Venari Harpy-Claw Scimitar

Originating in the Fehdaine region of Duraloth, Venari Harpy-Claw Scimitars are a type of Dowtandrazs (a curved sword based on the ones carried by the Gods Ariyan and Arran). They are characterised by the preserved Harpy claw used to cover the grip of the sword. The swords are specifically created by a single class of monster hunter in the Tehla Ravine region, the Venari, that specialise in hunting Demi-Sapients, particuarly Harpies, with whom they have extreme animosity. To be fully accepted as a Venator, candidates for the Venari must be observed to kill a Harpy, from whose claws their Scimitar will be made.

Venari Harpy-Claw Scimitars feature the typical curved, wide-tipped blade of the Dowtandrazs, but the hilts are fitted with a preserved Harpy claw. These are often fully taxidermied and slid onto the hilts like a sleeve before being pinned and sealed in place. The claws are often shaped using wire then filled with plaster or wax to maintain their shape. The most common shapes are with the claws clenched, though some Venari like to have them spread out into interesting shapes. The claws from the second foot are then grafted to the crossguard, facing along the blade. Because each blade is crafted by its own wielder, each sword is considered unique.

The scimitars are rarely magical in nature, though some are Keened. The Venari are incredibly precious about their Scimitars, and should one be stolen they will hunt it down relentlessly. Most of the scimitars are buried with their wielders when they die, and it is considered bad luck to take a Harpy-Claw Scimitar from a grave. Some Scimitars have made their way into circles outside of the Venari when a Venator leaves the group, or is exiled and their sword taken away from them.