Rite of the Earth-Mother

Hunters of the Stag, as a whole, have a Quarry and a Sacred Hunt. The Quarry is a granted by the Hunter's totem, by their superiors, and by themselves. A Hunter can have multiple Quarries at once, but they may only have one Sacred Hunt at a time, and the Sacred Hunt is granted by the Earth-Mother herself.

The Rite of the Earth-Mother is reserved for when a Hunter accomplishes a major breakthrough (or more rarely, completes) in the Sacred Hunt given by the Earth-Mother. To an outsider, the Rite looks much like a party. Indeed, the Rite is a cause for celebration, as the Earth-Mother herself is one step closer to completing her own Sacred Hunt. The one performing the Rite and four assistants collect enough food for a great feast. It is cooked using special methods, and all Hunters currently on the island are expected to attend.

There is typically a large bonfire, a gigantic feast, and music. The Rite is performed only on a full moon, and concludes when the moon sets...or rather, truly begins. The feast continues, but the Hunter and his four assistants return to the main Temple. The assistants guard the Temple doors, and the Hunter is locked inside. Between the time he enters the Temple and when the moon next rises, the Hunter is possessed by the Earth-Mother herself, transforming into an Earth-Beast. Upon moon rise, the associates unlock the Temple and release the Hunter, who has returned to normal and now knows what the Earth-Mother wishes next.