Headsman’s Axe

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
Device	Execution DC	Escape DC	Botched Damage	Cost	Weight
Headsman’s axe	18	**	Coup de grace	20 gp	20 lb.
**The Use Rope check of the executioner sets the Difficulty Class.