Axes Treatise II
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| “ | The Long Winter of 410 Spent in Fjall, the Land of Dwarves | „ |
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Book content
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Entry number seventeen: regarding the fearsome warriors known as berserks.
The dwarves are simple, rough and somewhat savage people. Aldorian fighters, or at least the knightly estate, abide by combat etiquette, yet to the dwarves the very idea appears preposterous and meaningless. They aren't above using the dirtiest of tricks if it ensures their victory in battle. Berserks (or berserkers) are the embodiment of this sentiment. They are the most reckless and ferocious among the dwarves, inspiring fear even among their own brethren.
Clad only in bear pelts, the berserkers don't feel shame, pain, or cold. They prefer to fight with two axes, wielding them with surprising dexterity. Some of them even treat their weapons as some kind of gods, offering them prayers and revelling in idolatry.
Before combat berserkers consume a special brew which lets them enter a state of destructive fury. Its recipe is strictly guarded, but I can say with certainty that it includes henbane and some kind of mushrooms.
This drink is extremely toxic for most humans and dwarves, leaving them writhing in agony. At the same time, berserkers are always happy to take a sip. When a warrior consumes the potion, it's a truly terrifying sight: their bloodshot eyes dart all over the place, searching for victims, the body shudders with tremors, the foam drips down their disheveled beard.
I had a chance to witness a berserker losing both his hands in combat - wasting not time he pounced at his opponent. Bleeding all over, he tore the enemy's throat out with his teeth. Only then I fully understood why our Northern Guard always checks whether there's a berserker among the Fjall brigands which they plan to launch an attack against...
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See also
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