Gauri Partel

The origin of the tradition is unknown, being around as long as the Angru have. It is believed to have stemmed from an adaption of the Gaupen Hunfen (Mother Tree) tradition of the peoples of the jungle, whom dedicate their last moments of life in growing the tree from which their tribe lives. Angruian migration and settlement in the Opal Grasslands may have seen a divergence from the Gaupen Hunfen into the Gauri Partel.   An alternative theory claims that the Gauri Partel began following the brutal invasion of a water sorceress' army from the East, aiming to flood the world and rule over a sea-land. On the brink of defeat, the elders of every Angru village and town marched East and, in a desperate attempt, sacrificed themselves to create a jungle so dense with roots so thick that no amount of water could penetrate through. The Gauri Partel became a dedication to the fallen, whilst the Gaupen Hunfen is a regenerative process to ensure the jungle will never fall.   Regardless of its origins, the presence of the Gauri Partel has characterised many Angru settlements; forests, known as the Pano Gauri Sett, sprout around Angru populations and fertility within the area naturally increases. This also tends to keep the Angruian population tied to the land - few venture beyond their home trove for fear of leaving their ancestors and those that do tend to end their lives back at their hometown.

Once ready, an Angruian will announce their decision to their village or town the day before the ritual. During this time, those closest to the Angruian will prepare the site of the Gorrum. This is usually within a designated forest near the town known as the Pano Gauri Sett, similar to that of a graveyard. The dying Angruian will remain in the centre of the settlement, where life may be donated by their friends, family and neighbours as a parting gift.   At dawn, the ritual will begin. The dying Angruian will kneel, holding the sapling closely to their heart and surrounded by the fruits of their ancestors. They will then drain their remaining life into the sapling to accelerate its growth, ensuring the roots encapsulate their lower body and reach the ground. Many rituals end with the former body of the Angruian being fully encapsulated by the tree, known as a full burial. A partial burial occurs when the roots reach the ground but the tree does not encapsulate the full body and a failed burial is when the roots do not reach the ground at all. In the case of a failed burial, the Angruian is deemed unworthy of planting and their body is left. A partial burial can be assisted by friends and family if they wish to do so but, if left, the tree will still grow naturally. A full burial is deemed the greatest honour as it often means that the Angruian was respected by their peers.

The sapling chosen by the Angruian may vary, although unlikely. A fruit tree is always chosen, although it is often the sapling of the Tun tree. This is due to the signifcance of the fruit, Treparks, being crystal-like in structure and as such being a natural encapsulator of magic and a focusing instrument in traditional Angru magic. The Angru believe that consuming the fruit of their anscestors bestows their wisdom into the consumer, communicated through dreams. Should a nightmare follow the consumption of a fruit, it is believed that the dead Angruian has cursed the consumer.

The shape of the tree that grows from the Gauri Partel is said to tell of the character of the Angruian that it sprouted from. When an Angruian seeks wisdom of the ancestors, they often choose the fruit of the tree they deem most applicable to their situation through the shape. Should they choose the wrong fruit, they would be given false advice in the form of a curse. Specialists known as the Abbots dedicate their lives to caring for and studying the trees, advising those who seek the anscestors' fruit.

Should a tree collapse or die, it is believed that the soul of the Angruian had perished. There are many myths and stories about how a soul may die afterwards, ranging from upsetting the Gods, becoming corrupted or merely getting too old. The death of a sacred tree by humanity, however, is considered murder and would be punished accordingly.