I know there are references to River Elves saying this type of thing, not seriously, but in a dramatic extreme way. (ie my mother would "fade" if she could see me now.)

I only know of one in game account of this situation, which was in a book regarding an ancient account that related to the Elven creation times.

Are there more recent examples of this happening? Also how do various players view this situation in character or out of character?


This is what Elanthipedia says, there are at least this many ways of viewing this circumstance.


Fading refers to the Elven practice of ritualistically entering a place of nature and dying. The term is most commonly used by and associated with Forest Elves, who believe that Celestidhl Faded from grief at the death of her husband. River Elves hold similar beliefs regarding the Ocean.
Whether Fading is meant to be literal or metaphorical is debated. Some believe that an Elf will literally fade out of existence and join the natural elements around them. Others believe it is a poetic way of referring to ritualistic suicide, or a sort of "last hunt."


-Armifer says consequences are how we honor evil roleplaying.
-Abasha says, "Personally, I love supporting evil characters, but not if they can't take their lumps too.
-Quarel says, "Not me I hit you because I like to hit."

From AGE INFO 2:

Elves have the same lifespan as Dwarves, but appear much younger. By the end of an Elf's life, he appears no older than a Human in his mid-50s. While Elves develop in most ways at step with Humans, they are not sexually viable until their 40s. Ancient stories claim Elves "fade away" with old age, but this is an echo of old social conventions rather than biological fact; an Elf who dies of complications of age leaves a corpse.

-Raesh

I view fading as wandering off to die with dignity, where the family simply does not witness it.

---

>
You're not used to life as a fish, are you?

My character views it as a pathetic way to die, typically as the result of some sort of obsession. Dignity could be construed as an obsession.

Because why should any strong willed person have to die at all?

P.S. Said character is young and not necessarily the most mature person, as well as a degree of hypocrite, having obsessions of his own.

<<only the Immortals know what happens to our spirit or even if we have one>>

Interestingly enough this question recently came up for my cleric character. Having recently completed her resurrection quest, she came upon something she hadn't been able to access before...

"Your soul shines brightly
Destined for the Red Spiral
Where the spirits burn in the Void
Beyond the Starry Path
Accept
All return to the Void from whence they come
All, all come to Urrem'tier."

This very closely parallels what has been "taught" to my necromancer --

"In truth, everyone is burned in the Red Spiral. Its what fuels the Immortals, you know. The deaths and purging of souls...we're nothing more than firewood to them."

<<Because why should any strong willed person have to die at all?>>

hence the "great work"...

So, while elves may speak of fading, in truth they go somewhere quiet to die. And the possiblity for an afterlife seems rather nonexistant.

---

Necromancy provides the only source of reliable and potent life extension on Elanthia.

This is my personal take on Fading, the Elf in question, is under extreme grief, to the point, they no longer retain much if any will to live. The will the have remaining, they use to force their life processes to slow or cease. The body, ritually prepared, dies close to nature, it almost instantaneously nourishes the surrounding environment. A portion of the person's spirit, remains with the elements, flora and fauna.

This may not follow exact game lore, or be popular or accepted. My views on it,though, perhaps it will not be too negative to be pulled.


Also off subject but with regard to Lyras, although Human. It is the belief of some of my characters that some part of Lyras sought it to end. I know her soul was gone, but maybe some fraction of what was once her spirit or personality lingered in some corner.

That small portion wanted it to end, the chaos, the madness, the constant annihilation, the being a near shell-like pawn of a destructive other planar entity or demon. That she in some way aided in her own end, even if in a very minuscule way.


I am think it is likely people will say I am way off, and that I will be harshly criticized for this opinion. Perhaps ignored as someone not worth even acknowledging the absurd views of, anymore.


-Armifer says consequences are how we honor evil roleplaying.
-Abasha says, "Personally, I love supporting evil characters, but not if they can't take their lumps too.
-Quarel says, "Not me I hit you because I like to hit."

Encouraging ideas heavily borrowed from other games and found nowhere in Dragonrealms canon is how we end up with heartplugs and evermeet.