ARTIFACTS INDEX
INTRODUCTION
Imagine a weapon so powerful that it can shape the destiny of an entire race. A weapon that can turn anyone into a dwarf, and make them the rightful ruler of all dwarves. A weapon that has been lost for centuries, but still haunts the dreams of many adventurers. This is the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords, one of the most legendary artifacts in the Dungeons & Dragons game.
The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords is one of the few artifacts that made its way through all editions of D&D, including 5th ed. However, no need to dance around then, the Axe is a powerful object and if a dwarf is playing in your party he/she surely knows what is it.
The Book of Artifacts presents the Axe and introduces it together with other four legendary items: Brutal Pick, Earthheart Forge, Anvil of Songs, and Shaping Hammer. This artifact originates from the ancient times, when the dwarves were a glorious and mighty race. It belonged to kings, and was meant to be passed from generation to generation. But, as any powerful artifact, things did not work as one could expect. The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords was lost at some point in history, but the quest for retrieving it never stopped.
ADVENTURE HOOKS
Here are some examples:
- The characters are hired by a dwarven clan to recover the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords from a rival clan that has stolen it. They must infiltrate the enemy stronghold, avoid detection, and retrieve the artifact without starting a war.
- The characters are contacted by a mysterious benefactor who claims to know the location of the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords. He offers to share this information with them in exchange for a favor. The favor turns out to be a dangerous and morally questionable task that involves betraying someone they trust.
- The characters are exploring a dungeon when they stumble upon a hidden chamber that contains the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords. As soon as they touch the artifact, they are transported to another plane of existence, where they meet the original creator of the Axe. He challenges them to prove their worthiness by completing a series of trials.
- The characters are in possession of the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords, but they soon realize that the artifact has a mind of its own. It tries to influence their actions and decisions, and sometimes even takes control of their bodies. They must find a way to break free from its curse or succumb to its will.
- The characters are hired by a wizard who wants to study the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords. He promises them a generous reward if they can bring him the artifact. However, when they arrive at his tower, they discover that he is actually a madman who plans to use the Axe to unleash a terrible evil upon the world.
What retrieving the Axe means for a dwarf character and for all dwarves
For a dwarf character and for all dwarves, retrieving the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords is more than just a quest. It is a sacred duty, a dream, and a hope. The Axe is the symbol of the dwarves’ identity, history, and destiny. It is the legacy of their ancestors, who forged it from the heart of a volcano and used it to unite and lead their people. It is the source of their power, wisdom, and pride.
But the Axe was lost long ago, in a tragic and mysterious event that shattered the dwarves’ golden age. Some say it was stolen by enemies, others say it was hidden by a traitor, and others say it was cursed by the gods. Since then, the dwarves have been searching for the Axe, but without success. They have become divided, disillusioned, and nostalgic. They have lost their confidence, their glory, and their purpose.
The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords is not just a weapon. It is the Holy Grail for Christians, the Red Apple for Islam, the Sword of Mars for the goths, and so on. It is everything for dwarves. The fact that they never talk about it is because they have given up hope of ever finding it. They mourn and miss the past, and they think with sorrow to those glorious times.
But what if someone could find the Axe? What if a dwarf character could reclaim this legendary artifact and restore its rightful place among his or her people? What would that mean for him or her, and for all dwarves? Would it bring joy or sorrow, peace or war, unity or division? Would it fulfill their destiny or doom them to destruction? These are the questions that any dwarf character who seeks the Axe must face.
What are the powers of the Axe of the dwarvish Lords
The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords is a legendary artifact in the Dungeons & Dragons game. It has many powers that make it a formidable weapon and a coveted treasure. In this section, we will explore its magical properties, its prestige and politics, and its potential trouble.
Magical Properties
The weapon itself is excellent, and according to AD&D, possesses the following powers:
- Sharpness: It can sever limbs with a well scored critical.
- Thrower: It can be thrown at enemies and return to the wielder’s hand.
- Summoning: It can summon a 16HD earth elemental once a week.
These properties make the Axe a versatile and deadly weapon that can deal with various types of foes and situations.
Prestige and Politics
However, the true power of the Axe does not lie in its magical properties. The true power of the Axe lies in its prestige. The Axe is the symbol of the dwarves’ identity, history, and destiny. It is the legacy of their ancestors, who forged it from the heart of a volcano and used it to unite and lead their people. It is the source of their power, wisdom, and pride.
Finding the Axe is a serious political matter.
Can you imagine all the dwarvish kingdoms, large and small, answering the call? Many people out there do not want the Axe to come back; they prefer the object remain a legend of the past.
Here are some quotes that show what some dwarves think or say about the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords:
- “The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords is our birthright, our heritage, our destiny. Whoever holds it is the true king of all dwarves.” – Durin Stonehelm, leader of the Stonehelm clan.
- “The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords is a curse, a temptation, a folly. Whoever seeks it is doomed to madness, corruption, and death.” – Tharina Silverflame, high priestess of Moradin.
Trouble Ahead
Finding and wielding the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords can also bring a lot of trouble for its owner and anyone who gets involved with it. The Axe has a mind of its own, and it can influence or control its wielder’s actions and decisions. It can also transform its wielder into a dwarf, grant them resistance to poison, and allow them to speak Dwarvish. These effects may not be desirable or beneficial for some characters.
Moreover, finding and wielding the Axe can also attract a lot of enemies and rivals who want to take it away or destroy it. These enemies can include other dwarves who dispute or envy its ownership; other races who fear or hate its power; or evil forces who covet or corrupt its magic. The owner of the Axe must be prepared to face constant threats and challenges from all sides.
The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords is a powerful and dangerous artifact that can change the fate of its owner and all dwarves. It has many powers that make it a formidable weapon and a coveted treasure. It also has many implications that make it a prestigious symbol and a political issue. It also has many consequences that make it a troublesome burden and a risky adventure.
CAMPAIGN IDEAS
The Axe of the Dwarvish Lords is a legendary artifact in the Dungeons & Dragons game that has many powers and implications for the dwarves and the world. It can be used as a plot device, a goal, a reward, or a complication for your campaign. Here are some possible campaign ideas:
- A campaign that follows the quest of a dwarf character who is chosen by a prophecy to find and wield the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords. The character has to overcome many obstacles and enemies, both internal and external, to fulfill their destiny. The character also has to deal with the consequences and responsibilities of becoming the king of all dwarves, and decide whether to use the Axe for good or evil.
- A campaign that revolves around the conflict between different factions of dwarves who are competing for the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords. The factions have different ideologies, goals, and methods, and they are willing to do anything to get the Axe. The characters can belong to one of the factions, or be neutral parties who are caught in the middle of the war.
- A campaign that explores the history and secrets of the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords. The characters discover clues and artifacts that reveal the origin, purpose, and fate of the Axe. They also encounter ancient enemies and allies who are related to the Axe. The characters have to decide whether to reveal or conceal their findings, and whether to seek or avoid the Axe.
- A campaign that involves a twist or a surprise related to the Axe of the Dwarvish Lords. For example, the characters find out that the Axe they have been pursuing is actually a fake or a trap; or that someone they know or trust has been secretly working for or against the Axe; or that the Axe has been corrupted or changed by an unknown force; or that the Axe has a hidden power or agenda that affects the world.
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