Trials of Ascension
The Trials of Ascension are the Drow Elvirim counterpart to the Elvirim Ceremony of Ascension.
Before a Drow Diriat is judged worthy to become an Aelriat, she must overcome a series of physical and mental tests. Physically, her strength, flexibility, resilience, hand-eye coordination, and toughness are tested. Her proficiency with various weapons is tested, especially bow, short sword, and dagger. She is also tested mentally. Her mastery of spying, assassination, seduction, and general knowledge of the world is examined. She is put under psychological stress, sleep-deprived and even tortured to ensure she can withstand harsh interrogations and continue to perform her duties.
Drow Diriat chosen to become operatives of Obsidian, The Night of Apopshe or other covert organizations of the Drow noble Houses undergo much more intense testing than other, less well-regarded Diriat. Even after successfully completing their Trials of Ascension, they must complete a difficult and dangerous task to affirm their worthiness, not just as an Aelriat, but also as an operative of their covert organization. The tasks given to affirm status as a Shadow of The Night of Apopshe are regarded as especially difficult and dangerous.
History
The Trials of Ascension have been carried out for as long as the Drow Elvirim noble Houses have existed - at least thousands of years.
Execution
Each Trial is unique, tailored to the individual Diriat being tested. Often, the Gowriat and Tygowriat are examining the Diriat to see exactly at what level are her abilities, and if she has overcome specific weaknesses she may have had. A very promising Diriat, one with the potential to perhaps become a Gowriat in the future, is tested very rigorously to see at what point she may break physically or mentally.
Those Diriat showing the potential to become a Magus are handled especially carefully. They are isolated from other Diriat, carefully monitored, and rigorously trained to be obedient to their superiors. Their access to books of spells is limited and independent study and experimentation is harshly punished. The Drow Elvirim do not want any powerful Magus either causing chaos in their society or drawing the attention of the Yfeljang, Edan, so use of magical powers by Drow is strictly regulated, and House Zaquarn and House Alierma will harshly punish any House that tolerates unsanctioned magic. It was tolerance of unsanctioned necromantic magic that caused House Siltevelar to be cast out by House Zaquarn, and use of unsanctioned thaumaturgic magic that caused House Alierma to nearly destroy and to cast down House Kwaavaen.
Participants
The Trials of Ascension are carried out by the Gowriat and Tygowriat of the noble Drow Elvirim Houses for Diriat deemed ready. Those that complete the Trials successfully (and a significant number do not) are elevated, becoming Aelriat of their House.
Observance
The Trials of Ascension are carried out whenever the Gowriat and Tygowriat deem a Diriat ready for them. The Diriat's instructors and mentors will have prepared her for many years prior to that time, and will have advised the Diriat, the Gowriat, and the Tygowriat that they believe the Diriat is ready for the Trials.
Since there are not many Diriat (girls of noble birth in the Houses), a Diriat going through her Trials is a significant event in the House and in the entire Drow Elvirim community. Successfully completing her Trials and becoming an Aelriat, especially for those with high potential for later advancement, brings a Diriat great honor and prestige; however, she must handle such honor carefully, as being arrogant or haughty will bring her much unwanted attention from Medriat and Gowriat superiors, as correct demeanor and deference to superiors is as much a part of being an Aelriat as her other physical and mental abilities.
Important Locations
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