Rite of the Great Hunt

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Once a year, at summer solstice, all the Hunters of the Stag return to the Isle of Naudia'Diva and carve a promise to the Earth-Mother and to Horjin himself into a stick of wood. All of these promise-sticks are gathered into a large bonfire and burnt.

The next morning, all the Hunters divide into four groups and head off into each region of the island. Each group works together to try to take down the largest, most difficult prey possible. The hunt lasts for a week.

After that time, the four groups reunite at the Temple. The largest prey are offered to the Earth-Mother and to Horjin, while the smallest is offered to Nelig. The last is feasted upon by the Hunters in a great celebration.

The tradition started with the first four Hunters: Sagittarius, Penryn, Segovia, and Rutaus.