WEA Noble Rite of Inheritance

During the Age of Darkness, families in the newly established West Eirinn region that were successful in accumulating wealth and power were often turned to during times of hardship for their leadership. These individuals ultimately ended up as a form of governing class known as "the Aristocracy", and they practiced a form of hereditary succession from generation to generation.

The first Rite of Succession was used as a legal framework for the passing of leadership from parent to child. It is unknown which family started the Rite, but historians suspect it to be one of the Noble Houses; either House Fenbrook (who hold sway over the entirety of West Eirinn) or House Blackfield (who are established in Hartmoor and Ivystian), as they have held power in the region for the longest of any Aristocratic line. The Rite was used as a promise to the people; a vow that they would protect and govern with dignity and mercy, as well as a basis for showing the official transference of power to the new authority. The Rite was held in public, often in front of an official building such as a Village Hall (towns were incredibly rare in the Age of Darkness), and leaders in charge of large territories would often travel from village to village to repeat the Rite in front of as many citizens as they possibly could. The Rite would include the signing of the successor's name into a Record of Inheritance (only done in the first village, all subsequent villages simply had the Record displayed), and the swearing of public vows over this book.

In time, as towns began to grow from the villages and area Lords began to distribute power amongst their Aristocratic following, the Rite began to take on more pomp and extravagance. This was usually an attempt to one-up other successors; a means to improve their own standing by showing off their wealth and capability, though the promises made to the people were still considered an integral part of the Rite.

In the early 6th Age, the West Eirinn region had moved away from the Plutocratic Oligarchy system and established itself as a Democratic region, and the term Aristocrat changed definition to mean "a rich and influential person". It was around this time that the WEA Noble Rite of Inheritance completely dropped the public displays and promises to society, and instead became closed affairs where successors vowed to maintain the status of the Noble lineage and attempt to improve the position of the Line in High Society. The swearing of public vows over the Record of Inheritance was dropped, though the signing of the name into the Record was maintained. The Rites became grand parties thrown amongst Aristocrats as an excuse to show off wealth and status, and the promises made to the people were no longer important.

The Rite usually begins with a formal ceremony where the assets and position of the predecessor are legally signed over to the successor. This is normally held in front of a select group of equally ranked or higher ranked Aristocrats, and is finalised by the signing of the Record of Inheritance.

After this, some form of tea or small meal is held for the attendees, before they return to their place of lodging to get ready for the Inheritance Ball.

The Inheritance Ball is a grand affair, though the scale of such events varies depending on station, and Aristocrats from across the territory are invited to attend, as well as Nobles from neighbouring cities. The event includes music, dancing, finger foods, alcohol, and an Announcement of Entry of the newly appointed leader of the Line, Family, or House.

The signing over of position and entry into the Record is overseen by a Lawyer, Legislator or Grand Administrator, who has usually been appointed by regional governance if the Aristocrat in question does not have one of their own.

Witnesses to the signing are usually Nobles of similar or higher station, though in the case of the House Fenbrook, the witnesses are the other Branch Lords and a select few allied Lords.

The Balls are open to anyone who receives an invitation, and these invitations are often highly coveted as opportunities for further social advancement and networking.

The Noble Rite of Inheritance can only be observed after the initial mourning period of the predecessor is over. In most of West Eirinn, the initial mourning period is one month (30 days), though in Curtana it is four-tenday (40 days). During the mourning period, preparations for the Rite can begin, but it is considered social taboo to release invitations before the mourning period is over. Rites therefore normally take place four to five tenday after the passing of the predecessor.