Turchochim Markets

## Visiting a Turchochim Market

*Part of Culture of Otheia*

Every winter, the Otheiae celebrate the holiday of Chima. Among the most well-liked of the Chima festivities are the markets hosted by most cities and towns in the country. Designed to fight off the misery caused by the long winter months endured by those people, the Turchochim markets are meant to be as cheerful and colorful as possible. This has gave the markets a reputation as a magical time abroad, with some travelers coming to Otheia to experience them for themselves.

When entering a Turchochim market, a visitor will be astonished at the scale of the affair. Dozens, if not hundreds, of stalls line the market square, and many hundreds of people go to and fro in the controlled chaos. There are bonfires on every street corner, necessary to warm the  marketgoers in the frigid winter conditions of the northern Droitean region. Singing, dancing, drinking, and socializing occur in public, and it is one of the few times the rich and the poor of Otheia interact without pretense or want of formalities. Under the colored light of a thousand lanterns, the people go about in their brightly colored coats and cloaks, partaking in one of the most important festivals in Otheia with joy. Most cities have their own particular traditions with the Turchochim, and no two markets are completely alike.

To speak of the Turchochim market without mentioning the food would be a disservice to all involved. Indeed, almost every vendor in the town will be selling some sort of food, with forms of chocolate and local cookies and candies being quite common, sausages are a norm, and hot drinks such as Chrochi (hot spiced wine) being sold throughout the market. The abundance of warm food and drink aid in staving off the frigid winter air, which often falls below freezing. Many regions have their own specialties sold at Turchochim markets, such as hot apple cider in Aslock or Olus (a type of beer) in the Steel Realm. Food is sold by vendors at their shops, and often the local Kerp vendors will crowd streets with their cart-mounted kitchens to sell food to passers-by.

Other vendors found at Turchochim include those selling handicrafts, jewelry, and toys. These will often erect large, colorful tents to keep out the cold wind and to attract attention to themselves. It is a busy time of year for these craftsmen, as they make and sell items to keep up with demands for entertainment in the long winter.

Aside from shopping, there are other activities to engage in at winter markets. Each city prides itself on its market, and so they are often beautifully decorated with streamers, colored lanterns or occasionally tapestries. Many troupes of actors publicly perform during these events, putting on plays, epics and even satires. Singing is outright encouraged, and sporting competitions often occur during the markets. The market at Estya even has a a portion of its market catering directly to children and families. Some cities and towns may offer ice-skating, where local condition allows, such as Stecer. Others may have exhibitions of animals such as trained bears or wolves. Martial displays by the city’s garrison are not uncommon, often in the form of parades and sparring sessions, to inspire new volunteers.

Many markets will include religious ceremonies for those who follow faiths with holidays during the Chima season. Indeed, religion is not to be ignored as it is a significant aspect in why the Turchochim markets exist. The Otheiae pagan holiday of Chima falls almost exactly on the date of an important Ra’Laabreist feast day, and this aspect of the market is heavily played into. Religious ornaments are widely sold at the markets, of both Pagan, Re’Laabreist, and other faiths.

On occasion, the nobility of the land will grace the market with their presence, typically going discretely to socialize with their subjects, but sometimes publicly, so as to express their gratitude toward their population. This is seen as a special occasion, and it is one of the few times an ordinary citizen might see a Mage.

The Turchochim are mostly confined to Otheia, though there are some held in northern Ansverrei where there is heavy Otheiae influence, and there is one held as far south as Hasana in Ampelulaya. Turchochim are strongly associated with Otheiae culture, and they have become a symbol of the cities of that country.