On Naming an Ogier
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The Ogier do not use last names, but rather use a different sort of formal naming to distinguish individuals. Each Ogier has a given name that is used in casual conversation and by friends and family. In more formal situations, Ogier use their full names. For males, the full name is (Name) son of (Father) son of (Grandfather) (Father and Grandfather on Father's side), and for females it is (Name) daughter of (Mother) daughter of (Grandmother) (Mother and Grandmother on Mother's side).
Examples:
Loial son of Arent son of Halan
(Arent is Loial's father, Halan is Loial's grandfather)
Erith daughter of Iva daughter of Alar
(Iva is Erith's mother, Alar is Erith's grandmother)
So to name your Ogier character, simply choose his/her own name, and names for his/her mother/father and grandmother/grandfather. If you have problems and need assistance in choosing a name, ask Marith or her designated second and they will attempt to help you choose something appropriate.
Ceremony Background
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The naming ceremony of the Ogier is a very special occasion. It is when a children, so new to this world, are given their very own name. Normally, the parents wait one to two weeks before ÒofficiallyÓ naming their child; this gives them time to reflect on the name they wish to give their newborn, in case they change their mind on the previously chosen name. The ceremony is also a time when the whole stedding can celebrate the newly birthed child and offer their congratulations to the parents by offering them or the babe small gifts or trinkets. This is oft-times viewed as good luck amongst the Ogier. It is believed that any who fail to even give the smallest of gifts will be plagued with nightmares until a small token is given to honor the child.
Similar but slightly different ceremonies are used for the naming of boys and of girls. There are no particular themes used when naming an Ogier child.
Ceremony
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All ceremonies take place in the Stedding clearing, before the great stump in front of the Chamber of the Stump. If the child is male, traditionally the mother performs the ceremony. If the child is female, traditionally the father performs the ceremony.
Parent presents the child to the Ogier gathered for the naming ceremony by holding him/her carefully in the air. If Elders are present, the child is presented to them first, as a symbol of honor and respect.
After presenting the child to everyone, the parent speaks:
I daughter/son of (Mother/Father) daughter/son of (Mother/Father) present our newborn child to you on this glorious day. We are gathered here to witness the naming of our son/daughter and to bless him/her for his/her life to come. We, as his/her parents pledge to rear him/her in a thoughtful and considerate manner and to teach him/her respect to their Elders. We pledge to guide him/her in the ways of the Light and ask for guidance from those about us when in times of need come upon us. This day, we present to you our child (Name) daughter/son of (Mother/Father) daughter/son of (Mother/Father).
When choosing pronouns for yourself, please remember if you are female, you are Daughter of Mother, Daughter of Mother (Mother and Grandmother on Mother's side), if you are male you are Son of Father, Son of Father (Father and Grandfather on Father's side).
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