I have hitherto refrained from addressing the rather distasteful subject of graverobbing. However, as I know many among my readers take part in (and in some cases have developed a reputation for) this practice, I am bound to touch upon it.
The Xin tombs (at least the ones worth plundering) are generally laid out in a spiral pattern ascending toward the center, representing the soul's journey up the World Mountain to the Bright Halls. This is known as the Luóxuán style. But the various executions of this theme may differ wildly. A tomb may be at the summit of mountain. Another may be on an upper level of a tower wrapped in a coiling stairway. Or the path to the tomb may be underground within an artificial mound. Always the path will spiral inward, clockwise, generally with stations as checkpoints representing the Heavenly Barricades of popular belief. There may be side passages containing treasure or ceremonial artifacts.
Traps are to be expected, as are supernatural guardians. Unlike most Liangyese, the Xin do not utilize ghosts as guardians. They feel that to keep a man's soul trapped in such a way is to deprive him of his destined apotheosis-- a worse crime than even murder. Necromancers who dabble in such activities are advised to not draw attention to themselves while sojourning here. But "animated" corpses (which function on a basic set of spells without any need for full sapience) are allowed, as they are in the rest of the country. There are also tomb guardians of a more otherworldly nature.
Five or six centuries ago, it chanced that two wizards arrived in Xin from parts unknown, bringing arcane lore from their own distant homelands. At that time a particularly ruthless breed of tomb raiders were operating in the area, and the Xin were eager for stronger security measures. Enter Talhaller and Beshu. These two hired themselves out and summoned familiars to fill the role of immortal sentries. Their business rivalry was the stuff of legends, and their dedication to the hustle impressed even the Xin. Talhaller's particular brand of sprite was the Guardian, a capriform entity armed with a spear and capable of long leaps. Beshu, on the other hand, summoned the Watcher, a large floating eyeball with a vast set of powerful tentacles. Both species are to be considered highly dangerous.
If you do decide to plunder a tomb, there are several factors to consider. First, it may well have been plundered long before you got there. Second, the local gangs may present a problem getting in or out. A crime lord may decide to back you if you present it to him nicely and ofer him a cut-- but only if he thinks your plan will succeed. Of course you should first make sure he isn't closely related to the deceased, or too concerned about divine retribution. Law enforcement presents its own set of headaches. I am told that the local rates for bribery are considerably higher than would otherwise be typical, due to a variety of economic reasons.
These days, of course, the Xin are more enlightened and have left off placing fabulous riches in their graves. Modern dogma states that the gods really fancy pewter and stone, having plenty of gold and silver up there already. Basically any tomb built in the last hundred years is not going to be worth your time.
My scribe Hoshab informs me that I am legally obligated to state the following: The Cutthroat's Compleat Guide to Liangyu does not endorse the plundering of tombs and the desecrating of corpses. The author does not offer advice in the hopes of encouraging any manner of illegal or immoral activity, and will not be held responsible if said activity results in unpleasant consequences for any parties involved. On your own head be it.
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