As far as folklore goes, they were buried in coffins face down, so when they tried to emerge they would instead go straight down.
More about the Warlock being confused as to why the Paladin knows the language of demons (which is a sound tactical ability in my opinion, know you enemy and all that)
That doesn't work anyway, as the item would only be dropped next to the final peasant, as per the rules of the game.
"Parry this, you filthy casual!"