The Curse (Valorèin)

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's defiance led to their fall, the ravaging of their society, and led to temporary enslavement under the Malisik, 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 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 Species or Near-Valorik Species. This practice is considered both sacred and taboo.
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 The Call.
Taboos and Traditions: Rituals like The Ûlèum are often seen as relics of an ancient past, while 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.