Theology 102

Introduction

Here is a brief survey of the well known answers to some of the big questions in life. 

What happens after you die?

After death, your spirit departs your body. Depending on the manner of your death you may go directly to the Other-realm or you may linger. Those who are devote, usually have a guide, sent from their patron god, to lead them. A spirit is usually allowed to visit his friends and family, shortly after his death, saying good bye to them in dreams.

The funeral ritual is very important because it performs two mystic tasks. First, it sends the spirit to the Other-real, compelling it to go weather it wants to or not. Second, it prevents necromantic magic from disturbing the spirit or defiling the body.

A spirit with out a guide or funeral may linger for a long time as a ghost. He will haunt the place of his death, reenacting various moments of his life. Time will not seem to pass for a ghost. Thus he will usually be concerned with events of his life time, as if they are still current. It is the duty of all clerics to put ghosts to rest, if they can.

When your spirit reaches the Other-realm, you will be judged by the gods, according to divine law. Your good and evil acts will be considered at length. The gods know much but they are not omnipotent. There is room to debate the matter. Your motive and understanding of a situation will be taken into consideration in their judgment.

Judgment is complicated – not a simple ruling of guilt or innocence. You may receive punishments for some acts and rewards for others. A good act does not cancel a bad one. Occasionally a reward or punishment is deferred, until the consequences of your action in life have run their course.

Heaven and Hell

You may be sent to Hell to serve a term of time before being allowed into Heaven. They are like extreme imitations of the normal world. Heaven is a beautiful place with abundant food and water; it is peaceful and well ordered, with out being dull. Hell is stormy and unpleasant with little food or water, it is dangerous and chaotic. Although some mortals think it the more fun place to go, the gods assure us that these fools change their opinion after spending time there.