The Afterlife:
In the ethereal realm of the afterlife in Nihm, all souls, regardless of race, find themselves within a shared spiritual continuum. This vast and boundless expanse is intricately divided into various domains, each presided over by one of Nihm's gods. These divine territories in the afterlife mirror the gods' dominions in the living world, offering a place of rest and continuity for those souls aligned with a particular deity's ethos and teachings during their mortal lives.
For a soul devoted to a specific god, the afterlife is a seamless transition to a domain that resonates with the principles they upheld in life. Be it the tranquil groves of Vinushka's realm for those who cherished nature, the bustling marketplaces of Thial's domain for the merchants and artisans, or the serene libraries of Rher for the seekers of knowledge, each divine territory offers an eternal continuation of the soul's earthly inclinations and devotions.
However, for those who tread life's journey without allegiance to any one deity or whose beliefs are a tapestry of various teachings, the afterlife presents a different experience. These souls find themselves in the "middle of it all," a neutral expanse that lies at the intersection of all divine domains. This realm is not a place of punishment or despair but rather a vast, open space where unaligned souls exist freely, albeit without the anchorage of a specific divine domain. They are not barred from existence but are unable to take root in any of the godly realms, leaving them to wander the afterlife's vastness, unattached to any singular divine essence.
This nuanced view of the afterlife imbues the choice of religion in Nihm with profound significance. When individuals choose a path of faith divergent from that of their kin or community, it is not merely a matter of spiritual preference but a decision that has lasting implications beyond mortal life. Such choices can lead to a metaphysical separation in the afterlife, where loved ones devoted to different deities may find themselves in distinct realms, each aligned with their spiritual convictions.
Races and death:
In the world of Nihm, all races share the same afterlife, however, they don't neccesarily approach the topic of life and death in the same way.
Elves, with their intrinsic bond to nature and the arcane, approach the end of life with a sense of cyclical continuation rather than finality. Their funerary practices are imbued with grace and tranquility, often taking place in moonlit glades where elegiac melodies and eloquent verse celebrate the soul's return to the elemental embrace of the world. For elves, death is merely another phase in the eternal dance of the natural order.
Dwarves regard the conclusion of life with a stoic reverence, emphasizing the indelible marks one leaves on the world. Their ceremonies are often held in cavernous halls, where the echoes of ancestral chants and the solemn clang of hammer on stone pay homage to the deceased's contributions and achievements. In dwarven culture, to be remembered is to achieve immortality, and so their rites are as much about inscribing the departed's legacy as they are about mourning.
Humans, in their characteristic variety, exhibit a wide spectrum of death rites, influenced by the myriad cultures, religions, and philosophies that proliferate among them. From grandiose funerals that celebrate a life's accomplishments to introspective vigils that ponder the soul's journey, human practices encompass the breadth of their experiences and beliefs, highlighting their adaptability and diverse perspectives on existence.
Halflings cherish community and family above all, and this extends into their observances of death. Halfling remembrances are heartfelt gatherings where stories, laughter, and tears flow freely, with sumptuous feasts that honor the departed's favorite delights. These gatherings reinforce the bonds of kinship and friendship, serving as a reminder of the joyous moments shared with those who have passed.
Tieflings, bearing the legacy of their infernal heritage, often incorporate elements of fire and shadow into their rituals, symbolizing the soul's journey through realms of light and darkness. Their rites might be shrouded in mystery, blending ancient incantations with personal reflections on the dualities of their nature, acknowledging the complex paths tiefling souls traverse in the afterlife.
Dragonborn, with their draconic lineage, view death with a majestic solemnity befitting their noble origins. Their ceremonies are replete with draconic symbolism, from the use of fire to signify the soul's indomitable spirit to the recitation of sagas that recount the deceased's valor and wisdom. The dragonborn see the afterlife as a realm where the soul's strength and honor are tested and celebrated.
Gnomes, ever inquisitive and vibrant, approach death with a curious blend of solemnity and whimsy. Their memorials often feature ingenious contraptions or magical displays that capture the essence of the departed's life and creations, celebrating the ingenuity and joy that marked their existence.