Iputulupnu (/ˈiputulupnu/)
Iputulupnu (lit. Trail to Survive/Last), also known as Ipuqupnuls (lit. Trial of Lasting/Surviving) and Ipuquaksilti (lit. Trial of being Stubborn), is a coming-of-age tradition among many cultures of niskhi. It takes as many forms as there are people who celebrate it, but they all share one critical trait: sirlirr. These baked goods, made from the grain of quryiwsa, are a critical role of the Trial, and the most recognizable trait.
A highly variable rite, the Trial is considered very personal, and very dangerous. Whether the sirlirr actually empowers the person tested or not is doubted, but the bracing effect of belief cannot be understated.
History
Based on how many cultures partake in this ritual, it likely dates back very far in the history of niskhi. Certainly further back than their kept history goes, into the stories told over and over as they become legends and myths. Though the ritual may predate the discovery of Amhumap, it seems unlikely based on how tightly interwoven the consuming of sirlirr is, for which isyihirr is essential. After all, one can't make flour without any grains. Still, this means the tradition dates back hundreds, if not thousands, of years, and little of said history is known. Niskhi have better things to do than keep track of their past, after all.
Execution
Though the Trial takes many forms, they all tend to follow the same basic structure. The person who is coming of age, and thus undertaking the trial, meets up with leaders, potentially accompanied by parents, family, or even the whole clan. From their leader, or leaders, they receive sirlirr: a baked good made out of isyihirr flour. The exact form of the baked good varies per clan, but the isyihirr flour is essential. Isyihirr is made out of quryiwsa grains, which require high amounts of Vita to grow, which shows in the fact that the grains glow while on a living plant. While the flour (and thus the sirlirr) made from them doesn't glow, it is said to contain high amounts of Vita as well, which in turn would support them on their journey. Strengthen them, lend them power, make it easier for them to control Vita, and so forth. What exactly it is meant to do varies depending on the group asked... and often the person asked as well. Though no proof exists that sirlirr has such effects, it also can't be disproven, as Vita can't be (scientifically) measured.
After consuming their sirlirr, the person coming of age sets out on their trial, which is supposed to prove their ability to survive, as well as their control over magic. What form this trial takes is heavily dependent on the people, as well as the place they go.
Components and tools
The exact dressing of the ritual depends very much per clan, but one item is essential to the celebration: sirlirr. The baked good must be present, and must be made out of isyihirr flour, supposedly granting all who eat it greater Vita abilities than they would usually have.
Participants
Even in the most minimal variants, the rite is always attended by at least two people: the person coming of age, and at least one leader of the clan they belong to. Among some people, the person going on trial may be accompanied by parents, greater family. In some cases, the entire clan may even be in attendance. The Trial itself, however, it always done alone.
Observance
As a coming of age rite, it takes after the person who is going on trial came of age. Some clans may delay the rite based on circumstances, while others may chose not to and consider it part of the trial. Likewise, the exact time one comes of age varies per clan, with some celebrating a specific age, whereas others may use certain benchmarks of learning, or other things entirely.
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