Mage Ascension
History
It was a prevalent practise amongst mages, especially before the founding of Camelot. With the suppression and regulation of magic, these ceremonies became more difficult to perform, mainly because of inkana's increased regulation by The Institute of Wizards.
This contributed to the divisions within the mage community and helped kickstart the Wars of Torment between Wiccan and the newly institutionalised Wizards . In currents times, this tradition has died out, only rumoured to take place in wizard universities.
Execution
The parents of child paint inkana on each side of the child's face, conveying their wisdom onto the next generation along with their unconditional love and encouragement. They keep this paint on until it fades into the skin and thus becomes part of them.
At midnight, the child is ordained an adult by the Overseer and the true festivities begin. Celebrating with music, dance and plenty of refreshments, this is the one night you're encouraged to waste. Some clans choose to keep this going until dawn, but most celebrations end in the middle of the night.
Components and tools
Participants
All members of a mage's family can observe the child's coming of age. The child themselves can invite two friends who act as their first companions into the adult world. The key roles are the following:
Overseer
The host of the ceremony and prime spectator. They make sure its proceeds as planned and keep order amongst the assembled crowd. The eldest mage usually takes this role, or the leader of their clan.The Parents
The parents of the child take this role. Their task is to paint each side of the child's face with inkana, passing their wisdom and love for them in the process. Parents aren't always biological, just those who take up the role of parent or guardian in the child's life. In disputed cases, the child chooses which adults they consider fit for the position.The Child
Though referred to as a child, this is their coming of age ceremony. They are the centre of attention, receiving the gift of knowledge - amongst many others - for making it to maturity. Apart from making a speech in gratitude of their friends and family, there are few responsibilities for this role. Instead, they're to bask in the atmosphere of the evening and enjoy their last day of childhood.Observance
The ceremony takes place the evening before the child's birthday. At midnight, there's a fantastical display of dance and magic when they greet the child into the wider community. They leave the formalities of this until the daytime, when they've recovered from the excitement.
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