Daudnauth

To witness the attendant of Deyjau appear to take the soul to its final resting, that brings comfort knowing they are free from the pain in this world. Whether they choose to be reborn or move on, now that is their choice. Take solace that in the burning, their corporeal remains may not be used by foul corpse defilers.

- Deylan Mori, Attendant to the Halls of the Dead and Priest of Deyjau

History

Funeral Rites have come and gone since the mortal races began to walk the face of Elturia. However, when Deyjau revealed themself most in the land began to pay homage to him, pleading him to ferry the souls of their loved ones to the next place. The tradition began with simple burials and prayers to Deyjau. Though as dark mages began to strike at towns, raising the dead from the graveyard as their foot soldiers, the custom of Daudnauth changed. Locals and priests began to burn the bodies of the deceased so that they could not be used by necromancers. Now only the incredibly wealthy can afford the magic necessary to sanctify a tomb and protect the dearly departed from necromancy.

Execution

Most people understand the basic rites taught by the priests of Deyjau and usually pillars of the community are appointed to perform the funeral ceremony when one is not present. People are often willing to wait however, since they believe that when Daudnauth is performed by a cleric they sanctify it with their holy magic and it increases the chance to see one of Dayjau's attendants. There are three parts to the service:

Preparation

The body of the deceased is wrapped in a burial shroud, and a funeral pyre is constructed to include some of their treasured belongings. Some settlements along the coast will construct this on a boat to be sent out to sea.

Commemoration

The individual presiding over the ceremony speaks to the departed's character and deeds, sharing fond memories. Others may speak at this point, offering their memories. When everyone is done they say their prayer and set the pyre ablaze.

Consecration

The priest, or leader of the ceremony, begins the prayer as everyone gathered begins to chant a low prayer to great guide Deyjau. After the ceremony, the ashes are gathered and placed in a spot of reverence.

Following the Ceremony

If the deceased was a particularly righteous individual, one of great deeds, or merely one that was of pure heart and not grand at all, an attendant of Deyjau will appear to those gathered and ferry the soul to its next destination. Regardless, those that gathered for the ceremony will retire to the local tavern to celebrate the life of the individual swapping stories and memories.

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