Traversion Time

In the world that Aradeia is set in, one rule that overshadows all others is the rule of death. Bound to the pull of the arcane core that governs the entire planet, all living beings serve its will in one regard - they are brought back to the core and become part of the world again. For this particular rule alone, several paths have occurred over the millennia for each type of existence.
Contrasting the rather slow decay of bodies in the past, the bodies of all living beings in Aradeia only persist for about a week after their deaths before falling apart, resulting in blue shimmering particles returning to the core. The time span between their deaths and their dissolution is called traversion time.
As they dissolve, most particles rise to the air, carried by the winds to return to the navel. The navel, known as the Spiral, is set in the depths of the Wilderness. Researchers have monitored the activity of the Spiral for a long time and soon found that each different race results in a different development inside and outside the arcane core.

The most powerful impact on the arcane core is the decay of Elves and Dwarves. As they are killed, their families and friends have a week to mourn them before they fall apart. These immortal races (called such because of their resistance against illness and infection) charge the core with tons of energy. Since they often lived long lives filled with memories and obtained skill, they lie heavy on the core, expanding it slightly and giving it enough power to create something new. Most elves become part of the flora again, resulting in luscious, beautiful forests and flower fields. Dwarves, on the other hand, become part of the mountains, crowning the earth with their overwhelming presence. As researchers encountered this phenomenon (mostly elvish, I have to say), some were able to identify certain souls sacrificed to the stones and plants of this world.
Some are even able to contact the former souls as a medium. Elves and dwarves cannot be reborn, but they influence the way that the living experience the continent and its surroundings. This is particularly dangerous in case of a grounding.
A grounding describes a calamity in which the arcane core is overcharged and breaks out of its navel, causing heavy earthquakes, tsunamis and the breaking of continental plates. The ground is opened for the arcane core to overflow. It can kill all beings in its reach, causing the creatures that touch the arcane essence to be dissolved on sight.

Mortals, on the other hand, are known to die quite differently. Their deaths are less impactful due to their short life span. Especially humans, halflings and orcs are rather short-lived. If they die from illness or in battle, their body remains for 4-5 days, before they dissolve and return to the core; at least in theory.
There are some that have broken the cycle of death and became truly immortal; unharmed by illness, infection, curse or physical harm. There's no known means to harm them. Since, these individuals are known as gods, living in the realm of Aeva that lies hovering over the continent of Aradeia.
The mortal races, also called the Omni, would generally be forced to either return to the core after their traversion time or be reborn. Their shell would fall apart, while their soul moves on to a new body. Therefore, the existence of Aeva and its inhabitants is rather unnatural.
Elves and dwarves who have no choice in this matter are rather envious of the mortal races because of this. Apart from their dissolution, there is no way for them to return to the world of the living.

There is one exception to this rule which has proven to become increasingly important: Coredwellers. Coredwellers inhabit the cave surrounding the arcane core. They are people that have been infused with core essence and continue living even after their traversion time has already started. If infused with the arcane essence inbetween the 4-7 days before their dissolution, they can live on in a semi-lively state. Their eyes turn bright blue, their veins are running with the arcane rather than usual blood. Many perceive them as just as unnatural as Aevans are, but this is the only option available to all forms of living in and around Aradeia. As mentioned in other accounts, this is the only option for elves and dwarves to break the cycle of death at their own will.

Manifestation

Traversion time starts the second that someone is clinically dead. Their eyes grow empty and expressionless, their body relaxes after their last breath, their bowels lose grip and their skin grows cold. After a few hours, their cheeks grow hollow, stiffness sets in and locks the joints in place. After about a day, they can be carried like a rag doll and preserved for ceremony, their body looking more skeletal at his point.
After three days, they are far from what they used to be. Omni bodies will became statuesque, pale and thin, while Elves and Dwarves age rapidly, revealing their true age. As traversion time ends, the body dissolves into fine, blue particles.
Many people use this moment as a part of their ceremony, since the act of dissolution is rather beautiful to behold.

Type

Metaphysical, Arcane