The Midclaw is the most ubiquitous Midarm used by the Haaru. It can serve one or more uses as a weapon, shield, armor, and signifier of status.

Description

In simplest terms, the Midclaw is a clawed gauntlet-sabaton. Its design is form-fitting and unobtrusive enough not to impede running or climbing, leaving the palms and their setae exposed like any Haaru footwear.

Talons are bladed on the inside curve, with their base angled slightly upward so as to not impede movement. The most common designs incorporate curves of anywhere from 60-90 degrees. The degree of curvature offers varying benefits in terms of articulation.

Talon length varies according to culture, crafter, and specific intended application.

Thrusting Midclaw

Some Midclaws are designed for thrusting or punching rather than raking, but these have limited use against metal armor and are not commonly seen. In such a design, the claws are replaced by straight spikes on the tips or knuckles. This design is somewhat heavier, due to the higher force needed to pierce armor. This has the added advantage of almost completely avoiding entanglement, leaving the midlimb free.

Curved Designs

A highly curved talon (greater than 90 degrees) is a risky design with advantages and disadvantages. It is ideal for cutting an enemy's armor straps, and accessing hard-to-reach areas like the backs of limbs. Highly curved talons can interlock with the enemy's, which forces the combatants into extremely close quarters until the grip is mutually released. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on the specifics of that combat. The Uruwai base their combat style on this design, seeking to grasp or entangle the enemy and dispatch them with relatively small forelimb weaponry.

Use in Combat

Main article: Haaru Martial Arts

The Midclaw has been a fixture in Haaru close combat for millennia, and even today is worn by most fighters as a sidearm of last resort. Its purpose in combat is to disembowel enemies, cut the straps of their armor, or deal minor injuries to unprotected points.

However, a Midclaw sees its most frequent use in deflecting an enemy's Midclaw attacks. Few combats are resolved with a wound from a Midclaw, but the soldier caught without one is at a serious disadvantage.

Significance in Haaru Culture

The Midclaw is a visual signifier of the martial professions, and is generally considered to be a piece of armor rather than a weapon. In many spaces where weapons are not allowed, Midclaws are.