Skin Trials

The skin trials are a practice that has developed in the Hollow City, used to induct hollow warriors into a people group/species.
For many hollow warriors it has become a rite of passage and a symbol of acceptance, and those who have passed skin trials are regarded with envy.

History

A relatively recent tradition, the skin trials were developed during the alpha wave of hollow warriors when it was discovered that the hollow warriors can be induced to shape shift into another sapient species. Concerns were raised by certain parties who were resistant to the idea that hollows should be allowed to pass as native peoples. The skin trials were the result of negotiations between resistant people groups and those who wished to welcome hollows into their numbers.
Now that the beta wave of hollows is well underway, the skin trials have gained a more universal acceptance among even initially reluctant peoples.
Hollows are free to take the trials as often as they please, and are also welcome to take trials for more than one species, but doing so can potentially be looked upon unfavorably.

Execution

The specifics of each skin trial is customized to the related peoples. The details and requirements of each trial is usually kept at least loosely a secret, but some peoples have kept it more secret than others.
The elves in particular have made the requirements for their skin trials extremely rigorous and challenging, taking place over an extended period of time. In contrast, skin trials for orcs are overall much looser and more dependent on the individual clans represented in any given trial.
Once the trials are over and any passing individuals have been selected, the hollows are brought to the standing stones outside the city and presented to the circle. Sometimes this is accompanied by ceremony and ritual, and some are simply presented as a new member of the people group in question.
The hollow then descends down to the Well of Souls where they first emerged into the world, and jump into it. They then refresh into their new form, and emerge as a member of their new species.
This is frequently followed up by celebrations that include liberal amounts of fermented beverages.

Participants

In any given trial, the proceedings are overseen by chosen representatives from the species holding the skin trials, accompanied by representatives from the order of paladins, the sisterhood of assassins, and often members from Alpha guild, particularly those who were "skinned" early on.
Hollows taking the trials are usually assessed as a group, but may be tested on an individual basis depending on the requirements of the trials.

Primary Related Location

Hollow City

Important Locations

• The Arcadia