. I'll cut & paste it here..

Last year Richard asked us to brain storm real world rituals (aka holidays etc) and so you shall receive. The following is a compilation of ideas from the community from the following threads.

https://shroudoftheavatar.com/forum/index.php?threads/new-britannia-cultural-festivals-holidays.3948/

https://shroudoftheavatar.com/forum/index.php?threads/real-world-rituals-to-port-in-game.1263/

Along with some extras that probably just popped in my brain while typing.

Cultural traditions often mark memorable historical events. While historical records may be lost and no one truly remembers where traditions come from traditions never the less survive so long as people remember the traditions themselves.

In General
Many events and holidays may have traditional foods, behaviors or even quests (official or otherwise) that may play a role in calculating virtues. Giving food to guards during a ‘Justice’ themed holiday for example.

As it is these suggestions are very generalized and I’ve tried to incorporate ideas from many individuals as best as they seemed to fit. Most months have been given a theme (mostly the virtues) some of which correspond to Earth holidays partly for convenience. Players can celebrate those holidays in-game but in the New Britannia traditions.

Many of the virtues should probably be obscured somewhat as a basis for any particular event. While I wanted to give the virtues a place in the culture the people obviously don’t remember them well. To most the meaning of any holiday is lost. There’s no reason it should be any different in New Britannia.

Note: A couple folks had different ideas as to which theme should go with each month. All names are just place holders. I don’t think anyone was especially set on any name for any event.

New Years - January

The New Years theme is centered mainly around The Fall. that of endings and new beginnings (especially after hardship). This is really a two part scenario.

Nearby dungeons that may have been used as settlements have a certain significance here. Also the common themes of endings and beginnings in general are significant but primary focus is remembering the Fall and revival afterwards.

Part I – Endings. Remembering the Fall.

This is a day or mourning. “Day of the Shattered Moon” where no lights are lit. People eat cold or preserved foods.

Part II – “Emergence” New Beginnings & Overcoming Tragedy.

There is a banquet held (outdoors if possible) in view of Daedelus. Just imagine a typical new years party with lot of booze and general revelry. Where as the Day of the Shattered Moon is a relatively somber day, Emergence festivals tends to be very lively.

Towns with a dungeon nearby may have citizens taking a pilgrimage to the dungeon entrance where they’ll set up camp and have their banquet there as a reminder of where their ancestors emerged from.

It has been further suggested that this be about transformations, the old becoming the new and strongly associated with phoenixes.

February – Love & Arts

Rather than a specific holiday/event, the ideas for February are centered more around traditions.

This could be a popular month to enjoy performance arts and artwork in general. Theater may be popular, especially romance plays. No person of substance would dare hold a feast, party, or other get together without hosting at least one bard to perform.

Confession Day – Basically valentines but following a more Japanese style tradition where the women gift to the one they ‘like’ but may also give “obligation” gifts to friends.

Response Day – Men give a return gift if they received one from the person they like. (Similar to Japan’s “White Day”).

(I particularly like how the Japanese have divided Valentine’s traditions into two days rather than one).

Weddings may be popular on these particular days. Especially for those who mutually gave and received with their romantic interests.

March – Justice

The march holiday includes a celebration of local law enforcement (ie Town Guards, judges etc). Possibly including a public banquet or private dinner parties with a tradition menu (an idea for Rustic to play with?)

Some traditions may include a mock trial or the burning of a tyrant in effigy. A mock trial might include a local jester as the judge with a town official being charged with something ridiculous like snoring too loudly or putting too many lumps of sugar in his coffee. Citizens in the trial and encouraged to prosecute, defend and testify.

There could be more serious local traditions (such as in Resolute) like the public execution of a known criminal. The release of a prisoner at the people’s request or allowing a request for a retrial.

Another idea was for wandering magistrates who would travel between towns to reside over various disputes, officiate marriages and perform other duties of the courts where needed. These might be druids or mages mainly operating outside the usual system or possibly appointed by local lords with a measure of legal authority.

April – Sacrifice

Traditional Foods: Breads & Red Wines

Festival of Sacrifice is characterized by giving things up, by doing without. It is a common practice to choose several items that you will voluntarily sacrifice for the duration of the month; and furthermore, any time you would normally indulge in those things, you instead give either that item (in the case of physical things like food) or perform some equivalent service to those in need. It is not uncommon for those who are successful but devout/superstitious go on a sort of pilgrimage to poor areas/communities, and live as simply as they are able, to understand and remember what it is like to do without.

Other possibilities

Tradition of donating to charity and/or volunteering one’s time for charitable events or causes.

A celebration to honor those who died having dedicated their lives to helping others. I'm thinking of mostly those of a humanitarian nature but may also include acts of valor.

The residents of a given city prepare their dinners and then bring them to their local guards/soldiers/knights. They sacrifice one night of dinner to remember those who sacrifice every day in service.

May – Valor (Around Memorial Day)

Celebrating the courage to take risks as well as celebrating military veterans. Especially those who died or were wounded in good service.

Traditionally this would include a public feasts and tournaments. Especially in cities like Resolute. This could also be a good time to recognize local heroes and strength in arms. Some towns might hold a public award ceremonies.

Also a good time for people to give small gifts (ie food baskets, supplies etc) to local soldiers and thank them for their service.

July – Honor

King’s Day (for lack of better name). July 4th J

Lord British ruled for several centuries ushering in not only the virtues but many innovations as well as sponsoring cultural projects. He was by all accounts (save from those some Serpent Isle) a much loved ruler. It is only natural that some kind of birthday tradition emerge over the many long centuries of his reign. Even though many now may no longer remember why. King’s Day is in celebration of benevolent rule and rulers.

King’s Day traditions may include feasts and tournaments often sponsored by the local lord for the people (or visa versa?). The events of this particular day should reflect the relationship between a particular town or city state and their respective leaders.

As such, traditions may (and probably should) vary. Resolute would certainly have a tournament for example while Britanny may have a more low key tradition of staging a particular play every year.

Some traditions regarding Honor may include recommitment ceremonies, particularly a knight’s oath to their lord.

Married couples may have some kind of recommitment traditions such as a family dinner with a special speech or toast. Visiting the place of their marriage or annual honeymoon etc.

Note the following idea was intended for King’s Day (or whatever the name ends up as) to be themed on Valor rather than Honor.

A time of frequent tournaments, but these are all about the victory and the pure martial ability. Gambling is also particularly prevalent, although frowned upon by the more devout. Chess and other non-physical games based on strategy and tactics are common. County fairs with competitions of every sort are frequent, and often the victors are sent to the capital to compete in countrywide competitions, or presented as gifts to the King (depending on what sort of victory is in question).

Note: Any feast or other gathering that involves the consumption of drink should include some manner of toast.. (a vague reference to chalices)

August – Honesty

Respect for truth in all of life.. including an honest day's work for fair wages. It would be considered in especially poor taste to say anything that isn't entirely true to the best of your knowledge

Truth - Anonymous confession day. People drop anonymous confessions in a box, and then once a year they are posted publicly. The town can gather at the message board and read all the confessions.

Anti-Truth – Liar’s/Fool’s Day ie Food seller "all weapons 50% off"

Honesty is the virtue of mages and scholars. The pursuit of knowledge and the celebration of discovery may also be a good theme. There could be a tradition regarding a mythical “tomb of ultimate knowledge” (the actual name being lost to the centuries).

Academics might celebrate this time differently. Perhaps by reading or just buying a new book. Donating books to a library or publishing a thesis.

The main theme here is the sharing of knowledge. Public events would probably center around libraries and museums. Free history lessons or other lectures.

It would be a custom to often grant leniency (not full pardon, necessarily, but perhaps an easier sentence) to criminals who come forward voluntarily

October – Spirituality

This month is big on spirits for reasons long since forgotten.

Ancestor Day – Lighting candles in honor of ancestors and visiting graves would be common here.

There might also be family gatherings and incorporating a celebration of living family as well. Possibly giving special relevance to family elders.

Some families might keep family shrines where candles are kept. Either in-house or in a public space (ie graveyard). This might be especially important in some cultural areas and also since graves of family members might be too far away to visit.

A public shrine could be used (possibly temporary) if you didn’t have your own.

Festival of Rangers is associated with the giving of wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual growth. A time of stories and fables with strong moral compasses. It is also a festival during which many people seek out time alone, particularly in the wilds, to commune with nature, with spirits, and with the gods. Some particular devout may even take a vow of silence for the entire month around the festival, to try to better hear what the world has to teach them.

The Spirit festival – Towns with or near rivers may have citizens placing floating lanterns in the river to guide spirits to the ‘next life’. A variation of this practice might occur in towns with a high wind using paper balloon type lanterns that float into the sky. (Perhaps with magical aide of a presiding air mage).

Other aspects of this festival would follow a ‘spirit’ theme but otherwise be light hearted fun. Magic shows, cotton candy etc. Typical “festival”.

Other practices may center around self-improvement and meditation. Especially among the more devout citizens.

Please no Halloween/trick or treat stuff. (Though LB might want a haunted house in Britanny).

November – Humility

A reminder to be thankful and humble for the blessings we have.

A day of humility and celebration of simple things. NPCs might avoid wearing jewelry or makeup. Simple or common home cooked foods and a traditional dish of some kind.. using lamb perhaps? This might also be good as a harvest theme and a being humble before nature kind of theme.

Everyone wears simple, tattered clothing and the most humble of foods is served. Cabbage soup for all!

Further thought: A week of humility ending with a thanksgiving type feast. (People will be pretty hungry after eating cabbage soup for a week! )

This holiday/celebration would probably be more popular in smaller towns. Perhaps less so in larger, well to-do cities who would just skip the week of humility and move straight on to the feast.

December – Compassion

Fund raisers for charities may be common. Especially to give to the poor and sick. Certain NPCs might dress up to collect funds.

Certain merchants may have a sale on basic goods.. ie food and clothes.

It could be common to host a dinner for the poor or bring food and medicine to the sick

This could also be a good time for forgiving offense or even debt.

Generic & Other Festivals/Holidays

Discharge Day - For large towns and cities protected by the "tesla-like" apparatus. Yearly maintenance on the appratus to replace parts. City defenses are down for the duration. All able bodied citizens muster to protect city. Once apparatus is operational again Celebrate!

Buttress Day: when everyone works to repair and fortify a town's defenses.

Seasonal: Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall (Harvest Festival?)

Solstice & Equinox

Brewer’s Day – Oktoberfest (some folks really want an Oktoberfest which would be awesome. I’m not sure where or ‘when’ I’d put it). Perhaps part of King’s Day or along side Honor or a harvest festival.

Larder Day - Those that have large stores could possibly invite the local populace into their keep, castle, manor...whatever; and throw a huge feast. The population could take account of their stores and redistribute extras to those who don't have. This would primarily be a pre-winter activity.

“Ring Rain” or meteor shower. This would occur on a predictable schedule as a result of the moon’s colliding and subsequent asteroid ring around the planet. Another side effect could be “Another body in close orbit could approach, at its perihelion it could charge ice particles from the destroyed moon and send them into the atmosphere of New Britannia. Give it a really nice light show like northern lights by about ten times, allow it to light up the Underworld naturally, that sort of thing.”

During these times people could gather in a good viewing location. Something akin to view cherry blossoms in Japan. Bring a blanket, some food and good booze. Sit back and enjoy the view.

Additional Themes - Some specific themes we didn’t explore but may be appropriate.

Trade, commerce and crafting.

Further thoughts

Theaters – Plays in theaters may tend to follow themes of whatever holiday is being presented. Also certain towns may favor certain plays.. ie plays about honor and valor would be popular in Resolute.

As local traditions vary it may probably be best to simply build a framework and give players tools to flesh out the details of each holiday or festival themselves. Say this is the holiday and general theme., here are your tools. Then promote role-play events that celebrate those themes during the month.

I might further suggest that groups like the Poet’s Circle and College of Arms might be ideal instigators. Poet’s Circle for their bards and the CoA for tournaments other events that might require a herald.

There was a point about holidays occurring around the time of Earth holidays to take advantage of players having more time off but taking care to not overlap exactly as people will likely be busy with family.

Also there are some in the community would prefer to simply not have Earth holidays celebrated in New Britannia. It just doesn’t make sense as these cultural rituals develop independently. Running around in a Halloween get-up trick or treating for example is basically the same as declaring “Hi! I’m an Avatar!”.

It may be customary to tale stories related to a given virtue at many festivals. (Might suggest a short story contest for each virtue).

Traditions regarding Avatars

Antagonistic communities might burn Avatar effigies as part of some of their festivities.

Traditions regarding Spirits

Hanging of lanterns or dolls to ward off spirits.

Lanterns or candles to guide spirits along a path (such as floating lanterns on a river to lead them to the ‘next world’).

Requested Tools

The ability to “rent” and decorate a public space for X number of days. Or possibly gaining a permit from local authorities. Either specific lots in-town or one of a few “festival” hexes just outside of town.

Owners of player towns could designate specific lots as a public space.

The of course we need to be able to craft decorations and a few special items like vendor stalls (food stalls, blacksmiths etc).

Yes basically anything you’d need for a good renaissance fair (complete with List Fields ) .. and also special items like the afore mentioned floating paper lanterns.

 

All that of course was about 2 years ago.

 

i will plan to borrow both of these list's kick it around the guild and pick up several of the holidays to add to our core traditions. so if people would rather us not use a specific holiday please let us know in advance and we wont use it

 

Excellent, Bowen! Thanks bud -- very much appreciated that you'd offer up your work to help populate the list. I'll read through this tonight and first thing in the morning and get it populated while drinking me mornin coffee Lots of good material here

 

it would be really cool if different regions adopted a few of the different holidays and create a sub culture within the game

 

Ender offered up his holiday themes freely, and I strongly suspect Bowen did as well. ANYTHING on this list should and will be a free-for-all for ideas and brainstorming. A better statement would be, if anyone wishes items removed from the list that they contributed, let me know! Thanks for taking an interest Doc!

 

A regional concept would be cool - when I start making the holiday changes in the morning, I'll add a section showing all the regional names so it will encourage thoughts towards regional holidays

 

There is plenty of room for all manner of holidays and traditions. I know I plan of promoting mine in events.. especially when more food becomes décor.. but just having more food in general I'll probably organize more holiday/festival events as food is usually a major component. The lack of which is a big reason I haven't done more such events in awhile.

I do want to stress through that many of the ideas for events came from the community. "My" list isn't mine alone.

 

More food themes would be cool -- heck, there could be a whole theme about a particular food item which might have some story behind it, eh? Or perhaps fetching the rare recipe items.

Alrighty, I probably added another 25 or so above on top of integrating in Bowen's. Many... many.... many... many more to come.

 

Added all the forests, mountains and regions that I could spot.

 

Alrighty, added about 10-15 more... swamps, hills... I moved locations to the Persistent category, training... inversion zone... another ambush... and a handful more

EDIT: I just started playing Ultima III (literally 5 minutes ago) and had to alt-tab out to add new themes for the virtues. Not only did I add the 8 other/older virtues from the Ultima games, but I added the "conflicting virtue"concept which is depicted right at the beginning of Ultima III. Fun times!