The Namakan Games

Dedicated to Varoona, the Namakan Games is a 10-day long spectacle of food, revelry, ritual combat, and mostly water-based games where locals and tourist alike can compete to show their prowess. While skill is certainly showcased, the Principles of Chaos dictate that anything goes! 
A little bit of chaos makes the games a unique affair every year, after all.

Basic History

The "Namakan Games" are named after High Priestess Namaka Varoona. During her "reign" nearly two centuries prior to the rise of the Dread King, she formalized the disparate series of games enjoyed by the locals into the large spectacle that it is today. Of course, during the Dread King's Uprising, the games were suspended, but were soon recommenced under HIgh Priestess Calypso Varoona, the first High Priestess on record after the fall of the Dread King. She also introduced the ceremonial recreation of the great battle of Goddess Bay, where the MoonGuard of Caliban successfully defeated the Dread King's forces, saving the people of Varoona from starvation.
The Pearl – an integral component of the games marking the start and the end of the Games – truly acquired its superstitious significance during the rule of High Priest Tohora Varoona. When the great Pearl was stolen, he allowed the Games to continue. Upon their conclusion, the city was hit with disaster – fish were absent from the bay, horrendous storms occured nearly every day, and the chaos typically experienced by the followers of Varrona ran rampant destroying the city from within. Only when the Pearl had been returned did this disaster cease.
Recent High Priests and Priestesses, including the current High Priestess Thalassa Varoona, have attempted to broaden the Games to emphasize Varoona's connection with the other gods of Dremora. One such effort is the importation of unique foodstuffs from Oshozi's territory, offering such merchants incentives to make the often long, arduous trek to the coastal city.

Major Events

The Games are characteirzed by an increase in plays, art, and other performances at the Siren's College. Local and traveling chefs fill the streets with the smells of exquisite food and drink. In addition to this constant flower of food and entertainment during the Games, the following are some major events that often attract crowds and offer contestants an opportunity to win fame...

1. The ceremonial naval battle between the MoonGuard and the Dread King's forces is an incredibly spectacle held on the last day of the Games. It is formally part of the Closing Ceremonies.
2. "Mock" battles – anyone with a ship may enter and face off against a declared rival or against the naval prowess of Varoona. Ammunition has been replaced with brightly covered paint so that ships remain undamaged (mostly) and so spectators can easily observe the "carnage". 
3. Fishing – Prizes are awarded for the largest, rarest, and greatest number of catches in the river and deep sea.
4. Sailing – events exist for smaller vessels (manned by 1) to large galleons.
5. Terrain-Ball – "Anything goes beach volleyball" with the added perk of an ever-changing terrain.
6. Other – Rowing, free-diving, sparring and combat at the Gladiator Ring, swimming, diving

The Pearl of Varoona

To mark the beginning of the Namakan Games, this large, shining pearl is traditionally placed in the open palm of Varoona's statue in the Temple Square. 
According to legends and religious texts, The One gave the Great Pearl to Varoona. The Goddess of the Sea then gifted the Pearl to her first High Priestess – Ceto Varoona – a kereselló who served in Varoona's original shrine located near Sotto Varoona. The Pearl was brought to the city of Varoona Proper about half a millenia later, when the land-based city outgrew its original aquatic predecessor. 
The Pearl is believed by many to represent the life force of Varoona. During the Games, it is said that her life force is rejuvenated by her people. Given the popularity of this myth, it is no surprise that many have claimed to see the Pearl glow brighter at the Closing Ceremonies. 
Regardless of where it game from or its true divine purpose, the pearl certainly holds a special place at the heart of the Namakan Games.

Type

Religious, Other