Originally, the
steps traditions were practiced in most of the small nations in the North Area of the territory that currently belongs to Marced and Hais. Those cultures gave big relevance to the first and last steps a person takes, and the rituals were meant to restrict who witnessed those events.
Ritual of the First Steps
| Once you join someone on their first steps, you are responsible for their path. |
Babies were often hidden in those cultures. When toddlers were ready to walk, the parents would invite a group that was different according to the nation or the parents preferences. It could involve some close relatives and friends, or the whole town. The toddler would remain behind a screen, accompanied only by one relative or family friend and one of the parents. It was a heavy responsibility that many would rather decline.
Aided by those people, the toddler would give a few steps. The first of those would be behind the screen. A few steps where expected to happen in front of the guests. If the baby fell or refuse to move, it would be considered a bad omen. Depending on the specific beliefs of the family, other rituals could take place, but for some it would turned into a permanent stigma.
Those beliefs didn't extend beyond cultures, and didn't survive the pass of time.
Ritual of the Last Steps
| Those who join you in your last steps will carry your life essence while you are out of the living world. |
This ritual is considered ominous by most people, but it started as a celebration for those who believed in The Cycle, and it was adopted by others as a mean of comfort in the face of death.
Instead of fading away or risking an accident, a person who is ready to die and has naturally stopped healing, walks to their death, with their selected heirs as only company. Usually that meant going into the mines of
Sentient rock or jumping from high cupolas designed specially for that purpose, preventing outsiders to see them before the fall.
They thought that the people who witnessed the last steps would gain the energy, the traits, or the responsibilities of the one who died, and that person was the only one to decide who would be their heir or heirs. With the pass of time, this created another tradition, in which relatives and friends have several years to prove they are worthy to witness the last steps.
Everyone in Marced practice this ritual, as well as a few parents in other nations, but for the vast majority it's nothing but a fun celebration.
Oficially banned in every mayor nation, the ritual it's still practiced in a few towns in Marced, by people who believe in The Deeds.
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