Harn, the red battle axe is covered in several coats of paint, and reeks of goblin sweat. Lifting it up, you can't help notice its weight, about half what you'd expect. You give it a few practice swings. Despite its appearance and odor, it slices through the night air, coming to life in your hands. It does require two hands, though, so you won't be able to use it with your shield +1 (a fact the DM has previously neglected to take into account.
)
On the bright side, Meringered could always use your magic shield for shield-bashing. Not exactly old-skool, but the absence of it in the rules makes its inclusion completely old-skool!
Congratulations, Harn, you now have a battle-axe +1.
Soldath, don't be fooled by your hazy memories of the Lost Temple of Thanatos. Things can
always get worse...
The action continues in Chapter 7. Loshad's Bargain.
Get thee to the dungeon. Get thee to the dungeon forthwith. Pass not the barbican. Amass not 200 GP.