Belnar Axehammer

Belnar Axehammer, The Iron Resolve

Belnar Axehammer stands as one of the most celebrated figures in Dwarven history, a warrior whose name has become synonymous with unyielding courage and sacrifice. Born in the northern mountain city of Karak Tholgrim, Belnar hailed from the venerable Axehammer clan, renowned for their masterful smithing and prowess in battle. From a young age, he demonstrated exceptional skill with the axe, a trait that would come to define his life and legacy.

Hero of Karagorn Hold

Belnar’s most legendary deed came during the Battle of Karagorn Hold, a pivotal moment in the Dwarves' War of Vengeance. When a coalition of Orcs, Goblins, and their savage allies launched a brutal assault on the stronghold, Belnar led a daring counterassault into the collapsing tunnels, rallying the defenders to stem the tide of invaders. Despite being mortally wounded by an Orcish brute, Belnar struck down his attacker in a final act of defiance, his sacrifice buying precious time for his kin to regroup and survive.

Legacy and Reverence

Belnar’s weapon, Bloodsong’s Bite, was recovered alongside his body and now accompanies the solemn journey back to the Northern Reach. Until his remains are laid to rest in Karak Tholgrim, the ancestral home of the Axehammer clan, the axe remains a symbol of his unbroken spirit.

Once his body is returned, Bloodsong’s Bite is destined to pass to his younger brother, Gilgrogg Axehammer, a warrior of steadfast resolve but far lesser fame. While Gilgrogg has fought with honor in many battles, he lives in the shadow of Belnar’s monumental legacy. The passing of the axe will mark not only the continuation of the clan’s strength but also a weighty inheritance of duty, as Gilgrogg takes up his brother’s mantle to defend the Dwarven people.

Belnar Axehammer remains a paragon of Dwarven virtues—courage, sacrifice, and unyielding loyalty. His story is told as both a reminder of the cost of war and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Dwarves, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

A Mark of Honor and Danger

The bounty was not only a threat to Belnar but a mark of his influence. Among the Dwarves, it became a point of pride that their warrior had so enraged their enemies. Songs were written mocking the Confederacy’s fear of one man, and the holdfasts spoke of the bounty as a testament to Belnar’s valor.

However, the danger was very real. Mercenaries and spies began to lurk near Dwarven strongholds, and several attempts were made to ambush Belnar during patrols and skirmishes. Despite the risks, Belnar refused to back down or shy away from the fight, meeting each challenge with the same unflinching resolve that defined his life.

After His Death

Even after Belnar’s sacrifice at Karagorn Hold, the bounty persisted. The Crimson Confederacy, seeking to make an example of him even in death, offered the reward for his body to be delivered to their headquarters in Amn. This created additional complications for the Dwarves tasked with returning his remains to the Northern Reach. Thieves, bounty hunters, and rogue Orc bands haunted the roads, hoping to intercept the funeral procession.

The journey to return Belnar’s body and Bloodsong’s Bite became a dangerous quest in its own right, fraught with ambushes and betrayal. Yet, those escorting him vowed to defend his honor to their dying breath, ensuring that no hand of the Confederacy would profane his memory. The bounty remains unclaimed, its price now seen as an eternal insult to the Dwarves who revere Belnar Axehammer as a hero of unyielding spirit.