General Information/Misc/Execution Axe

From Westaven

Across Westaven is the convention of ceremonial decapitation using the "silver" execution axe (silver colored is more accurate, for rarely is a pure silver axe used--for obvious economic reasons.) Decapitation is the tool of choice for ultimate justice in the land, although for particularly heinous crimes other forms may be utilized (such as drawn & quartered by the same axe, or being pulled apart by horses, etc.).

This axe is a familiar object, and oftentimes a symbol of goodness and right. Almost without exception, every hamlet and town has some sort of this axe and an official procedure for its use--oftentimes handed down from ancient times.

The axe itself is a long-handled, double bladed weapon, either made of or gilded with silver, or just crafted of such materials or in such ways as to make it appear silver colored. Even the handle, for particularly old or wealthy cities, can be metallic.

In the course of the Westaven Campaign the heroes have witnessed the execution axe's used three times: first was the execution of two highwaymen in "The Piercy Bandits Incident", next was the beheading of the PC James during "The Manacle Debacle", and third was when one of Oracles of Trin executed her last remaining sister during "Many Returns".