The Four

There exists in Lankhmar an ancient burial tradition that offers solace to the bereaved while appearing macabre to outsiders. This ritual, known as the "Rite of the Four Elements," better known as "The Four", is a sacred ceremony where the recently departed are returned to nature in the vast expanse of The Great Marsh east of the city.
When a loved one passes, the family and friends of the deceased prepare for their final journey to The Great Marsh, which lies immediately to the east of Lankhmar. They are led by a druid, a guardian of the natural world, who discerns the most fitting location within the marsh for the ritual. The marsh, with its shifting waters and dense foliage, is believed to be a bridge between the realms of the living and the dead, making it the perfect resting place for those returning to the elements.
Upon reaching the chosen spot, the body of the deceased is laid out with arms and legs positioned to form a large "X," symbolizing the unity of the four elements. Each attendee then approaches the body, participating in a deeply personal farewell.
One by one, they kneel beside the deceased, whispering secrets, apologies, or messages to loved ones who have passed before. Some leave small tokens of remembrance—items of sentimental value but not of material worth—while others place folded notes or tiny scrolls upon the body. These acts of intimacy and remembrance help the living find closure and peace.
After their individual farewells, each mourner touches the cheek, forehead, or lips of the deceased, choosing one of the four elemental phrases: "To earth return," "To fire return," "To water return," or "To air return." The choice of element is deeply personal, reflecting the mourner's perception of the deceased's character and essence. Earth signifies stability and steadfastness, fire represents passion and vitality, water embodies nurturing and care, and air symbolizes intellect and inspiration.

The Rite of the Four Elements by Chad Watson using Chat GPT

Once all have said their goodbyes, the mourners leave, each turning their back on the body and returning home, allowing nature to take its course. The druid remains alone with the deceased for an hour, entering a meditative state to discern which element prevailed in the words of the bereaved.
The druid's communion with the elements determines the fate of the body:

• If earth is the prevailing element, the ground in The Great Marsh may gently open and envelop the body, closing seamlessly afterward.

• If water dominates, the marsh's waters will gradually erode the flesh and bones over several days, returning them to the aquatic environment.

• If air is the chosen element, a murder of crows or a wake of vultures will arrive to consume the body, carrying the essence of the deceased skyward.

• If fire is the element of choice, the morning sun may intensify, turning the body to ash, which is then scattered to the winds, waters, and earth.

This final act of the druid ensures that the deceased is fully returned to the element that best represents their life and legacy. The Rite of the Four Elements is more than a burial ceremony; it is a profound connection between the living and the natural world, offering comfort through the belief that their loved ones are not lost, but have simply transformed and returned to the cycle of life.

Primary Related Location

The Great Marsh