Funeral Rite

This rite is reserved for when a Hunter of the Stag falls in the line of duty. Performed at nightfall, this rite involves a gathering of the deceased's friends. The deceased is placed on an unlit funeral pyre. Each person tells their feeling about their friend, taking literally no liberties. Each Hunter speaks in turn, speaking honestly and openly. When all are finished, the pyre is lit , and a phoenix feather is added to the flames. The ritual is supposed to ensure a favorable rebirth, as well as settle the minds of each of the Hunter's friends. For important Hunters, or for those who fell nobly, their final prey (or more infrequently, tiger's fur) is added to the pyre, blessed by the High Priest. The ashes of the deceased are scattered from the top of a tall tree, except for a small amount, which is placed in a leather pouch and hung behind the altar for a year. After a year, the ashes are added to a pool of holy water. This holy water is reserved for blessing performed at all other rituals.