Archeology and the undead

The fight against the undead is wrought with many difficulties and and dangers. What I wish to discuss in this text comes from two all two often ignored topics. The bodies of the resurrected, and its grave goods and former possessions.

While similar precautions should be taken when facing the recently deceased and reincarnated, will this paper focus on the undead in the process of exaction and historical research (This one does not condone her work being used in the pursuit of grave robbing or looting).

Respect the body

Remember that each undead creation was once a living person, with a past, family and culture. While it is true that some cultures like the Dunmer use the bodies of the deceased under consensual forms, is this not to be counted upon. Regardless of how the undead was created is it still the remains of an ancestor, and should be given the same respect as any bodies found in archeological work.

I suggest familiarizing yourself with several unbinding and spirit release seels before entering any dig site you might thing is inhabited by the undead. Likewise is scrolls and spells of bodily preservation very useful to counteract any decomposition that may occur when the necromantic energies leaves the body.

Preserve the belongings

It is the duty of the historian to preserve and understand the past, one of our major tools in this endeavor is artifacts and items from the past. These should always be treated with respect of-course, but even more so when it comes to grave goods. Just as much care should be taken of the items that are found on animated corpses (A historical relic does not become any less sacred just because its previous owner happens to be shuffling about their tomb no?).

Great care should be taken to understand the material culture of the tomb or ruin you will explore. This will help you to gather the proper tools to preserve and repair any items that may be damaged during the banishment the undead. (Also make sure to be well aware of any curses or hexes related to the local area. One should always wonder how an undead body became that way. This one finds it very useful if you wish to avoid joining the subjects of our study).