Burial of the Handless

Those who believe in the myth of Buduza and her deformed army severe the hands of the deceased before their funeral, so as to rob the goddess of tools for her fell forces. Others believe that when you are so utterly lost in a wilderness that you doubt you will make it out alive, if you sacrifice a hand to Buduza, she will send a trail of magic fog that will guide you to the nearest settlement.
The practice is also commonly referred to as "the severing of the hands," which is, in turn, slang for marital decoupling.

History

See Buduza, Goddess of the Uncharted North

Execution

The funeral practice is so common in the Scepter and in the Spine that it is often performed by overseeing surgeons when a patient dies under the care, done by the coroner when a corpse is processed out of the morgue, removed by priests during religious rites, or chopped inexpertly by family remembers of the deceased, usually the spouse or parent.

Components and tools

Some priests and families own blades dedicated to the task, often handed down by generations. Most surgeons employ would scalpels to insure the skin cut is clean, then finish with a bonesaw, and even enclose the wound out of respect. However, any old sharp will do the trick.

Observance

Besides at funerals, sudden deaths, and as a last resort when lost in the wilderness, some planned expeditions have been known to sacrifice the hand of one of its less senior members in order to ensure a safe and successful venture. The volunteer is typically compensated a small fortune when joined with a reputable venturing company.

Primary Related Location

Faerûn