When battle is joined, it is the Thanes, with their finely crafted armor and rune-inscribed weapons who seek out the enemy's most powerful combatants, matching bestial fury or dark magic with courage, honour and honest steel. On several occasions, Dwarf Thanes are known to take command of smaller units of Dwarfs as their own and lead them personally into combat. Most Thanes are readily identified by the large wings that protrude from their helmets.[1a]