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| Crimson
(Iârborn "Bloodred") In the days when Erebor was at its height, Eorli son of Undir, a Dwarf skilled in smithcraft, took Born, a farmer’s son of Dale, as an apprentice. Born learned well, and after only three years, the young man had crafted a marvelous weapon. Gemstones were set, and runes inscribed along its sturdy haft; its craftsmanship standing above much that was wrought in that time. Born, no more than a child by Dwarven standards, was awarded great respect among the Dwarves of Erebor. It was because of this admiration that Eorli and Born suffered greatly…  A group of travelers hailing from Dorwinion came upon Dale and heard the tale of the “Dwarf-man,” as Born was often called in the town. The men, hearing of the supposed value of the masterpiece the young man had created, conspired to take it for their own. Plans complete, they set out to come upon Eorli’s home by night, for the Dwarf lived at the foot of the Lonely Mountain, staying close to those Men whom he traded with. The travelers entered the home to find Born asleep inside. Eorli was only nearby, closing up the forge for the night, Born's new axe at his side. They killed Born as he lay, and Eorli came running at the noise. Finding the Thieves inside, he set upon them with Born's axe, spilling the blood of all five thieves. Eorli wept as he cradled Born's head in his lap, his only legacy the axe by which Eorli had avenged his murderer, and the only masterpiece Born would ever create. After Born’s death, Eorli gave it the name, Iârborn "Bloodred", by which it was known to the Dwarves of Eorli’s line, who held as an heirloom of their house. Although, among most good folk of the North, as well as the foes who feared it, it was called Crimson. Perhaps the greatest among these was Merglir, grandson of Eorli. Merglir traveled often to the Iron Hills hunting for Orcs, as he possessed a unique hatred for the creatures, even for a dwarf. It was on such a journey that Merglir ran into four Trolls just east of the Mountains of Mirkwood. Merglir, with the axe called Crimson, somehow survived the encounter, slaying all of the Trolls with himself receiving no more than a scratch. As such things often go, news spread quickly of Merglir’s triumph, even so far as to reach the ears of Trolls throughout the North and the East, who fear the weapon to this day… Crimson is a masterwork battleaxe (+1 to damage). It also provides a +1 bonus to Armed Combat tests and a +3 bonus to damage when the wielder is battling Trolls. |