Mantis Blade Claws

From: Aquilarachnid

These razor-sharp, retractable blades attach to Aquilarachnid’s forelimbs, enhancing its slashing attacks. The blades grant a +1 bonus to damage rolls made with the creature’s forelimb attacks.

Level: Tier 1

Attuned actionable: (May be continuing or have charges)

Damage Bonus: +1 to slashing damage made with the creature’s forelimb attacks.

Cost: 400 gold

Tags: Equipment, Claws, Enhancement, Slashing, Predatory, Retractable, Melee, Weaponry, Combat, Natural Armor

Lore: The Mantis Blade Claws are a testament to the Aquilarachnid’s predatory nature and adaptability in combat. Crafted using the finest materials and sharpened to perfection, these blades symbolize the creature’s prowess and mastery of its forelimb attacks. Legends speak of ancient artisans who studied the hunting techniques of the mantis, seeking to replicate their lethal strikes and incorporate them into the Aquilarachnid’s arsenal.

Use: When an Aquilarachnid character or creature equips the Mantis Blade Claws, they gain a +1 bonus to the damage rolls made with their forelimb attacks. These razor-sharp claws enhance the slashing power of the creature’s natural forelimbs, allowing them to inflict more damage on their opponents. This bonus applies to any attacks made with the forelimbs, whether it be in melee combat or other appropriate situations.

The Mantis Blade Claws not only provide a significant boost to the Aquilarachnid’s offensive capabilities but also serve as a representation of their predatory instincts and deadly prowess. They are a physical manifestation of the creature’s adaptability and evolution, allowing them to engage in swift and devastating slashing attacks.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Mantis Blade Claws would be a prized item, particularly sought after by warriors, hunters, and creatures with a natural affinity for predatory combat. This unique item would be found in specialized shops catering to those who value precision, lethality, and the enhancement of natural abilities. Below are the types of shops where the Mantis Blade Claws might be bought and sold, along with details on the transaction process.

Types of Shops

• Hunter’s Emporiums
  • Location: These shops are often located near vast wildernesses or in cities known for their skilled hunters and warriors. They may be found in frontier towns bordering dense forests, jungles, or mountain ranges teeming with dangerous wildlife.
  • Description: Hunter’s Emporiums specialize in weapons, traps, and tools designed for hunting and combat. The Mantis Blade Claws would be displayed prominently alongside other hunting gear, such as enchanted bows, traps, and tracking devices. The shopkeepers are typically experienced hunters or former warriors who understand the value of such an item.
  • Cost: 400 gold pieces, with possible variations depending on the rarity of materials used in crafting the blades. Discounts might be offered to repeat customers or those who trade in rare pelts or trophies.
• Warrior Guild Outposts
  • Location: Found in major cities or near battlefronts, these outposts are frequented by seasoned warriors, mercenaries, and military personnel.
  • Description: The Mantis Blade Claws would be sold as part of a premium selection of gear tailored for close-combat specialists. The outposts might also offer training on how to use the claws effectively, with veteran warriors providing demonstrations or offering combat tips.
  • Cost: 400 gold pieces, potentially with an additional fee for training services or personalized fitting of the blades.
• Exotic Weaponry Markets
  • Location: These markets are found in cosmopolitan cities where rare and unique items from across the world are traded. The markets are often situated in the bustling trade districts, alongside stalls selling enchanted items, rare materials, and alchemical concoctions.
  • Description: The Mantis Blade Claws would be one of many rare and exotic items available, attracting the attention of collectors, adventurers, and those seeking to gain an edge in combat. The markets might have stalls run by skilled artisans who craft and customize such items on demand.
  • Cost: 450-500 gold pieces, reflecting the premium nature of the market and the rarity of the item. Haggling is common, and those with a keen eye for quality might negotiate a better price.
• Assassin’s Guilds
  • Location: Hidden away in shadowy parts of major cities or in secretive enclaves known only to those in the profession.
  • Description: The Mantis Blade Claws would be available as part of a specialized inventory tailored for assassins and covert operatives. These shops prioritize discretion and often cater only to members of the guild or trusted associates.
  • Cost: 400 gold pieces, with potential for trade or barter depending on the needs of the guild. Certain missions might reward or provide access to such gear as part of the payment.

Buying and Selling the Mantis Blade Claws

• Cost: The standard price for the Mantis Blade Claws is 400 gold pieces. This price might fluctuate slightly depending on the shop’s location, the craftsmanship of the blades, and any additional services provided, such as custom fitting or training.
• Customization: In certain markets, particularly the Exotic Weaponry Markets, buyers might pay extra to have the claws customized. This could include engraving, magical enhancements, or adjustments tailored to the user’s specific physiology. Such customizations could add anywhere from 50 to 150 gold pieces to the base cost.
• Bartering and Trade: In Hunter’s Emporiums or Assassin’s Guilds, bartering is common. Adventurers might trade rare items, trophies, or services in exchange for the Mantis Blade Claws. For example, a hunter might trade a rare beast’s pelt or a valuable relic found during an expedition.
• Selling the Claws: Selling the Mantis Blade Claws would depend on their condition and the buyer’s demand. A well-maintained pair of claws could fetch 200-300 gold pieces if sold back to a shop or to another warrior. Customized or particularly rare versions might sell for higher, especially if the market is competitive or the item is in high demand.
• Purchase Experience: The experience of purchasing the Mantis Blade Claws would vary depending on the shop. In a Warrior Guild Outpost, the purchase might be accompanied by a demonstration of their use or an offer to join a training session. In an Exotic Weaponry Market, the buyer might test the claws against different materials to gauge their sharpness and balance before finalizing the purchase. In an Assassin’s Guild, the transaction would be swift and discreet, with little to no fanfare.

The Mantis Blade Claws are a symbol of the Aquilarachnid’s deadly prowess, and acquiring them would be a significant step for any warrior, hunter, or assassin looking to enhance their combat abilities in the world of Saṃsāra.

The Mantis Blade Claws are versatile weapons that offer significant advantages in both defensive and offensive scenarios. Their design allows for quick, lethal strikes and agile defense, making them ideal for various environments within the world of Saṃsāra. Below are examples of how they might be roleplayed in different environments, focusing on both defensive and offensive uses.

• Defensive Roleplay
  • Dense Forests or Jungles
    • Scenario: The party is ambushed by a group of hostile creatures in a dense jungle, where visibility is limited and movement is restricted by thick underbrush.
    • Defense: The Mantis Blade Claws are used to quickly slash through vines, branches, or other obstructions, clearing a defensive space around the user. They also allow the user to parry or deflect incoming attacks from creatures hidden in the foliage. Roleplay the character reacting swiftly to the rustling sounds, using the claws to create a perimeter and fend off attacks.
    • Dialogue Example: “I can hear them moving through the trees—stay close. I’ll clear the way and keep them from getting too close.”
  • Urban Combat in Narrow Alleys
    • Scenario: The party is cornered in a narrow alley by a group of city guards or rival thieves, leaving little room to maneuver.
    • Defense: The Mantis Blade Claws provide the ability to block and counterattack swiftly in close quarters. The character might use the claws to catch and redirect weapon strikes, or to create space by slashing at walls or nearby objects to create obstacles. Roleplay the character using the claws to control the narrow space, making it difficult for enemies to land a clean hit.
    • Dialogue Example: “Not much room to fight, but these claws will keep them at bay. Let’s turn this alley into a trap for them.”
  • Caves and Underground Tunnels
    • Scenario: The party is navigating through dark, confined tunnels, where they are suddenly attacked by underground creatures or rockfall traps.
    • Defense: The Mantis Blade Claws are used to react quickly to close-quarters threats, such as burrowing creatures or falling rocks. The character might use the claws to cut through rock debris or fend off creatures that attempt to close in from multiple angles. Roleplay the character’s sharp instincts and quick reflexes, using the claws to defend against sudden dangers in the darkness.
    • Dialogue Example: “These tunnels are tight, but with these claws, I can carve a way out—or take down anything that tries to corner us.”
• Offensive Roleplay
  • Stealthy Ambush in a Forest
    • Scenario: The party is preparing to ambush a group of bandits camped in a forest clearing, using the cover of trees and foliage to approach undetected.
    • Offense: The Mantis Blade Claws allow for silent, lethal strikes. The character might climb a tree to get above the enemy, then drop down for a surprise attack. The claws’ retractable nature makes them easy to conceal until the moment of attack. Roleplay the character moving silently through the trees, timing their attack perfectly to take down an enemy with one swift, slashing strike.
    • Dialogue Example: “I’ll take the one at the edge of the camp. They won’t know what hit them until it’s too late.”
  • Assault in Urban Rooftops
    • Scenario: The party is chasing a target across the rooftops of a city, where quick movement and precise strikes are essential to success.
    • Offense: The Mantis Blade Claws are used to gain a grip on surfaces, allowing the character to move swiftly across rooftops and walls. When the target is within reach, the claws can be used to deliver quick, decisive slashes. Roleplay the character as they chase down the target, using the claws for both mobility and deadly attacks, slashing at the target’s legs or back to incapacitate them.
    • Dialogue Example: “You can’t outrun me on these roofs. One quick slash, and it’s over for you.”
  • Combat in a Colosseum or Arena
    • Scenario: The character is participating in an arena battle, where they must face off against multiple opponents in front of a cheering crowd.
    • Offense: The Mantis Blade Claws allow the character to engage in rapid, aggressive attacks, overwhelming opponents with a flurry of slashes. The claws can be used to exploit openings in an opponent’s defense, targeting weak points like joints or exposed flesh. Roleplay the character moving with precision and speed, striking fear into opponents with the deadly efficiency of the claws.
    • Dialogue Example: “You may have numbers, but I have these blades—and they’ll carve through each of you before the crowd even blinks.”

Environment-Specific Tactics

• In Dense Forests or Jungles: Use the claws to navigate through thick vegetation while remaining prepared for sudden attacks. The claws can be used to clear paths or strike quickly at enemies hidden in the underbrush.
• In Urban Environments: The Mantis Blade Claws are ideal for close-quarters combat in narrow spaces, allowing the user to control the fight with swift, precise strikes. They also enable the character to climb or maneuver through tight urban spaces.
• In Underground Tunnels: The claws can be used to defend against sudden threats in confined spaces, such as burrowing creatures or rockfalls. Their sharpness and quick retractability make them perfect for adapting to the challenges of underground combat.

The Mantis Blade Claws enhance both the offensive and defensive capabilities of the Aquilarachnid or any character who wields them. Whether in dense forests, urban settings, or underground environments, these claws allow for a dynamic and lethal approach to combat, offering the user unparalleled agility and precision in their attacks and defenses.

Perception of Activation: Mantis Blade Claws

• Sight
  • What’s Perceived: Upon activation, the blades extend smoothly from their housing on the forelimbs, glinting with a sharp metallic sheen as they catch the light.
  • Description: The movement is swift and almost organic, like the unfolding of a mantis’s natural claws. The blades appear to hum with a faint, predatory energy, giving them a lethal, polished appearance.
  • Positives: The visual confirmation of the blades’ readiness instills confidence in the user, while the intimidating appearance can cause opponents to hesitate.
  • Negatives: The sudden extension of the blades can be conspicuous, potentially revealing the user’s intent to attack or defend.
• Sound
  • What’s Perceived: A sharp, metallic click followed by a faint, resonant hum as the blades lock into place.
  • Description: The sound is akin to the sharpening of steel, crisp and precise, followed by a low vibration that can be felt as well as heard, signaling the blades’ lethal readiness.
  • Positives: The sound serves as a warning to foes and a signal to allies, indicating that the user is prepared for combat.
  • Negatives: In a quiet environment, the sound may alert nearby enemies to the user’s presence, diminishing the element of surprise.
• Touch
  • What’s Perceived: A slight but firm pressure along the forelimbs as the blades extend and lock into place, followed by a subtle vibration.
  • Description: The sensation is one of empowerment, as if the user’s limbs are suddenly enhanced with a deadly, precise force. The vibration is minimal but consistent, a reminder of the blades’ sharpness.
  • Positives: The tactile feedback reassures the user of the blades’ readiness and their connection to the weapon.
  • Negatives: Prolonged use might lead to slight discomfort or numbness in the limbs due to the constant vibration.
• Smell
  • What’s Perceived: A faint, metallic scent, reminiscent of freshly sharpened steel, mixed with the earthy aroma of the dark wood base.
  • Description: The smell is subtle, only noticeable when the blades are first activated or if the user brings the claws close to their face. It evokes the scent of a blacksmith’s forge, a mix of iron and wood.
  • Positives: The scent may heighten the user’s focus, grounding them in the reality of the combat situation.
  • Negatives: Some users might find the smell slightly distracting, especially if they are in an environment with competing odors.
• Taste
  • What’s Perceived: A faint metallic tang in the mouth, akin to the taste of blood or iron, though subtle and often only noticeable when the user is highly attuned to their senses.
  • Description: The taste is fleeting, often accompanying the activation of the blades as the user’s body instinctively prepares for combat.
  • Positives: The taste can serve as a visceral reminder of the stakes, sharpening the user’s focus on the battle ahead.
  • Negatives: In stressful situations, the taste might add to the user’s anxiety, especially if they associate it with injury or danger.
• Extrasensory Perception (ESP)
  • What’s Perceived: A heightened sense of predatory awareness, as if the user can anticipate the movements of their opponents before they happen.
  • Description: This ESP manifests as a subtle shift in perception, where the user feels more in tune with the battlefield, almost as if they can predict the flow of combat. It’s an instinctual sense, tied to the natural predatory instincts of the creature.
  • Positives: This heightened awareness allows the user to react more swiftly to threats, potentially dodging attacks or striking at the perfect moment.
  • Negatives: The influx of sensory information can be overwhelming, leading to sensory overload or hesitation if the user is unprepared for the intensity.
• Aura Sensitivity
  • What’s Perceived: A faint, pulsating energy emanating from the blades, resonating with the life force of the user and the environment.
  • Description: The user senses a connection between the blades and their own predatory nature, as if the weapon is an extension of their instincts. This aura might also allow the user to sense the presence of other predatory creatures or enchanted objects in the vicinity.
  • Positives: This connection enhances the user’s combat effectiveness, making them more attuned to their surroundings and the threats within it.
  • Negatives: The sensation of the blades’ aura might create a sense of dependence, where the user feels less capable without the weapon.
• Kinetic Awareness
  • What’s Perceived: An acute awareness of the blades’ weight, balance, and potential energy, as if the user can sense the trajectory of their strikes before they are made.
  • Description: The user feels in perfect control of the blades, able to predict how they will move and strike with precision. This awareness extends to understanding the impact of their attacks and the flow of kinetic energy through their limbs.
  • Positives: This awareness allows for more precise and powerful strikes, maximizing the damage potential of each attack.
  • Negatives: Over-reliance on this awareness might lead the user to become too focused on the mechanics of their attacks, potentially ignoring other threats or opportunities on the battlefield.
• Overall Use
  • The Mantis Blade Claws provide a rich and immersive sensory experience, enhancing the user’s predatory instincts and combat abilities. The combination of sight, sound, touch, and extrasensory perceptions make the blades feel like an extension of the user’s body, offering significant advantages in battle.
  • Positives: The device’s multi-sensory feedback allows the user to fully engage in combat, making them more lethal and effective in close-quarters engagements.
  • Negatives: The intensity of the sensory experience can be overwhelming, potentially leading to sensory overload, discomfort, or over-reliance on the blades, which might compromise the user’s overall combat effectiveness.

Crafting Recipe: Mantis Blade Claws

• Materials Needed:
  • Refined Steel Ingots (2 units)
    • High-quality steel, smelted and tempered for razor-sharp durability.
  • Darkwood Planks (1 unit)
    • A plank of darkwood, known for its strength and lightweight properties, used to create the base and housing for the blades.
  • Mantis Carapace Shards (2 units)
    • Shards of a mantis carapace, valued for their natural sharpness and resilience, incorporated into the blade edges.
  • Precision Gears and Springs (1 set)
    • Small, finely crafted gears and springs used to ensure the smooth retraction and extension of the blades.
  • Arcane Crystal (1 unit)
    • A small crystal imbued with magical energy to enhance the weapon’s durability and responsiveness.
  • Binding Leather Straps (1 unit)
    • Treated leather used to secure the blades to the forelimbs, providing comfort and stability during use.
  • Enchantment Ink (1 vial)
    • Special ink used for inscribing runes that bind the Arcane Crystal’s magic to the blades.
• Tools Required:
  • Blacksmith’s Forge – For smelting and shaping the steel blades.
  • Carpenter’s Workbench – For shaping the darkwood base and housing.
  • Engraving Tools – Precision tools for inscribing runes and shaping the Mantis Carapace Shards.
  • Arcane Inscriber – A tool used to embed the Arcane Crystal into the blades and inscribe magical runes.
  • Tinkerer’s Kit – Includes small tools like pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches for assembling the gears and springs.
  • Leatherworking Tools – For crafting and attaching the Binding Leather Straps.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Blacksmithing (Advanced Level) – Required to forge and temper the steel blades with precision.
  • Woodworking (Intermediate Level) – Necessary for shaping and treating the darkwood base to ensure durability and comfort.
  • Enchanting (Intermediate Level) – Needed to properly inscribe runes and bind the Arcane Crystal’s magic to the weapon.
  • Tinkering (Basic Level) – Required for assembling the mechanical components that allow the blades to retract and extend smoothly.
  • Leatherworking (Basic Level) – Necessary for securing the blades to the forelimbs with the Binding Leather Straps.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Forge the Blades
    • Step 1: Heat the Refined Steel Ingots in the Blacksmith’s Forge until they are malleable.
    • Step 2: Shape the steel into the desired blade form, ensuring they are sharp and slightly curved for optimal slashing.
    • Step 3: Quench the blades in oil to temper them, enhancing their durability and sharpness.
  • Prepare the Darkwood Base
    • Step 4: Use the Carpenter’s Workbench to carve the Darkwood Planks into a sturdy base that will house the blades and provide a comfortable grip.
    • Step 5: Treat the wood with special oils to increase its resilience and ensure it can withstand the rigors of combat.
  • Incorporate the Mantis Carapace
    • Step 6: Carefully shape the Mantis Carapace Shards using the Engraving Tools, aligning them along the edges of the blades for added sharpness and natural resilience.
    • Step 7: Attach the shards to the steel blades using specialized adhesives, ensuring they are securely bonded.
  • Assemble the Mechanism
    • Step 8: Use the Tinkerer’s Kit to assemble the Precision Gears and Springs within the darkwood housing, allowing the blades to retract and extend smoothly.
    • Step 9: Attach the blades to the mechanism, ensuring they are properly aligned and function smoothly when activated.
  • Embed the Arcane Crystal
    • Step 10: Use the Arcane Inscriber to carefully embed the Arcane Crystal into the base of the blades, ensuring its magical energy is channeled throughout the weapon.
    • Step 11: Inscribe runes around the crystal using the Enchantment Ink, binding the crystal’s magic to the blades and enhancing their effectiveness in combat.
  • Secure the Leather Straps
    • Step 12: Use the Leatherworking Tools to craft and attach the Binding Leather Straps to the base, ensuring they fit securely around the user’s forelimbs.
    • Step 13: Adjust the straps for comfort and stability, ensuring the blades can be used effectively in combat without slipping or causing discomfort.
  • Final Assembly and Testing
    • Step 14: Conduct a final inspection of the Mantis Blade Claws, ensuring all components are securely attached and functioning as intended.
    • Step 15: Test the retractable mechanism and the sharpness of the blades in a controlled environment, making any necessary adjustments for optimal performance.
  • Attunement Ritual
    • Step 16: Perform a short ritual to attune the Mantis Blade Claws to the user, involving the channeling of personal energy into the blades to ensure they respond perfectly to the user’s commands.

The Mantis Blade Claws are now complete, ready to enhance the combat abilities of their user with swift, deadly slashing attacks. These blades are a testament to the craftsmanship and predatory instincts of the Aquilarachnid, offering both precision and power in battle.

Tale of the Razor Mantis

Long before the moon spoke in silver, when the lands were but whispers in the wind, there lived a great and terrible beast, known as the Mantis of Blades. This creature, whose limbs were of iron and whose eyes saw beyond the stars, roamed the forests of shadow and light. It was said that its claws could cut through stone as if it were water and that no prey could escape its sight, for it moved with the swiftness of a falling star.

In those days, the people of the land lived in fear of the Mantis, for it hunted not for food, but for sport, delighting in the chase and the kill. The elders spoke of the Mantis as a demon, sent by the gods to punish those who strayed from the path of the pure. But there was one among them, a warrior of great renown, who believed that the Mantis was not a demon, but a guardian of ancient knowledge, hidden within the forest.

This warrior, known only as Ahsu, journeyed into the forest, seeking the Mantis not with sword or spear, but with a heart of understanding. For Ahsu had heard the tales of old, of how the Mantis once protected the sacred groves where the first trees grew, and how its claws were forged from the stars themselves, imbued with the power of the cosmos.

Ahsu wandered the forest for many days and nights, following the signs left by the Mantis—deep cuts in the trees, the earth scorched by its passing. Finally, in the heart of the forest, where the light of the sun never touched, Ahsu found the Mantis, resting beneath the boughs of an ancient tree.

The Mantis, seeing Ahsu, did not attack, for it sensed in the warrior a kindred spirit, one who sought not to conquer, but to understand. Ahsu knelt before the Mantis, offering no challenge, only respect. The Mantis, in turn, offered its claws, placing them at Ahsu’s feet as a sign of peace.

It was then that Ahsu understood the true nature of the Mantis. The claws were not weapons of destruction, but tools of creation, meant to shape the world as the gods intended. Ahsu took the claws, and with them, carved a path through the forest, bringing light to the darkest places and healing to the wounded earth.

But the power of the claws was not without cost. For with each cut, Ahsu felt the weight of the stars, the burden of knowledge that was too great for any one being to bear. The claws, though sharp and true, demanded a price—a part of the soul, given in exchange for the power they bestowed.

Ahsu returned to the people, not as a warrior, but as a sage, teaching them the ways of the Mantis, the balance between creation and destruction. The claws were passed down through the ages, from warrior to warrior, each one learning the same lesson: that power, no matter how great, must be tempered with wisdom.

Moral of the Story: The sharpest blade cuts both ways; to wield great power is to bear great responsibility, and one must always remember the cost of creation.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Type: Weapon
• Description: Razor-sharp, retractable blades attached to the forelimbs, enhancing slashing attacks with lethal precision.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 1d6 + 1
  • Bonus: Grants a +1 bonus to damage rolls on slashing attacks.
  • Skill Requirement: Requires a successful Fighting (Brawl) roll to use effectively.
  • Sanity Impact: Prolonged use in combat situations might trigger a Sanity roll (1/1d3 loss) due to the brutal nature of the weapon.
  • Durability: Requires maintenance after extended use or following critical failures, which may cause the blades to jam or dull.
• Availability: Rare, typically found in ancient temples or among cultists with a focus on ritualistic combat.

Blades in the Dark

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Type: Fine Weapon
• Description: Sleek, retractable claws that grant a deadly edge in close combat.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Fine Item: Counts as a fine item, providing +1d to Skirmish or Prowl rolls when used in combat or stealth attacks.
  • Effect: The blades can be retracted or extended as a free action, allowing for surprise attacks or quick defensive moves.
  • Special Ability: Gain +1 effect level when using the Mantis Blade Claws to ambush or overwhelm an opponent in a melee.
• Load: 1 (Light)
• Special Note: The claws are silent when retracting or extending, making them ideal for assassins or thieves.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Weapon (Uncommon, requires attunement)
• Description: A set of retractable blades attached to the forelimbs, crafted to enhance the slashing power of the user.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Weapon Type: Natural Weapon (Claws)
  • Damage: 1d6 slashing + 1 damage bonus
  • Proficiency: Treated as a finesse weapon, allowing the use of Dexterity for attack and damage rolls.
  • Attunement: Requires attunement by a creature with natural claw attacks or proficiency with martial weapons.
  • Special Ability: Once per short rest, the user can make an additional attack with the Mantis Blade Claws as a bonus action.
• Weight: 1 lb.
• Cost: 400 gp
• Tags: Melee Weapon, Natural Weapon, Slashing

Knave

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Type: Weapon
• Description: Razor-sharp, retractable claws that attach to the forelimbs, designed for quick, lethal strikes.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 1d6 slashing damage + 1
  • Special Ability: Grants a +1 bonus to attack rolls with the claws.
  • Durability: The claws have 1d6 uses before requiring repair. Each use after this causes a 1-in-6 chance of the blades jamming or dulling, reducing effectiveness by half until repaired.
• Encumbrance: 1 slot
• Special Note: Can be used with stealth for surprise attacks, adding an additional +1 to damage on the first strike if undetected.

Fate Core

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Type: Weapon
• Description: Razor-sharp, retractable blades designed to enhance the slashing attacks of the user.
• Aspects:
  • High Concept: Deadly Retractable Blades
  • Trouble: Requires Precision and Maintenance
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stunt: Predatory Strike – Once per conflict, you can invoke the Mantis Blade Claws to gain a +2 bonus on an attack roll when making a close-quarters slashing attack.
  • Compel: The claws might jam or dull after an intense battle, causing a negative aspect like “Blades Jammed” that needs to be addressed before they can be used effectively again.
• Refresh Cost: 1 Refresh to own the Mantis Blade Claws.

Numenera & Cypher System

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Type: Artifact (Numenera) / Equipment (Cypher System)
• Level: 1d6 + 1
• Description: A set of retractable, razor-sharp blades that attach to the user’s forelimbs, enhancing their natural slashing attacks.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Effect: Grants an additional +2 to Might-based attack rolls when using the Mantis Blade Claws in combat.
  • Special: Once per encounter, you can use the Mantis Blade Claws to deal 2 additional points of damage on a successful attack.
  • Depletion: 1 in 1d20 – The claws have a chance of becoming dulled or jammed after each encounter, requiring repairs or recalibration.
  • Usage: Requires 1 action to extend or retract the blades.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Item Type: Weapon (Magical, Uncommon)
• Level: 4
• Price: 400 gp
• Description: A set of sleek, retractable blades designed to enhance slashing attacks, attaching securely to the user’s forelimbs.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 1d6 slashing + 1
  • Weapon Traits: Agile, Finesse
  • Activation: 1 action (Interact)
  • Special Ability: The user can make an additional strike with the Mantis Blade Claws as a free action once per day, provided they have already made an attack with the claws during that turn.
• Bulk: L (Light)
• Craft Requirements: Must have access to a magical forge and proficiency in Crafting (Magical).

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Type: Gear / Weapon
• Description: Retractable claws that enhance the user’s natural slashing attacks, designed for quick and lethal strikes.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: Strength + d6 + 1
  • AP (Armor Penetration): 2 (the blades are designed to cut through light armor and tough hides)
  • Power Points: Requires 1 Power Point to extend or retract, which lasts for one scene.
  • Special Ability: The Mantis Blade Claws grant the user a +1 bonus to Fighting rolls when making slashing attacks in close combat.
  • Malfunction: On a roll of 1 on the Trait die when using the claws, they jam, causing the user to lose their next action as they attempt to fix the issue.
• Weight: 2 lbs.
• Availability: Rare, often found in the possession of elite assassins or hunters.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Type: Melee Weapon
• Description: A pair of retractable, razor-sharp blades attached to the user’s forelimbs, designed for quick and lethal slashing attacks.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: (STR + 3)P
  • Accuracy: 6
  • Reach: 0
  • AP (Armor Penetration): -2
  • Special: The Mantis Blade Claws grant +1 to the user’s melee attack dice pool when used in combat. The blades are retractable, allowing the user to conceal them until needed.
  • Concealability: +4 (The blades are easily concealed when retracted.)
• Availability: 10R
• Cost: 5,000¥
• Wireless: When active, the blades can be retracted or extended via wireless command, but they become more susceptible to hacking.

Starfinder

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Item Level: 4
• Price: 2,000 credits
• Damage: 1d6 slashing + 1
• Critical: Bleed 1d4
• Bulk: L (Light)
• Type: Advanced Melee Weapon
• Special: Retractable, Operative, Concealed
• Description: These sleek, retractable blades attach to the user’s forelimbs, enhancing their slashing attacks with deadly precision.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Operative Weapon: The Mantis Blade Claws can be used as an operative weapon, allowing operatives to apply their specialization to attacks made with the claws.
  • Special Ability: Once per day, the user can make an additional attack with the Mantis Blade Claws as a swift action.
  • Recharge: The blades require 10 minutes of maintenance after a full day of use to ensure their retractable mechanism remains functional.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Type: Personal Melee Weapon
• Tech Level: 12
• Cost: 15,000 Credits
• Damage: 3d6
• Armor Penetration (AP): -2
• Mass: 1 kg
• Description: A set of retractable, razor-sharp blades designed to attach to the user’s forelimbs, providing a significant advantage in close-quarters combat.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Effect: The Mantis Blade Claws grant +1 DM (Dice Modifier) to Melee (Unarmed) attacks.
  • Special: The blades are retractable and can be concealed when not in use, adding +2 to any checks to conceal the weapon.
  • Durability: After 20 uses, the claws require a Maintenance check (Mechanics, Average difficulty) to ensure they remain effective.
• Availability: Rare, typically found in high-tech military or black market settings.

Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay (Wrath & Glory)

Item Name: Mantis Blade Claws

• Type: Melee Weapon
• Rarity: Rare
• Keywords: Melee, Power, Retractable, Concealed
• Description: A deadly pair of retractable blades that enhance the user’s natural slashing capabilities, favored by assassins and close-combat specialists.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 (bonus damage)
  • AP (Armor Penetration): -2
  • Special Ability: The Mantis Blade Claws allow the user to make an additional melee attack as part of an All-Out Attack action, gaining +1 bonus to their weapon skill roll.
  • Glitches: On a roll of a Complication (roll of 1 on a Wrath die), the blades may jam, requiring a successful Tech test to fix (Difficulty 4).
  • Power Source: The blades are powered by a micro power cell, which needs to be replaced after 10 hours of continuous use.
• Weight: 1 kg
• Availability: These are highly sought after and typically only available through elite suppliers or the black market.