A tattered cape and a rusty sword animated by powerful black magic. These undead creatures inhabit the Swordsman's Labyrinth in Square-Enix's 2005 "Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King" Sony Playstation 2 roleplaying video game. Like most Dragon Quest characters, the Phantom Fencer was designed by world-famous manga artist Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragon Ball).

As the name implies, a Phantom Fencer is a proficient edged weapon fighter. These floating fiends glide gracefully around the battlefield, darting in-and-out of range to savagely swipe at opponents with their ancient swords. By focusing its energies, a Phantom Fencer can also temporarily imbue its blade with electricity, allowing it to execute a devastating Thunder Slash. Because their ability to defy gravity is supernatural in nature, Phantom Fencers are completely immune to spells that affect air flow.

Although the items rarely survive a skirmish intact, brave souls can appropriate the Leather Cape and Templar's Sword of a slain Phantom Fencer. Despite superstitious rumors to the contrary, once the malicious spirit that animates them is destroyed, these objects are completely harmless. Of course, individuals tend to be understandably reluctant when it comes to handling the mantle and blade of an evil entity that just tried to hack them to pieces.

The sword and cloak were modeled completely from scratch in two days and finished with acrylic paint. I created the hollow form by building up the cloak on top of another action figure.