Trial of the Mountains

The Trial of the Mountains is an annual tradition held by each of the cities in the A'Hishian United Kingdoms. They mark the transformation from child to adult for the A'hish people and are the moment when a person's rank in society is decided and their name is updated. The event also offers the first experience for the new members of society to enter the workforce, one of the additional impacts of the event.

The Event

The tradition is a three-day event where onlookers celebrate. Anyone who is 12 years old is sent into a cave where they face trials and are challenged to return home in the storm before the end of the three days. It is a trial and a coming of age ritual for all those nearing the age of adulthood.

Beginning

The Trial of the Mountains begins with the arrival of the first storm of the year -- though this is technically offset as the date from which they work is the 40th of Emberim. Should a storm already be occurring when the year begins, it is considered a good omen. All those who are going through the challenge are sent into the cave and given the three days, marking the beginning of the week of the Festival of Winter and the Trial of the Mountains.

Festival of Winter

The festival is one of the most important parts of the Trial of the Mountains. The first three days are colder and more silent celebrations. The final four are louder and brasher celebrations. The festival is considered a part of the trial, acting as the ending celebration. The first time is the first three days, marking the span of the Trial of the Mountains. During this time all religious and economic activities are stopped, the first three days being a time of community. The first is the day of family, meaning everyone stays with their families. The second day is the day of community, a collection of all the community for quieter celebrations and the time of communing. The third day is the day of return, when the challengers return or are saved, marking the beginning of four days of louder celebration. The four days of celebration are not distinguished but are filled with the people joining for games and drinking.