From the MERP Treasures of Middle Earth sourcebook: Usriev ("Bloodrunner") is a traditional Variag weapon which appears as a cross between a spear and a thin, razor-sharp, two-handed sword (and can be used in either capacity). It is carved from the greyish wood of the olive trees of Nurn.
Hoard item. Hah! "Uh, Smaug, we're bossom pals, right? You have plighted your troth to Sauron and are feeling magnanimous, right? Would you mind if I borrowed this weapon for a while, say the duration of the war?..." A minion character must either visit a dragon site or go to Shelob's Lair. Perhaps in the future we will see a card which gives Dwarven Hoard (METD) opportunities to the minion dwarves.
The reason to play this card is because of its "if you assign a strike to the bearer, you may choose to assign a second strike to the bearer. The bearer faces an additional strike sequence." clause. This is quite similar to Many Foes He Fought, but in item form and only for the second strike. Available upon demand. Also, did you note that this ability does not tap the weapon!? The prowess limitation means that you are prevented from offering cannon fodder orcs to absorb the unpleasantries visited upon a company. The bonus against elves is anti-Glamdring in concept, though I would have argued that the Variags would have greater antipathy towards the Dunedain than against the Firstborn.
The 1 CP for a major item is a bargain, but the measly 1 MP for a hoard major item is troublesome. Basically, you don't plunder a dragon hoard or Shelob's hoard and skip out of there with this weapon for its MPs but for its special ability. There is the benefit of this not being unique, so three in a deck is ok if you plan on a sizeable amount of company versus company combat; however, two would be more reasonable in most other circumstances.
Any of the high prowess characters would benefit by this weapon. Because it only imparts one corruption point, your character can carry another weapon for use in other circumstances, say when you are set upon by a skin-changer and need the greater prowess boost. Say a Broadheaded Spear, a Black Mace, the Ancient Black Axe, or the Thong of Fire.
For those seeking style points, the best minion to wield this weapon is either Asternak or MÅ’onid; both Variags.
Ohtar
Original card review taken from : http://fan.theonering.net/morgulrats/
With the authorization of the webmaster.
The reviewing team consisted of Gwaihir (Chris Farrell), Gimli (Nathan Bruinooge), Ohtar (Charles E. Bouldin, Esq.), Radagast (James Kight), Joshua B. Grace (Beorn), Martijn Steultjens (Fram Frumgarson), Jason Klank (Saruman) and Jeffery Dobberpuhl (Wormtongue)