Malignor |
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I would like to put forward a bit of lore around the Dwarven Urgrosh, where it came from and hopefully give some extra flavor to Dwarf history. Feel free to comment or review, adopt, criticize, or add to it how you see fit.
Urgrosh Origins
Long ago in the year [pick a year for your setting], the Dwarven clan [pick a clan name from your setting] had a rather inventive fellow named Urgrosh who, while mining, decided to make a sort of multi-tool.
It was a classic miner's pick, but the other side of the haft was a small spade used for clearing away debris, and chipping at fractures. His clan loved it and it became the miner's tool of choice for years. Urgrosh became well known for his inventiveness, and was awarded for it. The multitool was given his name.
At the end of a long day, digging some gold, Urgrosh's team ended up being attacked by Goblins. The gobbies had waited until the Dwarves were fatigued from a long day in the mine, with plenty of raw ore to steal. They charged forward astride their ugly beasts, but Urgrosh braced his multitool like a spear, tearing apart the throat of the lead goblin's steed with the spade. After prying it from the beast, Urgrosh split the skull of the rider with the pick side. As the skirmish continued, the Dwarves were able to employ the multitool in the same (surprisingly effective) way, and were victorious. Some of the multitools broke, but they otherwise proved to be rather flexible and effective weapons as well.
The very next day, Urgrosh commissioned the manufacture of a weaponized multitool, and started devising weapon drills with it. The spade side become more like a broad-bladed spear, and the pick side became an axe. Some of his fellows followed suit, even the career soldiers of his clan. Since then the Dwarven Urgrosh's popularity grew and grew.
Variations
The Urgrosh also has a "purist" version, where the axe head is replaced by a pick (1d6/x4 pick, 1d6/x3 spear).
There is also a hammer variant, where the axe head is replaced by a warhammer (1d8/x3 hammer, 1d6/x3 spear).
There is also the original Urgrosh miner's tool, which weighs 16 pounds and costs 12 gold. It's both a pick and shovel in one.
Surface explorers also have an alpine variant of the multitool, with the combination of a woodcutter's axe and spade. This also costs 12 gold and weighs 16 pounds.
There is even a construction variant, which combines a sledge and trowel: 12 gold and 16 lbs.
Usage
The Urgrosh (weapon) is most popular with Dwarven Rangers, who function as scouts, "spies" and long range patrollers, both underground and on the surface. Ranger training often includes elite dual-weapon use, and this is where the Urgrosh stands out.
When used for assault, the Urgrosh's hafted weapon head (axe, pick or hammer) is often used for the opening strike, as part of a charge or advance. In this devastating blow, the user uses both hands and puts the full body behind the blow (as 2-handed weapon when unable to full-attack).
When used to receive an enemy, the Urgrosh is brandished as an axe/hammer/pick, but the moment the enemy charges the weapon is braced against the charge (ready action: when enemy moves within reach - brace the spade/lance side against charge).
Imbicatus |
The urgosh makes a lot more sense when you realize it's a Talhoffer poleaxe with a butt spike