War Hammer
Sometimes called a “war pick” or “horseman pick,” the war hammer is essentially a gigantic claw hammer. This two-handed juggernaut has a blunt end that can crush bones, and a pick end that can punch through most armor. Warriors often wielded war hammers against those on horseback, against whom these weapons could break the legs of oncoming steeds, thus sending the riders to the ground where they were vulnerable to further attack. The blunt end has Damage 5(B), while the pick end has Damage 4(L) and Armor Piercing 1, and, of course, the weapon has monstrous damage potential due to its sheer weight. Unfortunately, that also makes the weapon incredibly slow and unwieldy. After a turn using the war hammer, the attacker must wait a full turn to use the weapon again or suffer a –3 to the attack. (In fact, all turns after the first suffer this –3 penalty until the wielder takes a turn wherein he takes no other actions other than to re-balance himself.)
The most famous war hammer was the mythical hammer of Norse legend, Mjolnir. Literally translated as “That Which Smashes,” Mjolnir was the prized weapon of the thunder god Thor. Every time he swung it, Mjolnir’s power issued forth a booming thunderclap that would deafen those nearby.
The most famous war hammer was the mythical hammer of Norse legend, Mjolnir. Literally translated as “That Which Smashes,” Mjolnir was the prized weapon of the thunder god Thor. Every time he swung it, Mjolnir’s power issued forth a booming thunderclap that would deafen those nearby.
Item type
Weapon, Melee
Size: 4/N
Durability: 3
Cost: ••
Notes: Armor Piercing 1 (lethal only), recover after swing