Setsuban Festival

The Setsuban Festival was a Rokugani festival which celebrated the time of renewal, Setsuban Festival (Shadowlands flavor) the turning of the year from the time of war in spring and summer, to the peacefully winter. It was held in a day considered lucky, the eighth day of the Month of the Monkey. Winter Court: Kyuden Seppun, p. 67 Along with the Kanto Festival and the Iris Festival, the Setsuban Festival originated during the Dawn of the Empire. Masters of Magic, p. 156
== Celebration ==
Expeditions to view the autumn foliage were a popular entertainment, which eventually was formalized in a festival. Since the warmer months were most favorable to war, the arrival of autumn came to symbolize the arrival of peace.  No man might shed blood upon that day, all executions were put off, while occasional prisoner was given freedom. The celebration incorporated flower offerings to ward off illness and natural disasters. The Rokugani made excursions to view the brightly tinged leaves which symbolized autumn. 
== Tournament ==
Once every fall, the shugenja of Rokugan held a great festival at the Shrine of the Ki-Rin. They feasted, politicked and competed in a tournament designed to challenge their wits and abilities. The winner received a cache of scrolls, gathered from all the major schools and monastery in the Empire, gaining the respect of their peers as the greatest shugenja in the land. Code of Bushido, p. 5 The tournament marked the beginning of Winter time, Code of Bushido, Back Cover and it was also known as the Festival of the White Orchid. Legend of the Five Rings; Fourth Edition, p. 351
=== Selection ===
It was divided into four parts, based on the four tangible elements. Each contestant must cast one spell based on each element (Air, Earth, Fire and Water). The winners in each category were determined by the respective Elemental Master. In addition, the top four "all-around" winners moved on as well, leaving a field of eight to compete for the grand prize. Code of Bushido, p. 16
=== Winner ===
The eight remaining competitors then each cast one spell, earning bonus points if a shugenja created a new or previously unseen effect. Four semi-finalists were chosen who cast new spells to the tournament. The two finalists had to cast one by one, a series of spell names the judges called out: the first finalist unable to cast the proper spell lose. The winner might not participate in any future tournaments. Code of Bushido, pp. 16-17
== Festival - 1158 ==
It was during the Setsuban Festival in 1158 that the Emperor Toturi I was killed. A festival known for dancing was filled with mourning. Setsuban Festival (Gold flavor)
== External Links ==
* Setsuban Festival (Shadowlands)
* Bloom of the White Orchid (Imperial)
Category:Festivals
Category:Articles with Pictures
Category:Tournaments