Funerary Customs

Held on Koaratos 14, 5118 (7/14/18) by Taelarn Eilindel.

Taelarn says, "With so few here we can be more relaxed and informal. While I have material I wish to cover, if you have questions along the way just let me know so I can address them."

Taelarn says, "Alright, Good afternoon. Today I am going to discuss with you some of the practices of Faendryl and their funerary customs. Death, and the funerary practices of the Faendryl are unique because of their belief in Apotheosis."

Taelarn says, "Remember, the Faendryl typically look upon the Arkati as nothing more than extremely powerful beings, and that they are not gods at all."

Taelarn says, "One aspect of Apotheosis is our belief that one day those that have succumbed to death shall rise up and join us once more. This influences how we, as Faendryl, inter our dead and affects the customs associated with death and grief."

Taelarn says, "Those who are most esteemed among the Faendryl are interred in great mausoleums so that they can continue to observe and counsel us if necessary. We preserve their bodies, as the Faendryl form is considered sacred and inviolate."

Taelarn says, "This includes each and every Patriarch, this allows us to know that they are with us and we can use their presense as a solace."

Taelarn says, "We have our own ceremonial rites to cleanse the corpse, and then preserve it from decay. Spells, and more mundane means help ensure this process is successful."

Ysharra says, "And three Matriarchs."

Ysharra folds her hands behind her back.

Taelarn chuckles.

Speaking to Ysharra, Taelarn says, "Yes, and the three Matriarchs."

Speaking to Ysharra, Akonite asks, "Never let that slide, will you?"

Taelarn says, "We have our own ceremonial rites to cleanse the corpse, and then preserve it from decay. Spells, and more mundane means help ensure this process is successful."

Speaking to Akonite, Ysharra says, "Never. And especially when the fourth takes her place."

Taelarn nods.

Speaking to Taelarn, Ysharra says, "I preserve frogs and insects. I assume it's a larger and longer version of the same."

Akonite sticks out her tongue.

Speaking to Ysharra, Taelarn says, "Very similar, yes."

Speaking to Ysharra, Taelarn says, "While some of the materials used are distinct in each area of the Realms, they are all used to perform the same function of preservation."

Yhtrin says, "I can answer specific questions about preservation later, if anyone wishes."

Ysharra says, "We have a later arrival, I'm going to go fetch her."

Taelarn says, "I will wait a moment before continuing."

Speaking to Khobra, Taelarn says, "Welcome, we had only just begun."

Speaking in Faendryl, Khobra respectfully greets, "Good evening, to all gathered,"

Ysharra says, "You all remember Khobra from the last darts game, if not, let me introduce her. This is Khobra, Khobra, this is Akonite, Taelarn, Venithiel and Yhtrin."

Speaking to Khobra, Taelarn says, "It is a pleasure."

Ysharra says, "Taelarn has begun, but we can catch you up quickly, I believe."

Speaking to Khobra, Taelarn says, "You hadn't missed much. We had simply discussed the fact that our belief in Apotheosis has influenced our own funerary customs and practices."

Speaking to Khobra, Taelarn says, "We preserve the bodies of those most esteemed and inter them in great mausoleums so that they can continue to observe and eventually counsel us if necessary."

Akonite says, "And my mother rudely interrupted him to talk about her dead frogs."

Akonite chuckles.

Speaking to Khobra, Taelarn says, "We also have our own ceremonial rites to cleanse the bodies and preserve them from decay. Spells and mundane means are used to help ensure the preservation."

Taelarn chuckles.

Speaking to Akonite, Taelarn says, "I did say that with so few we could be less formal and make this more of a discussion."

Speaking to Akonite, Ysharra says, "I have to dissect them. I can't do that if it's rotting around the knife."

Taelarn says, "Anyway, I shall continue unless any have questions at this time."

Speaking to Ysharra, Taelarn says, "Too true."

Ysharra says, "Not yet, please, keep going. Unless one of you does."

Taelarn says, "With our most esteemed interred in mausoleums, many Faendryl find it a comfort to walk among them and find solace that they are watching over us."

Taelarn says, "We know that these great ancestors will return one day and be amongst us once again. Their wisdom and knowledge are only lost to us for a time."

Ysharra says, "It's a neat symmetry. They leave a legacy and a promise."

Taelarn says, "An alternative to this preservation, a less fortunate Faendryl may find themselves requiring cremation as a means of dealing with their body."

Taelarn nods in agreement at Ysharra.

Taelarn says, "This immolation demonstrates another aspect of our eventual transcendence as the transformation of the body to smoke and ash is reminiscent of our eventual perfection beyond this corporeal form."

Taelarn says, "Remember, the Faendryl form is sacred. Both of these practices ensure that it does not rot and decay."

Taelarn says, "It is customary at each funeral to ensure that the Faendryl s current Patriarch, or Matriarch, is honored and glorified."

Ysharra flashes a quick grin at Taelarn.

Taelarn says, "We respect these individuals and know that they are working towards achieving our destiny, which will ultimately reunite us with our loved ones."

Speaking to Taelarn, Ysharra says, "Nice revision there."

Taelarn chuckles.

Taelarn says, "Some among the Faendryl will provide grave goods for the deceased. These items are interred with the body in order for the deceased to have access to their treasures after they return to us."

Taelarn says, "It is important for us to gird the deceased after their death so they can return and immediately begin again their duties they once had. These items are sacrosanct."

Taelarn says, "The most powerful sorcerers could be buried with both runestones and enchiridions, or even the bodies of slaves so that they had corpses to animate to perform duties for the sorcerer. Warriors would obviously be buried with both their weapons and armor."

Taelarn says, "Comforts are not as important as those items mentioned already, but it is not uncommon for the Faendryl to be buried with their favorite wine, or books, to ensure that their leisure time is pleasant and enjoyable."

Ysharra offers, "Absinthe?"

Yhtrin blanches.

Taelarn says, "Not all Faendryl practice this, but it is a way to prepare the deceased for their eventual rise and ascendance."

Speaking to Yhtrin, Ysharra says, "If anything can wake the dead beside necromancy, that'd do it."

Speaking to Ysharra, Yhtrin says, "That I can agree with."

Taelarn says, "Another custom that some Faendryl families perform is the art of Death Poetry. For those of us who share a longevity that many other races cannot understand, it allows us to come to grips with our own eventual death and we can express our thoughts and hopes and dreams through these poems."

Taelarn says, "Poetry offers many a means to explore and reflect upon their own imminent or eventual demise. The one true constant, no matter how many favors we receive, is that we will eventually fall and not return until the day of Transcendence."

Taelarn says, "I have found that the poetry created by those about to die not only provides comfort to the author, but also allows us a meaningful observation on life. Poetry is a refined means of exploring all facets of our existence."

Taelarn says, "Warrior poets create on the battlefield as they lament the passing of their brothers, or they sing and extol their great deeds. Many different societies utilize poetry in order to reflect upon the many aspects of this world. However, Faendryl; who believe the Apotheosis and eventual return to an existence, have found a means of exploring this existence, and the experience of death through poetry."

Taelarn says, "Those Faendryl individuals who choose to use this method to explore their own death often take years to create the perfect representation of their life and passing."

Taelarn says, "Those within my own family have written some of these poems and I always found them to provide some measure of solace. I will now share just a couple of samples and then allow time for individuals to ask any questions."

Speaking to Taelarn, Akonite asks, "Have you composed them yourself?"

Speaking to Akonite, Ysharra says, "At a guess, yes."

Speaking to Akonite, Taelarn says, "I have begun working on my own, yes. But as a Dirge I have helped individuals write their poems, especially those who have become infirm or troubled and have difficulty forming their thoughts into a pleasing manner for themselves."

Taelarn says, "This first example was written by my grandmother six months before her death. I have always found it comforting. I find it consoling to think that we return to something while we await our eventual Apotheosis and exultation into a new existence."

Taelarn recites:

"Inhale, Exhale

Forward, Back

Living,Dying:

Arrows, let flown each to each,

Meet midway and slice,

The Void in aimless flight.

Thus I return to the source."

Taelarn slowly empties his lungs.

Taelarn takes a drink from his single malt scotch.

Taelarn sighs.

Speaking to Taelarn, Ysharra says, "She seems an imposing figure, even just from a few words of prose."

Speaking to Ysharra, Taelarn says, "Thank you, she was a formidable woman who helped steer my family into wealth and prosperity."

Speaking to Ysharra, Taelarn says, "Our family owes a lot to her wisdom and strength."

Khobra glances at Taelarn and raises her hand.

Taelarn nods at Khobra.

Speaking to Khobra, Taelarn asks, "Yes? You have a question?"

Speaking in Faendryl to Taelarn, Khobra inquires, "Using the rite practiced have you in your travels ever discover a means to return from the dead through the poems of the past or music?"

Taelarn ponders.

Speaking in Faendryl, Khobra thoughtfully continues, "Considering poems and sings in themselves are - in a sense a form of magic."

Speaking in Faendryl, Khobra corrects, "Songs."

Speaking to Khobra, Taelarn says, "Sadly, I have not yet found such a spellsong. The poetry and songs have only allowed others to live on metaphorically."

Speaking to Khobra, Akonite says, "A good question to ask of a Dirgesinger."

Taelarn says, "At least, until the Faendryl ascend and we reunite with our loved ones."

Taelarn nods at Khobra.

Khobra nods understandingly.

Speaking to Akonite, Taelarn says, "Yes, it was. I would love to seek such power, or to form songs that could compel the dead to walk such as Sorcerers can but alas...I have found nothing yet."

Taelarn says, "This next example is attributed to some ancestor I had, but the authorship has been lost to the annals of history. It is said to have been the last writings of a Palestra."

Speaking in Faendryl to Taelarn, Khobra says, "When this moment has passed - regarding your lecture, if your time allows I would like you to hear something of interest and the effect it had."

Taelarn nods at Khobra.

Taelarn recites:

"My whole life long I ve sharpened my sword

And now, face to face with death

I unsheathe it, and lo -

The blade is broken."

Ysharra looks thoughtfully at Taelarn.

Yhtrin says, "This one is my favorite."

Ysharra nods slowly to Yhtrin.

(Taelarn bows his head for a moment in thought.)

Venithiel steeples her fingers together loosely and takes a deep breath, appearing very calm.

Yhtrin says, "It speaks to the uncertainly of death, and the feelings of fear and aprehension it can cause."

Speaking to Yhtrin, Taelarn says, "I know, it is one reason why I included it in my lecture."

Taelarn grins.

Speaking to Taelarn, Ysharra says, "I find that to be a common theme- a certain melancholy, along with acceptance. Faendryl do not often seem to rage against their fate."

Taelarn nods at Ysharra.

Speaking to Ysharra, you say, "I am young yet, but I wonder if the years can weigh even on us heavily."

Akonite says, "Even the Exile, really. They made the attempt to squelch and dismiss us into an opportunity to become even greater."

Speaking to Ysharra, Taelarn says, "I wise observation, but yes. We typically accept what we cannot change, even while we strive to change everything."

Taelarn corrects, "A wise observation, I should say."

Speaking to Yhtrin, Ysharra says, "I aged the same as the humans I was raised with. I do not think I inherited my father's long life. But I suppose you all will find out."

Speaking to Ysharra, Akonite says, "If the Blood God doesn't claim you first."

Speaking to Ysharra, Yhtrin says, "I cannot imagine you as an old woman. You should end it before then."

Yhtrin nods sagely at Ysharra.

Speaking to Akonite, Ysharra corrects, "Sorrower."

Taelarn raises an eyebrow.

Speaking to Yhtrin, Ysharra says, "I think she's right, someone will beat me to it."

Ysharra smiles.

Speaking to Ysharra, Taelarn asks, "If you haven't, will you seek out some means to prolong your life with dark sorceries or other such magics?"

Akonite folds her hands behind her back.

Speaking to Taelarn, Ysharra says, "Melikor promises to. He tends to have a determination about him."

Speaking to Ysharra, Yhtrin says, "Excellent."

Ysharra says, "But right now he would be limited to reanimating me. But perhaps...we shall see."

Speaking to Ysharra, Taelarn says, "An understandable position. I am sure Yhtrin would make foul bargains with beings, or conduct strange blood rituals in an attempt to keep me here longer than I should be."

Speaking to Ysharra, Akonite says, "I could do that much."

Speaking to Ysharra, Yhtrin says, "Perhaps you shall come to me and become one of the greater undead."

Yhtrin nods once at Ysharra.

Yhtrin murmurs, "One day."

Taelarn says, "However, I do take after the traditional Faendryl and accept that I will fall one day and not rise up."

Speaking to Yhtrin, Ysharra says, "In my life, I have watched the creation of a wraith, a banshee, and a dark shade."

Speaking to Yhtrin, Ysharra says, "None of them went willingly. They were amongst the worst experiences of my life, much less theirs."

Akonite looks thoughtfully at Ysharra.

Taelarn says, "That is the true hope that the Apotheosis brings to many though, that one day we will return and live in a new existance."

Ysharra nods at Taelarn.

Speaking to Ysharra, Yhtrin says, "Undeath is not for the faint of heart."

Yhtrin chuckles.

Ysharra chuckles.

Taelarn says, "I wish to share one more, before I conclude my lecture. This is an example of my own work with a warrior who had been dying of a wound inflicted upon the battlefield."

Speaking to Yhtrin, Ysharra says, "Well...in a fashion it is."

Ysharra smiles at Yhtrin.

Ysharra nods slowly at Taelarn.

Yhtrin laughs softly, trying to hide his amusement from Ysharra.

Speaking to Taelarn, Akonite says, "I knew you were to be the author of at least some."

Taelarn recites:

"The sharp-edged sword, unsheathed,

Cuts through the void -

Within the raging fire

A cool wind blows."

Taelarn smiles at Akonite.

Akonite nods approvingly at Taelarn.

Ysharra chuckles to herself.

Ysharra says, "And I am not surprised to detect a metaphor in there."

Ysharra grins at Taelarn.

Speaking to Akonite, Taelarn says, "Yes, I have authored more than my share. I find it a comfort to help others accept their death and to help form words that express some important sentiment."

Speaking to Taelarn, Ysharra asks, "The sword is a simile for your voice, is it not?"

Speaking to Ysharra, Akonite says, "Sometimes a sword is just a sword."

Speaking to Ysharra, Taelarn says, "In a fashion, yes."

Ysharra smiles at Taelarn.

Speaking to Akonite, Taelarn says, "True, but it also represents our shouting against the tide of inevitability."

Ysharra nods.

Akonite asks, "We are all about the passion, are we not?"

Taelarn says, "I hope everyone enjoyed my lecture. I certainly enjoyed telling everyone my knowledge and views."

Taelarn bows.