Voice

[bindsthedead]

I've been wondering- [Sabriel's voice is even, thoughtful, but just a bit hesitant.]

What happens after people die, in your worlds? I know what happens in mine, and I have... something of an idea of what happens in this world. There's some sort of afterlife here, but it's inaccessible to any imPort, living or dead. Perhaps that's part of why we're able to be revived and the locals aren't- because we can't pass into this worlds hereafter. [Sabriel's voice shifts, taking on a tone of somber authority.]

In mine... Death is a river with no shores. It starts at the boundary with Life, then flows through nine precincts, each marked by a gate- its current guides all who enter it to follow it, to let it carry them past the Ninth gate, from which none have returned. Those who fight the current, who seek to return to a world that is no longer their own, and linger in Death, seeking to return to Life... the current warps them, and in time, they lose their humanity, growing in power in the process. All they remember is their desire to return to life, at any cost.

[And Sabriel's tone becomes deliberately chipper, like she's forcing a smile.]I understand that some of you come from worlds with similar troubles, though others are blessedly free of such problems. In either case, I'm curious. Is their magic tied to Death in your worlds, or is it just something people have to deal with through mundane methods?

Comments

[devoutish]

Ask every person, get a different answer. That's a dangerous question, if you're not looking for debate.

[bindsthedead]

I take it there's no one with practical experience on the topic where you come from, so it's all speculation?

[devoutish]

It's different for you?

[He'd been assuming her description was based on belief - though since she's some sort of magical necromancer, he supposes that maybe he shouldn't have.]

[text]

[hellrisen02]

[oh no.]

The theories are endless. Can't say any one's been proven.

You ever met Her?

[text]

[bindsthedead]

Death? Yes, in this world.

The first time I met her was like meeting someone I'd known my whole life.

[text]

[hellrisen02]

So you're one of Hers, too.

Is She still here? I didn't feel anything arriving here, but I didn't remember until I returned anyway.

voice

[prostheticbody]

I suppose it depends on what you believe. It's one mystery technology has yet to solve. We can be placed in perfect, ageless bodies, but our brains will still grow old and fail eventually. And as far as I know, no one's ever come back from that in my world.

voice

[bindsthedead]

Trust me, that's a good thing, people not coming back.

[prostheticbody]

I'm not complaining. The world's complicated enough without the dead rising from their graves. Still, some people would probably gladly brave the risks to see their loved ones again.

voice;

[23wishes]

In my world, when people die, they join the Lifestream. It's a... kind of river inside the planet made of spiritual energy. It's everything - it's the memories and knowledge and feelings of everyone who's ever lived. Most people become one with it. All of this energy is what makes things grow and heal.

My people can even communicate with it.

[bindsthedead]

So it's a cycle- like how decaying bodies become part of the soil, and nourish new life.

What does it say?

[23wishes]

[How can she even put it in words? It's overwhelming sometimes.]

... Everything. It's filled with everyone there ever was and they're all speaking at once.

( text )

[thirdprogenitor]

Nothing happens. You die.

( text )

[bindsthedead]

Nothing that you know of, or have you confirmed there's nothing afterwards?

( perma-text )

[thirdprogenitor]

What else could possibly happen?

[dirtyredneck]

If you don't take out the brain, the body gets back up and tries to eat you.

[bindsthedead]

Really? That sounds like how it is in the films here, but it wouldn't work on Dead creatures from my world.

[dirtyredneck]

Guess you're more shit out of luck than we are if stomping their heads in don't even work.

[He's going to ignore the mention of the films of this world. Just pretend it didn't happen at all.]

voice;

[rekt]

In mind, people just die. There's a lot of theory and religion and ceremony to keep people sane, I guess. But it's just a corpse.

voice;

[bindsthedead]

I see. There isn't anything supernatural in your world- that you know of, at least?

voice;

[rekt]

Not that anyone has proof of. With how many in the way of unsettled dead there probably was, I'd think we'd get at least a ghost.

[hellosirs]

When people die, their souls pass on to the astral plane. Sometimes necromancers try to bring them back, but that's pretty frowned upon and I'm pretty sure it's actually super, super illegal.

[bindsthedead]

Well, I'm glad at least one other world has taken that precaution.

voice;

[marriedmedium]

That depends on what sort of being someone is, darling. Vampire, zombies, ghosts, they're all options!

voice;

[bindsthedead]

What about those that just stay dead?