The First Drink
At the age of fifteen in Agaland and Gyrmania, there is a ritual among the common folk to prepare their young for adulthood. It symbolizes the apex of adulthood, thrusting the child into the world with a kick.
History
This ritual originated in Gyrmania long ago, before Agaland was even established. It spread when Aldvyn Ableford founded the nation, and further spread when Hadrick Steelheart conquered Elvalon. Little has changed since it's inception, except maybe the recipe. As the child's fifteenth birthday draws nearer, the loved ones will either brew the drink themselves or commission a professional brewery to do so for them. Enough for one drink is made.
Components and tools
The only component of this ritual is a particularly foul brew. It has a bitter, acidic, rancid flavor and is strong enough to knock even the most stalwart of consumers on their ass in one mug. It has been branded by brewers as 'Hangover in a Stein', as it is notorious for skipping all the pleasurable stages of drinking and getting drunk, even the blackout part, and skipping straight to the hang over.
Participants
The family, particularly adult siblings, are key to this ritual. The eldest sibling will present the drink to the child of the hour. Together, the siblings encourage and ensure that all of it is drunk.
Observance
This nasty brew is presented to the child one to two mornings before their birthday. As the child drinks it, the siblings encourage them, imparting the wisdom of the drink representing the true nature of adulthood. The child is encouraged with the promise that there is little out there worse than this drink, and many are very happy to agree to that sentiment. The child is excused from all chores until the day after their birthday if they are able to finish the drink, though the reprieve from work is often still miserable as they spend all day in a constant state of nausea, vomiting, and dealing with the after affects of this noxious concoction.
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