Passage of the Solomonari
The Passage of the Solomonari is the ritual culmination of a Solomonar's education at the Scholomance. The most direct correlation in our world is a graduation, but the Passage is much more than that: not only is it a celebration of the Solomonari's accomplishments, but it's also where the Immortal of the cohort is chosen as well as when the rest of the Solomonari receive their (mostly) permanent assignments.
History
Although it has gone by different names, the Passage has always been an important tradition amongst the Solomonari. Its purpose has always been to celebrate the old and welcome the new, and throughout history that purpose hasn't changed.
Prior to the last two hundred or so years, anyone in Thenia that wanted to attend could: sometimes the events would be huge and almost unmanageable, and so the Scholomance closed the ceremony to family and friends only.
One interesting Passage of note happened in 3492, in which none of the Solomonari wanted the position of Immortal. Because of this, the Scholomance considered the debt unpaid, and they were not allowed to leave. Eventually, the Solomonari's magic began to deplete, and it was because of their unpaid debt. Finally, one of the Solomonari was willing to sacrifice their mortal life to be the Immortal. Almost immediately after, the Solomonari's magic returned, and they were allowed to leave.
Execution
Perhaps surprisingly, magic isn't used in the first part of the ceremony: this part is akin to graduations in our world in which the Dracul accounts the accomplishments of the ten current Solomonari. After each Solomonar is honored individually for their accomplishments, they're also recognized as a cohort.
Later, there is a more magical component to the ceremony. The Dracul announces who the Immortal will be for that cohort. This is a tremendous honor and not something the Solomonari know of beforehand (although it's usually the Dracul's Distinction or a pretty obvious choice, although surprises do occur). This Solomonar is then asked if they would like to pay for their education and those of the group's with their service to the Immortalis Solomonari. Most answer yes, but if not, then the cohort together must decide on the Immortal, as the Immortal's service is the payment for their education. This is rare, though, and hasn't occurred for some time.
At this point, the Dracul uses a very little-known spell to give the new Immortal their gift of immortality. It's a complex spell, but it's said to be beautiful to witness.
Lastly, the ceremony involves giving the Solomonari their permanent assignments. Solomonari who are not Immortals are still considered Solomonari and are expected to work for the Scholomance. Typically, the Solomonars are sent back to their home states to take care of the business in that area, but there are occasional changes to the assignments if they feel that one Solomonar may be able to handle a state better than another. Solomonari are allowed to appeal this decision, but it's very rarely changed, so the Solomonari hope for a good assignment the first time.
To close the ceremony, the Dracul allows for the Solomonari's "passage" out of the Scholomance: their debt has been paid, and they are free to live where they like, along as it's close to their assignments (and preferably within that state, but that's not a requirement, as Portaling is quite easy for Solomonari). The Solomonari cross the Ancient Circle of the Solomonari, and they then welcome the new Solomonari on the other side, right as the day ends and a new day begins with a new cohort of Solomonari.
Participants
Besides the graduating Solomonari, the Immortalis Solomonari are also present, as well as the families and friends of the Solomonari. Between all of the groups, there are usually several hundred in attendance.
The Dracul leads the ceremony.
Observance
The Passage always takes place at the end of the year, the 49th day of Orphica. It marks not only the end of the year, but the end of the Solomonari's education. Regardless of what day of the week it is, the Solomonari insist on the ceremony being held on 49 Orphica. It's always planned for two hours before the end of the day, so the last part of the ceremony can take place right as the day changes.
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