Ward of Solace
When the dead are put to rest under the auspices of the Imperial religion, there is a process by which they are handled. All of these are usually following the application of a "Ward of Solace". This is a layer of magical enchantments laid over the body of the deceased to preserve it. The process is almost ritualized in the modern day, but retains all the effectiveness even with considerably more pageantry associated with the enchantments. These enchantments are, collectively, what make up the Ward. Imperial priests note the magic is meant to appeal to one of the Twelve: Uhrol Solas, the Keeper of Graves. While Imperial practitioners perform things in the name of Uhrol Solas, there are similar pieces of magic being used by other cultures to preserve the bodies of their dead. The reasons may vary, of course, but the efforts are similar. Therefore it is suggested this enchantment pre-dates Imperial religion.
The effort begins by arranging what remains of the deceased in a position laid out on a slab of black granite, as though they were sleeping on their back. Sometimes this can be a complete body, most times there are parts missing... and sometimes there is precious little intact which can be worked with. Despite the state of the remains, this is followed by numerous enchantments to stop decay from further destroying what is present and muting any offensive odors. A third layer is said to prevent other magic from affecting the dead, aside from divination magic, so the body will not be further disturbed by magical means. All of these enchantments are usually not strong enough to be permanent on its own, necessitating further layers of enchantment to extend the duration of the magic.
Culturally, there are variations in how the body is arranged and what protection against odors may be used. Elves prefer to seat the body on a chair of woven reeds, or inside a basket of the same reeds if there is not enough remaining. Dwarves will display an intact body, or one which is mostly intact, but otherwise will present a closed vessel for the process. Tieflings traditionally mask the odor of the body's existing decay with the smell of blooming desert flowers, though the chosen scent may vary through many different types of flower species.
The effort begins by arranging what remains of the deceased in a position laid out on a slab of black granite, as though they were sleeping on their back. Sometimes this can be a complete body, most times there are parts missing... and sometimes there is precious little intact which can be worked with. Despite the state of the remains, this is followed by numerous enchantments to stop decay from further destroying what is present and muting any offensive odors. A third layer is said to prevent other magic from affecting the dead, aside from divination magic, so the body will not be further disturbed by magical means. All of these enchantments are usually not strong enough to be permanent on its own, necessitating further layers of enchantment to extend the duration of the magic.
Culturally, there are variations in how the body is arranged and what protection against odors may be used. Elves prefer to seat the body on a chair of woven reeds, or inside a basket of the same reeds if there is not enough remaining. Dwarves will display an intact body, or one which is mostly intact, but otherwise will present a closed vessel for the process. Tieflings traditionally mask the odor of the body's existing decay with the smell of blooming desert flowers, though the chosen scent may vary through many different types of flower species.
Comments