Rabû Alaktu
History
The Altayih are very aware of the dangers of being an insular, nomadic, clan-based society. The Rabû Alaktu began in order to exchange clan members between distant Altayih clans and so avoid both potential issues of genetic diversity and cultural divergence. In essence it is an individualized continuation of the initial spread of the Altayih to Khthon's many deserts.
Execution
Each Rabû Alaktu begins with a ceremony in which the adolescents' family provides them with gifts and the rest of the clan provides supplies. It begins on what the adolescents are told will be the day before their departure. The entire day is spent listening to stories and advice from the adults of the clan about their own experiences. Additionally, it is the first time a member of the Altayih is permitted alcohol. Nearly invariably this leads to overindulgence and panic when they are ill the day of their "departure." It is only after they have said their goodbyes and set out that they are intercepted and brought back to the clan to recover. It is hoped that this will teach temperance and restraint before exposure to foreign cultures. Once they have recovered, the adolescents will begin their journey to another of Khthon's deserts to make contact with and join its resident clan. Along the way they are expected to interact with as many other cultures and individuals as they can, in hopes of acquiring useful knowledge, tools, or supplies for their new clan.
Components and tools
The alcohol consumed on the first day of the ceremony is not different in composition than any the Altayih usually imbibe, but they forgo the nearly universal watering down in order to ensure a memorable warning for the adolescents and to allow a celebration for the adults. The departing are given many varying implements and supplies, though it will always include ceremonial weapons appropriate to the clan and individual. For most, it will be the first time they hold a real weapon.
Participants
All adult members of a tribe except those absolutely needed elsewhere, such as lookouts in times of hostility, will be involved in the festivities, though obviously the focus is on the adolescents beginning their journey, and a lesser focus is placed on the direct family members seeing them off.
Observance
Rabû Alaktu are held one week after an adolescent's 14th birthday, though some clans wait until most or all of their members who will come of age that year have done so to hold one ceremony for all of them.
Related Ethnicities
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