L'Sheriss Empire Customs and Rites

Basically funerary customs for the Emperor was that the body would be retrieved and immediately put under a gentle repose spell, which halts decomposition for one week. He is returned home, which could take some time depending on how far from a tower he was killed. The spell may be refreshed on the journey home if needed. He is then cleaned and dressed in funerary robes and a Royal Sapphire placed over his heart. Makeup may be used if necessary. The representative of each noble house is called in to view him and state that the body is indeed that of the Emperor, and that yes, he is dead. Depending on how bad off the body was and the decisions of the Heir-now-Emperor he might be displayed for viewing by the public for a few days, but never longer than the spell lasts. The body is laid to rest in the Hall of the Ancestors, sealed in a tomb under his own statue that has been sterilized and the air removed as much as possible with possessions holding personal meaning. The tomb is then sealed and heavily enchanted. The body within stays as it was before the gentle repose was cast indefinitely. The Coronation date for the new Emperor is announced the next morning, though legally, the Prince Imperial becomes acting Emperor immediately after his father's death, and officially after each house has proclaimed him dead. There is an 'optional' period of mourning in place for two weeks. It is possible to move the tombs within the hall but not outside of it for visual layout presentation.