The Wall of the Dead
A Cemetery of Light and Memory
In Hyste Talma, where traditional burials are impractical due to the city’s mountainous location, the dead are honored in a unique and breathtaking manner. The Wall of the Dead stands as a monumental tribute to those who have passed, their ashes transformed into diamonds that shimmer like stars when touched by light. It is not merely a resting place but a living work of art, embodying the city’s reverence for legacy and remembrance.
Origins and Creation
The Wall of the Dead was established in 14th Frostveil, 1781 BAR, when King Germund declared that the growing population required a more sustainable and symbolic way to honor their dead. Working with dwarven masons and elven gemcutters, the first section of the wall was constructed, its foundation made from enchanted stone designed to preserve the brilliance of the diamonds for eternity.
Since then, the wall has expanded over centuries, with each generation adding to its ever-growing expanse. Today, it stretches across an entire cavernous hall, its surface glimmering with thousands of diamonds representing the departed.
The Diamond-Making Process
Upon death, a citizen’s body is cremated, and their ashes are carefully collected by members of the Sanctum of Eternal Memory, a guild dedicated to overseeing funeral rites. The ashes are then compressed using both mechanical and magical means to create a diamond unique to the individual.
The color of the diamond often reflects the individual’s life and legacy:
- Clear Diamonds: Represent purity and wisdom, often given to scholars and spiritual leaders.
- Blue Diamonds: Symbolize valor and protection, frequently reserved for warriors and city defenders.
- Green Diamonds: Reflect creativity and growth, typically used for artisans and inventors.
- Golden Diamonds: Represent leadership and influence, usually granted to nobles and key figures.
Placement on the Wall
Once the diamond is crafted, it is inscribed with the name and date of death of the individual. Families can request additional inscriptions, such as personal mottos or significant achievements. The diamond is then placed within the wall, its position often determined by family lineage or guild association.
A Place of Reflection
Visitors to the Wall of the Dead describe it as a place of overwhelming beauty and serenity. The cavern housing the wall is dimly lit by enchanted lanterns, allowing the diamonds to cast their soft, shimmering light across the space. The effect is often compared to standing beneath a starry sky.
Benches and meditation areas are scattered throughout the hall, offering spaces for quiet reflection, mourning, or prayer. During festivals of remembrance, families gather here to share stories of their loved ones and light ceremonial lanterns in their honor.
Cultural Significance and Festivals
The Wall of the Dead holds immense cultural importance, symbolizing the city’s belief that life is transient, but legacy endures. Several festivals and ceremonies are centered around the wall:
- The Festival of Eternal Light: Held annually, this festival sees the entire cavern illuminated by enchanted lanterns as families gather to honor their ancestors.
- Diamond Blessing Ceremony: New diamonds are placed within the wall during this ceremony, accompanied by blessings from priests and family members.
- The Night of Remembrance: A somber occasion where citizens reflect on the past year’s losses, reciting the names of the newly departed.
Legends and Myths
The Wall of the Dead is the subject of numerous myths, with one of the most popular being the tale of the Warden of Light. According to legend, a guardian spirit watches over the wall, ensuring that no soul is ever forgotten. Those who visit the wall in times of crisis are said to receive visions or guidance from their ancestors.
Another myth tells of the Diamond of Heroes, a legendary gem hidden somewhere within the wall. It is believed that this diamond, larger and more radiant than any other, holds the collective wisdom of the city’s greatest heroes and can be accessed only by someone deemed worthy.
Legacy of Light and Memory
The Wall of the Dead is not just a resting place but a living legacy that continues to inspire the citizens of Hyste Talma. By transforming loss into something beautiful, the city ensures that its past is not only remembered but celebrated.
In every diamond, a soul finds its place among the stars.
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