Phanta Claws
Phanta Claws is a mysterious and legendary entity which dwells on Necromunda. It is often associated with the local Necromundan holiday of Fistmas and the legend surrounding it.[1] Though public perception in the underhive is that the creature is mythical and non-existent, there are in reality a small group of mutants each descended of the original creature and calling itself Phanta Claws that during the winter time may come into contact with the gangs of the underhive as foes or hired guns - though few will believe those who encounter them.[1a]
History
Imperial History records that in M30, Rogal Dorn lead a vast force of Imperial Fists during the Great Crusade to liberate Necromunda from Orks that had overrun the planet.[2] The Ork Waaagh! was opposed and defeated on the great Ash Wastes, and the Ork forces forced to flee the planet into space where they were utterly destroyed by the Imperial Fist's fleet. In commemoration of the brave actions of Dorn and his legionnaires on that day, the festival of Imperial Fistmas (later abbreviated to Fistmas) was born.[1]
According to local legend, during the height of battle against the Orks, a small army of mutants arrived upon the Ash Wastes and attacked the Imperial Fists. Though the army was slain by volleys of bolter fire, one of the mutants survived. A being of monstrous proportions, it stealthily moved through the heaps of corpses strewn about the battlefield and snuck its way towards the Imperial Fists. Once it reached the Fists' battle line, it slew many Astartes, its rending claws slicing through the legionnaire power armour. Eventually the monster made its way to the Primarch himself. Though a formidable opponent, Dorn would ultimately prove victorious in the ensuing combat. As Dorn raised his blade to slay the blasphemous creature, he thought about the men, women and children Necromunda who had had their homes and livelihoods destroyed by the Ork invasion. They would need hope and a time to look forward to if they were to rebuild their world. Dorn allowed the monster to live - but his price to the creature was that from that day forth, the mutant and all its offspring would be forced to gather materials, fashion them into gifts and distribute give them freely to all those who had been good for the last year, on the Eve of Fistmas. The twisted monstrosity that had stalked its way through the battlefield 'like a phantom' and killed many marines with its rending talons was given the name Phanta Claws.[1]
The myth of Phanta Claws is not widely believed among Imperial scholars. Nevertheless, rumours persist that the Phanta Claws still stalk the depths of the Underhive. According to the rambling testimonies of gangers, Phanta Claws' take great pleasure in carrying out the quest Dorn had set - by ripping apart lone traders and stealing their material wealth, giving it to their stunted mutant servants to create gifts for Fistmas Eve. Apparently, monster's fear of Rogal Dorn's wrath should he return is so great, it carries out his command unto this day.[1]
Whatever the case, the reality is that the creature's mutated descendants do exist, and that there is not one but many 'Phanta Claws' stalking the underhive. Few in number, and usually hostile to gangers, they will on occasion approach wealthy gang leaders and offer themselves as hired guns in exchange for materials and the wealth to purchase more. Few gang leaders have the courage to refuse such a monstrous creature's offer. A gang will only ever have a single Phanta Claws working for them at any time.[1] Phanta Claws are never hired by Spryer Hunters, Palanite Enforcers, or Redemptionists - the creatures' very existence would be seen as anathema and heretical to these groups.[1a]
Appearance and Abilities
"[...] He was too slow; in that slightest moment of distraction, his inhuman opponent slashed its talons twice across his torso, before plunging them deep into his neck. Kreg gurgled, his hold on the chainsword slipping away as the life seeped from his body. For one last moment he got a full glimpse of his killer's face, smiling grimly at the unbelievable sight before him. Phanta Claws brought its bearded face to within an inch of Kreg's own, gurgling as it hissed in mutilated Low Gothic. 'Merry Fistmas,' it snarled, as it wrenched the claws from the deceased leader's neck forcefully."
Phanta Claws are enormous monstrosities whose rending talons are well suited to tearing apart human flesh.[1] They dwell in their own hidden grotto's, surrounded by their midget craftsmen mutant servants who construct gifts for them out of the materials they collect.[1b][1d] Unfamiliar with technology, they will never use weapons or equipment, only their huge raking talons.[1c] Should a gang successfully kill or capture a Phanta Claws they will try to seek out their lair and steal a bag of their Fistmas gifts; such bags can contain a variety of items ranging from a wool jumper, holiday fire crackers that detonate like frag grenades, ornaments as valuable as Mung Vases, credits and wealth, a Cyber-Mastiff, or other rare items normally found in the Underhive's Black Market.[1e]
Trivia
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- Phanta Claws was introduced as a parody of Santa Claus by Fanatic Games for Necromunda in their publication Fanatic Online.
- Michael Duxbury, the author of "The Legend of Phanta Claws" article from Fanatic Online, had stated at the end of the document his intent to create a converted model for Phanta Claws based on a Warhammer Fantasy Strigoi model. It can be found here.[1]
