Drakai Funerary Traditions (Drah-KAI)

It's been a long-held belief among the Drakai that they are descendants of the ancient Dragons that once ruled over Taeva, and that their spirits go to the same place after death. Additionally, the Drakai believe that the spirit of the deceased remains bound to the world of the living for as long as their former body remains intact. It's these beliefs, as well as the mountainous terrain of their homeland, that inform their funerary practices (particularly their focus on cremation), which have remained relatively unchanged well into the current age.

Execution

Once the funeral begins, the family of the deceased will lay their body (wrapped in a funeral shroud) on the funeral pyre built at the base of a nearby peak. Following this, the presiding Keeper will provide a eulogy for the deceased, largely focusing on notable deeds and moments when they showed the strength of their character, with members of their family providing additional testimony if they so wish. Once all of the involved parties have said their piece, the funeral pyre will be lit, with the funeral participants spending the time waiting for the body to be completely reduced to ashes socialising and sharing memories among themselves.

Once the body has been completely reduced to ashes, the presiding Keeper will gather them up into a vessel for the final step of the ceremony. Following this, the Keeper, accompanied by the deceased's immediate family (consisting of their surviving parents, siblings, children, and spouse), will carry the vessel up a nearby trail to a specially prepared ledge further up the peak. Once they've reached the ledge, each family member will take a handful of ash from the vessel and scatter it to the wind.

Components and tools

The items necessary for the funeral include a funeral shroud (consisting of a large, white sheet), material for constructing the pyre, and a vessel for gathering and scattering the ashes.

Participants

The funeral is overseen by a Keeper, who also performs the last rites. Additionally, members of the deceased's family (mainly their parents, children, siblings, and spouse) and companions are also present for the funeral.

Related Organizations

• Dranya