The Yakeer (YA-KEER)
The Yakeer is a rite-of-passage important to the people of the Kingdom of Kh'Axros. The direct translation of Yakeer has been lost to time, but it is generally agreed to mean "crucible of names."
Passing the trials of the Yakeer is regarded as an essential part of rising within the strict social strata of Kh'Axros. Those that fail will spend their lives as agrarian peasants.
There are exceptions to this rigid system, with Sarathi the Unnamed chief among them.
History
Historical evidence suggests that the Yakeer has been part of the Kh'Axri people since time immemorial. There are partial records of Yakeer selections dating back to the Unknown Era.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the importance Kh'Axri place on tradition, the Yakeer remains more or less unaltered since the dawn of the Age of the Crater. The Kh'Axri view this steadfast consistency as a point of pride, as many view this ritual as a method to commune with the teachings of their ancestors.
Execution
Each major settlement of the Kingdom of Kh'Axros holds its own Yakeer, with participants coming from its tributary villages.
It is a day long event, bookended by an introductory ceremony honoring the land upon which the Yakeer will be conducted and a concluding Naming Rite.
Participants will display martial abilities and feats of agility, intellect, and strength in front of an apprising Anointed. At the end of the Yakeer, the Anointed will then select a handful of participants to have successfully completed the Yakeer, and induct them into the Yakeeri. This takes the form of the Naming Rite, in which each Yakeeri is given a honorific that speaks to the circumstances of their particular Yakeer. Examples of this include: Iditriam of the Twin Sky; Effamti, who holds the Fist in her Palm; Vrevruka the Lone; Waeeri of the Burning Yak.
Those that fail the trials of the Yakeer may participate one more time.
The next day will feature the newly inducted Yakeeri departing for Kh'Axros to serve in the God-King's Host for four years.
Participants
The Anointed is vital to the process, as they both set the trials of the Yakeer and determine who has successfully passed the trials and may join the ranks of the Yakeeri.
Most participants in the Yakeer are between the ages sixteen and twenty-six, although there have been successful Yakeeri both younger and older that range.
Observance
The Yakeer is biennial. There is often a feast the night before the event, with notables attending from all over the region.
No work is done on the day of the Yakeer, as it is akin to a religious rite.
Primary Related Location
Related Organizations
Comments