Battle and Feast of the Calatrian Beast

The Aquitzal Capital has an interesting (and dangerous) tradition involving food, fish, and an immortal shapeshifter. The tradition signifies the transition to adulthood, as well as working as a team.

History

Not long after Calatria was built, a huge cave system was discovered underneath the city, and inside was something that resembled a human but... different. The cave explorers rushed it to the surface, but it woke up from its half-dead sleep.  Upon seeing them, it transformed into a sea serpent and attacked them. They barely escaped with their lives. Apparently that "Human" was an immortal shapeshifter in it's true form, and it swore revenge against the entire Aquitzal race. Every year, it takes the place of one of the villagers to try to get close enough to disable Calatria's shields, leaving it open to the storm above. Luckily, the locals developed a way to combat it. That way is this ritual.

Execution

At midnight, the shapeshifter kidnaps a villager and assumes their identity. at 1 in the morning, all Aquitzals becoming adults in this year are gathered in the square and told to complete three tasks.  The first one is to work together to make a giant feast of the beast's favorite fishes, second is to get all of the townsfolk to the square, and the third step is to lure the shapeshifter out and kill it. The shapeshifter's body is thrown back into it's cave, where it comes back to life that night to scheme for next year. When the ritual is complete, the now-adult Aquitzals feast on the fish as symbolization of their growth.

Components and tools

Cooking pots and utensils, all of the ingredients needed to make the dish, and a silver sword and shield.

Participants

Almost all Caltrians attend the ceremony, although those who become adults that year are selected to participate.

Observance

It takes place on the first day of every year.

Art is drawn by me, made with Ohuhu Markers

Primary Related Location

Calatria

Important Locations

• Kosamic Sea