Fjordwalking
The annual fjordwalk is a tradition that is believed to have originated from Altenport, the first city of the Kingdom of Wolfsbrunn.
During the winter months, when fjords froze over and simple boats were no longer an option to go across the fjord, people would often walk across the ice to get to the other side. Fjordwalking was originally just a way of transportation, but as time progressed it turned into a beloved seasonal game of daring and stamina. Fjordwalking is a game that is not without danger, falling through the ice is not uncommon and the cold waters have been known to claim lives during competitions.
There are different types of competitions that are held when it comes to Fjordwalking. The three types of competition are first across, speed and a knockout race. The first person to cross the fjord after the first frost of the season has set in is given the honorary title: First Walker. The First Walker places a flag on the other side of the fjord, which is used for subsequent competitions as a waypoint.
The speed competition is held throughout the season, Fjordwalkers are timed as they cross the fjord to the flag and back again. The person who walked across the fjord the fastest at the end of the season wins this competition. The third competition takes place in the form of a knockout race, where teams of up to five people who race against each other. In some places, obstacles or extra challenges are implemented to make the race harder, whereas in other places, the team competition is a relay race, which causes these events to last a couple of days.
Fjordwalking is now not only done in fjords anymore, but also small villages and cities near rivers and lakes have taken up the tradition of walking and racing over (thin) ice. Each place might have a slightly different variation of the game but in most competitions, use of magic is forbidden or frowned upon. Most commonly there have been made some alterations in several places to make the game less dangerous for participants. Instead of crossing the fjord they might need to walk a certain distance along the shore line, making it possible to rescue participants who have fallen through the ice.
Lovely tradition and a great insight to your world! If you want to flesh it out - Do they have dedicated rescue parties with specific gear during these competitions? And how are these increased safety measures seen by the populace? Do they all think it's good or does some feel like it takes a bit of the excitement away?
Love those questions! I'll definitely have a think about that and what types of rescue parties there are and what types of safety measures might be taken in different places. :)