| Society : | The village council in the Righarm Islands |
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| For important problems, the nightly discussions are not enough. The advice of wiser persons, who proved their wisdom, is required. The experience and authority of the Admiral, the Priestess, the elders and the Ludoch come into play. They form the village council, an extraordinary assembly which meets only in the case of a grave problem, and who gathers and witnesses important rituals punctuating the Pelaskite life. The village council always gathers in a sacred place, near the water, in a lagoon, on a beach, on a small island, etc. The chosen place is often known for some famous event where, in mythic times, Pelaskos, Iluriad, Diros, another god or one of the Twelve Birds played a part. The council has twelve members. Besides the eight Wise Ones and the two Ludoch, who always are a couple, speaking in the name of all gathered Ludoch and are, of course, also old and wise, the council is chaired by the two superior authorities of the village: the Admiral and the Priestess. A gathering of the council is an important event. All adults of the village come and assist, and even people from the neighbouring villages, their own Wise Ones, admirals and priestesses. All these people come in their boats. There is often not enough place and the hubbub is loud, but Pelaskos' magic is called to bless the assembly and those who speak are heard by everyone. The council begins with great sacrifices to Choralinthor (that is, to the Ludoch), to Pelaskos and Iluriad. Once the decision is made, the council is followed by festivities all night long: if grave events are in store, better rejoice while there is still time. Each council is of course honoured by the pathetic attendance of the Village's Fool, the thirteen member, clothed in feathers, whose role consists in chattering pitifully and obtaining some leftovers of the ceremony's feast. All villages do not have their own fool, but those that are cursed with one are required to bring him along. He is often not noticed and too occupied sucking fish bones in a corner. [Note: Those touched by the Mad God, in the Rightarm Islands, are under the protection of their father Golod. He helps them find means of support, while the inhabitants try to starve them. Thus, they are only a few. The Fool of the Isles is also a rare bird.] Retour | ||||||||
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