The Rite of the Hunt

History

The Great Hunt is a tradition the Bachmann family has held since 1750's, implemented by the fifth head of the hunt--and the first matriarch--Gibelina Bachmann as a test of a young Bachmann's skills. But as the family grew in size, and started making a trade of their skills, the test became more of a rite of passage for a Bachmann to become a member of the hunt.

Execution

Most Bachmann's start their training as monster hunters at the age of twelve, spending two years studying a class of monster--like lycanthropes, shape shifters, or dragon spawn. After their two years, the student is then sent out on their own to partake in their first hunt, hunting a monster in their chosen field. Failure could mean all sorts of things for a young Bachmann, with death being one of the worst case scenarios, but probably the most preferable to exile. But a Bachmann who succeeds is deemed an adult, and are given a nick name to commemorate their first kill--such as wolf slayer or bunyip tamer--and the new hunter will even take a trophy of their kill as a badge of honor. There is also a graduation ceremony held, which replicates the process of one being knighted.

Components and tools

Another important badge of honor granted to the new hunter is a rapier, gifted to them during their graduation ceremony by the elder Bachmann who trained them.

Participants

Aside from their teacher, the head of the family--referred to as the Head of the Hunt--attends their graduation, as well as the Head Lore Master, and the Head Zoologist of the Bachmann family.

Observance

Before the actual hunt begins, the prospective hunters' teacher, The Head of The Hunt, The Head Zoologist, and Head Lore Master oversee the students as they set out, praying for their good health and success in the hunt. Afterwards each student sets out on their own--except in the case where two students are in the same field, and can aid each other--and usually it takes months before the students accomplish their kill, and make their way back to Bachmann house, the seat of the family. Afterwards a graduation ceremony is held, in which they are gifted a rapier as a badge of honor. The new hunter then kneels before the Head of the Hunt, and presents the sword for the Head to "knight" them. The Head Lore Master and Zoologist then make them swear a vow to never forsake a hunt, and to uphold these vows to the best of their ability, even with the possibility of death.

Primary Related Location

Verte-Paysage