Purgatory
Purgatory was part of the death mechanics of GemStone III, which was modified if not technically removed in the transition to GemStone IV. Upon decaying, the soul would arrive in a "room" called Purgatory, with obvious paths of light and darkness. The messaging is almost identical in terms of illustration, except now it is not represented as a location. There were several versions of the messaging, which involved being spoken with in the same archaic language used by the deed priestess in the Wehnimer's Landing temple.
Purgatory dates back to the early I.C.E. Age, and though it was possible to be "lost to the demonic" if you decayed without deeds, you would simply go to The Afterlife and no mention was made of anything theological. Very low level characters would also be intervened upon, such as by the Great Spirit Voln. Deeds might have originally referred to the medieval concept of "homage", where a kneeling ceremony was performed to a liege lord in exchange for titles and special rights of intercession. These words appear to be used in that sense in The Graveyard, which was created at roughly the same time as Purgatory.
Behind The Scenes
One of the possible messages received when decaying in GemStone III. The mid-level "Under Barrow" of The Graveyard may be a symbolic representation of Purgatory.
Slowly the world begins to dissolve into a grainy montage of color...
[Purgatory]
You find yourself wandering amidst endless streaming light, and vast nothingness. This place feels torn between two prophecies, each vying for your loyalty.
Also in the room: All the spirits of those who could not choose.
Obvious exits: light and darkness.
Time seems to have no meaning as you wander aimlessly amidst the uncomfortable tugging for your attention. Hopelessness washes over dreams you once held like the creeping tide of doom.
In time the Goddess Lorminstra finds you wandering the endlessness of Purgatory and says, "For thy deed, my promise to intercede shall be fulfilled." Taking you by the hand, the Goddess leads you back to mortality...
Suddenly you feel an intense pain scorching your very soul! The world of your past suddenly comes rushing back into your memory. You are quite bewildered by what has transpired, but alive...
[Hall of Rebirth]
Sunlight streams through the ice, illuminating the room with clean, golden light. Faint rainbows dance on the walls, playing across the huge mural hanging on the southern wall. The air is still and cool, layered with peace and serenity. You cannot help but feel calm here, as if something loving was watching over you.
Obvious exits: out.