Starfall

Starfall is the most important cultural observance of the Gith of Athas.

This occurs on a bi-annual cycle and coincides with a large meteor shower in the northern sky. To the Gith these shooting stars are in fact the spirits of their ancestors visiting them from the moons of Ral and Guthay where they now dwell.

This is considered a time of great cultural import, pride and unity and is often a time where various clans and tribes and bands of the Great Northwestern Nation will gather in moots, across the region. These events often allow the various tribes to trade, feast, revel and also serves as a backdrop to Gith politics.

Tribal leaders will often sell or trade surplus males or females of their tribes between each other in Marriage compensating the family for the lost labor.

In other cases such gatherings also can be a place of challenge. Young warriors seeking to make a name for themselves may call for a Great Hunt and call on other to join them in the slaying of a great beast or attacking a formidable settlement or elusive caravan.

Other more mundane forms of play and competition takes place from foot races to wrestling to spear throwing and for also games of KA-RA-VIN to rounds of Debate and for the young lucky enough to have a nameday or be honored on such an occasion perhaps B' ROHG! B ROHG! All of these reinforce the strong Gith concept of Equality, which they believe is a term greatly misapplied by the Mams or Mammal races and has been the source of a fundamental cultural difference between Gith and many of the so called mammal races.

Such gatherings are also popular with seers and mystics among the Gith and many a prophecy has been born on this night filled with omens. It is said that the Gith ancestors judge their progeny during this time and grant those who are worthy their continued favor and intercession into the coming cycle. Gith attitudes and piety widely vary..but many take these observances more figuratively than literally but none would openly mock such piety for fear of making an enemy of the Cult of The Restoration on such a high holy day.