e Headsman’s Axe

Headsman’s Axe

Symbolic robed figure of a medieval public executioner at Peter and Paul Fortress, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Headsman's Axe
Symbolic robed figure of a medieval public executioner at Peter and Paul Fortress, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Book of Vile Darkness 3.5
By Monte Cook

When specially sharpened and held with the proper technique, a greataxe (or a greatsword) can serve the executioner as the instrument of execution. The condemned is restrained, with the neck vulnerable to the strike readied by the executioner. On a successful Profession (executioner) check, the condemned dies instantly. If the executioner fails the attempt, the headsman’s axe delivers a coup de grace against the condemned (automatic critical hit, and the condemned must succeed on a Fortitude save or die). The coup de grace simply completes the executioner’s task more messily.

Execution Devices
DeviceExecution DCEscape DCBotched DamageCostWeight
Headsman’s axe18**Coup de grace20 gp20 lb.
**The Use Rope check of the executioner sets the Difficulty Class.

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