Muckwater

Muckwater is in equal parts a beverage and a tradition surrounding it. It is common almost exclusively among Country Society. Ritual drinking of muckwater is part of a cult they created around Vermilion Boar.

Origins

History of muckwater reaches centuries back. During the war between Jarmaa and Kortia, skirmishes along the border were common. Before one such battle, Vermilion Boar, who was known for his gluttony, was preparing himself a drink consisting of apricot nalewka and loads of sugar. When battle-horns were blown, he left his creation in summer sun and led his men. After one fight came another, after which another one came, so before he returned a few days had passed. Upon arrival, he found his goblet where he left it. All of the nalewka vaporised, leaving a thick layer of weirdly amber-coloured sugar on the bottom. Unhappy with his loss, Vermilion Boar scraped some sugar with a knife and tasted it. To his surprise, it had alcohol in it. An idea appeared in his head, so he called for water. A servant brought him another goblet. Vermilion Boar added some sugar and stirred it in. Although not as strong as before, the drink he created had the same taste. The servant, who was watching closely, commented that during stirring it looked like muck in water, and so the beverage and sugar used to make it were called muckwater and mucksugar.

Today

Over years Country Society mastered the art of preparing mucksugar and the ritual of drinking muckwater. Nowadays nalewka with sugar is boiled over fire, rather than being left to vaporise, and then is stored in sealed boxes. Not only apricot nalewka is used, with new tastes like blackcurrant, cherry and blackberry gaining their advocates. Despite being of different colour than the original mucksugar, they don't affect the ritual. There are few things required for it: one wooden tankard and one knife per person, one goblet filled with mucksugar, one pitcher of water, one pitcher of spirit, and three candles. First of all, the oldest person hands everyone their tankards and knives. They then sit down and light the candle in the middle. The second oldest person takes the pitchers, pouring water and spirit for everyone. After they're back at their seat, they light another candle. Then the third oldest person picks up goblet with mucksugar and everyone cuts out and takes a piece. Everyone present in the room, even if they don't take part in the ritual, must say "Muck the waters!" In this moment mucksugar is put into tankards. After that, the last candle is lit, and muckwater is stirred with knives. Finally, a contest starts, where the person who drinks the whole tankard the fastest in one go is granted a title of "Little Boar". They're to be treated with honour and they don't have to follow any rules regarding eating. The title is revoked when they leave the room, fall asleep or throw up.
According to Country Society, tankards used in this ritual "should resemble the poverty of less fortunate brothers and the natural beauty of trees." It is not always the case, as some nobles order tankards from master craftsmen, decorated with silver, gold and precious stones, but more devoted members consider it a blasphemy. Candles represent three battles Vermilion Boar won, and serve as a reminder that enduring hardships is oftentimes rewarded – usually with alcohol.