Death and Burial Tradtions

Contributors: Archie; Jake; Shannon; Sherab

Across the Middle Lands various cultures have developed their own death and burial traditions. Some of them are defined by the Children of the Light but even within that church their are variations based on local interpretations, and the culture of the people. What follows is a brief list of some of the traditions observed throughout the Middle Lands.

The Orc Tribes

When a great leader of one of the tribes passes on, the honored dead are cremated in great pyres followed by sacrifices and feasting. Those not of any remarkable honor are cremated in less grand circumstances.

The People of the Prairies and Farmlands

In the prairies where land is plentiful, simple burials, often on the person's farmlands, are done with quiet and grace but the most important part is an ornate embroidered burial shroud often presided over by female relatives.

Druidic Circles

Once a member of a Druidic Circle has departed, their mortal remains and a few of their worldly possessions are brought to a special place in nature. Often the location is a sacred spot that has been used for generations of druids, but other times it is a location that hold special significance for the departed. There, the mortal remains are laid out with their possessions and then left to the processes of nature. Often fruiting trees are planted nearby or some other living monument.

The Elves of Edengaard

Warriors and all members of the ruling body are encased in stone tombs in the center of Edengaard. All other folk are taken to the woods and buried with seeds to facilitate the creation of new life from death. After the solemnity of the March to internment, there is great celebration in the Celebration of Life. This is a time of remembering and toasting the dead with food, drink, dancing, and general merriment.

The Feywild

In the Feywild a deceased one is given a small festival with family and friends, sharing stories and appreciating the mark they've left on the world and each other, the good deeds they've accomplished are retold, and even the failures. At the end the person is taken out into the wild and laid into the ground then the loved ones each drop a couple seeds into their grave in the hopes the energy they took from the wild their whole life is not lost, but is instead returned, so that they help restore that balance in death.

The Dragonborn

If possible, the dragonborn take their dead back to Atsixia to be returned to the great volcano Aisji, the source of all dragons. They are prepared in a traditional, usually simple, ceremony and returned to the fires of the volcano. The number/prestige of the guests usually a reflection of the greatness of deeds and accomplishments throughout the dragonborn's life. While not common, it is not unheard of for even members of the imperial family to attend the ceremony of the most powerful and dedicated of the dragonborn