Jaysehn (prime)/Ranshai's Guide to the Lesser Undead Chapter2

Chapter 2: Prevention

In practical terms, the information within this work is targeted at two distinct audiences. The first of these is the fledgling Hunter for whom these creatures may pose an unexpected danger in the course of their work. For them, the information on how to annihilate these foes is of course pertinent and useful.

The other audience for this work is the common layperson, for whom the life of a Hunter is as far removed as that of a Vaalorian King. To this audience, I hold two key reservations about writing this work at all. The first is my concern that many among them may not have the means or capacity for literacy. I am resolved that this matter is beyond my ability to solve and hope only that if a copy of this work were to find its way into such a community, it would be shared by those able to share. The second reservation I have is the concern that my writings might make the life of a Hunter seem like a romantic adventure. Heed this well.

There is no victory in the life of the Hunter. There is no glory. There is treasure. There is no immortality.

The Hunter's life is the loneliest of all chosen paths. If you have other options, and a person capable of reading this book *does* have other options, exhaust them all first. Exhaust them all twice over. Every young person dreams of great adventure. Of heroic deeds over great foes and the glory that comes with those victories. This is bravado. Foolishness of this sort risks the lives of the people around you when attempt to invite troubles to your door. It is a cheap thing to bathe in glory while standing upon the graves of your neighbors. Is it more heroic to overcome a danger or to have taken the steps necessary to have never faced it at all? Leave heroics to the bards. Let us cling to what is practical.

The Wisdom of Myth

The unwise often consider myth and the fruits of myth to be mere flights of fancy. Interesting and perhaps amusing tales that tell of obvious impossibilities to delight and entertain. Perhaps even to elicit a cheap scare. Of course, those who have taken to the work of the Hunter are more than aware that myth can be a powerful tool, weaponized to a purpose if the right hands.

I've seen the superstitions of common folk mocked routinely in my work, often by those who consider themselves their betters. It is a reality that a good many of the superstitions clung to by the commons are indeed non-factual. However, it is not often fact that a myth is meant to convey. Instead, they are often vessels to deliver long held wisdoms to future generations. It is not uncommon to find the root cause for a legend's origin to be lost or a superstition to have no obvious purpose. Never the less, they are often more effective than many would give credit for. Just as this is true in life, so is it true in the face of undeath.