Getting some ideas which are motivating me to do a bit of worldbuilding. Central to the concept is that, in this setting, rulers will often choose their favourite eunuchs and grant them a kind of immortality. They can then serve generations of the royal family as advisors, guards and standard-bearers, passing down knowledge and traditions as they do so. The process of immortalising is rather unpleasant, however, so the royals don't typically choose to undergo it themselves. Wrote a little exerpt about it below, touching on religion and magic in this setting.
Ritual for the investiture of an imperishable eunuch
– Inscribed by Oracle Yemit, Head Embalmer at Swatha-upon-Sorrhoto Necropolis
The candidate for the procedure will be selected from amongst the prince’s own eunuch guard body. He will, of course, have excelled in all fields during his training. His athleticism and alertness, loyalty and intellect will be of the highest calibre. Although not strictly essential, it is desirable to choose an individual of surpassing visual appeal. As an intimate servant of the prince, every detail of his appearance should radiate fulsomeness, to reflect well on his royal person.
Once agreement has been reached, royal messengers shall inform the fortuitous oblate. He shall be formally briefed, though as a member of the guard body, he should already know what to expect. Time for preparations shall be allocated, after which he shall decamp to the temple complex and undergo one dozen days and nights of fasting. Honey, herbal water and spiced tea shall be all that he consumes, the better to purify and preserve body and mind. As for the soul, rigorous prayer and self-reflection should be adhered to throughout.
The embalmers shall use this time to prepare their materials. Exact measurements of the oblate’s body shall be taken. Bindings shall be stitched with his name, pedigree, rank and achievements, so as to fasten him to the realm of the living. Receptacles shall be obtained to stabilise the flow of magic. Resin, incense and candles shall be at the ready. The coat of mail that he wore during his service shall be inspected, cleaned and repaired if need be. Most importantly, a death mask, fitting his features exactly, shall be crafted. It is vital to use a magically inert material. This shall repel the soul should it attempt to escape, keeping it within the body for the ritual’s duration. Gold is the apposite choice. Jade or lapis lazuli are also viable options, but it is more difficult to ensure a close fit with stone masks, so additional caution must be observed.
Once everything is as it should be, the oblate shall be sent for and led to the sepulchre. He shall be laid out upon the slab and the mask shall be fitted into place. Somnolent incense and candles shall be lit. Once he enters a deep sleep, the operation is to begin. The lungs are to be first removed and inhumed in an amphora of oil. The liver is to be second removed and inhumed in an amphora of mercury. The kidneys, pancreas and gallbladder are to be third removed and inhumed in a casket of natron. The intestines are to be fourth and last removed and inhumed in a casket of myrrh. The magic receptacles are to be placed inside the body cavity. The bindings are to be packed tightly and carefully into the space between. (Please consult my precious work for details of how to fasten them securely around bone and viscera.) The entirety is to be infused with resin. The mail is to be placed on the body of its oblate. Whilst he is sewn back up, the thread is to be looped through the seams of the armour. This, the Consummate permitting, ensures a close graft. Clothing and jewellery are to be fitted atop the armour. Sacred ointment is to be applied and the final prayers said.
The oblate shall then be ready for his interment. He shall be placed in a sarcophagus of inert stone, such as quartz or obsidian. This shall be gently filled with a cleanly and absorbant powder. Use what is most available to you; my recommendations are ground pumice or diatomaceous earth. Once this has been completed, replace the lid, secure it and leave him to rest. After another dozen days and nights, you will know if you have been successful.
