Trials of Ascension (Shardak'oschek)

As mentioned above, the Trial of Ascension is a task chosen by those who know the dwarf best. This means that the task is often associated with the deepest and darkest fears within the dwarf undertaking the task.

The task takes many forms. No dwarf has ever faced a Trial that duplicated that of any other dwarf. For each dwarf, the task is different.

During the task, many dwarves submit themselves to dangers beyond speaking. They submit themselves to their darkest, most secret fears. Some dwarves fail. This brings no dishonor to their family. They are often broken of spirit and body, if they survive. They sometimes join The Weary, but, more often, those dwarves that fail their Trial of Ascension send themselves into self-imposed banishment. Some of these dwarves return many years later, and undergo another trial, of their own volition.

No dark dwarf that has returned to face a second Trial of Ascension has ever failed. In fact, they are often honored and respected even more by their Kin, thanks mostly to the nearly insurmountable danger of their second Trial.

In some rare cases, the Dhe'nar also take a hand in shaping the Trials for some dwarves. In most cases, these are dwarves in which the Dhe'nar have a particular interest. Sometimes, however, the reasons are unclear, and unspoken. The Khanshael elders speak little of these trials, but honor them just the same.

In addition to the Trial associated with a dark dwarf's coming of age, there is a possibility that a Khanshael may face more Trials of a similar nature as time goes on. When a dark dwarf changes castes there is sometimes a Trial, as judged by the clan elders. In some cases, especially in the case of youthful Kin seeking a seat as an elder in the clan, the other elders choose a Trial for the aspirant. Also, when a Khanshael leaves the clan for a long while voluntarily, after returning from exile, returning from extended duty under direct Dhe'nari supervision, or when returned from imprisonment among the enemy, a Trial is often mandated by the clan elders.