Trek of the Apprentice

Region / Culture: Middlelands, Free Cities
Type: Coming of Age
Time Celebrated: Varying, dependent on the person
Duration: three to five years

Customs and Activities

Whenever a master craftsman thinks that their apprentice is ready to take on the world by themselves, they may decide to send them on a journey to their respected colleagues, staying with one after the other for shorter amounts of time. Those are expected to take the apprentice in and teach them themselves, to ensure that the young person will learn a variety of techniques.
Turning away such an apprentice without a dire reason is seen as a great insult, disrespect and will carry grave consequences.
Each apprentice will carry gifts from their master, to give to the ones he is staying with. They are expected to work for free, only receiving food and housing in exchange. Once the master decided that they have learned enough, they will send the apprentice on their way, recommending the next step of their journey.

Symbolism and Meaning

It is generally seen as a way to strengthen the bonds between the different cities, by having their artisans train the next generation collectively. It also provides a great chance for any city to try and recruit up and coming masters.

Origins and Evolution

Sending away an apprentice, to study with a different master, is as old as any given craft. Due to their single minded focus on out competing each other, the Free Cities have turned it into an art in of itself and highly ritualized it.