Testovyy Den

Introduction: Testovyy Den, often referred to simply as "Testovyy," is a unique and controversial annual holiday celebrated in the Kingdom of Pristoplinia. This holiday, which translates to "Trial Day" in the local language, holds deep cultural significance and is a subject of both reverence and criticism. Testovyy Den is a day when the kingdom's laws are temporarily suspended, allowing citizens to engage in activities that would otherwise be considered illegal.

Origin: The origins of Testovyy Den can be traced back to a pivotal event in the history of Pristoplinia. Approximately 55 years ago, a mysterious and destructive monster threatened the kingdom, causing widespread panic and destruction. The creature wreaked havoc upon the capital city, Cornelian, particularly targeting the district associated with magical studies and practitioners.

King Meshulul's youngest son, D'aLim, who had been traveling abroad, returned to Pristoplinia armed with newfound knowledge of sorcery and mystical powers. He heroically defeated the monster using a unique weakness: the red stone Serdolik, which was closely tied to the kingdom's identity. This triumph cemented D'aLim's position as the de facto ruler, as his father and older brothers were left incapacitated in the aftermath.

Key Transformations: D'aLim implemented several significant changes to the kingdom following his victory over the monster, leading to a shift in Pristoplinia's culture and identity:

1. Construction of Defensive Walls: In response to the devastating attack on the capital city, D'aLim ordered the construction of a mighty circular wall encompassing the entire kingdom, composed primarily of the red Serdolik stone. Additional walls were erected to divide the kingdom into four provinces, each corresponding to one of the cardinal directions. This transformation aimed to enhance security and protection.
2. Restrictions on Magic: Previously known for its openness to diverse races and magic, Pristoplinia underwent a drastic change in its attitude towards magic. The practice of magic, in all its forms, was restricted and required a special license, akin to possessing a weapon. These licenses were typically granted to individuals in official positions or those with influential connections.
3. Shift in Racial Acceptance: Pristoplinia's welcoming and multicultural environment evolved into a more conservative and closed society, particularly with regards to non-humanoid races. The hierarchy placed elves, humans, dwarves, and halflings at the top, while other races, such as Tabaxi, were relegated to lower societal strata or even the impoverished lower city.
4. Introduction of Testovyy Den: Testovyy Den, the holiday born out of D'aLim's reign, involves the annual execution of prisoners who have received sentences of one year or more. This event is conducted as a form of reckoning and as a thanksgiving for the kingdom's deliverance from the monster. Following the executions, Testovyy Den begins, during which all laws are temporarily suspended for 24 hours.

Testovyy Den Celebration: The Testovyy Den holiday unfolds in several stages:

1. Execution Ceremony (Zartva): At the break of dawn, the kingdom's prisoners are executed in a solemn and ritualistic ceremony on Gallows Hill. This event serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of criminal actions and the kingdom's commitment to justice.
2. The Day of Testing: Once the executions are completed, Testovyy Den officially begins. During this period, law enforcement officials withdraw from the city, and no laws are enforced. Pristoplinian citizens are encouraged to demonstrate their true moral character before the gods by engaging in various activities.

Controversies: Testovyy Den is not without its controversies. Critics argue that the holiday allows for lawlessness and the exploitation of the vulnerable. There are rumors of unsanctioned activities, corruption, and violence that occur during this day. Some believe that the holiday is a means for those in power to maintain control over the populace through fear and chaos.

Conclusion: Testovyy Den is a complex and multifaceted holiday deeply ingrained in the culture of Pristoplinia. Its origins are tied to a pivotal moment in the kingdom's history, resulting in significant transformations in its society. While it is a day of celebration and introspection, it also raises questions about justice, morality, and the impact of power on a society's traditions. The holiday's legacy continues to shape the kingdom of Pristoplinia and the lives of its inhabitants, both for better and for worse.

Atmosphere in the City During Testovyy Den:

1. Rich Citizens: The wealthy barricade themselves in luxurious homes with private security and entertain themselves with extravagant parties, consuming rare delicacies.
2. Poor Citizens: Impoverished residents form makeshift communities for protection, pooling their resources and sharing watch duties.
3. Petty Criminals: Petty criminals band together to form temporary alliances and engage in organized looting sprees.
4. Law-Abiding Citizens: Many law-abiding citizens flee the city, while others lock themselves indoors, leaving the streets empty.
5. Families: Families build barricades inside their homes, telling stories to keep children calm during the chaos.
6. Elderly: The elderly rely on trusted neighbors for assistance and defense, forming tight-knit support networks.
7. Children: Older children join neighborhood watch groups or engage in minor scavenger hunts, competing to find hidden treasures.
8. Protection Services: Specialized protection services, such as magical wards or anti-theft charms, are offered for exorbitant prices.
9. Vulnerable Citizens: Vulnerable individuals, like the disabled, huddle together in fortified shelters, seeking safety in numbers.
10. Working Parents: Parents who must work hire caretakers or entrust their children to fortified, communal daycare centers.
11. Mutual Aid: Communities of various races, out of necessity, band together to protect and support each other.
12. Isolation: Many citizens remain locked in their homes, relying on food and supplies stored in advance.
13. In-Demand Professions (Before): Locksmiths, fortification builders, and security consultants are in high demand before the holiday.
14. In-Demand Professions (During): Healers, mercenaries, and detectives are needed to navigate the lawless city.
15. Products and Services: Sales of barricading materials, locks, and weapons skyrocket in the days leading up to the holiday.
16. Rebels: Underground movements use the chaos to spread anti-government sentiments and organize clandestine meetings.
17. Opportunists: Many individuals, including those from different races, exploit the lawlessness to profit through theft, extortion, or the black market.

Prejudices Among Races:

1. Dwarves: View Firbolgs as too slow to be of help during the holiday.
2. Humans: Suspicion of Goblins due to their smaller stature.
3. Elves: Distrust of Lizardfolk for their reptilian appearance.
4. Lizardfolk: Feared for their tough scales and often blamed for thefts.
5. Dragonborn: Prejudice against Owlin due to their avian traits.
6. Firbolg: Considered outsiders due to their towering stature.
7. Goblin: Discrimination against Tabaxi for their agility.
8. Owlin: Distrust of Tieflings for their infernal ancestry.
9. Tabaxi: Prejudiced against Tortles, believing they are too slow to keep up.
10. Tiefling: Disliked for their demonic appearance, seen as cursed.
11. Tortle: Seen as slow and cumbersome by Gnomes.
12. Gnome: Distrust of Genasi for their unpredictable elemental powers.
13. Goliath: Feared for their strength, considered potential threats.
14. Genasi: Viewed with suspicion by Dwarves for their elemental ancestry.
15. Half-Orcs: Prejudice against Half-Elves, seen as too indecisive.

Unique Businesses and Customs:

1. Child Guard Fortresses: Fortified daycares where parents can leave their children with hired guards, complete with educational activities.
2. Nocturnal Markets: Markets open exclusively during the night before Testovyy Den, catering to last-minute shoppers.
3. Protection Charms: Street vendors sell amulets and charms believed to protect against theft and harm during the holiday.
4. Loot Recovery Services: Specialized businesses that offer to recover stolen items for a fee.
5. Family Ceremonies: Families perform rituals to ward off bad luck and offer prayers for safety during the holiday.
6. Gift Exchanges: Gifting friends and family with protective amulets or charms as a gesture of care.
7. Charity Runs: Wealthy individuals organize charity events, providing supplies to those in need.
8. Survivor Stories: Citizens share stories of past Testovyy Den experiences, warning newcomers about dangers.
9. Hiring Temporary Neighbors: The practice of hiring neighbors as temporary bodyguards or watchmen.
10. Racial Unity Gatherings: An event where citizens from various races come together, promoting unity in the face of prejudice.

Opposing Political Approaches:

1. Authoritarian Regime Supporters: Advocating for strict government control to maintain order during Testovyy Den.
2. Anti-Immigration Faction: Blaming immigrants for crime during the holiday and pushing for stricter border controls.
3. Civil Rights Activists: Focused on ending racial discrimination and prejudice, demanding equal rights for all citizens.
4. Laissez-Faire Faction: Arguing for minimal government intervention and letting citizens handle Testovyy Den as they see fit.
5. Anarchy Advocates: Believing the holiday reveals the need for complete freedom from any government influence.
6. Criminal Syndicate Allies: Supporters of underground crime groups seeking to profit from the lawlessness.
7. Police Force Reformers: Calling for a more effective and unbiased city guard to maintain order.
8. Community Safety Enthusiasts: Promoting neighborhood watch groups and community-led protection efforts.
9. Underground Resistance: Organizing secret movements to overthrow the government during Testovyy Den.
10. Law Enforcement Allies: Believing in stricter law enforcement to combat crime and chaos during the holiday.

Customs and Activities During Testovyy Den:

Testovyy Den is marked by a series of customs and activities that both citizens and visitors partake in:

1. Masked Revelry: It is customary for individuals to wear masks during Testovyy Den. These masks conceal their identities, allowing them to engage in various activities with a sense of anonymity. Masked balls, parades, and street performances are common throughout the day and night.
2. Unregulated Challenges: Testovyy Den is a time for individuals to settle disputes and rivalries. It is not uncommon for duels, competitions, and brawls to erupt in the streets. Such confrontations are generally accepted during this lawless day, as long as they do not lead to murder.
3. Graffiti and Artistry: The walls of Cornelian's districts become canvases for artists and graffiti enthusiasts. Colorful and often politically charged murals adorn the buildings, providing a unique perspective on the kingdom's social issues and power dynamics.
4. Extravagant Feasts: Testovyy Den sees extravagant feasts and banquets taking place in various parts of the city. Wealthy citizens flaunt their opulence, inviting guests to indulge in sumptuous meals and extravagant displays of wealth.
5. Criminal Ventures: With law enforcement absent, organized crime thrives during Testovyy Den. Thieves' guilds, smugglers, and other illicit groups take advantage of the chaos to conduct heists, kidnappings, and other nefarious activities.
6. Charity and Almsgiving: Not all citizens engage in criminal behavior during Testovyy Den. Some use the day as an opportunity to provide for the less fortunate, distributing food, clothing, and money to the impoverished, especially in the lower city.

Preparations for Testovyy Den:

1. Fortifying Homes: In the days leading up to Testovyy Den, citizens secure their homes with barricades, traps, and reinforced doors. Many choose to stay indoors during the holiday, especially in the more dangerous districts.
2. Stockpiling Supplies: Those who venture outside prepare for the lawlessness by stockpiling supplies, including weapons, food, and healing potions. Merchants often hike up prices in the days before the holiday.
3. Seeking Protection: Wealthy individuals hire private guards, bodyguards, and magical protection services to ensure their safety during Testovyy Den. These hired protectors are in high demand and come at a steep price.
4. Religious Observances: Some citizens engage in religious rituals and prayers during the execution ceremony on Gallows Hill. They offer thanks for the kingdom's deliverance from the monster and seek divine protection during the lawless day.

Impact on the Kingdom:

Testovyy Den has a profound impact on the kingdom of Pristoplinia:

1. Social Division: The holiday exacerbates the social division within the kingdom. The wealthy and powerful use Testovyy Den to further their interests, while the impoverished and marginalized often suffer the most from the lawlessness.
2. Political Manipulation: The kingdom's rulers use Testovyy Den to control dissent and eliminate threats. Dissidents and political opponents are often targeted during this time, and those in power may exploit the chaos to further their agendas.
3. Economic Consequences: The fluctuating economy during Testovyy Den can lead to both opportunities and losses. While some entrepreneurs make a fortune, others may face ruin due to theft or exploitation.
4. Moral Dilemmas: The holiday raises moral questions for many citizens. Some view it as a necessary reckoning, while others see it as a cruel and unjust tradition that needs to be abolished.
5. Resilience and Innovation: Testovyy Den has led to the development of unique skills and trades, such as locksmithing, security consulting, and legal services specific to the holiday. These industries thrive in Pristoplinia due to the annual event.
 Testovyy Den presents a unique set of opportunities for various criminal elements, taking advantage of the lawlessness and chaos that reigns during this holiday. These opportunities extend to organized crime organizations, petty criminals, and seemingly law-abiding citizens, with each group pursuing its own nefarious goals based on their class, political attitudes, and motivations: 1. Organized Crime Syndicates:
	* Heists and Robberies: Organized crime groups plan elaborate heists on Testovyy Den, targeting wealthy homes, businesses, and even government facilities. They capitalize on the absence of law enforcement to execute intricate thefts.
	* Protection Racket: Crime bosses offer "protection" services to businesses and individuals, exploiting the fear of the lawless day. Those who refuse to pay are at risk of violence or property damage.
	* Kidnappings: Criminal organizations may kidnap influential figures or their family members, holding them for ransom or as leverage for future dealings. The chaos makes it difficult to trace the kidnappers. 2. Petty Criminals:
	* Burglaries: Petty criminals engage in burglaries and looting of unguarded homes and shops. They often work in small groups, targeting vulnerable areas and escaping with stolen goods.
	* Street-Level Crimes: Muggings, pickpocketing, and assaults become rampant during Testovyy Den. Petty criminals seize the opportunity to target unsuspecting victims in the streets.
	* Black Market Trade: Petty criminals peddle illegal goods on the black market, including stolen items, narcotics, and counterfeit currency. Buyers and sellers use coded language to avoid detection. 3. Seemingly Law-Abiding Citizens:
	* Political Sabotage: Individuals with hidden political agendas may exploit Testovyy Den to sabotage rivals or opponents. They engage in character assassination, spreading rumors, and inciting chaos to further their cause.
	* Vendettas: Feuds between citizens, especially those from different social classes, escalate during the holiday. Seemingly law-abiding citizens may settle personal vendettas, causing harm to their adversaries.
	* Hidden Agendas: Some citizens use the cover of Testovyy Den to engage in activities they wouldn't dare attempt openly. This includes pursuing secret romances, conducting affairs, or settling debts through nefarious means. 4. Different Classes and Political Attitudes:
	* Wealthy Elite: The wealthy elite often secure their properties and hire private protection. However, some may exploit Testovyy Den to eliminate rivals or competitors discreetly.
	* Middle Class: The middle class seeks protection services or stays indoors during the holiday. Some engage in bartering and trade, hoping to profit from the chaos.
	* Lower Class: The lower class is the most vulnerable, suffering from both petty crimes and abuse by those in positions of power. Some may band together to protect their neighborhoods or participate in looting.
	* Political Dissidents: Those opposed to the kingdom's regime may use Testovyy Den to distribute subversive literature, organize protests, or expose corruption within the government.
	* Government Officials: Corrupt officials may engage in embezzlement, taking advantage of the absence of oversight. Honest officials may work to maintain order but face numerous challenges. 5. Nobility and Political Elite:
		+ Intrigue and Espionage: Noble families and high-ranking officials engage in espionage, gathering information on their rivals, foreign powers, and potential threats. The chaos provides an ideal cover for covert activities.
		+ Assassinations: Political rivals or individuals posing a threat to the regime may find themselves targeted for assassination during Testovyy Den. Assassins blend into the crowd, making it difficult to identify them. 6. Law Enforcement and Corruption:
		+ Bribes and Extortion: Corrupt law enforcement officers demand bribes or extort protection money from businesses and citizens. Those who refuse to pay risk being reported for false crimes.
		+ Vigilante Justice: Some members of the police force or city guard take matters into their own hands, using the lawlessness to carry out vigilante justice against perceived wrongdoers. 7. Displaced and Homeless:
		+ Makeshift Settlements: Homeless individuals and families who have nowhere else to go may establish makeshift settlements in abandoned buildings or parks during Testovyy Den.
		+ Scavenging and Begging: The displaced population turns to scavenging for food and resources and may resort to begging in the streets. 8. Rebels and Revolutionaries:
		+ Sabotage: Groups opposed to the government may carry out acts of sabotage, targeting key infrastructure, communication networks, and symbols of authority.
		+ Propaganda Distribution: Revolutionary factions distribute propaganda materials, attempting to sway public opinion against the ruling regime. Certainly, here are more opportunities and scenarios that Testovyy Den holiday opens up for criminal elements, taking into account the different classes and political attitudes in the city: 10. Organized Crime Rings:\*\*    - \*\*Black Market Operations:\*\* Organized crime syndicates thrive during Testovyy Den by running black markets, selling illegal goods such as magical artifacts, contraband items, and forbidden knowledge.    - \*\*Protection Rackets:\*\* Criminal organizations extort protection money from businesses, promising to shield them from harm during the lawless holiday. 11. Petty Criminals:\*\*    - \*\*Pickpocketing and Muggings:\*\* Petty criminals take advantage of distracted or intoxicated citizens to steal valuables or commit muggings.    - \*\*Breaking and Entering:\*\* Opportunistic thieves break into homes and businesses, looking for easy targets. 12. Opportunistic Citizens:\*\*    - \*\*Property Damage:\*\* Some seemingly law-abiding citizens engage in acts of vandalism, damaging public and private property.    - \*\*Settling Scores:\*\* Individuals with personal grudges or disputes may use Testovyy Den as an opportunity to settle scores with their adversaries without fear of repercussions. 13. Disguises and Impersonation:\*\*    - \*\*Identity Theft:\*\* Criminals assume false identities during Testovyy Den to commit fraud, including impersonating officials to gain access to secure locations.    - \*\*Political Subversion:\*\* Disguised individuals may infiltrate political gatherings or rallies, spreading propaganda or attempting to manipulate political events. 14. Kidnappings and Human Trafficking:\*\*    - \*\*Abductions:\*\* Criminals kidnap individuals for ransom, revenge, or human trafficking. They exploit the chaos to cover their tracks.    - \*\*Secret Slave Auctions:\*\* Underground auctions for slaves and forced labor occur in hidden locations throughout the city. 15. Smuggling and Contraband:\*\*    - \*\*Magical Contraband:\*\* Smugglers transport illegal magical items and components across the city's walls, evading inspection.    - \*\*Narcotics Trade:\*\* Drug dealers and smugglers take advantage of the holiday to distribute narcotics without interference. 16. Gang Turf Wars:\*\*    - \*\*Territorial Disputes:\*\* Rival gangs clash over control of neighborhoods, resulting in violent confrontations and power struggles.    - \*\*Protection Services:\*\* Some citizens hire gang members as protection during the lawless holiday, inadvertently fueling gang conflicts. 17. Dueling and Bloodsport:\*\*    - \*\*Underground Arenas:\*\* Secret dueling and bloodsport arenas emerge, where combatants fight to the death for entertainment and profit.    - \*\*Betting Rings:\*\* Criminals organize illegal betting rings, capitalizing on the outcome of these deadly duels. 18. Escape from Justice:\*\*    - \*\*Fugitives on the Run:\*\* Criminals with bounties on their heads attempt to evade capture during Testovyy Den, seeking refuge in the city's labyrinthine streets.    - \*\*Underground Hideouts:\*\* Secret hideouts and safehouses provide shelter for those avoiding the law.