Branding
A Fate Worse Than Death
Branding is an affliction imposed upon those that have been the target of resurrection magic. Many believe, especially the followers of Eriu, that death is a natural part of life's cycle and as such should be celebrated and gracefully embraced. When one dies it is generally accepted that their body returns to the earth and their soul makes its journey through the Aurbis to its destined resting place. However, in exceptional circumstances this cycle may be broken. It is possible that an individual could be resurrected from the dead by an extremely powerful cleric or through divine or otherworldly intervention.
When one is resurrected they are brought back close to the physical and mental state they were in prior to death, however this must be done swiftly before bodily decomposition begins. The longer between death and resurrection the increased risk of disability. It has been noted in those that have been resurrected that they can suffer from memory loss and increased apathy. When the individual returns to life they become Branded. Branding causes physical disfiguration in the form of purple scarring over the targets chest. However, the primary and most costly effect of branding is the loss of ones soul. The power required to be resurrected is so great that one must forfeit their soul for resurrection to be achieved. As a result an individual can only be resurrected once since it requires the sacrifice of a soul. This also means that upon death there is no place for the creatures soul to go, there is no hope of an afterlife; only an eternity of emptiness and nothingness.
It is common for those that have been branded to be ostracized as they are seen to have turned their backs on the gods and natures cycle. The number of branded is thought to be relatively low regardless, as it is such a difficult feat to achieve. There are few recorded heroes who were brought back from death to finish vanquishing foes at the cost of their own chance at an afterlife.
Healing Miracles
Separate from resurrection, but in the same vain, are miracles which heal physical wounds and afflictions. Powerful clerics are able to heal damaged bodies, wounds, and cure diseases (limited to bodies that aren't dismembered or terribly disfigured/burned). These healing miracles come at a cost too, however. In order to heal and repair, the life's essence of the individual is used, meaning that time is taken from them; shortening their natural lifespan. The decrease in lifespan is determined by the the severity of the damage and power required to heal. A broken rib from a bludgeoning may cost a few hours to heal, but a life-threating sword wound could take years from your life.
Causes
The cause of branding is being revived from the dead, whether this be through powerful resurrection magic or intervention by higher beings.
Treatment
There is no cure or treatment for becoming branded, and no known way to reclaim ones lost soul.
Cultural Reception
In cultures that follow the teaching of the Folk of Danu, branded are often seen as sinful, selfish people who turned from the gods for the reward of more life. Particularly those that follow Eriu, such as the Arbor Elves, are against the use of resurrection magic and those that have been branded. Not all cultures are damning of resurrection magic however, and in some places branded are seen to have ascended to a higher level of existence.
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