"Night of the Witch," by Maki Vanos

Note · 55 gp · Weight 2

"Sarkorian refugees, driven from their home, tried to get as far away from demon-corrupted lands as they could. Many of them, exhausted from their long travels or just unable to find acceptance among local residents, stayed outside already existing settlements. These communities remain to this day, and they all share a certain curious tradition. This celebration was seemingly established at the same time in all Sarkorian enclaves, even in the most distant ones. The event bears several names: Night of the Witch, Vorlesh's Verdict, Bonfire Night — among others. The preparations begin several days in advance. The adults craft an enormous effigy of the most hated servant of the Abyss — the witch Areelu Vorlesh, who opened the tear between two planes and thus earned the titles 'Architect of the Worldwound' and 'Betrayer of Humanity.' The children, who are usually relieved from their chores, gather kindling in the nearby forest. Instead, they might ask their neighbors for some wood, traditionally voicing their request in the form of concern: they need something to 'warm the witch's feet.' On the appointed day, the crowd places the effigy on a pole in the center of the settlement or neighborhood, where everyone can throw mud at it until sunset. At nightfall, cheers erupt as Areelu Vorlesh's effigy burns to ash. It's worth noting that effigy incineration is so akin to an atrocious method of execution that guards and other enforcers often observe these festivities with great suspicion. However, any claims of the Sarkorians burning those suspected of demon worship in the place of an effigy are idle flights of fancy, lacking substance."