Grave robbers

[hcobb]

Inspired by another thread, but something to think about when converting from other systems to TFT.

A: Alchemists
Q: Why do goblins rob graves?

How do the locals safely dispose of humanoid corpses?

I'm ready to consider everything from cremation to self-guarding graveyards (ghouls optional).

[Jabberwock]

Originally Posted by hcobb

Inspired by another thread, but something to think about when converting from other systems to TFT.

A: Alchemists
Q: Why do goblins rob graves?

How do the locals safely dispose of humanoid corpses?

I'm ready to consider everything from cremation to self-guarding graveyards (ghouls optional).

Alchemists seem to fit the old D&D hireling concept. I'd just create one for the town and allow him to be hired out at the going rate given in the DMG or ItL (depending on which world and economy you're using).

I would imagine that, in a world where magic is a thing, there would be a great deal of ceremony and holy jiggery pokery done to ensure that graves retain their occupants.

For humanoids, however, I imagine a good hot bonfire would be the quickest and most space saving solution. Plus, if your villagers are starving, I imagine orcs taste a bit like roast pig...

[DeadParrot]

Corpse disposal methods will depend on where the village is located. It takes a lot of fuel to make a body go away. More then just a small bonfire.

If your village is near the sea or large lake, burial at sea is probably the quickest.
If on the plains, either deep burial or placing on a platform so the vultures dismember/eat the body.
Even if the village is near woodlands, it will take a lot of work to cut and season enough wood for a proper cremation. (jobs for convicts?)

If you have hyenas or similar, they eat pretty much everything including bones and could make a viable body disposal solution.

What gets done depends a lot on how likely it is for a body to get used for unwanted after life things. If many years pass between bodies going walkabout, the villagers may decide the small risk doesn't justify the large effort to prevent.

[hcobb]

How many corpses can you pack into a four foot diameter ten foot tall Fire spell?