Vneshksokai (vin eshk soh kai)
Vneshksokai, which translates to "void of the criminals", is a large crypt located in Dovala. It was used as a punishment and burial place for criminals for several centuries before being sealed. After being breached in 1173 it has become a site of grim fascination for those interested in the dark history of Dovala.
The inhabitants of Havenvern Island were traditionally known for harsh punishments for simple offenses, often resulting in death sentences. Despite falling under control of Vinato, a province that has traditionally taken a rehabilitative approach to dealing with crime, the island was largely left to its own devices in terms of laws and enforcement so long as they paid taxes to the province. In the early days of the confederacy, Dovala grew to be the de facto capital of Havenvern Island, leading to massive expansion. Included in the development of the city in the 740s was a large crypt that was initially intended as a place for general burial, but by 776 its purpose would completely change.
As was tradition, the local governments of Havenvern Island continued to hand out harsh punishments, but there was a desire to find less messy ways of executing criminals. In 775 a decision was made to convert Dovala's crypt into a place of torture. Aggregants reinforced the walls and sealed the exits and a single hole in the ceiling was created outside the Palace of Law. The first criminals would be ceremoniously pushed into the dark depths of the crypt in 776 where they would be left to die by whatever means awaited them. Thus began the practice of sending criminals with death sentences to Dovala where they would be dropped into the crypt twice a year. Dehydration, starvation, and suicide were believed to be the most common fates of those left in Vneshksokai, as it would come to be known.
Over the centuries of use, there were some accidental deaths from the practice. On more than one occasion a prisoner fought back and either pushed their executioner in or dragged their executioner along with them. There were also instances of someone accidentally falling into the crypt, including several children. Meloderes sentenced to death were known for trying to lure others into the hole out of spite through whistling or singing. Fearing escape of those inside, innocents were left to die.
The practice of using Vneshksokai came to an abrupt halt in 1039 when Vinato authorities finally sought to do something about criminal justice practices on Havenvern Island. Following a series of riots and military actions, the de facto government in Dovala was abolished and among the many changes that were made was the sealing of Vneshksokai.
Vneshksokai remained sealed until 1173 when an original entrance to the crypt was finally breached. In addition to human remains piled throughout the crypt, archaeologists found evidence of attempted escape, messages left to loved ones, and the account of someone referring to himself as the Chosen of Vneshksokai who seemed to have survived two years in the darkness. Parts of the crypt are now open to the public who are interested in the grim history of Dovala.
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