Naming Day for Guardians

History

"Names establish common purpose and identity--allowing the many to become the one." --Anika Bluehair, Mother of the Numab

It started out as the simple registering of sadi names for crews. As the class of Guardians in the Numab culture grew, it became important to recognize them and the names of their sadi. This ensures that people already know of or have heard of each Guardian Crew name when they meet in the wilderness. Over time it grew more and more formal as the role of Guardians became formalized. Every year it is held at the Gathering Place as part of the series of ceremonies that take place at the gathering of the tribes.

Execution

Each new Guardian must be presented by their mentor crew and then join with the other new Guardians to form a crew. The new crew is then presented to the gathering and they swear their oath of service to uphold the Accords of the Numab. Once they are sworn in and get their Guardian pins, they announce their Sadi's name for the recordkeepers to take note. Once the gathering of the tribes is complete, the new Guardian crews are sent out on their first mission: to guide and escort the various tribes home from the Gathering Place. This gives them the chance to be of service to the community, but not the super high or hard stakes starter mission. It also positions all the Guardian crews in a dispersed pattern that reflects where the Numabian people occur in the wastes. This sets them up to handle new issues as they arise and to start communicating what's happening in the furthest reaches back to the other tribes.

Components and tools

"The crest of the Guardians holds great weight among the Numab." --Retired Explorer Max Jamison

The main thing is having the pins or badges of the Guardian's crest. This is their official insignia to show their position as a guardian. Otherwise, everything else is done orally. Traditionally, the new guardians wear their best clothes, but there is no set outfit required.

Participants

The ceremony is before the entire assembly of the Numab tribes. The central leaders of each tribe take part in the ceremony as the officiants. The Guardian crews that have been mentoring apprentices and have someone ready to take on the role of an independent Guardian are also there to present their graduates. Typically even Guardian crews that don't have apprentices will be present to observe the proceedings.

Observance

It is always observed during the gathering of the tribes which happens annually. Since so many people are supposed to witness and participate, it only happens during this one time each year. It always takes place in the Gathering Place.

Primary Related Location

The Gathering Place

Important Locations

• The Gathering Place
• The Wastes

Related Ethnicities

• Numab