Burning of Vhou (Vow)
The burning of Vhou is a western elf tradition that began when the Kingdom of Urale declared its independence from the River Kingdom of Nim on the continent of Silse. Upon having their plights for help rejected on several occasions by king Vhou Riyael, Uliyo Feneyl grew a deep amnesty for his ruler. After years of stockpiling resources in their mining colonies, Dour Rai approached Uliyo with a solution to his plight, offering revolution and the power source to do it (in the form of Waning Rock).
On the day that independence was officially declared, the equally disheartened citizens of the young Kingdom of Urale had a weight lifted from them, as they rejoiced in celebration and burned a stuffed aspect of Vhou Riyael, cursing him in hopes of his downfall. The annual event still occurs to this day, though it is generally considered in poor taste.
On the day that independence was officially declared, the equally disheartened citizens of the young Kingdom of Urale had a weight lifted from them, as they rejoiced in celebration and burned a stuffed aspect of Vhou Riyael, cursing him in hopes of his downfall. The annual event still occurs to this day, though it is generally considered in poor taste.
Opinions Over Time
"It was so recently I witnessed the death of devotion to a falling nation. It was a beautiful independence, declared by a real king, not stalled by indecision, but promoted by a desire for growth and change. I see this not only as independence from a false king, but from complacent and duplicitous gods as well. Those that have given us not but hardship from the days of Ghei Wyl only continue to press us. It is with the guidance of Uliyo Feneyl that we carve our own path, free from the fate of those that would drag our spirits to the depths of the sea. "It was through the burning of the false king's false body that I came to these revelations. Let us make it tradition. Let us always remember why we stray from fate."450 HI, 3 of Chaiber
679 HI, 20 of Ailber
"As this unfortunate war progresses, it is all of Urale that feels the weight of the world against us. Just as King Uliyo of titanic spirit fought against our fate, the grandson Eyiliv does the same. While Vhou Riyael remains the enemy, as has been the recurring case of history, one only wonders of the burning festival remains necessary. At this time of great resource consumption, is it wise to waste time on such frivolous celebration? "Let it be known that I spare no love for the false King Riyael. All I say is that our time could be put to better use in this war of world-wide proportions."
1932 NG, 1st of Orphember
"Not but twelve days ago I witnessed an odd sight. It was in a town, just off Gerron, that a visage of King Vhou Riyael was burned. I sought out locals with the hope of inquiry, but they were quite resistant to my approach. The event, naturally, gave me an appreciation for living within the city rather than sloughs of outer civilization. "It was my presumption that these burnings no longer occurred. I do find that they are perhaps in poor taste, especially in such an era of peace. I don't believe it wise to to push the envelope on aggression, either. While I doubt the foreign king spares any attention to the ongoings of such distant and dismissible events, it gives poor impressions to visitors from the east. While I have no doubt that this is the intention, it would be a shame to scare off those who may bring with them an appreciation for our culture."
Change Over Time
When the ritual was in its prime, one could expect an entire amphitheater of filled seats. In its center, a large bonfire would seat the stuffed visage of Vhou Riyael. Attendants would walk down the isle with their lit torches before casting it upon the pile, ensuring everyone got their chance to claim their own independence. After each individual cast their torch, they would proceed to the local squares for a night of dancing and singing.
It is said that the initial celebration must have been a harrowing sight. With shrieks of song and demented chants over the burning mannequin summoned by the entire western population, most consider the event to be a primal display of hatred and alienation. As time progressed and the old acts of Vhou were forgotten or forgiven, the burnings were abandoned by most of civilization, with a slew of western kings denouncing the activity. As a result, one can only see a burning in the far reaches of civilization. Without the display of an amphitheater bonfire, the celebrations feel no less demented, with the individuals involved practically foaming at the mouth with hatred.
Use of Mind Altering Substances
As the use of mind altering substances grew more regulated in the west, the celebrations became less frenzied. Perhaps this is why the event slowly died out, though authorities have found many individuals smoking Jagroot in modern burnings. Those that took part described the burning as a "spiritually uplifting" and "rewarding" experience after their detainment.
All images generated with Midjourney*
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