Kronia Festival

[xirsoi]

The Kronia Festival was principally held in Athens and Ionia in ancient times. During this one day festival all social hierarchy was temporarily abolished. Slaves and Lords ate together in a big feast and no one had to work. It was supposed to simulate the Golden Age of Kronos' reign, when the Earth supported humanity without labor and all were equal.

Dice games were often played (and, I imagine, other games as well). Knucklebones, and other dice games, were considered the realm of women and children. An event where a male ruler could be asked to play by his wife/concubine/child could be interesting. Lose prestige and please the family member, or gain prestige and disappoint them. Perhaps with a small chance of losing the Stressed trait if you have it.

I'd like to also incorporate the myth that Kronos is held in the Mansion of Nyx, in a drunken stupor, drugged with honey mead. Most legends paint Nyx as a beautiful and terrifying primordial deity, feared by all other gods, even Zeus. It's likely she is the most powerful being in Greek mythology, probably due to the natural human fear of the night and darkness.

The Titan Cultists should have some kind of loud music they play in the night. Big drums, crashing shields together, and generally making a racket. Its a ritual attempt at waking Kronos as Nyx leaves her mansion to cover the Earth.

This should be a fairly minor festival, lasting no more than two or three weeks. Should be able to do it every year.

May be able to double up on the mechanic and have some branching logic for Hellenic characters to do it as well. Depending on how Saturnalia works, a Roman version too.