The Giant Market
Every tenth summer, as far back as anyone can remember, the storm giants gather in the sky above Garnwald. The city erupts in festivities, all work is postponed except guard duty, and other necessary jobs. Bards gather from near and far to take part in the competitions, where they write and preform ballads and songs about the deeds of the noble houses since the last Giant Market.
History
Nobody is quite sure why, but since the storm giants are open for trade the people of Garnwald tolerate the large clouds with the storm giant's castles, and other buildings, hanging over the city for the duration. They stay for a few days before leaving again, and will trade with anyone who are bold enough to approach them. This has become a lot easier with the introduction of airships to Sanres.
Execution
In the weeks before The Giant Market, the authorities round up all they deem troublemakers, and either exile them for the duration, or place them under lock and key. This is a precaution that started after one of the thieves guilds decided to rob the storm giants, resulting in mayhem, chaos and whole sections of the city destroyed. There's also a lot of building activity as the city is visited by merchants from near and far, who tries to sell their wares, and maybe leave with produce from the storm giant's gardens, or even better, items crafted by an artisan storm giant.
Components and tools
All the town squares, even in the Beggar's District, have huge tables where food and drink is provided for free by the storm giants. Most of the food is made from vegetables the storm giants have grown themselves.
Participants
Everybody can participate, but only the wealthiest and poshest families get to attend the banquet at the storm giant's leader's table. For those who stay on the ground, there is plenty of food and drink, dancing, bardic competitions and fun. These three or four days a year nobody goes hungry to bed.
Observance
The clerics from the Cathedral, the merchants, and the nobles use this time to do charity among those with less. In fact they compete between themselves to do the most, as they hope this will win the favour of the storm giants. Favour that could bring riches beyond their dreams.
The storm giants never descend to the city itself, but will admit dignitaries to their homes. Here, the dignitaries are wined and dined by the storm giants, who in turn get to hear news from the realm. Most noble families, and several of the wealthiest merchants, hire bards who will accompany them and sing songs about any achievement, disaster and war since last year.
Comments