Power Axe

A Power Axe is a Power Weapon that has been shaped into a large axe of varying lengths and designs crafted from one of any number of different materials, though usually Adamantium. A Power Axe allows for greater impact when striking than a Power Sword, but are less nimble in the hand. Their inferior defensive capabilities are often mitigated by pairing them with Combat Shields or even more sophisticated means of protection. Still, they have a reputation as a brutal and unsubtle weapon; the choice to employ one is often more personal than strategic. When its power cell is activated, often by touching a control located on the hilt, the blade is sheathed in a lethal corona of disruptive energy. This energy field allows the blade to carve through flesh, bone and most forms of armour plate alike, making a Power Axe a highly effective Imperial close combat weapon. Power Axes are primarily ustilised by the Space Marines of the Adeptus Astartes. This weapon is often carried by Assault Squads, but is commonly associated with Techmarines and members of the Adeptus Mechanicus. These weapons can be used either one-handed to facilitate the wielding of another close combat weapon such as a Bolt Pistol or Combat Shield or two-handed to bring its full devastating power to bear. Xenos races such as the Eldar, their evil kin, the Dark Eldar and the Necrons are also known to make use of such weapons.

Known Power Axe Patterns

 * Artificer Omnissian Pattern - Among the cog-toothed power axes of the Deathwatch Techmarines there also exist rare and ancient examples of artificer tech. These potent weapons combine all the brutal power of the Astartes Pattern Omnissian Axe with forgotten forgings and flawless craftsmanship.
 * Astartes Executioner Pattern - The armouries of Watch Fortress Erioch contain a set of twelve of these large, heavy-bladed two-handed power axes. Each weapon is of master-crafted quality, and each has a long history of valour in the Jericho Reach. Only those who have earned the trust of the Deathwatch Watch Commander are granted the use of one of these axes to slay the enemies of the Emperor.
 * Cthonian Pattern - An ancient power axe pattern based upon the Carsoran Pattern, this variant pattern was utilised by the Sons of Horus Traitor Legion during the Great Crusade and Horus Heresy eras.
 * Frost Axe - A Frost Axe is a master-crafted melee weapon in the form of an axe used exclusively by the warriors of the Space Wolves Chapter of Space Marines and is equivalent in many ways to a Power Weapon of similar design. Each Frost Axe is considered amongst the most prized weapons of the Chapter and is crafted by a master Iron Priest. Frost axes are sometimes made from energised diamond, giving them the appearance of blades forged from purest ice. Regardless of what they look like, all frost axes are power weapons of consummate lethality.
 * Giantkiller Pattern - A subtype pattern of frost axe utilised exclusively by the Space Wolves Chapter.
 * Hesperex Pattern - A Chapter subtype pattern power axe manufactured and utilised by the brutal Minotaurs Space Marine Chapter.
 * Loi-Pattern - Unlike the more common Mezoa power axe with its broad blade, the Loi model sacrifices some cutting edge length for a longer haft, thus keeping the weight roughly the same. As it can be swung in a longer arc, it can strike with greater penetration. Each is almost a 1.5 meters in length, and some users modify the top of the axe in order to fashion a very intimidating walking stick. This weapon requires two hands to use.
 * Mandato-Angelus Pattern - A known pattern power axe utilised by the Howling Griffons Space Marine Chapter.
 * Nostraman Glaive - An ancient pattern power axe utilised by the brutal Night Lords Traitor Legion during the Great Crusade and [[Horus Heresy eras. Traditionally, kill markings were patterned on ceremonial weapons carried by court executioners.
 * Omnissian Axe Astartes Pattern - Often carried by Techmarines to show their devotion to the Omnissiah, this weapon has a long staff-like body tipped with half of the circular Adeptus Mechanicus skull and cog icon. The symbol forms a blade and is sheathed in a power field. Arcs of energy illuminate the ridged blade and light the skull's eyes with a hungry glow, leaving little doubt that—even while covered with inscribed circuitry designs indicating its sacred nature -- this religious icon is also a deadly weapon in a Space Marine's powerful hands. The Ommnisian axe also functions as a combi-tool.
 * Omnissian Axe Sollex Pattern - Granted to suitably devoted followers of the Omnissiah, this weapon has a long staff-like body tipped with half of the circular Adeptus Mechanicus skull and cog icon. The symbol forms a blade and is sheathed in a power field. Covered with inscribed circuitry designs indicating the sacred nature of the weapon, many a foe has realised far too late that what appeared to be a religious walking staff was really a deadly weapon. The Omnissian axe also functions as a combi-tool.
 * Reaper Pattern - A known variant power axe utilised by the Salamanders Space Marine Chapter.
 * Surestrike Pattern - A known variant pattern power axe utilised by the Mantis Warriors Space Marine Chapter.
 * Ultra Mk II Pattern - A commonly used Astartes power axe pattern utilised by many Space Marine Chapters. The Marines Errant are known to favour this pattern.
 * Vanir Pattern - A Chapter pattern power axe utilised by the vicious Executioners Space Marine Chapter.