Your visit to Vogler overlaps with the kickoff of the Kingfisher Festival, an annual celebration commemorating Solamnia’s victory over the forces of Istar during a clash near the town centuries ago. The festival takes its name from the kingfisher, a symbol of the Knights of Solamnia and a bird the fishers of Vogler consider lucky. Festivities culminate with the locals’ reenactment of the Battle of High Hill, a clash between Istarian and Solamnic soldiers.

   When you return to town after visiting Thornwall Keep, the Kingfisher Festival is in full swing. Happy villagers drift from their homes toward the sounds of laughter and upbeat music at the village circle.

   Colorful banners and paper decorations shaped like kingfishers decorate the village circle. Temporary stalls sell food and colorful crafts, and in the center of the circle, an ancient tree provides shade for happy picnickers. From a temporary stage, a band of local musicians brings a spirited song to a close as Mayor Raven Uth Vogler takes the stage.

   You arrive at the center of town, by following Darrett’s lead, just in time to hear Mayor Raven Uth Vogler address the crowd: “Welcome, friends!” the mayor begins, raising her arms high. “Welcome to the Kingfisher Festival!”

   Cheers and applause fill the circle. The mayor smiles widely. “Today is a day of not only revelry but also reflection. We are all here thanks to the courage of heroes who came before us. Let us honor our founders, our family, and all those who can’t be here to celebrate today. Enjoy your festival, Vogler, with good spirits, good times, and good friends! And look to the kingfishers for good luck!”

   An energetic round of cheers follows the mayor’s words. With that, the Kingfisher Festival is officially underway.

   Vogler’s village circle is the heart of the Kingfisher Festival’s events. Here, townsfolk share food and drink while a rotating series of enthusiastic local musicians take to the stage and encourage the crowd to dance. From the various stalls in the circle, You can buy a variety of fish-filled pastries, sweet drinks, and kingfisher-shaped crafts for 3 cp each.

The people of Vogler celebrate during the Kingfisher Festival

   Traditional Kingfisher Festival events commemorate Vogler’s founding and history.

   “I’m going to sign up for the season’s inaugural fish catch, where fishers try to catch the biggest fish during a set period!” Darret says. “Wanna join in?”

   You can also carouse in the village circle, volunteer to perform on the festival stage, or socialize with locals.

Fish Catch

   Traffic flows steadily from the village circle to the wharf. Here, the fish catch pits amateur fishers against the community’s best anglers, all competing to catch the largest fish. Those of you who go to the wharf are invited to participate in this popular event and, if you accept, you’re lent fishing poles and bait. At the end of each 30-minute contest, participants are given charming trophies, but bragging rights are the real prize at stake.