Executioner Sword

Lore & Background

Forged in the smithies of the Empire, the Executioner Sword is a weapon of grim purpose, originally used by state executioners to deliver swift justice. In the hands of Markus Kruber, it becomes a tool of war against the ratmen and Chaos worshippers who threaten the realm. Its design is simple but brutal: a long, heavy blade with a blunt tip, optimized for powerful downward chops rather than thrusting or intricate fencing. The sword's weight demands immense strength and precision, traits Kruber possesses in abundance after years of soldiering.

For the Huntsman, this sword is more than a weapon—it is a statement. It embodies the cold, calculated lethality of a man who has abandoned the shield and formation fighting for the solitary path of the hunter. Each swing is a commitment, but a successful decapitation can turn the tide of a desperate fight, removing a Stormvermin or Chaos Warrior from the battlefield in an instant. The blade is often worn and nicked from countless battles, its edge maintained with the same care a poacher gives his favorite knife.

The Executioner Sword's lore ties directly to Kruber's personal journey. After the fall of Ubersreik, he sheds the trappings of a line soldier to become a more ruthless, independent fighter. This sword represents that transformation—a rejection of defensive tactics in favor of overwhelming, decisive offense. It is a weapon for a man who has seen too much to offer mercy, only the swift end of an executioner's blade.

In Their Own Story

The rain had stopped, but the mud clung to Kruber's boots like a guilty conscience. He crouched behind a toppled cart, the Executioner Sword resting across his knees. A patrol of Stormvermin marched past, their armor clanking in the damp silence. He waited, counting their steps. When the last one passed, he rose in one fluid motion, the greatsword arcing up and then down. The blade caught the morning light for a heartbeat before it bit into the ratman's neck, severing spine and sinew with a wet crack. The body crumpled, and Kruber was already moving, the sword dripping red onto the cobblestones. 'One less,' he muttered, and vanished into the ruins.

Reader's Guide

The Executioner Sword is a high-risk, high-reward weapon for Kruber's Huntsman career. Its primary strength lies in its charged attack, which delivers a massive overhead chop that can one-shot many elite enemies (like Stormvermin, Maulers, and Berserkers) on a headshot. This makes it invaluable for quickly thinning out dangerous threats before they reach the party. However, its slow swing speed and poor crowd control mean it struggles against hordes; you'll need to rely on your ranged bow or teammates to clear trash. The key to mastery is positioning and patience—wait for the right moment, aim for the neck, and let the blade do the talking. A missed swing leaves you vulnerable, but a clean decapitation can make even a Chaos Warrior reconsider his life choices.

Did You Know?

• The Executioner Sword's design is inspired by historical two-handed swords used by executioners in medieval Europe, which were often blunt-tipped and optimized for decapitation.
• In Vermintide 2, the Executioner Sword is exclusive to Kruber's Huntsman career, but a similar weapon, the 'Greatsword,' is available for his Mercenary and Foot Knight careers.
• The sword's charged attack can penetrate multiple enemies if they are lined up, but its true power is in single-target headshots against armored foes.
• The weapon's flavor text references the Reikland, a province of the Empire known for its strict laws and state executioners.