The Quest
The quest is a journey that generally takes place shortly after one graduates from high school. Successful completion of the quest is a prerequisite to registering to vote, joining the military, and applying to most forms of post-secondary education. Though not strictly a prerequisite to applying for a marriage license, parents of young adults wishing to marry will generally require that both parties go on a quest separately before giving their blessing to the union. Exceptions are made for immigrants over the age of twelve and on a case-by-case basis upon request by individuals with disabilities or dependents. In the event of failure, a quest may be repeated.
Notices are generally hand delivered by an Overseer between the hours of ten and two Tuesdays to Thursdays from mid-June to early August. Within six hours of delivery, other members of the household must vacate the premises for a 48-hour period. During this time, questers must thoroughly clean the house, do the laundry, cut their nails, and take a shower. Furthermore, questers should prepare by creating a tentative itinerary and packing a travel bag.
Bags should include:
- a notebook and pen,
- stamps and envelopes,
- an atlas,
- three changes of clothes (appropriate for warm weather, cool weather, and formal/semi-formal occasions),
- a toiletries kit,
- a first aid kit,
- an emergency/wilderness survival kit,
- at least a day’s work of food and water,
- two forms of identification (i.e. a passport, driver’s license, state ID, etc.),
- insurance documents,
- and no more than $1,000 in the form of cash (including quarters) and/or gift cards (including prepaid debit cards).
Questers may work to earn more money during their quest, but checking, savings, and credit card accounts will be inaccessible for its duration. The cost of tickets and items purchased prior to the start of the quest will not count against the $1,000 limit.
There are no limits regarding luggage size, but questers planning on traveling by plane should be mindful of airline carry-on requirements.
Questers are strongly advised to settle their affairs and reconcile themselves to the possibility of hardship and death.
Questers may write home as often as they like and post brief (four minute or less) videos once a week. Phone calls will only be permitted in the event of an emergency. Communication via email is restricted to Overseers for important updates. The use of social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) during the quest is strictly forbidden, as is bringing personal cell phones, tablets, laptops, music players, and e-readers. These items may be borrowed, or questers may use public computers and payphones as the need arises.
After the 48-hour period ends, the other members of the household may return to offer the quester advice and assistance. The quester will have the following three days to spend with friends and family before leaving home and saying goodbye early (before 9 a.m.) the sixth morning after the delivery of the notice.
The quest will last forty days.