The Nightsoil Collectors

In Lankhmar, Ilthmar and the other major cities of Western Nehwon there exists a profession that is as essential as it is reviled: the Nightsoil Collectors. Known colloquially as "Dungmen," these laborers perform the crucial task of managing the city's waste, ensuring the streets and homes of the city remain livable. Their work, however, is marked by severe health risks, social stigma, and economic challenges.

Role and Responsibilities:

The Nightsoil Collectors' primary duty is to empty the city's cesspits and privies, a task undertaken under the cover of darkness. Utilizing shovels, buckets, and specially designed carts, they transport the Humanoid waste to areas far outside the city limits. Here, it is either disposed of in designated locations or sold to farmers as fertilizer. This process involves navigating the city's narrow, dimly lit alleys and treacherous sewers, often while inhaling noxious fumes and dealing with hazardous conditions.

Tools and Techniques:

The tools of the trade are simple yet effective. Nightsoil Collectors wear heavy, oil-soaked clothing to protect themselves from the filth. They carry lanterns or torches to light their way through the pitch-black sewers and use reinforced carts to prevent spills during transportation. Working in teams, they manage the heavy loads and maintain safety, leveraging each other’s strength and presence to minimize the dangers of their nighttime endeavors.

Social Stigma:

Despite the essential nature of their work, Nightsoil Collectors are treated as pariahs by the rest of Western Nehwon society. They reside in the city's poorest districts, often on its fringes, and are rarely included in social events or gatherings. This social ostracism extends to their families, with children of Dungmen facing bullying and exclusion from schools and community activities. The profession's association with filth and disease perpetuates a cycle of poverty and isolation, making it a last resort for those with no other options.

Economic Realities:

The economic situation of Nightsoil Collectors is bleak. While the city pays a small stipend for their services, it is insufficient to provide a decent standard of living. To supplement their income, many Dungmen sell nightsoil as fertilizer to farmers outside the city. Despite this additional revenue, the work remains poorly compensated, and the economic hardships faced by these workers are compounded by their social marginalization.

Health Risks:

The health risks associated with the profession are significant. Exposure to Humanoid can lead to serious diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and other infections. The damp, unsanitary conditions of the sewers and the physical strain of the job further exacerbate these risks. Many Dungmen suffer from chronic illnesses, and the mortality rate within the profession is high, leading to a constant need for new recruits.

Historical Context:

The profession of Nightsoil Collector has a long and storied history in Lankhmar, dating back to the city's earliest days. As Lankhmar grew, the need for efficient waste disposal became more pressing, leading to the formal establishment of the role. Over the years, various attempts have been made to unionize the Dungmen and improve their working conditions, but these efforts have met with limited success. The profession remains one of the most challenging and least appreciated in Lankhmar, despite its crucial role in maintaining public health and sanitation.

Personal Stories:

Among the many Nightsoil Collectors, the story of Korgan stands out. Korgan, a former soldier who turned to nightsoil collection after an injury left him unable to continue his military career, is a respected figure among his peers. Despite the stigma, he takes pride in his work, viewing it as a necessary service to the city he once defended. His leadership and determination have inspired many new recruits, and his story highlights the resilience and dignity of those who perform this essential yet reviled job.

Legal Punishment and Felons:

Becoming a Nightsoil Collector is often used as a legal punishment, reserved for those convicted of crimes but deemed redeemable. It is a sentence that combines societal shaming with arduous labor, intended to reform through hardship. Many convicted felons find themselves in this profession, as it is one of the few jobs they are trusted to do. The work is grueling, and the stigma attached to it serves as a continuous reminder of their past transgressions. However, some manage to find a sense of purpose and redemption in the role, proving their worth through their labor and dedication to keeping the city clean.

Type

Sanitation