Things to do in the Shire?

[Otaku-sempai]

The Free Fair and other Midsummer celebrations.

The Free Fair was held at the White Downs during the days of Lithe between the end of June and the beginning of July, apparently only once every seven years (after the Battle of Five Armies, the Free Fair would have been held in the years 2943, 2950, 2957, 2964, 2971, 2978, etc.). It was during the Free Fair that the election was held for the Mayor of Michel Delving. What events might be held at the Free Fair and similar celebrations that visitors to the Shire might participate in? The Hobbit suggests a few games of skill:

• Bowls (similar to bocce)
  Dart-throwing
  Nine-pins
  Quoits (ring-toss)
  Shooting at the wand (archery)

Does anything else come to mind? Races? Other contests? Other activities that heroes could take part in?

[poosticks7]

Eating contest
Baking contest
Riddle contest
Smoke Rings contest (no wizards)

[Otaku-sempai]

Riddle contest is an excellent suggestion. Maybe even a story-telling competition. I pretty much assumed a pie-eating contest and judging of baked-goods, live-stock, fruits and vegetables, preserves, craft-goods, etc. Evenings would be full of music and dancing (and more eating!).

Foot races? Pole-climbing? Catch the greased pig? Maybe not wrestling, it just doesn't sound very Hobbitish.

What about activities at other times in the Shire?

[Hermes Serpent]

How about an Amish-style barn raising?

[uhu79]

Don't forget that they invented a game called "golf"

[Otaku-sempai]

Don't forget that they invented a game called "golf"

Can't forget golf! I hear there's a great course at Woody End.

[Mytholder]

HOBBIT 1: "Who's that moody fellow yonder?"
HOBBIT 2: "Why, that be Frodo Baggins. Ain't you not 'eard of 'im?"
HOBBIT 1: "Is he one of the fellows who went away down South. Mad Baggins's boy?"
HOBBIT 2: "The very same."
HOBBIT 1: "And what was he doing down there?"
HOBBIT 2: "Near as I can figure, he went to take part in a big quoits contest. Only down there, you've got to throw the ring into a hole. So, it's like golf mixed with quoits, if you follow me."

[Otaku-sempai]

Yer an evil, evil man, Mister Hanrahan!

Do ye have any feedback fer me on me Shire supplement in yon House Rules forum?

[Mytholder]

I never go to the House Rules forum. I'll try to take a look, but I've got a wealth of (non-TOR, to cut off speculation) deadlines this week. Poke me with a PM if I don't comment this month.

[Jon Hodgson]

I never go to the House Rules forum. I'll try to take a look, but I've got a wealth of (non-TOR, to cut off speculation) deadlines this week. Poke me with a PM if I don't comment this month.

Best not to look, Gar.

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