Tearnor (/ˈtɪərnɔːr/)

Tearnor, the serene realm of the afterlife, holds an essential place in the belief system of the followers of Atropos, the Last Strand. Often envisioned as a vast, tranquil expanse, Tearnor is the final destination for all souls, a place where they find their ultimate peace and rest after a life well-lived. Governed by the gentle hand of Atropos, Tearnor is a domain that's free of mortal suffering and sorrow, offering reprieve from the battles and trials of life in the First World.
The followers of Atropos view Tearnor in various ways, for instance, in the lands of Hjalmskjar, Tearnor is depicted as an infinite hall, a meeting place of heroes and warriors, where each soul is rewarded with tranquillity proportionate to the struggles they faced in life. Yet, regardless of the differing portrayals, a common understanding reverberates among all followers — Tearnor is a sanctified realm, a kingdom of the dead where Atropos reigns supreme.

Entering Tearnor

Gaining entry into Tearnor is a sacred journey, the final voyage each soul embarks upon following their departure from the mortal world. Upon the physical passing of an individual, their body is respectfully prepared for a ceremonial rite known as the Rite of Passage. Conducted in the hallowed temples of Atropos, this ritual is overseen by a Decadivite who is dedicated to the worship of Atropos. It is through this ceremonial preparation and the recitation of the last rites that the soul is guided towards its final audience before Atropos or her Chosen.
The deceased soul then undergoes an intimate audit, a recounting of the individual's life story in all its triumphs, trials, and tribulations. This ceremony, far from being a judgement, serves as a profound acknowledgment of the life that was lived, a tribute to their existence. The culminating moment arrives when Atropos, with her Obsidian Scissor, severs the thread of life, signifying the end of the mortal journey and the entrance into Tearnor.
However, folklore whispers of rare instances where particularly sinful souls are refused passage into the tranquil realm of Tearnor, left to roam as tormented spirits within the First World. These cautionary tales serve as a stark reminder of the principles of living a virtuous life, instilling reverence for the process of passing and the journey towards the afterlife. Ultimately, it's through the respect and acknowledgment of one's life, and the merciful hand of Atropos, that a soul is granted entry into Tearnor.

Existence in Tearnor

Existence within Tearnor is a state of sublime tranquillity and unending respite. In this plane, every soul is bathed in an ambience of profound serenity, free from the trials, tribulations, and transience of mortal life. The passage of time is said to lose its meaning here, as every moment unfolds into an eternal stillness. The twilight, frozen in time, blankets the realm with an ethereal glow, while the ever-blooming Valinetis Shiel flowers paint a kaleidoscope of iridescent colors across the landscape.
Each soul exists in Tearnor as an essence of their mortal selves, retaining the individuality and experiences they've gathered throughout their life journey. Yet, in this afterlife, their existence transcends the physicality and boundaries that marked their earthly lives. Every soul, regardless of the life they led, finds themselves at peace and in harmony with all other souls, a universal camaraderie borne out of shared destiny and understanding.
In Tearnor, the Chosen of Atropos serve as custodians, assisting the Queen of the Dead in her eternal task. These servants, once legendary mortals themselves, have been handpicked by Atropos for their extraordinary virtues or deeds. Their existence in Tearnor is both a reward for their exceptional mortal lives and an eternal commitment to assist Atropos in her divine duty.
However, the specific nature of existence in Tearnor remains an enigma for the living. Those who've been resurrected often speak of an overwhelming sense of peace, but the details elude them. Some theories propose Tearnor as a great library of souls, preserving the knowledge and experiences of the lives lived on the First World. This belief brings a comforting notion that nothing is truly lost, and even after death, life continues in a different, ethereal form, contributing to the universe's eternal cycle.

The Unknowable Beyond

Academic interest in Tearnor has persisted throughout history, its allure crossing the boundaries of races, societies, and disciplines. Scholars, particularly those who delve into the realms of the arcane and divine, dedicate lifetimes to study this elusive plane. Wizards, with their pursuit of knowledge transcending the tangible, often find themselves intrigued by Tearnor's existence. It embodies the greatest mystery: the transition from life to afterlife and the question of what lies beyond.
Scholars, such as the renowned elven wizard Elirian of Veriswald, have proposed theories that Tearnor operates on a frequency of existence vastly different from the First World. They postulate that the realm's timelessness could be a result of this distinct frequency, causing experiences in Tearnor to seem ephemeral or insubstantial to those resurrected. This has spurred numerous attempts to recreate or tap into this frequency through arcane methods, although to little success thus far.
The realm of Tearnor remains a challenging, albeit captivating, subject for scholarly pursuit. The precise nature of this realm continues to elude the brightest minds, serving as a humbling reminder of the limits of mortal understanding. As wizards and scholars across the First World delve into the mystery, Tearnor stands, much like Atropos herself, at the threshold of knowledge and the unknown.