The Berserker’s Axe

The Berserker’s Axe is a powerful but treacherous magical weapon of ancient origin. Associated with the era of the Pact of Phandelver, it was preserved through time by its petrified owner until falling into the hands of the adventuring party known as The Magnificent Five.

Origin and Acquisition

The axe originally belonged to Gotrek, an ancient dwarf who had been petrified for nearly one thousand years. After the party discovered and freed Gotrek from his stone prison along the road to Phandalin, the dwarf returned the favor. Though hesitant, he reluctantly gifted his prized axe to the barbarian Hope as a token of gratitude, alongside sharing his deep knowledge of the ancient Pact of Phandelver.

The Cursed Frenzy

Unbeknownst to the party at the time of receipt, the axe carried a malicious curse that gripped its wielder with uncontrollable rage. Under its influence, Hope’s combat ferocity reached terrifying heights, notably during an ambush at the ruins of the temple of Ioun by a Green Dragon Wyrmling and several Dragonborn, where she whipped herself into a frenzy to prevent the dragon from escaping.

The curse’s lingering effects became obvious after the battle; Hope remained deeply enraged, taking out her frustrations on small summoned objects and aggressively chopping wood at Tristan Manor.

Cleansing the Weapon

Recognizing the danger, the party realized the axe was cursed. Getting Hope to part with the weapon required intense negotiations and erupted into minor violence, resulting in Farwald being nicked for 11 points of damage.

Once the weapon was secured, Farwald and the gnome academic Dusty collaborated in the gardens of Tristan Manor. Using their combined magical expertise, they successfully dispelled the curse from the axe. With its corrupting influence lifted, the safe weapon was returned to Hope.