Games With Fabulous Names

One of the ways the Queen of Ratrilpot keeps the peace in her realm is with her Games with Fabulous Names. However, it's not because folks enjoy the perverse form of entertainment; it's because they don't want to become a participant.

Since the fiction in which the stories are referenced may not go into details of the game, this list provides details about what John Tremblay was envisioning when he wrote the stories.

(And although it shouldn't need to be said, these games are not meant to be taken seriously. The author does not endorse violence nor does he advocate that anyone would try playing such games at home.)
 

Referenced In: The flash fiction story, A Time to Croak.

Details: The Queen of Ratrilpot has the tongues removed from a number of prisoners. She then invites these prisoners to participate in a contest where they must praise the name of Annūté, the god and creator of Ratrilpot. If the participants manage to recite his holy name, their faith is proven and they are released with an apology from the crown. If they fail, they are declared to be heathens and run through. To date, the Queen has never apologized for anything.
 

Referenced In: The flash fiction story, The Midnight Ride of Polly Revere.

Details: Like the name implies, this game involves a hungry feline and a family of plump persons. The participants are released into a walled arena and expected to battle to the death with the vicious beast. Unfortunately for the family, they are not permitted to have weapons, and Peter the Cheetah happens to be a world champion people eater that always cleans his plate.

Note that as a token of good will, the Queen will sometimes call Peter off before he's finished the last family member (which tends to be the father of the family). Coincidentally, by that time the man has usually keeled over from over-exertion and grief.