BuccaneerBass

Organiser: Tolliver's Ale Swim is organized by the Corvis Merchant's Guild.

Description: According to local legend, a man by the name of Jakob Tolliver was celebrating Founding Day at a pub near the Corvis docks. His wife tracked him down that eve and pulled him by the ear back toward their farm north of the city. So strong was Tolliver's desire for the fine ale of Corvis that, as he and his wife passed through the northern gates of the city, he leapt into the Black River, intent on swimming back to the docks. He drowned.

The story has a questionable authenticity, though Jakob Tolliver did drown in the Black River that night (after, according to his widow, having fallen in while drunk). Nevertheless, the legend of Tolliver, and the tale of his swim, endured.

The Corvis Merchant's Guild now organizes Tolliver's Ale Swim every Founding Day. Contestants, hale and hearty men and women, enter the Black River at the northern gate of Corvis. A barrel of ale is secured to each of their bodies with rope. The contestants then swim a lengthy course, through Corvis' canal (cheered on by onlookers on various bridges and in houses and other buildings), to end the race where the Black River leaves Corvis at the southern gate. The winner is the first contestant to reach the finish line with his or her barrel of ale. After the race, all surviving barrels of ale are opened and a celebration ensues.

Agenda: Over a two week period prior to Founding Day, the Corvis Merchant's Guild holds registration for the race. On the morning of Founder's Day, contestants meet on the shore of the Black River by the northern gate, where representatives of the Corvis Merchant's Guild sign them in. The contestants enter the water, and the barrels of ale are secured to them. The race begins with the firing of a pistol, and the contestants commence swimming the course through Corvis' canals. When the race ends, a representative of the Corvis Merchant's Guild declares the winner and awards him or her with a small medallion. The ale is then opened and everyone in the area celebrates.

Social crowd: people of varying stations in life enjoy Tolliver's Ale Swim. Common folk, farmers and the like, line the banks of the Black River and the bridges and streets of Corvis. Those with more money watch from prime locations in buildings along the race course. Some may even watch from the comfort of boats positioned to the side of the actual course.