The Running of the Deepbeetles

Time is often difficult to latch onto in the sunless season less world of the deepest reaches underground. But one thing that happens like clockwork twice a year is the Deepbeetle migration. These mighty chitin lad monstrosities descend to somewhere deep in The Unders to mate and lay their eggs. Terrifying as the prospect of just one of these beasts is, they move en masse with little regard for that which stands in their way. Able to tunnel through rocks as easily as a fish swims downstream. The Deepbeetle Migration is a time of concern for the city as the usual walls and barriers that keep the city somewhat protected offer no resistance to the deepbeetles.
The Deepbeetles migrate twice a year. The second, and arguably less frightening time is called ‘The Rise’. The eggs that have been laid in the previous season have finally matured, hatched, and the juvenile beetles feel the collective urge to tunnel toward the surface. It is a part of their natural life cycle, although no one is sure exactly why. Some scholars have suggested it may have something to do with gravity, but that is a heavy charge. Climbing up from underground they emerge throughout town, ransacking for food and attacking anyone who dares get in their way. It is best to leave trails of food out for them, leading them away from that which is most precious and funneling them out through the northwest passage.
The first migration is more involved. After having gone to the surface and matured into adults, the deepbeetles return to The Unders in ‘The Fall’. Digging down through layers of stone and earth, they emerge from the ceiling of the cavern that holds the city. Massively monstrous beetles rain down from the sky, their wings too frail to support them, only slowing their ascent as they crash down indiscriminately throughout town on their way deeper. They are more aggressive in their mating rush and may attack even people who do not provoke them. They are here for food, but now all manner of creatures are on the menu.

Participants

Every Running of the Deepbeetles begins with the nomination of Beetlewards!
For a donation of one Sapphire Lens (purchasable for 25gp) any resident of the city may nominate a member of the community as a Beetleward. For PCs, this will be done in the Deepbeetle Migration channel on Discord.

Downtime Activity - Beetleward Nomination

Name: @Yourself
DTA: Beetleward Nomination
Nominee: @ The PC you would like to nominate
Details: A few lines to a paragraph of roleplay description explaining why this person has earned your character’s nomination.
Cost: 1 Sapphire Lens

Nominations remain open for three OOC days ahead of the actual event. From those nominated, the NPCs in charge will decide how many and whom from amongs the nominees is granted the title of Beetleward. During the week of the event these Players will be allowed to run simple combat encounters with the invading Deepbeetles in the event channel on discord.

Observance

The migration takes place over nearly a month, but it really tends to culminate into a 9 day period during which the presence of the Deepbeetles cannot be ignored. The errant beetle makes its way early or late, but in isolation the city has the numbers to handle it. A number of traditions have sprung up during this time. Opportunities to prepare, to participate, and to persevere.

The First Emergence!

During the first six days of the festival, Deepbeetles are few and far between. But they have begun arriving.

Beetle Roundup!

Survival, Perception, or Cook's Utensils You are looking for trouble, keeping an eye out for the beasts. They fetch a fair price at The PIT. As a team of three you may go out and attempt to track, spot, and lure a Deepbeetle into capture. Each roll must exceed a 12 during The Rise, and a 16 during The Fall. Successful capture and delivery to The PIT will net the total rolled times ten in gold payout.

Downtime Activity - Beetle Round Up!

Name: Tag yourself and your two teammates (Each of you should submit a DTA)
DTA: Beetle Round Up!
Details: A short paragraph of roleplay description explaining your skills, methodology, and intended plan for capturing a live beetle.
Cost: One level of exhaustion
Skill Check: Survival, Perception, or Cook's Utensils (Int)
(Straight rolls only, no blessings or fancy stuff)

After ten Deepbeetles have been successfully delivered to the PIT, the rodeo is able to begin.

The Chitinrider Championship

Athletics/Acrobatics, Insight, Animal Handling The PIT has enough Deepbeetles to start hosting the bi-annual Chitinrider Championships! This is your opportunity to ride a Deepbeetle and see how long you can hang on. The feat requires more than just physical prowess, reading a beetle taxes the mind and it takes a trained hand to even try to calm them.

DTA - Chitinriding Championships!

Name: Tag Yourself
DTA: Chitinriding Championships
Details: Give a roleplay description of your riding strategy, tell us about your Beetleriding skills!
Skill Checks: Acrobatics/Athletics, Insight, and Animal Handling

Total the rolls for your score! Top three at the end of the week are rewarded. NPCs are allowed to compete.