Homebrew Lore of Strahd: Death Rituals

I talk about my Curse of Strahd game a lot on this blog, and I hint at a lot of the changes and additions that I've made to the lore. But I haven't had a place to really delve into those changes. Until now. Welcome to the official Homebrew Lore of Strahd column, where I dive into the personal tweaks I've added to the game. Today we are starting off with death rituals in Ravenloft.

Death in Ravenloft is the only escape from Strahd's realm. But even then, escape is not easy. Through the Crucible of Souls, Strahd has the ability to trap any soul leaving Ravenloft, condemning it to an eternity of torture.

He has made the eternity of torture public knowledge, although he keeps information about the Crucible to himself. Still, Strahd loves his games, and he has set up a way for souls to escape: when a person dies, they must be buried by an approved priest before the third midnight after their passing. If it is done, he allows the soul to travel on to the afterlife. But if not, the soul is his to do with as he will.

The priests approved by Strahd must complete the entire ritual of death by themselves. They are responsible for preparing the bodies, digging the graves, administering the last prayer. They are allowed no help, and if aid is given Strahd's contract is null and void.

In a land where almost no divine magic persists, Strahd has still created a place for the priesthood. And although he makes sure that the priests are almost always behind in their work, the priests are given great honor and respect. For it is only through them that escape from the horrors of Ravenloft is possible.