The Choosing

When an Eitur Elf comes of age, they are subjected to a ritual which proves their dedication to the tribe. In their tongue, it is known as Cruachan Rathu, which roughly translates to 'Chosen Path'. Six paths are open to those undergoing the ritual: hunter, warrior, druid, mystic, tamer, and trader.    The ritual involves the elf in question first deciding how best they will serve the tribe, and then going on a vision quest to prove themselves worthy of the task they desire. Entering a druid-led trance, the elf will enter a realm of consciousness where they face challenge after challenge, waking only when they fail or when night falls, whichever happens first. The ritual can be attempted again after a weeks. If by the year's end they cannot succeed, they are exiled. The philosophy behind such a decision lies in the Eitur ethics revolving around survival. Passing Cruachan Rathu means the elf in question has the willpower to serve their tribe to the bitter end, all for the continuation of the clan.