The Axe of the House of Rohsk

The Axe of the House of Rohsk is one of the oldest artefacts in Adhonaglamar. Many tales and myths surround the Axe; some true, some doubtful, most difficult to verify. What is certain, is that the Axe has been part of the history of Adhonaglamar and Rohsk (one of the Four Regions) in particular for a very long time.

The most well-known story concerning the Axe is that of its origins. According to legend it was the axe given to the first ruler of Rohsk by the Woodsman himself. It wasn't so much a recognition of the ruler's power, as it was an obligation and responsibility handed to him by the Woodsman. He who held the Axe was responsible to protect and provide for all people in Rohsk. Such a heavy burden wasn't given lightly, but with his own nearing departure from the continent in mind the Woodsman wanted to make sure his people would be looked after. He to whom the Axe was given was considered to be in service of the entire Region, and afterwards only those deemed worthy by its population were allowed to keep it.

The axe is called "the Axe of the House of Rohsk", even though there is no single or formal House of Rohsk. The Region initially counted many different tribes and clans, each independent and none particularly more powerful than the other. But the clan whose leader held the Axe would be considered, for that time, to be the House of Rohsk. This explains why many noble families nowadays are proud to include being of the House of Rohsk in their histories, if in the past they held the Axe.

The Axe itself is a large, two-handed, double-sided bearded axe. Its haft is made of white oak, the axe head of blackened steel with a simple yet beautiful chiselled pattern. It is not to be confused by the Woodsman's own Axe, which in itself is a precious artefact.