oksentelee

Oksentelee is a fictional ceremonial practice described in speculative fiction and worldbuilding resources. In the imagined culture, oksentelee denotes a communal rite of memory and exchange, combining oral storytelling, ritual song, and participatory listening. The term is a neologism created within the narrative world and has no real-world etymology.

In-universe, oksentelee is typically performed at seasonal gatherings or after major communal events. A circle or closed ring is formed, with a rotating speaker sequence. A central object, often a carved staff or a stone tablet, marks the speaking turn. Participants recount personal histories, legends, or recorded events, while others listen, offer short responses, or perform supportive songs. The ritual emphasizes memory preservation, social bonding, and the reaffirmation of communal norms. Outcomes can include the formal declaration of communal decisions, the weaving of shifting alliances, or the settlement of disputes through oral adjudication.

Variants exist by region, with some communities adding ritual dances, shaped meters, or call-and-response refrains. In contemporary fan-fiction and game supplements, oksentelee is adapted to virtual or tabletop settings, sometimes with mechanics to reward storytelling quality.

See also: worldbuilding, oral tradition, ritual performance.