Items · Melee Weapons · Combat
Crimson Hand
Built for an assassin, the Devouring hand can pass many an attempt to detect it, yet it demands a terrible price of its wearer...
Full Item Description
When the Crimson Hand is delivered, it consists of nothing more than a simple appearing canteen or alcohol flask, filled with a thin, gray liquid, with an attached pouch of pills.
History
It was late in the year when a man came to the shop of Kir Ironspirit, and made a request. He required a tool of revenge, one which would allow him to slip past the defenses of a planetary president, one which could grant rest to a daughter cruelly used and disposed of. Long did the artificer pause, as he considered this. And he asked, 'What will you give for this tool?' 'An arm. A leg. I'd say my life, but that will go to waste in the usage.'
As he listened, a thought, even a dream came to Kir. 'Then, it can be done. Return in four days, and we'll discuss the cost then.' Adjusting the medical nanites proved an easy task, though synthesizing the second step was slightly more difficult.
The man, of course, did not much like what he received, but he could not complain its efficiency, least of all when the crimson talons of his hand tore through the man he hated so like a warm knife through butter. Revenge was his, he thought, even as he watched the blood rush from the numb and mangled appendages that were once human hands...
Properties
Usage of the Crimson Hand is a two step process. First, the gray liquid is imbibed. A sip is sufficient for the alterations to begin. The nanites make a careful alteration of the bones, muscles, and blood vessels of the hands, preparing them for the second step.
Second, the pill is taken. Almost precisely one hour after it is swallowed, the hands tear themselves apart, and the blood polymerizes around the flung out bone, forming crude, but extremely effective talons from the human hand. These talons will last scant minutes before the reaction ceases, and the blood reverts to liquid once more, flowing freely from the torn-apart hands.
Scrolls
Twists, chapters, and details meant to stream with the submission — not general discussion.
No scrolls yet — leave one if you have a twist worth keeping.
Sign in to plant an idea scroll.
Award XP
Enjoyed this? Sign in to thank Siren no Orakio with blade clashes — 5 XP each, up to 25.
5 10 15 20 25Sign in to award XP.
Discussion
Reader talk, questions, and feedback — not scrolls.
No comments yet — be the first voice in the hall.
Sign in to join the discussion.
Continue the path
Three more steps through the hall.
- Kir Ironsprit by Siren no Orakio Bound
Other takes
No other takes yet — the best compliment on the Citadel is a Retelling.
Bonds
Curated bonds across the Citadel. Kindred Favors are another thread in the same weave.
Interesting, but not as credible as it might be. It seems like a lot of trouble to go to for a basic melee weapon in a science-fiction setting. If the agent isn't easily detected, wouldn't something that releases a nasty toxin be more effective? This seems a weapon suited to some sort of cult that insists on killing its victims by hand.
If I were willing to maim myself for the chance at revenge, I would want something a bit more formidable. Perhaps the bioagent that dismantles the hands has a similar effect on the wounds they cause, so that even minor scratches from the claws cause the flesh around them to twist and run, producing horrific wounds.
Ewwwwwww
I kinda like Wulf's ideas here
I understand the dual agent approach, as it allows people to get close without triggering the nanite sensors.. as the nanites have already done their job. The pills would not set off the sensors, nor would anything register as a weapon to a scanner.
Grusome, but fun.
You did not link it. It needs to be so, so I will do it for you
If you have nanotech this good, you can always get your hands rebuilt later, if you get away.
Definitely a weapon of desperation.