The Voraldiza, the House of the Dead (ˌVoh-Rul-ˈDee-​Za)

While in most villages and small towns, the family tends to the dead themselves, in larger towns and cities there are Voraldizas, temples to Voraldir, that can handle all the arrangements for them.
Each Voraldiza is built with stark, thick, heavy stone, which often gives it a foreboding appearance. In richer towns, the outsides are panelled in black marble, which further emphazises the dark, almost sinister air. It is rumored that the temple in Oakencrest is made of solid marble; this is a myth. The reason behind the stone construction is simple; it keeps the air inside very cool to ensure the corpses stay as fresh as is possible.
All Voraldizas are laid out on the same plan. There is an alcove cut into the front facade, facing the street, that houses a shrine where folks can light candles for the dead, or leave small offerings of coins, charms, and food for Voraldir and Xiton. Directly inside is a large anteroom with benches for visiting family members. Priests and priestesses move about the room, offering comfort where possible.
Beyond this room, only the priesthood and official visitors may go. There is a curtain blocking an open passageway that has various bays opening up to either side. Each contains a stone bier, and often, a body being prepared by

the temple initiates. They will wash the corpse, wrap them in clean linen, and place them in a coffin, placing two coins on the corpse's eyes, as toll for the ferryman.
In some bays, however, it is not so simple. These are the souls who died unnatural deaths, murder victims. There, there will be members of the constabulary and often healers of Xotaos. Frequently, the body must be cut open to attempt to determine the cause of death. These bodies tend to occupy the farthest bays of the Voraldiriza, to avoid heavy traffic and curious onlookers.
Despite its useful service, the Voraldiza has acquired a bit of a sinister reputation. People find it morbid and gloomy, a reminder of their own mortality. The dissection of murder victims makes them uncomfortable. And naturally, there are ghost stories aplenty. It is not uncommon for a citizen to cross the street and make the sign of Xedes upon approaching the building.
In fact, it's fair to say that despite their useful functions, Voraldizas are almost universally feared by the population at large. One might suggest that folks return to the tradition of taking care of their own dead, but then again, how do you tell the God of Death that his temples are being abandoned?

It's good that the priests take care of the dead...but does it have to look so dark?

— Brangem Crystalreaper

My aunt's boy went in there, and they got a sealed coffin after. Couldn't even see him.

— Ceildroh Dustsnow

I've heard tales. Restless spirits haunt the place. And why wouldn't they, it's so bleak.

— Strom Greenash