The Rite of Passage takes place in the Great Library of Oghma, a revered space dedicated to the god of knowledge. The library is vast, filled with ancient scrolls, books, and tomes that line the walls from floor to ceiling.
The ceremony is conducted in the central sanctum, where Oghma’s symbol (a radiant quill and scroll) is prominently displayed.
The room is illuminated by beams of dawn light filtering through the high arched windows, adding a divine quality to the ritual space.
Participants:
The acolyte undergoing the rite is positioned at the center, kneeling before the Symbol of Oghma.
Surrounding them are the elders of the temple and the High Loremaster, who oversees the ceremony.
2. Opening Invocation
Purpose:
The Opening Invocation is a prayer offered by the High Loremaster to call upon Oghma’s divine blessing and consecrate the ritual.
The prayer sets a solemn and reverent tone for the ceremony.
Invocation Process:
The High Loremaster raises their hands toward the Symbol of Oghma and speaks an ancient invocation.
All present bow their heads as the prayer is recited.
Key Elements of the Prayer:
The invocation emphasizes humility, the pursuit of wisdom, and the sacred trust placed in the acolyte as a seeker of truth.
The prayer also calls upon Oghma to guide the acolyte through the trials of the rite.
3. The Trial of Questions
Purpose:
The Trial of Questions tests the acolyte’s wisdom, moral insight, and understanding of Oghma’s teachings.
The elders pose philosophical and ethical dilemmas designed to challenge the acolyte’s grasp of complex truths and their ability to apply knowledge wisely.
Process:
Each elder steps forward in turn and asks the acolyte a question.
The acolyte must answer each question thoughtfully, drawing on their studies and experience.
Sample Questions:
"Is knowledge still sacred when used to deceive?"
"Does power corrupt, or does it reveal the soul?"
"Can one save a soul already lost, or does redemption demand sacrifice?"
Evaluation:
The elders listen carefully to the acolyte’s responses, assessing not only the content of the answers but the wisdom, humility, and understanding demonstrated.
The acolyte is not expected to have definitive answers but must show depth of thought and commitment to the search for truth.
4. The Oath of Truth
Purpose:
The Oath of Truth is the formal vow the acolyte takes to pledge themselves to Oghma’s service.
This oath marks the acolyte’s lifelong commitment to the pursuit and protection of knowledge.
Process:
The acolyte stands and faces the assembly, reciting the oath aloud.
The oath is a sacred vow that binds the acolyte to Oghma’s teachings and to the role of a truth-bearer.
Text of the Oath:
"I pledge to seek knowledge relentlessly.
To preserve truth above all.
To share wisdom with others responsibly.
To combat ignorance, falsehood, and deception.
By Oghma’s light, I stand as a bearer of knowledge,
A protector of truth."
Significance:
The oath is a key component of the rite, signifying the acolyte’s acceptance of their role as a servant of Oghma.
It is witnessed by the temple elders, symbolizing the acolyte’s entry into Oghma’s priesthood.
5. The Scroll of Enlightenment
Purpose:
The Scroll of Enlightenment is a blank scroll given to the acolyte as a symbol of their personal contribution to the pursuit of knowledge.
The acolyte is tasked with writing a truth they have learned, which will be preserved in the temple archives.
Process:
The High Loremaster hands the acolyte a blank scroll and a quill blessed by Oghma.
The acolyte kneels before the Symbol of Oghma and, after a moment of reflection, writes a personal truth on the scroll.
Significance:
This act represents the acolyte’s role in uncovering and sharing knowledge, emphasizing that knowledge is not meant to be hoarded but shared for the benefit of all.
The scroll is later placed in the temple archives, a permanent record of the acolyte’s contribution to the faith.
6. The Revelation of the Religious Name
Purpose:
Oghma reveals the acolyte’s religious name, which signifies the acolyte’s divine purpose and role within the temple.
Process:
The High Loremaster presents the acolyte with a magically imbued blank scroll, and the acolyte kneels before the Symbol of Oghma.
A prayer is offered by the High Loremaster, asking Oghma to reveal the acolyte’s true name and purpose.
Text of the Prayer:
"O great Binder of Knowledge, reveal the truth hidden within this acolyte. Show us their purpose, their place in the eternal pursuit of wisdom."
Revelation:
The scroll glows with divine light, and words in Celestial script appear on the parchment.
The High Loremaster reads the name aloud, signifying the acolyte’s new identity and divine role within the faith.
Significance:
The religious name reflects the acolyte’s unique destiny as a seeker and bearer of knowledge.
It symbolizes the divine connection between the acolyte and Oghma, marking the acolyte’s official entry into the ranks of Oghma’s chosen.
7. The Presentation of the Libram
Purpose:
The Libram of Knowledge is a sacred book that serves as both a tool and a symbol of the acolyte’s journey.
It will accompany the acolyte throughout their life, recording the truths they uncover, the challenges they face, and the knowledge they gain.
Process:
The High Loremaster presents the Libram to the acolyte with a solemn blessing, marking the acolyte’s readiness to embark on their journey.
Significance:
The Libram represents the acolyte’s role as a protector of truth and a gatherer of knowledge.
It is a symbol of the ongoing quest for wisdom and truth, as well as a record of the acolyte’s service to Oghma.
The acolyte is now fully ordained and ready to undertake their mission in Oghma’s name.