Pathwalking

In the nation of Iaclyae, roads and other pathways were once highly venerated, as they were seen as important connections between disparate peoples. The Pathwalking was a common rite for young Iaclyns to perform.

History

Pathwalking was a very old tradition, and it is unknown how it started. The important event in its history is the creation and rise of the Cyrdian Empire. As it became larger and more powerful, it continued to advance magic, alchemy, and technology. Many Iaclyns found themselves drawn to the knowledge that Cyrdia possessed, and the empire was a popular location for the Pathwalking. The Cyrdian Empire itself paid little notice to the traveling Iaclyns, and continued its conquests when it reached Iaclyae. The Iaclyns refused to submit peacefully. Despite their fascination with other cultures, they were protective of their own, and they fought hard against the more powerful nation. By the time the war was over, almost half of Iaclyae's population had died. While some decided to admit defeat and submit to the empire, most elected to leave their homeland entirely. They embarked on what they called the "final Pathwalking" and left for neighboring countries, other parts of the Cyrdian Empire, or beyond. Children of Iaclyns in other cultures occasionally decide to do the Pathwalking, but most have abandoned their former way of life and assimilated into their new homes.

Execution

When undergoing the Pathwalking, an Iaclyn would depart from their home, sometimes alone, or sometimes with others. They would travel to somewhere else in order to learn from its people, whether through study, work, or other means. How far they went was up to them; some would only visit a neighboring village, while others may have gone as far as the continent of Eashinth. Some would return home after they felt they had learned enough, using their new knowledge to help their home community. Just as many, however, would not, staying permanently in whatever foreign place they found themselves, but perhaps making occasional trips to see their families. Not every Iaclyn participated in Pathwalking.