Pilgrimage. Guide of the Lost souls

Pilgrimage. Guide of the Lost souls

Every lost soul (whether it's a dangerous wraith, lonely ghost or a wandering spirit) responds to the funeral tolling of the bell.
By their nature the soul of the dead is drawn to such sound as it imitates the last vibrations of material world before it reaches the other plane of existence, judged by gods or simply dissipates.
(Theorized in the Codex №44 "Soul, myths and facts")
The lost soul in comparison to the common spirit is not able to shed their earthly burdens during such procedures but it does resonate with their core being.
(We need to explain that such ties, in some circles is called rot, are almost a separate being. They behave like a parasite or a tumor, in a sense, they need a host.
So when the ties are strong enough, accumulated enough power, they trap the essence of a soul. Normally the essence frees itself and continues its path.)
And at that moment there is an opportunity to free the essence from the rot. But it requires a willing host.

There were many religious and scientific practices in the past of trapping the rot in different creatures. With time and number of trials, it was proven that the willing person with strong will has higher chances of survival.
They also discovered the ability to contain the rot within the part of one's body and stop it from spreading.
But such burden even for a willed person is highly dangerous - it risks their life, their mental health and possibly endangers others around.
Couple of Churches and fanatical groups took upon themselves such challenge. It seems like an ideal opportunity to prove one's zealotry and purity by testing the limits of one's faith and show off to the others.
And thus there are pilgrims that are inspired to wander the countryside and beyond with the mission to cleanse the rot. They are often volunteered to take on the privilege. And often pay for it one way or another.
If they manage to trap the rot within a part of their body (it's usually their fingers and then in spreads to the hand and arm depending on the host and the power of the rot), they return to the holy place of of their faith.
And then cast it away either to the holy flames or seal it within the holy grounds. If the rot is witnessed to spread further, the pilgrim is faced with tough choices. Either they submit to the dogma or risk the punishment.