Funerary Rites

Execution

The first action over the slain is a careful mourning salute. The chief mourner approaches the body to stand on the right side of the fallen and crosses their arms over their chest. The mourner kneels, right knee first and left second. Behind them, other individuals commonly do the same, but stop here. The mourner sits on their ankles and bends at the waist, touching their forehead to the chest of the fallen. After three breaths, the chief mourner straightens and stands (again, starting with the right knee). Those behind him or her follow.
The body is then recovered and returned to Mudewei to be cryopreserved. (While Stenza hold that Iradae has ultimate sway over the corpses of the dead, they are also aware that their biology and local environs makes it difficult for them to properly decompose. Theologically this means they are in the Snow Warrior's care until a far-off future when the climate shifts and the Stenza dead finally give way to entropy.)
The belongings of the dead, particularly large trophies that could not fit on the face, are turned over to the Droga the decedent belonged to, whereupon they are labeled and stored in a designated building. The buildings operate as museums dedicated to recording the deeds of the members of the clan sponsoring it.

Participants

The chief mourner is the individual closest to the deceased, usually someone who served with them in combat but can also be a litter mate or other close relative. In some contexts, order of closeness to the deceased may determine who can also engage in the gesture, though this usually only applies to the peaceful deaths of clan elders. Many other times, all Stenza present will engage in the ritual.

Primary Related Location

Mudewei