Claws of the Tiger

From: Aquavianthrope

These clawed weapons are forged from the sharpened tiger claws, honed to perfection. They enable the Aquavianthrope to unleash swift and devastating attacks.

Common             (Tier 1)

Attuned actionable: (May be continuing or have charges)

Damage: 1d8 slashing

On a critical hit, the target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Cost: 80 gold

Tags: Light Melee Weapon, Natural, Finesse, Beastial, Martial, Predator, Exotic

Lore: The Claws of the Tiger are formidable weapons forged from the razor-sharp claws of tigers, meticulously honed, and perfected by skilled craftsmen. These lethal weapons allow the Aquavianthrope to unleash swift and devastating attacks, embodying the ferocity and power of the tiger.

Use: When wielded by the Aquavianthrope, the Claws of the Tiger deal 1d8 slashing damage. With their sharp edges and lethal design, these claws enable the Aquavianthrope to inflict significant harm on its enemies. Each strike with the Claws of the Tiger can tear through flesh and rend armor with ease.

The true power of the Claws of the Tiger reveals itself in a critical hit. When the Aquavianthrope lands a critical hit with these claws, the target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. The sheer force and impact of the strike, combined with the precision of the claws, can easily disrupt an opponent’s balance, and send them crashing to the ground.

The Claws of the Tiger are highly sought after by warriors, hunters, and those who prefer close-quarters combat. These weapons allow the Aquavianthrope to channel its natural predatory instincts and strike fear into the hearts of its adversaries. The swift and precise attacks made with these claws can be devastating, leaving opponents vulnerable and off-balance.

Legends and tales speak of ancient tribes or skilled blacksmiths who possess the knowledge and mastery to craft the Claws of the Tiger. It is said that these craftsmen undergo arduous training and undergo a spiritual connection with the tiger, enabling them to imbue the claws with the essence of the beast’s power and grace.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Claws of the Tiger are revered as both weapons and symbols of strength, embodying the ferocity of one of the jungle’s most fearsome predators. These weapons are not only prized by warriors and hunters but also hold cultural significance in various regions. The types of shops where they can be found, and the circumstances under which they are bought and sold, reflect their unique nature.

• Tribal Smithies:
  • Location: Deep within jungles or remote villages, where the connection to nature and wildlife is strong.
  • Description: In these rustic smithies, the Claws of the Tiger are crafted by artisans who possess a deep spiritual connection with the tiger. The smiths are often members of ancient tribes who have passed down the art of forging these claws through generations. These artisans believe that the spirit of the tiger must be honored, and the process of crafting the claws is as much a spiritual ritual as it is a technical task. The smithies are simple, open-air structures, often adorned with totems, tiger pelts, and other symbols of power.
  • Cost: 80 gold pieces. However, buyers might be expected to offer something of cultural significance in addition to gold, such as a rare herb, a hunted beast, or even a service to the tribe.
• Warrior Guild Halls:
  • Location: Found in major cities or fortified towns, these guild halls are frequented by fighters, mercenaries, and hunters.
  • Description: Within the grand halls of warrior guilds, the Claws of the Tiger are sold alongside other high-quality weapons and armor. The guilds maintain a network of suppliers who procure these claws from remote regions, ensuring they are always available to those who prove their worth. The weapons are displayed in cases made from exotic woods, often accompanied by detailed descriptions of their history and craftsmanship. Purchasing such a weapon here is seen as a rite of passage for aspiring warriors, and the transaction might include a demonstration of the buyer’s combat prowess.
  • Cost: 90 gold pieces. The price is slightly higher due to the added prestige of buying from a recognized guild and the assurance of quality.
• Exotic Weapon Dealers:
  • Location: Hidden in the labyrinthine marketplaces of bustling port cities, where traders from across Saṃsāra gather.
  • Description: Exotic weapon dealers thrive in these vibrant markets, offering a wide array of rare and unusual weapons from distant lands. The Claws of the Tiger are a highlight of their inventory, often kept in the backrooms or behind thick curtains to entice only serious buyers. These dealers cater to collectors, adventurers, and those with a taste for the unique. The atmosphere in these shops is one of mystery and danger, with whispers of secret auctions and clandestine trades. The claws may come with tales of their origin, adding to their allure.
  • Cost: 85 gold pieces, though prices can vary depending on the dealer’s mood, the buyer’s bargaining skill, and the current demand for rare items.
• Monastic Retreats:
  • Location: Secluded monasteries nestled in the mountains or hidden valleys, where monks train in martial arts and spiritual discipline.
  • Description: In these serene and disciplined environments, the Claws of the Tiger are viewed as tools for self-mastery rather than mere weapons. The monks who craft and sell these claws do so with a focus on balance, harmony, and the philosophy of the hunt. Buyers must demonstrate not only their ability to wield the claws but also their understanding of the tiger’s spirit and the responsibility that comes with such power. The exchange is often ritualistic, involving meditation or a trial of skill.
  • Cost: 75 gold pieces. The lower cost reflects the monks’ belief that the claws should be accessible to those who are spiritually ready, rather than being purely a commercial transaction.
• Black Market Dealers:
  • Location: The shadowy underbelly of large cities, where illegal and dangerous goods are traded.
  • Description: For those who cannot or will not acquire the Claws of the Tiger through conventional means, the black market offers an alternative. Here, the claws are sold by unscrupulous dealers who care little for the weapon’s origin or cultural significance. Transactions are quick, secretive, and often fraught with danger, as the claws may have been obtained through illicit means. These dealers operate out of hidden alcoves, dimly lit with flickering lamps, where buyers must be wary of deception or theft.
  • Cost: 70 gold pieces. The lower price reflects the risk of dealing in the black market and the potential for encountering counterfeit or cursed items.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Claws of the Tiger can be found in a variety of settings, each reflecting the cultural and spiritual significance of the weapon. Whether purchased from a tribal smithy deep in the jungle or a shadowy dealer in a city’s underworld, these claws are more than just tools of war; they are symbols of power, honor, and the indomitable spirit of the tiger.

The Claws of the Tiger are formidable weapons that offer both offensive and defensive capabilities, particularly suited to characters who value agility, precision, and the raw power of a predator. Below are roleplaying scenarios in various environments, illustrating how these claws might be used both defensively and offensively.

• Dense Jungle or Forest:
  • Defense: In the thick underbrush of a jungle or forest, the Claws of the Tiger are invaluable for quick, reactive defense. The Aquavianthrope might use the claws to scale trees rapidly, gaining the high ground or escaping from larger predators or enemy forces. When faced with an ambush, the claws allow the wearer to fend off multiple attackers with swift, slashing movements, using the dense foliage to mask their movements and create confusion.
  • Offense: In this environment, the wearer can channel the tiger’s natural hunting instincts. The claws allow for silent, deadly attacks from the shadows. The Aquavianthrope could wait in ambush, high in the trees or hidden in thick bushes, before pouncing on an unsuspecting target. The ability to knock enemies prone with a critical hit is particularly useful here, as the dense terrain makes it difficult for foes to regain their footing, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up strikes.
• Urban Environment:
  • Defense: In the narrow alleys and crowded streets of a city, the Claws of the Tiger offer a blend of offensive and defensive utility. The wearer can use the claws to quickly scale walls or cling to surfaces, evading pursuers by taking to the rooftops. In close-quarters combat, the claws provide a significant advantage, allowing for quick parries and counterattacks in confined spaces where larger weapons might be unwieldy.
  • Offense: The urban setting allows the wearer to use the claws for swift, precise strikes in close combat. In a marketplace or crowded street, the claws can be used to disable or disarm opponents quickly, taking advantage of the close quarters to land critical hits that knock foes prone, causing chaos among their ranks. The sharp, slashing attacks are also effective for quickly dispatching guards or cutting through obstacles during a heist or infiltration.
• Mountainous or Rocky Terrain:
  • Defense: In the rugged and uneven terrain of mountains, the Claws of the Tiger excel at providing stability and grip. The wearer can use the claws to cling to rocky surfaces, avoiding falls or traversing difficult slopes with ease. In combat, the claws allow the Aquavianthrope to brace against incoming attacks, using the terrain to deflect blows or push enemies off balance.
  • Offense: Offensively, the wearer can take advantage of the high ground, striking from above with the claws to knock opponents prone or send them tumbling down slopes. The sharp claws can also be used to dislodge rocks or debris, creating avalanches or rockslides to crush or hinder enemies. In hand-to-hand combat, the claws’ ability to slice through armor or hide is particularly useful in this harsh environment, where quick, lethal strikes are often necessary.
• Desert or Open Plains:
  • Defense: In the wide-open spaces of deserts or plains, the Claws of the Tiger can be used to create quick, defensive strikes against fast-moving or numerous enemies. The wearer might use the claws to dig into the ground or create quick shelters in the sand, providing temporary cover or a place to hide from hostile creatures or harsh weather.
  • Offense: In such an open environment, speed and precision are key. The wearer can use the claws to engage in hit-and-run tactics, attacking from the edge of a dust storm or the cover of tall grasses. The ability to knock opponents prone is particularly useful here, as it creates opportunities to strike quickly and retreat before the enemy can regroup or counterattack. The sharp claws can also be used to disable mounts or slash through obstacles, giving the wearer a tactical advantage in open-field battles.
• Underground or Cave Systems:
  • Defense: In the dark and claustrophobic environment of caves or underground tunnels, the Claws of the Tiger are indispensable for both movement and defense. The wearer can use the claws to climb or cling to the walls of a cave, avoiding pitfalls or sudden drops. In combat, the confined spaces make the claws particularly effective for quick, defensive slashes that can fend off creatures or opponents lurking in the darkness.
  • Offense: Underground, the wearer can use the claws to launch surprise attacks from above or behind, taking advantage of the limited visibility. The sharp edges of the claws are perfect for silently dispatching foes or cutting through obstacles that block the way. The ability to knock enemies prone is even more advantageous in these tight quarters, where a fall can be fatal or result in being pinned by debris.

Roleplaying Dynamics: The Claws of the Tiger provide a versatile set of tools for roleplaying in various environments. Whether used to quickly climb out of danger, strike down an enemy with lethal precision, or blend into the natural surroundings for a surprise attack, the claws emphasize the Aquavianthrope’s connection to the wild and their predatory instincts. They allow for dynamic and engaging combat scenarios, where the wearer’s agility and strategic use of the environment can turn the tide of battle. The claws’ ability to both defend and attack, coupled with their unique traits, make them a weapon of choice for those who value speed, cunning, and the power of the wild.

Perception of Activation:

• Sight:
  • What’s Perceived: The claws emit a faint, amber glow that pulses along their edges as they are activated, a sign of the latent energy within. The glow intensifies slightly when the wearer prepares to strike.
  • Description: Observers might see the claws momentarily shimmer, as if the tiger’s spirit within is awakening. The claws appear sharper, almost as if they elongate slightly in preparation for the attack.
  • Positives: The glow enhances the intimidation factor, making the wearer appear more formidable. It can also serve as a signal to allies that the wearer is ready for combat.
  • Negatives: The glow might give away the wearer’s position in low-light environments, reducing the element of surprise.
• Sound:
  • What’s Perceived: A soft, low growl or rumble can be heard when the claws are activated, echoing the sound of a tiger readying itself for a strike.
  • Description: The sound is subtle, akin to a distant thunder or a deep purr, and seems to resonate from the claws themselves. It might cause the air around the wearer to hum faintly with anticipation.
  • Positives: The growl can unsettle opponents, giving the wearer a psychological advantage in combat.
  • Negatives: The sound could alert nearby enemies to the wearer’s presence, especially in silent or echoing environments like caves or narrow corridors.
• Touch:
  • What’s Perceived: A tingling sensation spreads from the claws into the wearer’s hands and arms, as if energy is flowing from the claws into their body, enhancing their strength and reflexes.
  • Description: The sensation is warm and slightly electric, making the wearer feel more powerful and connected to the claws. The claws fit more snugly, as if merging with the wearer’s body.
  • Positives: The wearer feels more confident and capable, with heightened senses and reflexes that enhance their combat abilities.
  • Negatives: The tingling might become distracting or uncomfortable over extended periods of use, potentially leading to fatigue or numbness in the hands.
• Smell:
  • What’s Perceived: A faint, musky scent reminiscent of a tiger’s den or the deep jungle emanates from the claws upon activation.
  • Description: The scent is earthy and primal, evoking a sense of being in the presence of a powerful predator. It lingers around the wearer, enhancing their aura of danger and mystery.
  • Positives: The scent reinforces the wearer’s connection to the tiger’s spirit, potentially intimidating foes with a heightened sense of smell.
  • Negatives: In certain environments, the scent could attract unwanted attention from animals or alert enemies to the wearer’s presence.
• Taste:
  • What’s Perceived: Not directly applicable, as taste is unlikely to be involved in the activation of the claws.
• Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
  • Magical Aura:
    • What’s Perceived: Magic users or those sensitive to mystical energies might perceive a sharp, predatory aura around the claws, tinged with a sense of impending danger.
    • Description: The aura appears as a flickering outline around the claws, resembling the silhouette of a tiger poised to strike. It pulses rhythmically with the wearer’s heartbeat, growing stronger as they prepare for combat.
    • Positives: The aura enhances the wearer’s presence on the battlefield, making them appear as a formidable, almost supernatural opponent.
    • Negatives: The aura might be detected by other magic users or creatures sensitive to magic, making it harder for the wearer to remain concealed.
  • Mind’s Eye Awareness:
    • What’s Perceived: The wearer experiences a heightened sense of awareness, as if they can anticipate their opponent’s moves and feel the flow of battle more acutely.
    • Description: This perception manifests as a series of mental images or instincts, guiding the wearer’s strikes and movements with the precision and agility of a tiger. The wearer feels a deep connection to the natural world, as if they can tap into the instincts of the predator.
    • Positives: The wearer’s combat effectiveness is greatly enhanced, with improved reaction times and an almost preternatural ability to read the battlefield.
    • Negatives: The flood of predatory instincts might be overwhelming, leading to a loss of control or a tendency to act impulsively, which could be dangerous in certain situations.

Positives of Activation Overall:

• Enhanced Combat Prowess: The claws’ activation boosts the wearer’s physical and sensory abilities, making them a more formidable fighter.
• Intimidation Factor: The sensory effects, particularly the sight and sound, can demoralize opponents and give the wearer a psychological edge.
• Predatory Instincts: The wearer gains a deeper connection to the tiger’s spirit, improving their combat effectiveness and situational awareness.

Negatives of Activation Overall:

• Reduced Stealth: The visible and audible effects of the claws’ activation can compromise the wearer’s ability to remain undetected.
• Sensory Overload: The combination of heightened senses and predatory instincts might be difficult to manage, potentially leading to rash decisions or physical discomfort.
• Attraction of Attention: The scent, sound, and magical aura associated with the claws could attract unwanted attention from enemies or creatures in the environment.

Crafting Recipe: Claws of the Tiger.
The Claws of the Tiger are exceptional weapons that require a blend of natural materials, skilled craftsmanship, and magical infusion. The following recipe outlines the process to recreate these formidable claws.

• Materials Needed:
  • Tiger Claws:
    • Quantity: 10 (5 per hand)
    • Source: Harvested from a mature tiger, ensuring they are intact and undamaged.
  • Hardened Leather Straps or Metal Gauntlet Components:
    • Quantity: Enough to create two wearable bases (one for each hand).
    • Note: The choice between leather or metal depends on the desired aesthetic and weight.
  • Arcane Crystal Shards:
    • Quantity: 2 small shards.
    • Source: Can be obtained from magical gem dealers or found in areas rich in arcane energy.
  • Enchantment Ink:
    • Quantity: 1 vial.
    • Composition: Made from a mixture of rare herbs, powdered silver, and phoenix ash.
  • Tiger’s Blood:
    • Quantity: 1 vial (approximately 100 ml).
    • Purpose: Used in the enchanting ritual to bind the essence of the tiger to the weapon.
  • Silken Thread:
    • Quantity: Sufficient to bind the claws to the base securely.
    • Properties: Ideally enchanted to enhance durability.
  • Blessed Oil:
    • Quantity: Small amount for final polishing and blessing.
• Tools Required:
  • Smith’s Tools:
    • For shaping metal components if opting for metal gauntlets.
  • Leatherworking Tools:
    • For crafting and shaping leather straps.
  • Artisan’s File and Sandstone:
    • For refining and sharpening the tiger claws.
  • Enchanter’s Kit:
    • Includes ritual components, glyph inscribers, and magical stabilizers.
  • Needle and Thread:
    • For sewing and binding purposes.
  • Mortar and Pestle:
    • For preparing enchantment ink if crafting personally.
  • Altar or Enchanted Workspace:
    • A dedicated space for performing magical rituals.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Proficiency in Leatherworking and/or Smithing:
    • Depending on the choice of base material.
  • Arcane Knowledge:
    • Ability to perform enchantment rituals.
    • Recommended: At least a 3rd-level spellcaster with proficiency in Arcana.
  • Steady Hand and Craftsmanship:
    • Attention to detail for precise assembly.
  • Knowledge of Ritualistic Practices:
    • Understanding of binding magical properties to physical objects.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Preparation of Tiger Claws:
    • Cleaning: Gently clean the harvested tiger claws, removing any residual tissue.
    • Refinement: Use the artisan’s file and sandstone to sharpen and smooth the claws, ensuring they are free of imperfections.
  • Crafting the Base:
    • Leather Straps:
      • Cut and shape the hardened leather into comfortable, ergonomic straps that fit snugly over the wearer’s hands.
      • Sew any necessary seams using the silken thread.
    • Metal Gauntlets:
      • Use the smith’s tools to forge metal components into gauntlets designed to hold the claws securely.
      • Ensure the gauntlets are lightweight yet sturdy.
  • Embedding Arcane Crystal Shards:
    • Affix one arcane crystal shard onto each base (leather strap or gauntlet) where the palm rests. This serves as the focal point for the enchantment.
  • Attaching the Claws:
    • Arrange five tiger claws on each base, aligning them with the fingers.
    • Securely bind each claw using the silken thread, ensuring they are tightly fastened and aligned for optimal slashing capability.
  • Inscription of Glyphs:
    • Using the enchantment ink, inscribe ancient glyphs and runes onto the base and along the length of each claw. These symbols should represent strength, agility, and the essence of the tiger.
  • Enchanting Ritual:
    • Preparation:
      • Set up the altar or enchanted workspace with the assembled claws placed centrally.
      • Surround the workspace with candles and incense to create a conducive environment for magic.
    • Invocation:
      • Begin chanting incantations that call upon the spirit of the tiger, seeking its blessing and infusion into the weapon.
    • Binding:
      • Pour the tiger’s blood over the claws, allowing it to seep into the inscribed glyphs, symbolically binding the essence of the tiger to the weapon.
      • Channel arcane energy into the arcane crystal shards, activating their properties to stabilize the enchantment.
    • Sealing:
      • Continue the ritual until the claws emit a soft amber glow, indicating successful enchantment.
      • Let the claws rest on the altar overnight to absorb residual magical energies.
  • Final Polishing and Blessing:
    • In the morning, gently clean the claws using the blessed oil, polishing them to a gleaming finish.
    • Perform a final blessing, thanking the spirit of the tiger and sealing the weapon’s powers.
  • Attunement:
    • The creator or intended wearer must spend an hour meditating with the Claws of the Tiger, forming a bond and attuning to their energies to fully harness their capabilities.

Upon completion of these steps, the Claws of the Tiger are ready for use, embodying both the physical prowess of skilled craftsmanship and the mystical essence of the tiger. Handle them with respect and they shall serve as formidable allies in combat.

Legend of the Roaring Blades

In times most ancient, when the earth was young and the skies wide, there lived a warrior known as Jikara-Tor, the Tiger’s Kin. Jikara-Tor was not like others; he was swift as the wind, silent as the shadow, and strong as the mountain. His foes trembled before him, but he longed for more power, to be one with the mighty tiger of the jungle.

One night, as the moon hung low and the stars whispered secrets, Jikara-Tor wandered deep into the heart of the wild forest, seeking the great tiger, whose roar was said to shake the heavens. There, in the deepest part of the jungle, he found the tiger, its eyes glowing like two suns, its breath the wind itself.

Jikara-Tor, fearless as ever, knelt before the great beast and spoke words that were passed down through the winds. “O Tiger, grant me your strength, that I may become the fiercest warrior of all lands.”

The tiger, with eyes that saw all and knew all, growled softly, and in that growl was the wisdom of ages. It was said the tiger offered a pact, a bond that would merge the spirit of Jikara-Tor with that of the tiger. But the pact was one of blood and bone, not mere words. The tiger struck, but not to kill, rather to take what was his—the very claws that had rended many a foe.

Jikara-Tor, with courage that burned like the sun, took the claws and, with them, returned to his people. The claws were crafted into weapons by the most skilled of hands, each strike upon the anvil echoing the tiger’s roar. These claws, they said, carried the spirit of the beast, its ferocity and power, but also its solitude and hunger.

Jikara-Tor became unmatched in battle, his enemies falling before the Claws of the Tiger as leaves before the storm. But as the victories mounted, so too did his loneliness. For the tiger, though strong, walks alone. The more he wielded the claws, the more he became like the tiger—distant, fierce, and apart from the world of men.

The tale ends with Jikara-Tor, no longer a man, but a beast in form and heart, disappearing into the jungles from whence the tiger came. Some say he still roams there, a creature of legend, neither man nor tiger, but something far more dangerous.

Moral of the Story: To seek the strength of the beast is to embrace its solitude; power without companionship is a path that leads to the wilds, where even the strongest must walk alone.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Description: These razor-sharp claws, forged from the talons of a great tiger, are weapons of primal power. When wielded, they channel the ferocity of the tiger, granting the user incredible strength but also a growing sense of detachment from humanity.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 1d8 slashing
  • Bonus: +20% to Fighting (Brawl) skill when using the Claws of the Tiger.
  • Special Effect: On a successful critical hit, the target must succeed on a Hard Constitution roll or be knocked prone.
  • Sanity Cost: Each time the claws are used to deal significant damage (more than half a target’s HP), the user must make a Sanity roll (1/1d4 loss) as they begin to feel the feral instincts overtaking their mind.
  • Cursed: Prolonged use of the Claws may lead to the development of animalistic tendencies, requiring a POW check after each session of use. Failure results in temporary madness or a permanent phobia related to confinement or loss of freedom.

Blades in the Dark

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Description: These lethal weapons, crafted from the claws of a ferocious tiger, allow the user to channel raw, predatory energy. Perfect for assassins and enforcers who want to strike fear into their enemies.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 1d8 slashing
  • Fine Quality: The Claws of the Tiger count as Fine hand weapons, providing +1 effect when used in combat.
  • Special Ability: On a critical success during an attack, the target is knocked prone, and the user gains +1d to their next action against the target.
  • Stress Cost: Using the Claws of the Tiger in a particularly brutal or bestial manner may cost 1 Stress, as the character momentarily struggles with the primal urges the claws evoke.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Wondrous Item, uncommon (requires attunement)
• Description: These magical claws, forged from the sharpened talons of a tiger, grant the wearer enhanced predatory instincts and combat prowess.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 1d8 slashing
  • Critical Hit Effect: On a critical hit, the target must make a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
  • Finesse: The Claws of the Tiger can be used with Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls.
  • Attunement: Requires attunement by a character with proficiency in Martial weapons.
  • Drawback: Each time the wearer scores a critical hit, they must make a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, they are overwhelmed by predatory instincts and must use their next action to attack the nearest creature, friend or foe.

Knave

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Description: These claws, made from the sharpened talons of a tiger, are lightweight, deadly weapons that allow the wielder to strike with speed and precision.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 1d8 slashing
  • Effect: On a critical hit, the target must succeed on a Strength saving throw (DC 13) or be knocked prone.
  • Finesse: The claws are considered light weapons, allowing for quick and agile strikes.
  • Usage: The Claws of the Tiger take up 1 inventory slot and can be dual-wielded for maximum damage output.
  • Cursed: Prolonged use may cause the wielder to develop animalistic behaviors. After each combat encounter where the claws are used, the user must roll a d20. On a roll of 1, they temporarily lose control, behaving like a wild animal until they are calmed or restrained.

Fate

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Description: Razor-sharp claws crafted from the talons of a great tiger, these weapons channel the ferocity and primal power of the beast, making the wielder a fearsome combatant.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Aspect: “Ferocity of the Tiger” – This aspect can be invoked to gain a bonus when engaging in close combat or intimidating foes.
  • Stunt: Tiger’s Strike – Once per session, the user can invoke the claws to deliver a powerful attack that inflicts a severe consequence on the target, representing the devastating power of the claws.
  • Compel: The GM can compel the claws’ aspect to drive the wielder into a feral state, causing them to act irrationally or violently, potentially endangering allies or mission objectives.

Numenera & Cypher System

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Level: 4
• Description: These claws, made from the sharpened talons of a tiger, are infused with primal energy, allowing the wearer to strike with deadly precision and ferocity.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 1d8 slashing (Medium Weapon)
  • Special Ability: On a successful attack, the wielder can spend 2 Speed points to knock the target prone. The target must succeed on a Might defense roll (Level 4) to avoid being knocked prone.
  • Primal Instinct: The claws grant an asset on any task related to tracking, hunting, or perceiving danger in natural environments.
  • Cursed: After each use in combat, the wielder must make an Intellect roll (Difficulty 3). Failure results in the character becoming more aggressive and less willing to cooperate, reflecting the influence of the tiger’s spirit.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Wondrous Item, uncommon (requires attunement)
• Description: These deadly claws, forged from the talons of a great tiger, grant the wearer enhanced combat abilities, channeling the primal strength and agility of the beast.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 1d8 slashing
  • Critical Hit Effect: On a critical hit, the target must succeed on a DC 13 Fortitude save or be knocked prone.
  • Finesse: The Claws of the Tiger have the Finesse trait, allowing the wearer to use their Dexterity modifier for attack rolls.
  • Attunement: Requires attunement by a character with proficiency in Martial weapons or Natural weapons.
  • Drawback: Each time the wearer uses the claws to deliver a critical hit, they must make a DC 14 Will save. On a failure, they are compelled to attack the nearest creature, regardless of its status as friend or foe, until they succeed on a Will save at the start of their next turn.

Savage Worlds

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Description: Forged from the talons of a mighty tiger, these claws are imbued with the primal power of the beast, turning the wearer into a ferocious and agile combatant.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: Strength + d8
  • Special Ability: On a Raise during an attack roll, the target is knocked prone and must make an Agility roll to regain their footing.
  • Edges: While wearing the Claws of the Tiger, the wielder gains the Frenzy Edge, allowing them to make an additional Fighting attack each round at a –2 penalty.
  • Hindrance: The claws have a tendency to awaken the wearer’s feral instincts. After a battle in which the claws were used, the wearer must make a Spirit roll. On a failure, they gain the Vengeful (Major) Hindrance until they successfully resist this urge by spending a Bennie or through other means of regaining control.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Description: Advanced cybernetic weapons modeled after the talons of a great tiger. These retractable claws are designed for lethal close-quarters combat, enhancing the user’s strength and speed while imbuing them with the predatory instincts of the beast.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: (STR + 2)P
  • Accuracy: 6
  • Reach: 1
  • Special Ability: On a critical hit, the target must make a Body + Willpower (3) Test or be knocked prone.
  • Augmentation: The Claws of the Tiger provide a +1 bonus to the user’s Initiative and a +2 bonus to Intimidation rolls due to their fearsome appearance.
  • Essence Cost: 0.5 Essence
  • Drawback: The claws may occasionally induce a berserker-like rage in the user, requiring a Composure Test (Threshold 3) after each combat encounter to avoid attacking the nearest creature, ally or enemy.

Starfinder

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Level: 5
• Price: 3,200 credits
• Bulk: L
• Description: These retractable claws are designed using advanced biotechnology, incorporating the feral strength and speed of a tiger into their design. Ideal for melee combatants looking to add a lethal edge to their arsenal.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 1d8 slashing
  • Critical Effect: Knockdown – On a critical hit, the target is knocked prone unless they succeed on a Reflex save (DC 14).
  • Finesse: The Claws of the Tiger are considered operative weapons, allowing the use of Dexterity for attack rolls instead of Strength.
  • Special: Once per day, the wearer can activate the claws to gain a +2 bonus to Initiative and an additional melee attack at the full attack bonus for 1 minute.
  • Usage: These claws are powered by the user’s bioenergy and require no additional power source, but excessive use may lead to fatigue, imposing a -1 penalty to Fortitude saves after prolonged combat (more than 10 rounds of continuous use).

Traveller (Mongoose, 2nd Edition)

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Tech Level: 11
• Cost: Cr 15,000
• Description: These advanced melee weapons, inspired by the claws of a great tiger, are designed for close combat, offering both precision and power. The claws are retractable and can be integrated into a variety of armors or worn as standalone gauntlets.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 2d6 slashing
  • Traits: Piercing 2, Melee, Finesse
  • Special: On a hit with an Effect of 6 or more, the target is knocked prone and must succeed on an Athletics (DEX) or Melee (DEX) roll (8+) to avoid falling.
  • Augmentation: The claws grant a +1 DM to Initiative checks in melee combat and a +1 DM to Intimidation checks.
  • Power Requirement: The claws require a micro-power cell to operate, which lasts for 24 hours of active use. Without power, the claws deal only 1d6 damage and lose their special abilities.

Warhammer (Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, 4th Edition)

Item: Claws of the Tiger

• Rarity: Very Rare
• Encumbrance: 1
• Description: These fearsome weapons, crafted from the talons of a legendary tiger, are imbued with primal magic. They are as deadly as they are rare, allowing the wielder to channel the ferocity of the great beast in battle.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: +7
  • Qualities: Precise, Fast, Tiring
  • Critical Hit Effect: On a critical hit, the target must make a Challenging (+0) Endurance Test or be knocked prone and suffer an additional Fatigue condition.
  • Special: The claws grant the wielder the Savage Instinct trait, which provides a +10 bonus to Melee (Brawling) Tests and allows the wielder to re-roll one failed attack roll per combat.
  • Drawback: The claws’ primal magic can overwhelm the user, requiring a Challenging (+0) Willpower Test after each battle. Failure results in the wielder gaining an Uncontrollable Rage condition, attacking the nearest creature for 1d10 rounds.