Guides

The Handling of the Rites

  The long-lived nature of the dwarfkin means that funerary and cremation rites are few and far between. Usually the rites are given to their closest kin by craft or by blood, however, when a symbolically important figure passes on, the role of undertaker is given to representatives of the state. These kin are collectively known as the Undercrofters Guild.   Throughout history, the Undercrofters have been a smaller branch of the royal estates but in more recent lifetimes, amidst the rise of state or guild governed cities, they have chosen separate from the royal houses and into their own guild; Primarily received as a beneficial change for the dwarves as a whole. It has meant that figures of the great crafts can be rightly celebrated for their contributions to society. As such, donations given to the Undercrofters can vary drastically depending on the perceived impact of the dwarf that has been lost. In most cases, donations are in the form of artisanal goods. Jewels, gemstones, pure metals, waxed woods and papers and all sorts of precious articles. Alongside physical items, many will offer their craft to the cause and donate their time.   Although this began modestly, as the dwarven population grew, the figures at the top of their roles and crafts were absorbing much more adoration. Upon their passing, the number willing to assist in the craft could be staggering.   In order to control and direct the grief towards meaningful ends, the Undercrofters have among their employ a small network of incredibly accomplished stonesmiths, jewellers and matrons that work collectively to ensure that each and every dwarf is able to obtain the closure they need. They are known as Guides.    

The Role of the Guides

  Under the supervision of the Guides and over the course of months an astonishing casket is made. Large, curved and ellipsoid in shape. Unlike most straight-cut dwarven crafts, the curved surfaces are purposely made to represent the cycle of birth, growth and death. Windows are cut into the caskets so that when the deceased are placed within, they can still be seen and so that their spirits can still look out and see their beloved cities grow. Donated materials are then incorporated and infused onto every surface. Each individual that contributes a hammer strike adds their own unique and personal imprint and adds to the layered design. Jewelers add sockets in large patterns, runesmiths hang small delicate chains with protective runes, scholars add precious parchment with meaningful passages, brewers add sprigs of dried herbs or paint delicately scented oils across the surfaces. Liquid flame burners or bioluminescent material is also added to the interior of the coffin to better illuminate the deceased.    

The Journey of the Dead

  A small ceremony is held to honour the dead within the upper-most portion of the city. Friends, family, peers and respected dwarves gather to share stories and say their farewells to the beloved lost. The Guides are then tasked to carry the casket downwards, spiralling through the city’s central core. Allowing all that are moved by the life of the deceased to see them one last time before reaching the final resting place located in the lower city. A quiet and unassuming stone-hewn door is the last time that most will see their lost kin.    

The Chamber of Chains

  The unassuming room is incredibly large and octagonal in shape. Thousands of evenly spread pillars brace the ceiling and floor. Between each set of pillars is a grand chain anchored to the ceiling and braced by the pillars. Each hanging chain descends through large holes cut through the surface of the floor. Liquid flame candles are permanently lit and softly illuminate the space.   When a new resident reaches this place, the Guides an anchor and large chain link to the casket before hoisting it into its upright position. Using hoists and pulleys, the casket is moved to its location before its chain link is added to the chain. The Guides then detach the chain from the ceiling before adding enough links for the casket to be lowered into the Outcast abyss below.    

The Outcast’s Penance

  The lowering of the deceased into the large cavernous regions that the Outcasts have been exiled serves as a continual reminder that their actions often cause the deaths of their betters. A stark reminder that every action has consequences. Even in death, dwarfkin are able to cast judgement upon those that would look to betray or harm.    

This is a submission for my second Summer Camp - I hope you enjoy the world I am building!