Birthday Anniversaries

Of the Descendants of the Eith

On the anniversary of their birth days, every child of the Descendants perform a demonstration of their abilitie, every year until adulthood. The purpose of the demonstration is to track the progress of their child. Their performances are recorded in the family logs along with the print of their forefingers.
The subject of the test will differ slightly depending on if they have Source abilities or not. For those who lack Source, the subjects will be on law, philosophy and history. For a display of their physical prowess, the child can choose to perform a dance or a martial art. The performance takes place in front of all the member of the House, usually after their shared meal.

Rites of Initiation

Sorcery lies at the centre of all Descendant traditions, including the anniversaries of their birth. Historically, at 4 years of age, a Descendant parent would test their child for Source abilities. Since 180FU, under the rule of Lord Fearian, this has changed to 6 years of age. This test is performed every year, on the anniversary of their birth, until the age of 12, or until they develop Source abilities.
At the age of 12, if they have Source abilities, they perform the First Rite of Initiation. The Initiate performs their first Steps of War and recites the First Scroll of the Eith in front of the Council of Sorcerers. There is a lot of pressure put on children to demonstrate discipline and dedication to their training.
From the age of 12 to the age of 15, an Initiate similarly demonstrates their progress to the Council of Sorcerers on the anniversary of their birth. Their execution of the Steps of War and their understanding of the Five Scrolls of the Eith are considered paramount to their survival as a sorcerer.
The Final Rite is performed at the age of 16, where the rank of succession to the Seat is determined.

Influence on the Fedheran Nobility

Though it originated with the Descendants of the Eith, birthday traditions have recently spread into other families within the Fedheran nobility. It is popular among the families of Council members, Advisors and Governors to have their children perform in front of the extended family. As always when there is company, food and drink are provided. The performances usually constitute of the recital of a published work from a scholar, and a display of physical prowess such as fencing forms or dance.
The reception of this new tradition among the children are mixed. While having the anniversary of their birth honoured is flattering, many balk at the idea of performing the results of their lessons in front of family.

Record Keepers

The Descendants keep meticulous records of every birth and death within their Family, as well as personal journals and log books. With astronomers creating the lunar calendar, which assigns each day with a unique code, the Descendants have been even more emphatic about the precision, and details, of these records.
The tradition of keeping records began during the Dark Years. The earliest records can still be found carved into the walls of the Great Archive at Rammarvijk. It notes the births and deaths of the tribe of the Eith, but does not contain any date or means by which to calculate it.