Shieldbreaker

Description

A Shieldbreaker is often a one-handed axe, hammer or mace. It is especially favoured by the Steinr, who use it to great effect when fighting the well-armoured orcs that infest the lands to the west of the Empire. Many artisans take pride in proving the superiority of their craft over that of the barbarians, showing that anything the orcs could create could be broken by their arts.

Swift and lightly armoured skirmishers among the Navarr, Marcher beaters, and Highborn unconquered make use of these weapons to even up the odds against shield-bearing opponents and to soften such foes up for their comrades in the main battle-line. Hammers and axes are the most common forms among these groups, who sometimes call them Bull’s Eye Bait as skilful use of these weapons will open up the target for a deadly shot from allied archers.

Runesmiths often inscribe the rune Verys, Rune of Might, on a Shieldbreaker. Although some smiths prefer to use Mawrig, the Rune of Storms, weapons bearing this mark are often considered to draw their wearers into dangerous situations; they are used by the frayed but many others prefer to avoid them. This weapon is popular with many orcs, both the Imperial Orcs (especially their reavers), and barbarians.

Rules

• Form: Weapon. Takes the form of a one-handed weapon. You must be wielding this weapon to use its magical properties.
• Requirement: Any character can bond to this item.
• Effect: You may spend a hero point to call SHATTER with this weapon when you strike a shield.
• Materials: Crafting a Shieldbreaker requires eight ingots of orichalcum, eleven ingots of tempest jade, seven ingots of green iron, three measures of ambergelt, and seven measures of beggar's lye. It takes one month to make one of these items.