Deera's Day

A popular Fieldling tradition that has been adopted (or corrupted) by the big folk.

History

Deera was a well known artist from the Empire of Trem. While considered more of Treman than a Fieldling she never forgot her roots and made an effort to visit her kin each uear during the summer months. Every year she would bring a new painting to decorate her family;s inn. The changing of the painting and the party afterwards (funded by Deera( became known as Deera's Day in the village.

Deera's family only realised how popular an artist she was when a passing trader noticed one of her paintings on the wall and offered to buy it for 20 gold pieces.

After Deera's death the villagers decided to continue having a Deera's Day, replacing Deera's paintings wuth their own local art. A major factor in the decision was the feast that usually followed the changing of the art in the inn. The selection of the art or craft used to decorate the inn became more competitive over the years and the practice spread to other villages.
Halflings that moved into the big folk towns took the tradition with them and it gradually got picked up by the bigger folk. While many followed the original version of the tradition, creating pictures, pottery, or hangings themselves, others used the tradition as a chance to show off their wealth and influence. In the wealthier areas this meant that a merchant or noble might commission a piece of work for an inn, to be displayed along with a plaque stating who had commissioned it.

Execution

Deera's day is mostly held on the second Enday of Lomar, though those presenting their work will start preparations months in advance. On the day those wishing to put forward their work will assemble at the inn or other meeting place where it is to be displayed. Tables or stands are setup to hold the pieces and they will be available to view throughout the day.
In the early evening, usually around fifth glass, the innkeeper or host will invite those who wish to cast their votes to come forward and take a marker. Participants vote by placing their marker in front their favourite piece. The piece with the most votes will be given pride of place in the inn and a feast is held to congratulate the winner.

Related Ethnicities

• Fieldling

A chance for a profit

Innkeepers across the lands have long embraced this tradition as way of getting free decorations for their establishments and the profit to be made on Deera's day. In some towns the inns arrange to hold Deera's day on different days of the month so that they don't compete with each other (and make sure to maximise the profits).

Finding a patron

Artists and crafters of all kinds find this tradition useful for finding a patron or new clients. The ideal situation is for your work to win, which will mean it is seen throughout the year, but a commission or even a patronage can be obtained just from getting your work seen during the selection part.