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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pedr" data-source="post: 3318592" data-attributes="member: 33464">In the pseudo-middle ages that most D&D is built on, all hangings were 'short-drop' hangings. The drop is usually far too short to break the neck, instead closing blood vessels and/or airways which leads to the brain not getting enough oxygen and the victim dying. Which is why various films have scenes showing a rescue or repreive arriving during the execution. According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanging" target="_blank">wikipedia</a>, at least 31 Newtons (7lbf or 3.2kgf) is needed to close the carotid arteries leading to rapid unconsciousness. Light victims apparently had weights tied to them to increase the amount of force, but so long as the person was beginning to suffocate, I imagine your Paladin would be willing to stand and wait for death to occur. In British history, the body was left for around an hour to be certain that it was dead.</blockquote>