The Drigkan-Weina Ceremony

The Drigkan-Weina is an ancient custom that was once common throughout the Outer Realms of the north and even in some of the northern border lands of the Bound Realms, such as Varangia. Following the shattering of the great northern kingdoms in the Shifter War, many such customs disappeared into memory. But the Drigkan-Weina has prevailed and remains a most beloved tradition, due in part, no doubt, to the copious amounts of alcohol involved. While the formality of the tradition has faded somewhat over the centuries, the heart of the Drigkan remains.

Execution

In essence, the Drigkan is a drinking ceremony, and an expected part of any official feast.

The ceremony itself is in the hands of the Drigkan Master, or Master of the Wines. This august personage is expected to lead his or her fellow revelers in a series of formal toasts spaced at intervals throughout the duration of the feast. Given the libations involved, this often devolves into drunken witticisms by the end of the revels. But to be known as an eloquent and quick-tongued Master is to hold a well respected position in the esteem of one’s fellows, often on par with being a great warrior or craftsman. Except that one’s weapons and craft are one’s words and wit.

It is therefore not unusual for challenges to be raised to a toast master’s position, particularly at the less formal feasts when once the ale and wine have been flowing for some time.


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In such cases the Master might open the floor to any who wished to challenge him or her in wit. And the battle of drunken words thus begins, all becoming part of the feast’s entertainment.

A challenger who scores a point against an established Master receives a not insubstantial boost to their own prestige and honor. If on the other hand they lose, they win the gratitude of their fellow revelers for providing a good laugh. This is generally believed to be reward enough.

It is considered truly bad form to take a loss in such contests with bad grace. One who fails to accept their loss with dignity will also lose a substantial amount of honor in the eyes of the other guests. As honor and the retention thereof is a vital component of most northern cultures—some more so than others—most competitors accept their defeat with good cheer.

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Primary Related Location

Warding