BAGH NAKH: Bagh nakh are made up of four or five iron,
spike-like claws attached to an iron crossbar which extends
around the wielder’s hand when worn. The crossbar is connected
along the palm and the back of the hand by a metal strip
to another bracelet-type bar going around the wearer’s wrist,
and the 3-inch-long claws are situated so they emerge between
the fingers when the fist is clenched. These claws are usually
used to attack with an open-handed motion, but are also a
useful aid in climbing walls (giving a 5% bonus to any character’s
chance to climb walls so long as the wall’s surface allows
the claws to be embedded into the wall itself).

The iron claws are often used in tandem by assassins, since
they are easy to conceal for a backstab attack. The only major
drawback to this weapon is that it is very nearly impossible to
poison it, since skin contact with the weapon is always occurring
and the poison will usually (70% chance) rub off onto the
poisoner’s hands, especially (90% chance) if those hands are
damp, as from perspiration.

The name bagh nakh means “tiger claws.” This type of handheld
metal claw was employed throughout the Middle East and
in Asia, with the version presented here being one frequently
used by the ninja of feudal Japan.

by Randy Bowman

New Weapons

Equipment

-

Dragon #61

Dragon magazine