Archerfeast

Monday, July 2, 2012

Back in January, when I learned that PaizoCon was the first week of July, I knew we would be tying Archerfeast into the Grand Convocation somehow. The fact that Archerfeast falls on Erastus 3rd on Golarion made for a perfect fit for today's Pathfinder Society blog post.

Managing Editor, F. Wesley Schneider, wrote the description below detailing Archerfeast, and beneath that you'll find a special Pathfinder Society Chronicle sheet you can download and apply to a Pathfinder Society character. Archerfeast is mentioned on page 249 of Pathfinder Campaign Setting: The Inner Sea World Guide.

Across Avistan, few festival days are as anticipated or celebrated as widely as Archerfeast. Despite the holiday's origins in the worship of Erastil, common countryfolk from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings to Taldor celebrate the height of summer with a day set aside for establishing new relationships, enjoying current camaraderie, and celebrating the gifts of the gods.

While the festival's traditions emphasize contests of marksmanship—still a prominent part of any Archerfeast celebration—most have expanded to exhibit talents of all types, from baking and storytelling to racing and mock combat. Aside from encouraging a fair-like atmosphere, many of the displays and competitions serve one of two secondary purposes: either as a way for merchants to show off their superior livestock and wares, or—more popularly—as a way for eligible men and women to show off to each other.

While the day's events at most Archerfeast fairs are filled with games, food, and crafts, the night brings dancing, drinking, pranks, and the crowning of the princes and princesses of spring and summer for the two single youths and two single adults who faired best in the day's events. The festivities continue late into the evening, but end promptly at midnight, so that—in true Erastilian fashion—the next day's responsibilities are not overly impeded. For those not of Erastil's flock, however, private parties, drinking, and trysting carry on long into the next morning.

Click here to download the Archerfeast 4712 Boon! - 119 KB (zip/PDF) This Boon is no longer available as of 7/23/12.

Mike Brock
Pathfinder Society Campaign Coordinator