Things to do in the Shire?

[SirGalrim]

I did share them, a long time ago, and they are linked in my resources page.

Rich, are you aware that the links in your resource page are not working? And they haven't been for a while. 404 error.

[Rich H]

I did share them, a long time ago, and they are linked in my resources page.

Rich, are you aware that the links in your resource page are not working? And they haven't been for a while. 404 error.

No, sorry, I wasn't. I've been away from the forums for a good few months so only just returned. I'm at work at the moment but will take a further look at the weekend - see what's up. Suspect if they are all broken links then the directory they were in has been deleted/etc.

[Otaku-sempai]

Otaku, do you think Hobbits could have some kind of special festivity for the winter? Sort of Christmas, with lots of presents shared and, of course, big family meals. House Brandy should be a blast this time of year. Also decorated postcards send to all beloved ones seem like a hobbitish thing to do: keeping up with courtesy protocols and such.

Also some special feast, like the Yule log (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule_log) could be in place. Near the Brandywine, it could be a moment when the nearest trees from the Old Forest are cut and burnt, mixing a tradition with a practical keep of the borders.

Don't know what game/mechanic implications it could have, but it looks nice to flavour a "There And Back Again" Year's End Undertaking for a Hobbit.

The six days of Yuletide are definitely celebrated in the Shire. See Appendix D in The Lord of the Rings. I'm sure that feasts are shared, presents exchanged, and the Post kept quite busy.

Given the history of the eastern Bounders with the Old Forest, I'm sure that the area along the High Hay (a.k.a. the Hedge) is kept well-cleared of trees! But there could be some sort of tradition as you suggest. Yule logs, though, might represent a separate tradition.

I'm also not sure what special benefit might be provided by any year-end Undertaking performed in the Shire. I did include some minor advantages to be gained by opening a Sanctuary within the Shire, but I'm not sure that the entire Shire should be opened up as a Sanctuary unless it is done with the permission and approval of the Mayor of Michel Delving.