This quarter will will discuss those weapons best suited for combat in the nasty fortified underground lairs of monsters everyone. The space is tight and the battle will take place up-close and personal. So, this is not the type of battle best suited for bows, polearms, and large great swords. This is the realm where dirks, stabbing swords, and short spears are the kings. Those intelligent races that live underground have adopted weapons best suited to defending their lands. Woe to the unprepared adventurer who comes in unannounced and uninvited.

This very heavy (14+ pounds) and short (28 inches) straight blade used by the Sakathi, more commonly called Serpentmen. Its long handle, oversized pommel and heavy tip weight make this a very difficult for most non-Sakathi to wield. However, those who take the time to learn will find the weapon very effective in the tight underground and dense jungle lairs favored by the Sakathi. It is believed the dwarven adarga was based upon the qualities of this sword.

• 500 exp specialization on the Great Swords skill; otherwise -25% TSC using this weapon.
• 2-handed, Use Great Swords
• Weight: 14 pounds; Reach 28“
• Damage 10s; Ability STRx2; Critical +2; Bash 5

This very specialized weapon was created by the dwarves specifically for fighting in the mines and tunnels that comprise much of their underground home. Made from finally forged dwarven steel the weapon has a short wedge axeblade and sharpened spike on one end and a hook, hammerhead, and setspike on the other. The weapon is traditionally held in the center and used like a quaterstaff, with the wielder striking out with the hook or axe depending on what would be the most effective.

Although it is a short weapon the adarga can be set to recieve a charge. The setspike is placed on the ground and the dwarf puts their foot through the hook to plant the weapon solidly. Then the spike is aimed with the axeblade on the side the dwarf believes the attacker will pass by. Even if the spike misses its possible the curved blade will slash at attacker as they pass.

• 500 exp specialization on the Polearms skill; otherwise -25% TSC using this weapon.
• 2-handed, Use Pole Arms
• Weight: 12 pounds; Reach 26”
• Ability STRx2
• Axe: Damage 8s; Critical +2; Bash 8
• Spike: Damage 4p; Critical +1; Bash 10
• Hammer: Damage 7c; Critical +2; Bash 8
• Hook: Successful hit causes a bash result at with a +2 CritDie.

This short stabbing sword was first seen in use amoung the Kopi goblin tribe that lives in the northeastern stretches of the Iron Mountains. It was a crude adaptation of the weapons they had captured from previous raids. The goblins took several short swords and cut burrs into them. Small notches cut from the outside in and from the back to the front. This allows the sword to stab without catching on armour and clothing, but casuses a great deal of tearing when pulling out. The reason this viscious weapon has not be copied by other smiths is that if the weapon striks a hard surface poorly it will most likely crack.

• 1-handed, Use Short Swords
• Weight: 3.5 pounds; Reach 25“
• Damage 3s; Ability STR+AGIL; Critical +0; Bash 10
• If it scores a critical hit roll 2d10 instead of 1d10 for additional damage.
• Break on a 01-03 critical failure.