View source for The Curse (Valorèin)

{{Curse
  | name=Va Drothok
  | image1=Drothoka.jpg
  | type=Supernatural, Bloodline, Psionic
  | universe=[[Lethurèa]]
  | affected_species=[[Valorèin]], [[Shemèin]], [[Zekarin]]
  | origin=Placed upon the [[High Valorèin]] by the [[Sherok]] as retribution for their rebellion
  | cause=Genetic affliction, triggered at maturity
  | symptoms=Blood dependency, heightened senses, psionic instability, risk of [[Rampancy]]
  | cure=None (Only mitigated through Soul-Tethering or controlled feeding)
  | notable_cases=Various [[Shemèin]] and Rampant [[Valorèin]]
|caption-image1=Rampant Male Valorèin|counter_measures=Regular blood consumption, [[The Binding (Valorèin)|Binding Ritual]], [[The Ûlèum]]}}

== The Curse ==
'''The Curse''' is a vampiric affliction placed upon the [[High Valorèin]] following their rebellion against the [[Sherok]]. This tragic legacy affects adult Valorèin, forcing them to consume blood for survival. While once a proud and pure race, the [[High Valorèin|High Valorèin's]] defiance led to their fall, the ravaging of their society, and led to temporary enslavement under the [[Malisik]], [[Morai|Malismorai]], and his other overlords.

=== Origins ===
The rebellion of the [[High Valorèin]] against their celestial precursors, the [[Sherok]], marked a turning point in their history. Though they sought freedom and self-determination, their actions led to devastation on a massive scale, with billions of Sherok perishing in the conflict. As retribution, the Sherok placed a curse upon the High Valorèin, transforming their physiology and forever binding their survival to the consumption of blood.

=== Effects ===
The Curse begins to manifest as [[Valorèin]] reach maturity:
* At around age seventeen, they begin to incorporate small amounts of blood into their diet.
* By adulthood, blood becomes their sole source of sustenance, with alcohol as the only alternative consumable.
* Without regular consumption of blood, affected Valorèin experience debilitating symptoms:
** Delirium
** Insanity
** Eventual death

=== The Shemèin ===
Valorèin who become '''[[Shemèin]]''' do not merely succumb to '''the Curse'''—they embrace it. By giving in to "the creature," they willingly surrender to the darker aspects of their being. These individuals forsake [[Call of Itslémwé|The Call of Itslémwé]], the guiding force of the afterlife, and instead embrace the abyssal darkness of [[Gozog’nok]].

* '''Transformation''': Shemèin lose their psionic bond to the [[Vistrum]], cutting them off from the emotional and sensory connection shared by other [[Valorèin]].
* '''Unholy Cost''': While they gain increased mental power, this comes at the cost of their humanity, physical strength, compassion, and morality.
* '''Exile and Danger''': Shemèin are seen as a grave threat to Valorèin society. Most are exiled or hunted, as their acceptance of the Curse makes them dangerous and an affront to their culture.

=== Alleviation ===
'''The Curse''' has no easy cure, but there are two known methods to mitigate its effects:
* '''[[The Ûlèum]]''': An intimate and sensual bonding ritual that strengthens the connection between two mates of [[Valorik|Valorik Species]] or [[Near-Valorik|Near-Valorik Species]]. This practice is considered both sacred and taboo.
* [[The Binding (Valorèin)|'''The Binding''']]: A mystical ceremony that intertwines the minds and souls of two individuals, creating a deep spiritual bond known as the [[Soul-Tether]]. Bound individuals are resistant to the Curse's ravages.

=== Cultural Impact ===
The Curse profoundly shapes Valorèin society:
* '''Spiritual Struggles''': Valorèin view the Curse as a test of their will and character, striving to resist the lure of bloodlust and maintain their connection to [[Call of Itslémwé|The Call]].
* '''Taboos and Traditions''': Rituals like [[The Ûlèum]] are often seen as relics of an ancient past, while [[The Binding (Valorèin)|The Binding]] remains a cornerstone of their cultural identity.
* '''Division and Fear''': Those who accept the Curse and become [[Shemèin]] are regarded as traitors to their kind, an enduring reminder of the sins of their ancestors.

=== Trivia ===
* '''Redemption and Hope''': Despite its devastating effects, the Curse is viewed by some as a path to redemption for the sins of their ancestors.
* '''Biological Complications''': The Curse not only changes their diet but also heightens their senses and emotional states, making affected individuals both powerful and vulnerable.
* '''The Creature''': Many Valorèin refer to their dark urges as "the creature," a constant inner battle they must face.

=== Related Topics ===
* [[Valorèin]]
* [[Sherok]]
* [[Gozog’nok]]
* [[The Ûlèum]]
* [[The Binding (Valorèin)|The Binding]]

[[Category:Lethurèa universe]]
[[Category:Curses]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Curse_(Valorèin),_The}}