Marin

Long ago, the ancestors Syenvel and Vetheri treated death carelessly, discarding their dead without reverence, disrupting the sacred balance between life and death. Over countless generations, the ritual of Fading transformed into a solemn honor—a sacred journey guiding the departed back to the realms of Paliro or Maveth, where the Divines watch over their children, the races. The divinities spoke with great sorrow, teaching that to discard the dead was to dishonor the cycle of existence and sever the bonds of family and spirit. Thus, the Marin Fading Ritual was born—a formulaic, heartfelt ceremony to honor the departed, seek divine guidance, and purify the soul for its next journey.

Ritual Execution Preparation of the Sacred Grounds Builders and family members cleanse a chosen site, removing all impurities. They construct a pyre from sacred wood, carefully selected for its purity and connection to the earth. Around the pyre, barrier stones—each inscribed with protective runes—are placed to guard the spirit’s passage and keep malevolent forces at bay. Gathering and Remembrance The family and close friends assemble in a circle around the pyre. The Elder, a respected keeper of tradition and wisdom, steps forward to recount the life of the departed—sharing stories, virtues, and the legacy left behind. This oral remembrance weaves the spirit’s essence into the community’s memory. The Laying to Rest With reverence, the body or ashes are gently placed upon the pyre. The Elder raises their hands to the sky, invoking Veria and Nala to guide the lost soul safely through the realms. The family members silently offer their prayers and farewells. Ignition and Purification A chosen individual—often a close kin or honored guardian—kindles the pyre using spark wood, symbolizing the spark of life and the transformative power of fire. As flames rise, the fire is seen as a purifier, burning away earthly ties and preparing the soul for rebirth or rest. Melodies of the Muso Throughout the burning, a muso plays haunting, emotional melodies on traditional instruments. These songs express grief, love, and hope—carrying the family’s feelings into the ether and soothing the spirit’s journey. Closing the Rite Once the fire has fully consumed the pyre and cooled to embers, the family gently splashes water over the remains, symbolizing cleansing, renewal, and the final blessing. The Elder leads a closing prayer, thanking the divinities and affirming the community’s continued bond with the departed.

Components and Tools Pyre: Constructed from sacred, spark wood known for its clean burn and spiritual significance. Barrier Stones: Inscribed with protective runes to safeguard the ritual space. Spark Wood: Used to ignite the pyre, symbolizing life’s spark and transformation. Musical Instruments: Traditional instruments played by the muso, chosen for their ability to evoke deep emotion and spiritual resonance.

Participants Family: Blood relatives and chosen guardians who share a bond with the departed. Elder: The ritual leader, keeper of tradition, and spiritual guide. Chosen Igniter: A person honored to light the pyre, often a close kin or guardian. Muso: The musician who plays the ritual melodies, weaving emotion into the ceremony.

Observance and timing: the body or ashes are tended with care immediately after death, kept in a sacred resting place. After several cycles (days or moons, depending on tradition), the Fading Ritual is performed to honor the transition. The timing allows the family to prepare emotionally and spiritually, ensuring the ritual is conducted with full reverence.