Parade of Vanity

In the heart of the Eshaxian Empire, where tradition and grandeur intertwine, the Parade of Vanity emerges as a symbol of the empire’s opulence and its underlying moral decay. This annual event, set against the backdrop of the capital, Sundering, is a spectacle that has come to represent the shifting values of a society caught between its glorious past and a present steeped in excess. It is a tradition that has evolved to mirror the empire’s changing values, from a society that once prized honour and tradition to one that now celebrates wealth and appearance above all else. As the empire continues to navigate the tides of change, the Parade of Vanity stands as a testament to its prosperity and a warning of the potential cost of such unchecked indulgence.

History

The Parade of Vanity is a tradition that began as a modest celebration of Eshaxia’s cultural achievements and prosperity. However, over time, it has transformed into an ostentatious display of wealth and self-indulgence. The streets of Sundering, once a stage for the veneration of the gods during the Equinox Festival, are now overrun by a procession of the empire’s elite, each seeking to outshine the other in extravagance.
The Parade of Vanity reflects a cultural shift within the Eshaxian Empire. The reverence for the pantheon of gods, once the cornerstone of Eshaxian culture, has been overshadowed by the worship of material success. The temples that once drew the devout in droves now watch as the masses flock to the parade, eager to bask in the reflected glory of the empire’s most affluent.
The grand architecture of Sundering, designed to reflect the empire’s power and achievements, now serves as a mere backdrop to the vanity parade. The white marble structures and the Imperial Palace, once symbols of Eshaxia’s cultural and political might, now stand as silent witnesses to the empire’s descent into superficiality.
Not all view the parade with favour. Scholars and philosophers decry the event as a sign of moral decay, a departure from the virtues that once made Eshaxia great. They warn that the empire’s obsession with wealth and beauty is a path that leads away from enlightenment and toward ruin.

Execution

Drawn from the highest castes of Eshaxian society, the participants spare no expense in their pursuit of attention. Nobles bedecked in jewels, merchants draped in silks, and officers adorned with medals of valour, all parade their status with unabashed pride. The attire they don is not merely clothing but a statement of power and prestige, often costing more than an average citizen might see in a lifetime.
The floats that carry these paragons of vanity are marvels of artistry, each a testament to the wealth and influence of its occupant. They are decorated with rare spices, precious metals, and exotic feathers from the jewelled peacock, creating a sensory overload of sights and scents. Musicians and performers accompany the procession, their talents reduced to mere accessories in this show of opulence.
The economy of Eshaxia, driven by its lucrative trade in spices and gems, fuels the parade’s extravagance. The wealth that flows through the empire’s markets finds its way into the parade, with merchants using the event to flaunt their success and attract more business, further entrenching the tradition in the fabric of Eshaxian society.
Even the Eshaxian military, renowned for its discipline and might, has been drawn into the spectacle. High-ranking officers participate in the parade, showcasing their conquests and the might of the war elephants, contributing to the grandiosity of the event. This involvement of the military in such displays of vanity is a stark departure from their traditional role as defenders of the empire’s integrity.
At the heart of the parade is the Emperor of Eshaxia, who presides over the event from the Imperial Palace. His participation lends legitimacy to the parade, signalling his tacit approval of the values it promotes. The Emperor’s presence at the parade is both a reflection of his status and a subtle reinforcement of the societal hierarchy (see Edict of Eshaxian Righteousness) that the event upholds.