Barbarian Battle-axe

“For ages, barbarians lived in mountains and caves like the animals they are. Their tribal feuds were savage affairs of biting, kicking, and clawing. No one knows who first used a stone to kill an opponent, but that set the barbarians on the path for new weapons. Over the years, their sophistication grew, and now a barbarian is more than capable of cutting you in half with a single blow from one of their axes.”
-Elwain, to his granddaughter Breda, Winhall 1037 FB

The barbarian battle-axe is the mightiest weapon made by the Fjarnings, Gjalsks, Troll Peakers, and Ferkinas. Just the sight of this massive, double-bladed axe quickly puts an end to all thoughts that these are uncivilized savages. This is no improvised tool. Rather, it is a skillfully forged weapon designed only for killing.

One blow is enough to maim an opponent, and often enemies flee when this axe is swung a second time. Wielding this axe takes skill and strength (which their wielders usually have in abundance). Mishaps with this weapon often leave the victim impaired for weeks.

Technique	Damage	P+T	AT/PA	Reach	Weight	Length	Cost	Complexity
Two-Handed Impact	2d6+4	STR 13	0/–4	medium	3.5 stn 7.5 lbs	120 hf/cm 47 inches	175 S	simple

Weapon Advantage: Whenever the wielder achieves a critical success or inflicts 14+ DP in one blow against an enemy, all opponents within attack distance must make a Willpower (Resist Intimidation) check at a -1 penalty. Each enemy who fails this check receives 1 level of Fear for 5 CR.

Weapon Disadvantage: A confirmed botch on an AT or PA inflicts 1 level of Stupor on the wielder.