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Any of the loyalty axes are instantly recognizable
to the dwarves of Nogdakhan, and confer a +1 morale bonus to attack
and damage rolls, and to saves, for any such dwarf within visual
range of the axe. The waraxes were commissioned by King Hagaran
and dispensed as signs of royal favor. Typically they were not given
freely, but rather endowed as part of a royal office, and then reassigned
later as warranted. However, in the last 300 years they have been
lost to raids and incursions. They hold sentimental value to the
King, as well as their immense historical value and their utility
as weapons. In addition to its magical abilities, each axe confers
a specific feudal right to the holder. These rights are enshrined
in law and cannot be overruled without a full conclave of the nobles
of Nogdakhan.
Abilities: There are 5 of these dwarven waraxes, created
in a set 900 years ago in the Dwarven Kingdom of Nogdakhan. Each
functions as a dwarven waraxe +3. In addition, each axe is heavily
inlaid with precious stones, and inscribed with historic runes.
* Waraxe of Loyalty - Commerce: The holder of this waraxe
is allowed to set up one business that is free from all taxes and
customs duties within Nogdakhan.
* Waraxe of Loyalty - Mining: The holder of this waraxe
is allowed to set up one new mine that is free from all taxes, customs
duties, and regulations within Nogdakhan.
* Waraxe of Loyalty - Sovereignty: The holder of this waraxe
is endowed with a feudal holding within Nogdakhan chosen by the
King. He enjoys all the usual priveledges of a noble of the Kingdom,
but also all the duties as well. He can levy taxes, establish and
maintain his court and defensive fortifications, and create knights.
However, he also has to guard and maintain the royal roads, defend
his vassals from all enemies, pay monetary and service taxes, and
contribute warriors to the King when called upon. This holding is
not hereditary, but passes to whichever heir receives the Waraxe
as a bequest.
* Waraxe of Loyalty - Royal Protection: The holder of this
waraxe is granted a party of 20 dwarven defenders (levels at the
DM's discretion) from the royal guard, to serve as his bodyguard
and shock troops, as long as he is within the borders of Kingdom
X or on a mission approved by the King. Otherwise, he only receives
6 dwarven defenders. The party of dwarven defenders comes appropriately
equipped with armor, weapons, and magical items. They also carry
30 days of travel rations and sufficient funds for 6 months of lodging
and normal travel expenses; any upkeep beyond that is the responsibility
of the holder of the Waraxe.
* Waraxe of Loyalty - Blessing: The holder of this waraxe
is permitted to receive any healing or blessing services at any
official royal church, without charge, for himself and up to 10
others. If any one individual were to acquire a partial or full
set of these waraxes, he could set himself up as a very powerful
member of the noble and mercantile classes of Nogdakhan, and would
most certainly be involved in the internal politics of the kingdom.
Caster Level: 9th; Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms
and Armor, bless; Market Price: 52,000 gp (each) Note:
the market price is higher than would be calculated by the magic
item price rules in the Dungeon Master's Guide, due to the
lavish gemstones and engraving and due to the non-magical feudal
rights that are associated with the weapons.
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