The Trial of Eggs

The Trial of Eggs is a right of passage amongst the Ocani people that is required to become a town warden. Wardens in Ocani society or figures responsible for over seeing and organizing protection for their town in emergency situations. These situations include natural disasters as well as attacks from external powers. While most aspirants are from within the ranks of town guards, militia levies, or similar civil servants the trial can be attempted by anyone provided they can find at least one other community member to witness them during the trial.  All parts of the trial must be witness by a well respected member of the community to ensure that the aspirant has not cheated in anyway.

The trial requires an aspirant to collect an alpine condor egg and bring it back down to the village where it is then eaten in front of the village as proof of the achievement. This is a more difficult trial than it may sound as the alpine condor only next on small rock outcroppings high up sheer mountain cliffs. They build medium sized nests made of grasses fur and bones laying one to two eggs per season. The birds will guard the nest, but have to regularly leave during the day to gather food or nesting material. Should the adults detect a perceived threat nearing the nest they will attack it in an attempt to drive it away. The eggs themselves are approximately the size of a large potato and must be carried back to the village where the aspirant must consume the contents raw. This consumptions often results in scaring around the mouth as the eggs are mildly caustic. Once this is completed the aspirant is recognized as a warden. It is not uncommon for aspirants to fail this trial or potentially die attempting it.