
*temp offering
*temp wave_with
*set wave_with false
*set offering "glass"
The next day sees your legion marching down one of the large fortified sákbe roads which serve in peacetime as rivers of trade between the cities of the empire, and in war as defensible walls guarding its provinces.  Behind you is the stone guard tower at which you took your noon meal, while ahead of you the road snakes away toward the horizon.  The top tier of the sákbe is unoccupied, except for occasional runners sprinting by on Imperial business.  
 
Most of the ranking officers ride in palanquins carried by slaves upon the middle tier, but the soldiers and the baggage train move slowly along the broad road of well-worn stone at the base of the wall.  As a _kási_ of the legion of the ${Legion} and a commander of a _tsurúm_ of 400 soldiers you may choose to travel in style if you wish.
*choice
	#I am riding in my palanquin.
		Given your station, this is your prerogative, but why did you choose it?
		*choice
			#I need to catch up on paperwork.
				A conscientious kási makes time to read the requisition forms, punishment details, and other paperwork applicable to his _tsurúm_.  The documents give you a real sense of what is going on, unfiltered by the "opinions" of your subordinates.  Many times you have caught out quartermasters who were taking too-generous bribes by simply checking the math.  
				*set dutiful %+10
				*if God = "Hnálla"
					*set noble %+10
				*page_break
				As the miles pass beneath you,the calligraphy begins to blur, and you find yourself looking out at the scenery and letting your mind wander back to the attempt upon your life in the shrine.
				*goto reminisce
			#After the week I have had, and with a battle to come, I could use the relaxation.
				While the men below you march in the heat you enjoy a relaxing massage and sip cool _chumétl_.  There is something about watching others work that makes well-deserved indolence even more luxurious.  Delightful!
				*if God = "Dlamélish"
					*set noble %+15
				*page_break
				As the masseuse's' strong hands remove all tension from your back, you fall into dream-like reverie, thinking about your newly lacquered armor, the fine meal that will await you upon making camp, and eventually about the attempt upon your life in the shrine.
				*goto reminisce
			#I enjoy trading jokes and news with my fellow commanders.
				In the hours spent marching there is ample time to gossip and socialize.  Though others may see this as frivolous, promotion in the Tsolyáni army is all about who you know.  By building friendships with the higher-ups within your legion you guarantee they will look favorably upon your rise.
				*set dutiful %-10
				*set diplomatic %+10
				*page_break
				By late afternoon, the banter has slowed and many of your fellow officers are napping or catching up on paperwork.  You soon tire of gazing out at the passing countryside(endless fields of grain interspersed with identical peasant hamlets does not make for exciting viewing) and begin to replay the recent attempt upon your life in your mind.  
				*goto reminisce
			#In truth I would rather be marching, but I have to keep up appearances.
				Though great men can have their eccentricities tolerated, being too chummy with one's soldiers is often seen as a weakness in a _kási_, and serves as a block to future promotion.  It is safer to blend in with the crowd, and let appropriate behavior be your guide.
				*page_break
				To take your mind off the tedium of riding in a palanquin across the breadbasket of the Empire, you  begin replay the recent attempt upon your life in your mind.  
				*set dutiful %+10
				*goto reminisce
	#I am marching with my soldiers.
		Most officers would jump at the chance to ride in comfort and socialize with their superiors, but not you.  Why?
		*choice
			#I want my legionaries to know I lead from the front and share their tribulations.
				This outlook has made you popular with your men (and women), but some of your superiors worry that you are not upholding the dignity of your office and the chain of command.
				*set noble %-10
				*set tactics +10
				*page_break
				A few of the bolder _heréksa_ approach with conversational gambits in the manner of wine-merchants offering a vintage for evaluation.  The first couple miles pass in small-talk, but as the afternoon proceeds you are left alone with your thoughts which naturally settle upon the recent attempt upon your life.
				*goto reminisce
			#This way I will stand out in the eyes of my superiors.
				It is important to differentiate yourself from the twenty other _kásikoi_ in the legion, but you need to be careful that you are not seen as too desirous of the approval and social company of your troops.  You are their leader after all.  Still, a rugged and soldierly aspect is valued in the military.
				*set dutiful %-10
				*if (diplomatic > 50)
					*set noble %+10
				*if (diplomatic <50)
					*set noble %-10
				*page_break
				While you do cut a fine and inspiring figure marching along, your rank proves a barrier to casual conversation with the troops around you.  To stave off boredom you find yourself replaying the recent attempt upon your life.
				*goto reminisce
			#I want to use the opportunity to see how things stand with my legionaries with my own two eyes.
				Too many officers rely solely upon the reports of their subordinates to form a picture of the state of their _tsurúm_.  You prefer to talk with your soldiers and hear their grievances and worries directly.  It is unconventional, but doing so in the past has helped you ferret out corrupt or overly disciplinarian _heréksa_ who were damaging morale.
				*set dutiful %+10
				*if (diplomatic <50)
					*set noble %-10
				*page_break
				The Legion of ${Legion} is an elite and well-discipline force.  There is good-natured grumbling over the march and the heat, ribald jokes about the gaggle of "dancing girls" plying their trade at the guard tower, and general high spirits.  Having put your mind at ease as to the disposition of your troops, you begin to reminisce on yesterday's attempt upon your life.
				*goto reminisce
			#I enjoy marching.
				Well since a soldier spends much of their time marching, you might as well enjoy it, I guess.  It is true that palanquins can get stuffy and rather boring after a few days.  Still,  most of the legion thinks you're crazy.
				*page_break
				The fresh air, the feel of the cobbles beneath your sandals, and the satisfaction of a steady progress made throughout the afternoon are a comfort to a seasoned campaigner such as yourself.  And while your body is busy, your mind is free to roam.  As the shadows lengthen, it alights upon the events of yesterday and the attempt upon your life.
				*goto reminisce
				
*label reminisce
 
*if assassination = 2
	You dimly recall now which upstart's family may have sent the assassin after you.  It all started around the time of your naming day celebration. . .
	*goto prenaming
*else
	From there, it is a small step to thinking about the events around the time of your naming day celebration, and the unfortunate incident that resulted in the assassination attempt. . .
	*goto prenaming
	
*label prenaming
 
Your childhood in the great clan-house of ${clan} was pleasant.  Your household possessed plenty of slaves to do menial toil and an abundance of wealth.  Your numerous clan mothers and fathers (your parents' siblings and their spouses) lavished affection upon you.  During the day you were taught reading, writing, maths,
*if (psychic >10)
	psychics
*if (ritual >10)
	ritual magic	
and history at the temple school of ${god}; and in the evenings you slept in barracks-like dormitories with your "clan cousins"(other children of the clan, most of them unrelated to you by any close blood tie).
 
Many of the older adolescents, on the verge of adulthood, snuck between the boys and girls dormitories to warm each other's beds, and in the past year you had begun to join in this pastime.  The night before your _khatunjálim_, or naming ceremony, found you sneaking into your "cousin" Wave's bed.  Where were you coming from and where were you heading to?
*choice
	#I slept in the boys' dormitory and was visiting Wave in the girls' dormitory
		*set gender  "male"
		*set orientation  "straightm"
		*set SiGender  "female"
		*set SiHe  "she"
		*set SiHis  "her"
		*set SiHim  "her"
		*set WaGender  "female"
		*set WaHe  "she"
		*set WaHis  "her"
		*set WaHim  "her"
		*set WaMan "woman"
		*set Wave  "Sáyi"
		*label HeteroDorm
		The spring nights were chilly and damp; and though the dormitories were heated by small braziers and the many bodies sleeping within, the air in the corridor between the two made you shiver as you tiptoed across.  Once inside the 
		*if WaGender = "female"
			girls' 
		*if WaGender = "male"
			boys' 
		sleeping room, you found Wave's mat.  ${WaHe} was still awake, waiting for you.  "Tiuni, I was worried you were mad at me and were not coming tonight," ${WaHe} whispered.  You thought how strange it would be that after tomorrow no one would ever call you Tiuni again.  There was pride in the idea that you would finally have an adult's name and an adult's responsibilities.
		*goto WaCon
	#Both Wave and I slept in the boys' dormitory.
		*set gender  "male"
		*set orientation  "gay"
		*set SiGender  "male"
		*set SiHe  "he"
		*set SiHis  "his"
		*set SiHim  "him"
		*set WaGender "male"
		*set WaHe  "he"
		*set WaHis  "his"
		*set WaHim  "him"
		*set WaMan "man"
		*set Wave  "Sánjesh"
		*label HomoDorm
		It was quite convenient not needing to leave the warmth of the dormitory and walk through the damp hall on the chilly spring night.  You simply dragged your sleeping mat over next to Wave, who was still awake, waiting for you.  "Tiuni, I was worried you were mad at me and were not coming tonight," ${WaHe} whispered.  You thought how strange it would be that after tomorrow no one would ever call you Tiuni again.  There was pride in the idea that you would finally have an adult's name and an adult's responsibilities.
		*goto WaCon
	#I slept in the girls' dormitory and was visiting Wave in the boys' dormitory
		*set gender  "female"
		*set orientation  "straightf"
		*set SiGender  "male"
		*set SiHe  "he"
		*set SiHis  "his"
		*set SiHim  "him"
		*set WaGender  "male"
		*set WaHe  "he"
		*set WaHis  "his"
		*set WaHim  "him"
		*set WaMan "man"
		*set Wave  "Sánjesh"
		*goto HeteroDorm
	#Both Wave and I slept in the girls' dormitory.
		*set gender  "female"
		*set orientation  "lesbian"
		*set SiGender  "female"
		*set SiHe  "she"
		*set SiHis  "her"
		*set SiHim  "her"
		*set WaGender  "female"
		*set WaHe  "she"
		*set WaHis  "her"
		*set WaHim  "her"
		*set WaMan "woman"
		*set Wave  "Sáyi"
		*goto HomoDorm
		
*label WaCon
 
Earlier that day you had found Wave gambling with some of the other
*if WaGender = "female"
	girls
*if WaGender = "male"
	boys
in one of the courtyards.  You knew that ${WaHis} mother would not have approved of gambling, and worst of all, ${WaHe} had placed the small ceramic amulet of 
*if orientation = "lesbian"
	_Ssáni_ "The Lover," patroness of love between women,
*if orientation = "gay"
	_Dletára_ "The Goddess of Reflective Pleasures," patroness of love between members of the same sex,
*if (orientation = "straightm") or (orientation = "straightf") 
	_Tahelé_ "The maid of Beauty," the patron of young girls and first romance,
that you had given ${WaHim} in the pot!  After the dice had been thrown and ${WaHe} had won, Wave had claimed ${WaHe} had only bet it because ${WaHe} had known it would bring ${WaHim} luck; but as Wave slipped the amulet back around ${WaHis} neck, and gathered up ${WaHis} winnings, you had stormed off with tears in your eyes.  Though Wave was beautiful and clever, ${WaHe} could also be spoiled, sure that ${WaHis} winning personality could get ${WaHim} out of any situation. 

Now ${WaHe} was looking up at you with a vulnerable worry, different from the brash assurance of earlier in the day.
*choice
	# "I could not stay angry with you."
		Wave smiled invitingly and pulled back the sheet to welcome you under.  "I knew you would understand!" $!{WaHis} smile was like the sun coming out from behind the clouds, a joyous grin that made your heart speed faster, and promised an evening of sweet delight.  The birds were chirping in the pre-dawn darkness before you fell asleep that night.
		*goto bucket
	# "You hurt my feelings, _tsámmeri_, when you do not value my gifts."
		Wave looked crushed.  "Mother gave me that money to purchase a new hair comb, and I couldn't lose it, and I knew the Goddess would not let me be parted from your amulet, that it would ensure my winning. . ." The two of you talked for a _kirén_ or more, starting with remonstrances, but ending in joint apologies followed by pledges of love, and eventually more physical affirmations of your mutual affection; until, physically and emotionally exhausted, you passed into sleep.
		*goto bucket
	# "If you ever do something like that again, we're through!"
		In a heartbeat Wave's demeanor went from apologetic to haughty.  "Do not think, Tiúni that you can control me because you share my bed-mat!"  Thus began a heated argument that only ended when some of your clan cousins threatened to turn you both out of the barracks if you would not be quiet. You both laid back to back in the night, each too proud to apologise, but too in love to move away.  Eventually, you fell asleep listening to ${WaHis} breathing.
		*goto bucket
			
*label bucket
 
The next thing you knew, cold water was startling you out of sleep.  Sputtering you looked up to see your elder brother, Gayán, smiling down at you.  

"Sleep well, little 
*if gender = "female"
	sister?
*if gender = "male"
	brother?
Or did you not sleep at all?"  Here he leered at Wave, and waggled his eyebrows.  Gayán fancied himself a comedian.  "Well, I have come to break you two apart. Mother Halé is in a state of distraction over the fit of your formal dress, and has told me that if I do not bring you back immediately she will feed me to a dragon.  Oh!" here he looked again at Wave, "and your parents wish your company as well." 
 
Without waiting for a response, Gayán grabbed you up by the arm and dragged you from the barracks.
*page_break

You were barely through the door before Mama Halé was fastening a jeweled _chlén_-hide collar over your shoulders, and arranging a kilt around your waste.  As she eyed and adjusted its drape she barraged you with unsolicited advice about the upcoming ceremony.  
 
*if PrinceName = "Ma'ín"
	"Tiúni, you must not slouch during the parade.  And when you get to the temple, and are upon the altar, be decorous.  
*if PrinceName = "Mirusíya"
	"Tiúni, it is most important that you acquit yourself well in the duel.  Dzái will be watching, and you know how important that sort of thing is to her.  
*if PrinceName = "Rereshqála"
	"Tiúni, you must keep your posture during the parade, and during the feast.  The headdress will be heavy, but you must look regal.  
And afterwards do not drink too heavily or overindulge in the powders.  There will be ten of you getting your names today, and half of ${Hometown} has turned out to see, and you must be the most shining youth present. . ." on and on she chattered.
 
Mama Halé was your birth-mother's sister and had raised you since you were an infant. Your other mother, Dzái, had declared herself _aridáni_ at her own naming ceremony, and so taken on rights and responsibilities normally reserved for men.  She had joined a legion and marched to war while her sister elected to remain a "good clan girl" and accept the more traditional role for women.  Halé was not considered legally a person in her own right, could not own property, and could not be sued or challenged to a duel; but she was still a formidable personality, actively involved in the work and social life of Clan ${Clan}.  
 
And now all of her will was bent on getting you through the day without a misstep that might provide fodder for gossips and lower your family's prestige within the clan-house.   How did you feel about the celebration?
*choice
	# I was excited to be an adult, but just wanted to survive the day without disgracing myself.
		It is funny now, as a veteran of battles, to look back on the youthful importance you attached to your _khatunjálim_; but at the time the idea of stuttering, or worse yet tripping under the weight of the formal wear, was mortifying.  The morning passed in a nervous blur.  At one point you saw Wave being herded through a corridor by all 8 of ${WaHis} parents, but there was not time to speak.  Finally you found yourself joining the other nine soon-to-be adults for the procession 
		*if PrinceName = "Ma'ín"
			to the Temple of ${God}.
		*if PrinceName = "Mirusíya"
			to the _hirilákte_ arena.
		*if PrinceName = "Rereshqála"
			through the city.
		*set dutiful %+10
		*goto naming
	# I am always up for a good party and meant to enjoy myself.
		Despite the general stress level in the clan-house you managed to maintain an enthusiastic and relaxed demeanor.  At one point you saw Wave being herded through a corridor by all 8 of ${WaHis} parents, and give ${WaHim} a smile.  Eventually you found yourself joining the other nine soon-to-be adults for the procession 
		*if PrinceName = "Ma'ín"
			to the Temple of ${God}.
		*if PrinceName = "Mirusíya"
			to the _hirilákte_ arena.
		*if PrinceName = "Rereshqála"
			through the city.
		Many of them seemed petrified or puffed up, but you managed to crack the tension with smiles and wit.
		*set diplomatic %+10
		*if god = "Dlamélish"
			*set Noble %+10
		*goto naming
	# This was my chance to impress my clan elders and the rest of the city's notables.
		Even then you had a keen eye for the ways of power, and knew that though the elders saw the _khatunjálim_ as a chance to boost the prestige of the clan-house, it would be you and your compatriots all the populace of ${hometown} would be staring at.  Mama Halé was alternately enthused and frustrated that you had an interest in the proceedings, depending on whether your views matched with hers on a given issue.  
		 
		In the end you were impeccably turned out as you joined the other nine soon-to-be adults for the procession 
		*if PrinceName = "Ma'ín"
			to the Temple of ${God}.
		*if PrinceName = "Mirusíya"
			to the _hirilákte_ arena.
		*if PrinceName = "Rereshqála"
			through the city.
		*set dutiful %-10
		*if PrinceName = "Rereshqála"
			*set noble %+10
		*goto naming
*label naming
*if PrinceName = "Ma'ín"
	*goto namingMa1
*if PrinceName = "Mirusíya"
	*goto namingMi1
*if PrinceName = "Rereshqála"
	*goto namingR1
 
*label namingR1
The city of Jakálla lies on the delta of the Eqúnoyel river, facing out over tidal flats and the Bay of Jakálla.  Jakállans consider Dlamélish to be their city patron, and their town to be the most cultured in Tsolyánu.  Thus, as ${Clan}'s parade wound through the city's streets it attracted an entourage of curiosity seekers, revelers, and entertainers.  

By the time you returned to your clan-house, the parade had swelled to become a mob.  Your clan elders had anticipated this and, while only the most exalted of noble families would celebrate and dine with you inside, a vast feast with associated entertainments was set up in the courtyard.  Monstrous _tsi'íl_ beasts roasted over fire pits, their juices crackling as they hit the flames and filling the air with savory smells. Bread was handed out, and wine flowed freely.  It is by such largess that the lower clans are kept peaceable, and in awe of mighty ${Clan}.
*page_break

The noble guests filed through a vast room with frescoes upon the plastered walls and an intricate mosaic upon the floor, up a grand marble staircase, and onto a terraced rooftop garden.  Here the spring breezes could flow freely, but the walls and roofs of the surrounding buildings blocked prying eyes.  The guests arranged themselves on a series of raised daises under peaked pavilions according to rank while the ten of you stood beneath a bower.  There you waited, still and proud, on display, as what seemed like every notable in Jakálla filed in.

When all were seated, a hush descended.  An older man, dressed in finery of the 19th formal circle, stood, bowed to priests waiting beside the bower, and began to speak.  He orated upon the ancient roots of Clan Sea Blue in the days of the Engsvanyáli Imperium; on the histories of the lineages of each young man or woman standing before him; on the virtues of duty to the clan, of honor and dignity.  Finally, when you felt your knees must buckle from supporting the massive weight of your jeweled and feather headdress, he approached the first youth.  In turn each new name was read from a scroll, and a sacrifice was passed from a waiting slave to the man or woman, and from them to a priest of their faith.  When the elder came to stand before you, what name did he read out?
*choice
	*if gender = "female"
		#Chentsúni
			*set name  "Chentsúni"
			*goto namingR2
		#Mikúsa
			*set name  "Mikúsa"
			*goto namingR2
		#Linátla
			*set name  "Linátla"
			*goto namingR2
		#Osuré
			*set name  "Osuré"
			*goto namingR2
		#Tlayésha
			*set name  "Tlayésha"
			*goto namingR2
		#Visháya
			*set name  "Visháya"
			*goto namingR2
		#None of these
			Really?  What is your name then?
			*input_text name
			
			*goto namingR2
	*elseif gender = "male"
		#Achán
			*set name  "Achán"
			*goto namingR2
		#Fíru
			*set name  "Fíru"
			*goto namingR2
		#Kámar
			*set name  "Kámar"
			*goto namingR2
		#Mnéktu
			*set name  "Mnéktu"
			*goto namingR2
		#Túrisan
			*set name  "Túrisan"
			*goto namingR2
		#Zhurák
			*set name  "Zhurák"
			*goto namingR2
		#None of these
			Really?  What is your name then?
			*input_text name
			
			*goto namingR2

			*label namingR2
			An excellent and noble name!
			And what offering did you present?
			*choice
				*if God = "Hnálla"
					#A flawless clear diamond that my mother Dzái captured while away at war
						*set offering  "diamond"
						*goto namingR3
					#A delicate white orchid from the Chákan jungles
						*set offering  "orchid"
						*goto namingR3
					#A white thésun gauze priest's robe
						*set offering  "robe"
						*goto namingR3
				*if God = "Hrú'ü"
					#A ritual lamp with panes cleverly carved from translucent obsidian that sheds a dim purplish light.
						*set offering "lamp"
						*goto namingR3
					#A velvet mask shaped to resemble the monstrous visage of one of ${God}'s aspects
						*set offering "mask"
						*goto namingR3
					#Two matched _khéshchal_ tail feathers, each of a bright purple hue, and some 3 feet in length
						*set offering  "_khéshchal_ plumes"
						*goto namingR3
							
*label namingR3
As the priest accepted the ${offering}, your elder read out:  "The ancient and exalted clan of Sea Blue is proud to welcome its newest member, $!{name} ${lineage}.  _Otuléngba!_" At his joyous shout, the crowd replied in a chorus: "_Otuléngba!_, All Hail!"
*if gender = "female"
	Having been cued before the ceremony by Dzái, the clan-elder now waited for you to claim your _aridáni_ status.  Since you were little your birth-mother had made it clear that she expected you to be the equal of all men before the law and follow her into the army.  How did you feel about this?
	*choice
		#I would have preferred to remain a simple woman of my clan, and live a life surrounded by my aunts and sisters.
			Stories are full of reluctant heroes, drawn by the skeins of their destiny unto greatness, and such is your lot.  So, though you had misgivings in your heart, you could not bear to defy the fierce mama Dzái, and announced:  "Let it be recorded that before all the honored and respectable people gathered here, I declare myself an _aridáni_ woman."  The announcement was greeted with polite applause. Looking back, you do not think anyone noticed the regret in your voice.
			*goto namingR4
		#I was eager to assume the role of _aridáni_ and soldier, and to make my mark upon the world.
			Ever bold you stepped forward, head held high, to announce:  "Let it be recorded that before all the honored and respectable people gathered here, I declare myself an _aridáni_ woman."  The announcement was greeted with polite applause from the crowd and a look of pride on the faces of your mothers.
			*goto namingR4
		#I was glad to become _aridáni_ and escape the stifling life of the good clan girl, but was not so sure about the soldier part.
			Out of curiosity, what did you want to do with your life?
			*choice
				#Nothing!  What's the point of being rich if I can't lay about, go to parties, and in general devote myself to the finer things?  Work is for peasants and bureaucrats.
					*label R_aridáni
					In the days to come you would have many impassioned arguments with mama Dzái about the course of your life, but your destiny is entwined with that of the Legion of the ${legion}, and there is no escaping destiny.  Standing in the garden on that day, you knew nothing of what was to come, and raised your voice proudly. "Let it be recorded that before all the honored and respectable people gathered here, I declare myself an _aridáni_ woman."  As you announced this you met Dzái's eyes with a flash of stubbornness.
					*goto namingR4
				#I wanted to become a priest and devote my life to ${God}
					*goto R_aridáni
				#I wished to devote myself to my studies and the recovery of lost knowledge.
					*goto R_aridáni
				*if (psychic > 10) or (ritual >10)
					#I wished to become the greatest sorcerer of my age.
						*goto R_aridáni
*else
	*goto namingR4
			
	*label namingR4
	 
	The ritual of naming was repeated for the next clan cousins, and then the elder stood before Wave, who presented the priest of ${God} with a
	*if God = "Hnálla"
		necklace of milky white moonstones.
	*if God = "Hrú'ü"
		necklace of onyx beads,
	The elder then read from the scroll "The ancient and exalted clan of Sea Blue is proud to welcome its newest member, $!{Wave} hiTánkolel.  _Otuléngba!_," and once more the crowd shouted approval.
	*page_break
	
	Soon the ceremony ended, and attention drifted away from the newly named adults and onto more important things like fashion, gossip, trade deals, and news of the war with the country of Yan Kor.  Mama Dzái came forward and gave you a tight hug, as did her husbands Visán and Pi'úr; but she had just arrived that morning after over two years away, and it was not long until social obligation dragged them all off.  You found yourself left to your own devices.  Various rooms in the clan-house were set aside for puppet shows, poetry readings, and a display by dancers.  How did you occupy yourself?
	
*label entertainments
*temp R_entertainments
*set R_entertainments 0
*label R_entertainments
*choice
	*hide_reuse # I looked for Wave, I mean ${Wave}
		$!{WaHe} was looking for you as well, and you both made a fine display as you explored the party.  ${Wave} was clearly enjoying acting the part of the sophisticated adult, an effect that was only ruined by occasional grins and laughter.
		Now that you young lovers were reunited, where did you venture?
		*set wave_with true
		*goto R_entertainments
	*hide_reuse # I went to watch the puppet show
		The Clan of the Striding Incantation had a stage set up in one of the larger rooms, and had gathered a crowd.  On this stage, in front of backdrops of painted cloth, moved magically animated puppets, each the size of your forearm.  Directed by the spells of the puppeteers -- the secrets of which are protected by law and assassination -- the wooden figures were acting out the tale of Pendárte of Khéiris who had traveled throughout the many planes of reality to rescue the soul of Princess Ssíneleth from the horrific demon Rü'ütlánesh.
	
		The puppet playing Pendárte moved from Plane to Plane (each with its own backdrop, showing fantastical landscapes) and in each one faced a new foe crafted of paper or bone or gems.  Sometimes they would battle, while in other scenes Pendárte would humorously trick the demon.  In the climactic battle, the small hero was pitted against a monstrous and ill-formed puppet made of reeds and paper.  Pendárte's wooden sword clattered against Rü'ütlánesh's many limbs, occasionally breaking a reed with a loud snap that would cause the audience to gasp.  Rü'ütlánesh appeared to use magic to cause wounds to spontaneously open upon Pendárte and pour forth blood (or rather, red ink).  
		 
		The battle was waged back and forth across the stage, until finally Pendárte leaped upon the great demon's back, and stabbed down with his sword into the fragile paper.  Then, from this husk rose the Princes Ssíneleth.  The crowd all snapped approval.
		*set R_entertainments +1
		*if R_entertainments < 2
			The evening was yet young; where did you go next?
			*goto R_entertainments
		*else
			*if wave_with = true
				*goto wave_bed
			*else
				*goto forced_to_bed
	*hide_reuse #I went to see the dancers
		In a tiled courtyard, young men and women adorned in transparent green (very little of it) danced to the music of drums and a stringed _tenturén_.  The silver bells upon their anklets created their own tune as they swayed and stamped in unison.  
		*if PrinceName = "Mirusíya"
			These priests and priestesses and Dlamélish had been hired especially for this occasion from the larger and more cosmopolitan city of Tumíssa, and were drawing a lot of attention for their novelty.
			 
		*if PrinceName = "Rereshqála"
			There are many stories in Jakálla of men who have risked their wealth, social standing, and even lives for the favor of a skilled dancing girl, and those hired by clan ${Clan} are very skilled indeed.
		
		*if Princename = "Ma'ín"
			The troupe had been brought upriver from Jakálla as a special treat.  There are many stories in Jakálla of men who have risked their wealth, social standing, and even lives for the favor of the a skilled dancing girl, and seeing them dance you can almost believe the tales.
		 	 
		The dancers continued their display, at times languorous, at others frantic.  
		*if wave_with = true
			It was all intensely erotic, and made you very ware of ${Wave} sitting next to you, resplendent in all ${WaHis} finery.  ${Wave} must have been thinking the same thoughts.  The looks between you two became more smoldering, and by mutual consent you left the party to return to the dormitory, where you had a  great deal of fun discovering how to remove formal dress of the 19th traditional form.
			*finish
		*else
			*set R_entertainments +1
			*if R_entertainments < 2
				Eventually, they paused to refresh themselves.  Where did you go then?
				*goto R_entertainments
			*else
				*goto fall_asleep
	*if PrinceName = "Mirusíya"
		*hide_reuse #I found a good view of the gladiatorial games
			Down on the sand, potted plants had been arranged to create an impromptu cross between a jungle and a maze through which stalked two men, a woman, and a bulbous four armed _Páchi Léi_, all carrying a wide variety of traditional hunting implements.  Visible to the audience looking down upon the scene, they were stalked in turn by a gray _zrné_ beast, half again as long as a man is tall.  The audience found much humor and suspense in the near misses and circular progress as the gladiators stalked the beast, and the beast stalked the gladiators around the arena floor.  
			*if wave_with = true
				$!{Wave} grabbed your hand like a ${WaMan} drowning at each almost-encounter.
			
			The humorous chase ended when the _zrné_ and its hunters came to be separated by only a single wall woven through with vines.  Using its massive back legs the beast leapt straight up the wall, intending to perch upon it, but instead causing the flimsy structure to topple down. With an affronted yowl that left many spectators clutching themselves in mirth, it leapt free of the tangled wreckage mid-fall and the battle was joined.
			
			One of the men had been pinned beneath the vine screen, and attempted to reclaim his feet while two of his comrades, wielding long spears, corralled the _zrné_ between them, baiting it.  The Páchi Léi began to swing a weighted net, but as he let it fly the _zrné_ grabbed hold of a spear behind the blade and yanked the woman off her feet.  The two ended up together beneath the net.  A gasp went up at this misfortune, but the gladiatrix would not accept her death.  She shoved her left arm, covered in overlapping layers of thick chlén hide toward the beast, which latched on to it, bowling her over; and as it pinned her to the ground and began to rake her torso, she pulled a gleaming bronze dagger from her belt and plunged it into the _zrné's_ spine right below the skull.
			 
			*if wave_with = true
				As the crowd went wild with excitement and cheers, $!{Wave} stood and looked to see whether the woman was still breathing beneath the body of her foe. The other three gladiators finished off the beast, and and a low-ranking priestess of Avánthe came out to inspect the mauled woman, before shaking her head sadly.  At this sad news $!{Wave} became crest-fallen.  Soon the staff of the arena began to clear away the scenery and the two corpses.  It would be a while before the next entertainment.
			*if wave_with = false
				As the crowd went wild with excitement and cheers, the other three gladiators finished off the beast, and and a low-ranking priestess of Avánthe came out to inspect the mauled woman, before shaking her head sadly.  Soon the staff of the arena began to clear away the scenery and the two corpses.  It would be a while before the next entertainment.
			*set R_entertainments +1
			*if R_entertainments < 2
				The evening was yet young; where did you go next?
				*goto R_entertainments
			*else
				*if wave_with = true
					*goto wave_bed
				*else
					*goto forced_to_bed
	*if (PrinceName = "Rereshqála") or (PrinceName = "Ma'ín")
		*hide_reuse #I went to go listen to the poetry reading
			You came to a smaller chamber filled with a more subdued crowd.  In one corner was a dais upon which stood a poet, declaiming lines from 'The Lament to the Wheel of Black', the tale of the great war between the gods at the beginning of days, begun when Lord Ksárul, god of secrets and arcane magic, attempted make himself supreme over the others.  At first, the gods of Change gladly joined him in fighting against their opposite numbers who served Stability, but one by one they realized that his victory would mean their subservience and joined forces with Stability to lock him within the Blue Room, where he remains imprisoned today.  
						
			The last of the gods to leave his side was his lover Dlamélish, and it is of her betrayal that the poet spoke.  She began with the two walking together upon Dórmoron Plain, and Ksárul gifting Dlamélish an obsidian dagger.  At this the audience all nodded and sighed, for it was well known that it was this dagger which Dlamélish used to erect her seal upon his prison.  The poet was good--or perhaps had just suffered a breakup herself?--for she managed to infuse the dialogue between the two with frustration and sorrow, turning the stanzas into a referendum on the impossibility of love in a universe where pride holds sway.  The more soft hearted audience members were openly weeping by the story's end.  
			*if wave_with = true
				${Wave} looked at you apologetically, and squeezed your arm through the end of the tale, clearly regretting the events of the previous day.
				
			No one seemed eager to follow the woman and there was a brief lull.  Did you seize the moment and deliver a poem?
			*set R_entertainments +1
			*choice
				#I am a classically educated and extremely cultured noble, of course I chose to orate!
					*label poemR
					What kind of poem did you tell?
					*choice
						#These people needed to be cheered up.  I declaimed something light and comical..
							Your story of a man ensorcelled to fall in love with one of the barbaric and inhuman Ahóggya left the audience weeping tears of mirth.  
							*if wave_with = true
								At a couple of points ${Wave} burst out laughing, ${WaHis} amusement echoing in the small chamber.
							*if R_entertainments < 2
								The evening was yet young; where did you go next?
								*goto R_entertainments
							*else
								*if wave_with = true
									*goto wave_bed
								*else
									*goto forced_to_bed
						#Clearly everyone present was a sucker for romantic tragedy, so I gave them more of the same.
							Your tale of a young man who tried to rescue his beloved from the Garden of the Weeping Snows--only to end frozen as a statue a hair's breadth from her touch for all eternity--reinforced the mood of sentimental despair.  A certain despondency hung in the room as you left.  
							*if R_entertainments < 2
								The evening was yet young; where did you go next?
								*goto R_entertainments
							*else
								*if wave_with = true
									*goto wave_bed
								*else
									*goto forced_to_bed
						#A tale of martial valor seemed appropriate, there was a war on after all.
							Your action filled story of the ancient hero Hrúgga and his travels got the audience's blood pumping.  A more festive atmosphere had returned by the time you stepped down from the dais and left the room.  
							*if R_entertainments < 2
								The evening was yet young; where did you go next?
								*goto R_entertainments
							*else
								*if wave_with = true
									*goto wave_bed
								*else
									*goto forced_to_bed
				#I am afraid I never had a head for memorization of such stories.
					No one else immediately climbed the dais, and the lull grew boring.
					*if R_entertainments < 2
						The evening was yet young; where did you go next?
						*goto R_entertainments
					*else
						*if wave_with = true
							*goto wave_bed
						*else
							*goto forced_to_bed
				#I know a great many poems, but was too shy to present myself.
					No one else immediately climbed the dais, and you turned to leave, only to hear Gayán call out your name.  "La! It is one of the heroes of the day! ${name}, do come favor us with a tale."  Cloth rustled and feathers bobbed as every eye in the room turned to you.
					*choice
						#I fled.
							Many of your soldiers would laugh to know that their _kási_ had retreated from a room of perfumed tale-tellers, but Jakállan sarcasm can be more cutting than a steel blade. 
							*if wave_with = true
								${Wave} chased after you, and suggested that you adjourn to the dormitory and tell ${WaHim} a story in more intimate surroundings.
								*finish
							*else
								*if R_entertainments < 2
									The evening was yet young; where did you go next?
									*goto R_entertainments
								*else
									*goto forced_to_bed
						
*label forced_to_bed
As you went in search of the next amusement, you were captured by mama Halé and whisked off to bed.  You may have become an adult in the eyes of the law, but you began to suspect she would always see you as her child.
*finish
									
*label fall_asleep
The dancers continued their display, at times languorous, at others frantic.  Watching them sway rhythmically to and fro, you fell into a gentle sleep.  It had been a long day.  Someone must have collected you when the party ended, for you have a vague memory of being groggily undressed, and then more unconsciousness.
*finish

*label Wave_Bed
By this time the party had begun to thin, and by mutual consent you and ${Wave} left to return to the clan house's dormitory, where you had a great deal of fun discovering how to remove formal dress of the 19th traditional form.
*finish		

								
*label namingMi1
The town of Butrús lies on a hill amidst the verdant Chákan jungles, an island of white walls and red tile roofs in a sea of greenery.  Butrús is the home of many of the aristocratic red clans, including your own ${Clan}, and Vimhúla is the most prominent deity.  The historic worship of the Lord of Flame combined with a constant threat of attack from the Mu'ugalavyáni on the nearby border has given the town a very martial air.  Thus, as ${Clan}'s procession wound through the streets it was accompanied by the blare of trumpets and waving of banners.  

By the time you reached the _hirilákte_ arena, the parade had attracted a mob of curiosity seekers.  Your clan elders had anticipated this, and had sponsored a day of gladiatorial games open to all.  Monstrous _tsi'íl_ beasts roasted over fire pits, their juices crackling as they hit the flames and filling the air with savory smells, while hawkers distributed beer and various snacks to the crowd.
*page_break

As the ten of you stood alone upon the sand of the arena floor, what seemed like the entire town filed into the great stadium.  The sound of the crowd was overwhelming, but it quieted quickly when an older noble, dressed in formal armor, stood to speak. The cunning acoustics carried his voice to all present as he orated upon the ancient roots of Clan ${Clan} in the days of the Dragon Warriors; on the histories of the lineages of each young man or woman standing below; and on the virtues of duty to the clan, of honor and of bravery.
 
At the end of this speech he motioned down to the first youth, who strode forward to grasp a sword planted in the sand.  From one of the arches emerged a scarred veteran, blade in hand.  The two met in the center of the arena, saluted each other, and began to duel.  The _chlén_ hide blades clacked together, and at first the terrified youth retreated to the crowd's vocal displeasure.  In rebuke for this cowardice the soldier began to tauntingly flick out his blade at his opponent's arms and legs, lacerating them until anger got the better of fear and the young man began to advance, pressing the attack.
 
At this show of spirit the veteran smiled, and after a few exchanges allowed himself to be disarmed; but not before gifting his opponent with a slash along his right cheekbone.  Everyone held their breath at that.  It was an astonishing display of control, to strike so close to the eye, but leave it unharmed.  The youth would have a fine scar.

When he had accepted the veteran's surrender, the boy turned and saluted the governor, and then the clan elder.  Making up for his poor performance at the start of the duel, he was now bearing his wounds with perfect stoicism.  The clan elder read his name off of a scroll, and the boy moved to a brazier, where he cut off the end of one of his braids and threw it upon the flame.  

This ritual was then repeated for each of you, and soon it was your turn to duel.
*page_break

As you picked up the sword you found yourself facing a younger soldier from your mother Dzái's legion.  You both saluted, and she waited for you to make the first move.
*choice
	#I rushed in quickly, eager to get this over with.
		You hurried to the attack, hoping to get in a quick blow and so end the duel; startling your opponent into a series of defensive maneuvers.  She was highly skilled, and greeted your attack with a lunge that pierced through your calf, but the crowd cheered what they saw as a show of ferocity on your part.  Having bloodied you, and seeing your limp, the soldier graciously allowed you to disarm her in the next exchange.
		*goto namingM1
	#I took a defensive stance, to better gauge my opponent's skill.
		The crowd sighed in disappointment at the effective, but less than entertaining strategy; a sound like the wind moving through leaves.  The woman before you was more skilled than you were, and got in a single shallow cut upon your calf.  What then?
		*choice
			#It was important to make a good show so that she surrendered, not to actually beat her.  I played it safe.
				Your form was neat and precise as you focused on blocking her attacks, occasionally making swings of your own that you knew would not get through.  You showed yourself to be competent with a weapon, and after collecting a couple more light scars, you managed to land a blow due to deliberate slowness on the part of your opponent, and she surrendered.
				*goto namingM1
			#A little trickery could balance things out and hand me victory.
				Using a move more suited to the battlefield than a ritual duel, you enticed the soldier into a low lunge and then kicked sand in her face.  In the moment she was blinded you moved in to hit her wrist with the flat of your blade, but she was quicker than you expected and got a long cut in across your chest before your blow knocked her sword from numb fingers.
				
				You stood defiantly before the crowd, blood running onto your finery. The murmur of conversation became louder as those in the stands debated your tactic.  Some felt it was dishonorably done, but others thought it showed true soldier's grit.  Dzái seemed proud, Halé concerned.  If your goal was to be provocative, you certainly achieved it.
				*goto namingM1
			#If I was willing to take some serious wounds I knew I could defeat her.
				You began to press the attack, leaving yourself open.  The young soldier did not take full advantage of the opportunities you presented her (it is hardly appropriate to kill a youth on the day of their naming), but soon you were sporting a number of cuts.  The tactic had its effect however, and one of your furious swings got through to pierce her in the thigh.
				
				As the soldier fell to one knee you turned victorious to the governor and the crowd gave a mighty roar of approval.  You were unsteady on your feet through the rest of the ceremony, possibly due to the fact that you seemed to be wearing most of your blood on the outside, but mother Dzái was shining with pride.
				*goto namingM1
	#I flourished my blade, intending to put on a show.
		The stadium quieted at your display of flare.  These duels are usually not very entertaining, unless one counts unintentionally comedic performances on the part of the new adults; and the crowd was eager for excitement.  Your opponent smiled jovially and began to play along, with sweeps, rolls, and pirouettes more akin to stage fighting than any true battle.  The display culminated in you "disarming" the young lady, who graciously allowed you to knock her sword spinning into the air.  As you posed, blade at her throat the common people burst into wild cheers and snapping applause. Many of the older soldiers seemed less-than-amused by the show, which was not a true display of danger and combat; and unfortunately Dzái was among this group. 
		*goto namingM1
	
*label namingM1
You moved toward the brazier and the clan elder squinted down at the scroll in his hands.  What name was written there?
*choice
	*if gender = "female"
		#Chentsúni
			*set name  "Chentsúni"
			*goto namingM2
		#Mikúsa
			*set name  "Mikúsa"
			*goto namingM2
		#Linátla
			*set name  "Linátla"
			*goto namingM2
		#Osuré
			*set name  "Osuré"
			*goto namingM2
		#Tlayésha
			*set name  "Tlayésha"
			*goto namingM2
		#Visháya
			*set name  "Visháya"
			*goto namingM2
		#None of these
			Really?  What is your name then?
			*input_text name
			
			*goto namingM2
	*elseif gender = "male"
		#Achán
			*set name  "Achán"
			*goto namingM2
		#Fíru
			*set name  "Fíru"
			*goto namingM2
		#Kámar
			*set name  "Kámar"
			*goto namingM2
		#Mnéktu
			*set name  "Mnéktu"
			*goto namingM2
		#Túrisan
			*set name  "Túrisan"
			*goto namingM2
		#Zhurák
			*set name  "Zhurák"
			*goto namingM2
		#None of these
			Really?  What is your name then?
			*input_text name
	
			*goto namingM2
*label namingM2
An excellent and noble name!

As you burned your offering of hair, your elder read out.  "The ancient and exalted clan of ${Clan} is proud to welcome its newest member, $!{name} ${lineage}.  _Otuléngba!_" At his joyous shout, the crowd replied in a chorus: "_Otuléngba!_, All Hail!"

*if gender = "female"
	Having been cued before the ceremony by Dzái, the clan-elder now waited for you to claim your _aridáni_ status.  Since you were little your birth-mother had made it clear that she expected you to be the equal of all men before the law and follow her into the army.  How did you feel about this?
	*choice
		#I would have preferred to remain a simple woman of my clan, and live a life surrounded by my aunts and sisters.
			Stories are full of reluctant heroes, drawn by the skeins of their destiny unto greatness, and such is your lot.  So, though you had misgivings in your heart, you could not bear to defy the fierce mama Dzái, and announced:  "Let it be recorded that before all the honored and respectable people gathered here, I declare myself an _aridáni_ woman."  The announcement was greeted with polite applause. Looking back, you do not think anyone noticed the regret in your voice.
			*goto namingM4
		#I was eager to assume the role of _aridáni_ and soldier, and to make my mark upon the world.
			Ever bold you stepped forward, head held high, to announce:  "Let it be recorded that before all the honored and respectable people gathered here, I declare myself an _aridáni_ woman."  The announcement was greeted with polite applause from the crowd and a look of pride on the faces of your mothers.
			*goto namingM4
		#I was glad to become _aridáni_ and escape the stifling life of the good clan girl, but was not so sure about the soldier part.
			Out of curiosity, what did you want to do with your life?
			*choice
				#Nothing!  What's the point of being rich if I can't lay about, go to parties, and in general devote myself to the finer things?  Work is for peasants and bureaucrats.
					*label M_aridáni
					In the days to come you would have many impassioned arguments with mama Dzái about the course of your life, but your destiny is entwined with that of the Legion of the ${legion}, and there is no escaping destiny.  Standing in the garden on that day, you knew nothing of what was to come, and raised your voice proudly. "Let it be recorded that before all the honored and respectable people gathered here, I declare myself an _aridáni_ woman."  As you announced this you met Dzái's eyes with a flash of stubbornness.
					*goto namingM4
				#I wanted to become a priest and devote my life to ${God}
					*goto M_aridáni
				#I wished to devote myself to my studies and the recovery of lost knowledge.
					*goto M_aridáni
				*if (psychic > 10) or (ritual >10)
					#I wished to become the greatest sorcerer of my age.
						*goto M_aridáni
*else
	*goto namingM4
			
*label namingM4
 
The ritual of naming was repeated for the next clan cousins, and then Wave completed ${WaHis} own, rather formulaic duel ($!{WaHe} was no swordsman), and offered up ${WaHis} hair.

The elder then read from the scroll "The ancient and exalted clan of Sea Blue is proud to welcome its newest member, $!{Wave} hiTánkolel.  _Otuléngba!_," and once more the crowd shouted approval.
*page_break

Soon the ceremony ended, and you were ushered from the field to make way for the gladiatorial games.  Mama Dzái came forward and gave you a tight hug, as did her husbands Visán and Pi'úr; but she had just arrived that morning after over two years away, and it was not long until social obligation dragged them all off.  You found yourself left to your own devices.   A large section of the _Hirilákte_ arena had been set aside for the guests of Clan $!{Clan} and a party was underway, spilling out into the streets.  How did you occupy yourself?
*goto entertainments

*label namingMa1
The city of $!{Hometown} lays alongside the mighty Mssúma river in the heart of the Empire.  This epicenter of mercantile trade, bureaucracy and priestly politics is known as 'The Soul of the World'.  Thus, as ${Clan}'s parade wound through the city's streets to the temple of $!{god} it was but one small display amongst many in the giant metropolis.  It was, however, an especially fine one, including a select group of the most important people in most powerful city in the greatest empire since the fall of Engsván hla Gánga.
 
The ceremony at the temple was similarly tasteful and intimate.  The noble guests filed through a vast courtyard lined with statues of the aspects of the goddess, and into a small, but opulent shrine.  In the cool shadows of the vaulted ceiling the guests arranged themselves on a series of raised daises according to rank while the ten of you stood before an altar.  There you waited, still and proud, on display, as what seemed at the time like every notable in $!{Hometown} filed in.

*page_break
When all were seated, a priest and priestess, each dressed in elaborate finery, appeared. The woman orated upon the ancient roots of Clan White Stone; on the histories of the lineages of each young man or woman standing before her; on the virtues of duty to the clan, of honor and piety before the goddess.  With these words, she approached the first youth and led him up to lie upon the altar amidst a bed of flowers.  There, in view of all, the priestess and the young man came together in the way most pleasing to $!{God}.  Afterward, all present snapped polite approval.

As the applause died away the priest read out the man's new name from a scroll, and a sacrifice was passed from a waiting slave to the new adult, and from him to the priestess.  This ritual was then repeated for each young man or woman in turn.  When you had been helped down from the altar, what name was read out?
*choice
	*if gender = "female"
		#Chentsúni
			*set name  "Chentsúni"
			*goto namingMa2
		#Mikúsa
			*set name  "Mikúsa"
			*goto namingMa2
		#Linátla
			*set name  "Linátla"
			*goto namingMa2
		#Osuré
			*set name  "Osuré"
			*goto namingMa2
		#Tlayésha
			*set name  "Tlayésha"
			*goto namingMa2
		#Visháya
			*set name  "Visháya"
			*goto namingMa2
		#None of these
			Really?  What is your name then?
			*input_text name
			
			*goto namingMa2
	*elseif gender = "male"
		#Achán
			*set name  "Achán"
			*goto namingMa2
		#Fíru
			*set name  "Fíru"
			*goto namingMa2
		#Kámar
			*set name  "Kámar"
			*goto namingMa2
		#Mnéktu
			*set name  "Mnéktu"
			*goto namingMa2
		#Túrisan
			*set name  "Túrisan"
			*goto namingMa2
		#Zhurák
			*set name  "Zhurák"
			*goto namingMa2
		#None of these
			Really?  What is your name then?
			*input_text name
			
			*goto namingMa2
	
*label namingMa2
An excellent and noble name!
And what offering did you present?
*choice
	*if God = "Avánthe"
		#Fresh fruits in a sapphire studded bowl of gold
			*set offering  "bowl of fruit"
			*goto namingMa3
		#Two matched _khéshchal_ tail feathers, each of a bright blue hue, and some 3 feet in length
			*set offering  "_khéshchal_ plumes"
			*goto namingMa3
		#A blue thésun gauze priest's robe
			*set offering  "robe"
			*goto namingMa3
	*else
		#A large pile of coins of pure silver
			*set offering  "coins"
			*goto namingMa3
		#A green glass vial filled with sweet perfume
			*set offering  "perfume"
			*goto namingMa3
		#An emerald colored snake
			*set offering  "snake"
			*goto namingMa3
			
*label namingMa3
As the priestess accepted the ${offering}, the priest read out.  "The ancient and exalted clan of White Stone is proud to welcome its newest member, $!{name} ${lineage}.  _Otuléngba!_" At his joyous shout, the crowd replied in a chorus: "_Otuléngba!_, All Hail!"
 
*if gender = "female"
	Having been cued before the ceremony by Dzái, the clan-elder now waited for you to claim your _aridáni_ status.  Since you were little your birth-mother had made it clear that she expected you to be the equal of all men before the law and follow her into the army.  How did you feel about this?
	*choice
		#I would have preferred to remain a simple woman of my clan, and live a life surrounded by my aunts and sisters.
			Stories are full of reluctant heroes, drawn by the skeins of their destiny unto greatness, and such is your lot.  So, though you had misgivings in your heart, you could not bear to defy the fierce mama Dzái, and announced:  "Let it be recorded that before all the honored and respectable people gathered here, I declare myself an _aridáni_ woman."  The announcement was greeted with polite applause. Looking back, you do not think anyone noticed the regret in your voice.
			*goto namingMa4
		#I was eager to assume the role of _aridáni_ and soldier, and to make my mark upon the world.
			Ever bold you stepped forward, head held high, to announce:  "Let it be recorded that before all the honored and respectable people gathered here, I declare myself an _aridáni_ woman."  The announcement was greeted with polite applause from the crowd and a look of pride on the faces of your mothers.
			*goto namingMa4
		#I was glad to become _aridáni_ and escape the stifling life of the good clan girl, but was not so sure about the soldier part.
			Out of curiosity, what did you want to do with your life?
			*choice
				#Nothing!  What's the point of being rich if I can't lay about, go to parties, and in general devote myself to the finer things?  Work is for peasants and bureaucrats.
					*label Ma_aridáni
					In the days to come you would have many impassioned arguments with mama Dzái about the course of your life, but your destiny is entwined with that of the Legion of the ${legion}, and there is no escaping destiny.  Standing in the garden on that day, you knew nothing of what was to come, and raised your voice proudly. "Let it be recorded that before all the honored and respectable people gathered here, I declare myself an _aridáni_ woman."  As you announced this you met Dzái's eyes with a flash of stubbornness.
					*goto namingMa4
				#I wanted to become a priest and devote my life to ${God}
					*goto Ma_aridáni
				#I wished to devote myself to my studies and the recovery of lost knowledge.
					*goto Ma_aridáni
				*if (psychic > 10) or (ritual >10)
					#I wished to become the greatest sorcerer of my age.
						*goto Ma_aridáni
*else
	*goto namingMa4
			
*label namingMa4
 
The ritual of naming was repeated for the next clan cousins, and then Wave was led up upon the altar.  Afterwards ${WaHe} presented the priest of ${God} with a
*if God = "Avánthe"
	necklace of sapphires.
*if God = "Dlamélish"
	necklace of emeralds.
The priestess then read from the scroll "The ancient and exalted clan of White Stone is proud to welcome its newest member, $!{Wave} hiTánkolel.  _Otuléngba!_," and once more the crowd snapped approval.
*page_break

Soon the ceremony ended, and attention drifted away from the newly named adults and onto more important things like fashion, gossip, trade deals, and news of the war with the country of Yan Kor.  Mama Dzái came forward and gave you a tight hug, as did her husbands Visán and Pi'úr.  You walked with them as the group proceeded to the House of Unmarred Repose, where White Stone had reserved a suite of rooms for a celebration. But Dzái had just arrived that morning after over two years away, and as soon as you passed through the door social obligation dragged her away.  You found yourself left to your own devices.  Various rooms in the hostel were set aside for puppet shows, poetry readings, and a display by dancers.  How did you occupy yourself?
*goto entertainments