Riddlefest

Sun and moon face to face
Hide behind their rare embrace
Darkness rises dims our sight
Pray it passes restore the light!

— Riddle of the Three Sisters

In the early days of spring, as the world wakens once again, it is said the Riddlemaker would wander the land seeking new riddles and testing all he encountered looking for new students in the ways of wizardry. In the kingdom of Korinthia, Riddlefest is held in his honour.

History

Riddlefest is a newer festival, dating from after the fall of the Ursian Empire and developing within the last few hundred years. Korinthian's see it as distinctly part of their culture and something that points towards their intelligence. The pride of the day is on skills and acrobatics of the mind, not on brute strength--although tests of strength will often be found on the fair grounds and wherever the drinks are flowing.
It is believed the origins of Riddlefest predate the founding of the Magerium or formal schools of magic such as in Dalestone, and it began with local wizards using tests of the mind to sort out potential students. As society rebuilt after the fall of the Empire, the coming of wizards were events of note, causing villages to turn out for such affairs. As time wore on, these became more regulated affairs, and soon even the non-magical wanted to prove their aptitude where they could. With trade resuming, the local lords saw opportunity, quickly developing the whole thing into fairs with appropriate taxation.
Modern celebrations have grown to large scale events within cities including full mercantile fairs, musicians and entertainers, and plays dedicated to the lord of magic, Zoneth. A classic pantomime features Badduuk the Bringer of War as a clumsy oaf destroying the countryside, outsmarted by Zoneth's cunning and left to eternally ponder a riddle put to him. Various stagings choose to reveal the riddle in various ways. Some use a simple one to underscore Badduuk's oafishness. Others something more challenging with a prize to the audience member who can solve it.
Among those who feel the riddlers are simply trying to display their own egos, a new form of celebration has taken hold: practical jokes and pranks. Those which take on the elite, academics, or upper class in general are particularly celebrated. Of late a new pantomime has been staged with Mekeiel upsetting Zoneth's attempts at cleverness through base pranks, to great delight of the general public.

Execution

Village Riddlefest celebrations tend to be single day affairs with more rural folk heading in early, bringing their wares to sell or trade at the market. Hedge wizards, witches, or those of magical incline who simply avoid more populous regions still occasionally use the festival to find new apprentices, whether by conducting their own trials or selecting from the contestants of the primary challenge.
City fairs can begin several days before Riddlefest proper. Kalimbra's Riddlefest fair lasts a full week. Disputes from Ujen's often take a few days following to settle. It is also the accepted date for entry exams into magical schools, with Calthas and Dalestone holding the most prestigious gatherings.

Observance

1st Thuanim

In the Village

Riddlefest is a time of community gathering and fun. Families will gather from outlying farms to trade baked goods, preserves, tools and supplies. As there's usually a smaller (well known, recurring) number of participants for the riddle challenge, it often occurs either with a large luncheon or following a dinner celebration when the drinks are flowing freely.

In the City

In Kalimbra Riddlefest attracts visitors from inside and outside the kingdom. Vistors from the Holy Ardian Empire come to compete and sell their wares. While it is only the third largest fair for the city, many suggest it is the most indulgent.
Calthas highlights the excellency of Riddlefest. High King Roderick II is a great patron of the holiday and believes it brings the best and brightest to the capital. Starting in the day's leading up to the main festival is the Nine Kings tournament. The championship game is always set to conclude on the morning of the final day. The king himself likes to congratulate the Riddlefest champion and have them dine at his table as his new Grand Vizier.
Ujen takes a different tack and highlights the games of chance. While the right turn of phrase can always turn up a game of dice or lodam, during Riddlefest, every street corner and tavern becomes an open den. Riches are shipped in from the Cymrún Isles and further afield

Primary Related Location

Korinthia