Forging of the Ha'awel
When the Marahum settled along the Sapphire Foot River, they developed a tradition where, as each person came of age, they would first visit the smithy who had agreed to create their ha'awel, their first weapon. The smithy would visit the river and pray to The Tousoula for insight and guidance, and using water from the river in the process, they would craft the person's ha'awel. This weapon, part ceremonial, part protection, part gift from and symbol of their community, was an invaluable possession to most of the Marahum.
While crafting this weapon, smiths would be alert for signs and symbols, conveyed through the flames of the forge, the patterns in the metal, even the hiss and spurt of steam. Then as they presented the weapon to its new wielder, they would try to convey the insights sent by the spirits through this process. On rare occasions, a master smith would channel The Tousoula powerfully enough to imbue the weapon with a functional sentience, which could guide the wielder.
Of course, skill levels in this intense form of divination differed. Parents would often approach older, experienced smiths, hoping to convince them to craft their child's weapon. It wouldn't be unusual for apprentices to learn from their masters for seven or eight years before crafting their first ha'awel.
Once the ha'awel had been gifted to its wielder, they would then prepare themselves for the One in the Wilds ritual. After this ritual was completed, most participants would return to their settlement and began their chosen profession as a full member of the community. Their ha'awel would usually become a ceremonial weapon, hung over the fireplace or carefully stored save for religious festivals etc. But some of the Marahum who chose to travel, for work, for adventure, etc. would carry their weapon as a sacred gift from the spirits, protection, and a cherished reminder of their community and home.
While crafting this weapon, smiths would be alert for signs and symbols, conveyed through the flames of the forge, the patterns in the metal, even the hiss and spurt of steam. Then as they presented the weapon to its new wielder, they would try to convey the insights sent by the spirits through this process. On rare occasions, a master smith would channel The Tousoula powerfully enough to imbue the weapon with a functional sentience, which could guide the wielder.
Of course, skill levels in this intense form of divination differed. Parents would often approach older, experienced smiths, hoping to convince them to craft their child's weapon. It wouldn't be unusual for apprentices to learn from their masters for seven or eight years before crafting their first ha'awel.
Once the ha'awel had been gifted to its wielder, they would then prepare themselves for the One in the Wilds ritual. After this ritual was completed, most participants would return to their settlement and began their chosen profession as a full member of the community. Their ha'awel would usually become a ceremonial weapon, hung over the fireplace or carefully stored save for religious festivals etc. But some of the Marahum who chose to travel, for work, for adventure, etc. would carry their weapon as a sacred gift from the spirits, protection, and a cherished reminder of their community and home.
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