The Transition

The Transition is a ceremony that marks the passing of a Syndicate member. It is a ritual steeped in reverence for the goddess Raeya. The ceremony typically unfolds under the cover of night, when the darkness blankets the world and the stars offer a muted backdrop, ending just before the first light of dawn.  

Preparations

A cremation process for the decease occurs prior to the formal ceremony. The funeral staff washes and anoints the body of the deceased with oils. They then place mournglades in the container along with body and then puts it into the cremation chamber. If the member is of high esteem, the syndicate stores the ashes in a beautifully crafted urn as a final gift. Burned mournglades are considered an offering to Raeya to seek her acceptance into the next world. The syndicate considers it a great honor to cremate the deceased with these flowers, symbolizing their esteemed place within the organization.   The cremation is an essential practice within the Syndicate, primarily to conceal the secret tattoos that mark members, thus preventing any potential exposure to the Cerellean police force. Cremation also serves as an ultimate act of privacy and protection for the organization.  

The Ceremony

The ritual takes place in a secluded location, away from prying eyes, to maintain the syndicate’s secrecy and to protect the identities of its members. While it is not common for high-ranking Syndicate members to oversee The Transition ceremony, they may occasionally take on this role, particularly if the deceased was someone of great importance within the organization. Their presence adds an extra layer of honor and significance to the ritual, emphasizing the deceased’s esteemed status and the Syndicate’s deep respect.   As night settles, participants gather in hushed tones, dressed in white or muted colors, symbolizing purity, respect, and the somber nature of the event. Participants place the decease’s ashes, along with their photograph, on an altar. Participants then burn incense infused with Aether Energy and place them on the altar. The air becomes filled with its earthy smell, allowing the mourners to feel Raeya’s presence. A family member or chosen honor friend recites a passage as the incense smoke curls into the night sky. This passage, known as the Veil’s Lament, is a poignant acknowledgment that the deceased has left the physical world:     “Through the veil of night, we release you. Your duties are done, your soul is free, From mortal bonds, to Raeya’s embrace. May the stars guide you, may you find peace.”     This recitation serves as a reminder of the deceased’s contributions and sacrifices for the syndicate. It is both a farewell and a benediction, offering solace to those left behind.   Following the recitation, family members and close friends bring a copy of a cherished family photo to the altar and place them in a ceremonial fire along with powder made with mournglades. This act symbolizes the release of the deceased from all earthly obligations and ties to both the syndicate and their family. This act is both a loving farewell and a rite of passage, ensuring that the deceased can rest in peace, absolved of any lingering responsibilities. Either the honored family friend, another family member or the high-ranking syndicate member, then given the ashes back to the family. The funeral concludes before the first light of dawn, ensuring the entire ceremony remains cloaked in secrecy.  

Traitors of the Syndicate

The Myriad denies the honor of The Transition to those branded as traitors. Instead, the organization buries traitors anonymously beneath mournglade flowers. The Myriad, however, may allow a private candle vigil in the family’s home to mark their passing, offering the deceased a small shred of respect. This practice serves as a stark warning to anyone considering betrayal, reinforcing the gravity of loyalty and trust within the Syndicate’s ranks.   The Transition is a profound ceremony that honors the life and death of Myriad Syndicate members, ensuring their secrets remain safe while granting them a dignified passage into the afterlife. Through this ritual, the syndicate reaffirms its commitment to its members, both living and deceased, and its unyielding devotion to the goddess Raeya.