Phantom Fencer

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 (original 2004 Japanese title, Doragon Kuesuto VIII: Sora to Umi to Daichi to Norowareshi Himegimi, which translates to Dragon Quest VIII: The Sky, the Ocean, the Earth, and the Cursed Princess). Like most Dragon Quest characters, the Phantom Fencer was designed by world-famous manga artist Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragon Ball). The monsters Invisible Swordsman, Phantom Fencer, and Phantom Swordsman all share the exact same polygon game model; they differ only in color and combat capability.

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 energy, 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 immune to magic that alters air flow (i.e., the whirlwind-generating spells Woosh, Swoosh, and Kaswoosh have no effect on them whatsoever).

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.

#069 Phantom Fencer "A ragged cape enchanted by powerful magic. Invulnerable to air-based spells."	Type: Zombie	Habitat(s): Swordsman's Labyrinth
	Hit Points: 65	Magic Points: 0
	Experience Points: 68	Gold: $12
	Item Drops: Leather Cape (Common) [Angelo only; Defense +22; sells for $550] Templar's Sword (Rare) [Angelo only; Attack +36; sells for $1,175]

#149 Phantom Swordsman "Acolytes of the Lord of Darkness that gave their own lives in sacrifice. Their flesh is gone, but their faith remains to fuel their hunger in battle."	Type: Zombie	Habitat(s): Dark Ruins
	Hit Points: 102	Magic Points: 0
	Experience Points: 164	Gold: $34
	Item Drops: Amor Seco Essence (Common) [Restores 60+ hit points; sells for $60] Magic Water (Rare) [Restores 30+ magic points; sells for $150]

#228 Invisible Swordsman "A knight that traded his physical body for the power of the Lord of Darkness. Lofts his sword high in the air to call down a divine punishment upon his foes."	Type: Zombie	Habitat(s): Dragovian Path; Heavenly Dais
	Hit Points: 511	Magic Points: 0
	Experience Points: 502	Gold: $55
	Item Drops: Dark Robe (Common) [Yangus only; Defense +87; increases evasion; sells for $10,500] Rusty Old Sword (Rare) [Hero or Jessica only; Attack +45; can't be sold]

Materials:
Newsprint, white glue, and acrylic paint.

Dimensions:
(Cloak) 3.5 cm / 1.4 in.  x  5.0 cm / 2.0 in. (widest point x highest point)
(Sword) 1.7 cm / 0.7 in.  x  5.7 cm / 2.2 in. (widest point x longest point)
(Combined) 4.0 cm / 1.6 in.  x  6.3 cm / 2.5 in. (widest point x highest point)

Time:
Two days: December 15 and 16, 2012.
I modeled most of the cloak on the fifteenth and finished the figure up on the sixteenth.

For comparison purposes, below are several relevant images (more information on mouse-over):

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The repeating background graphic is a screenshot of Dragon Quest VIII's protagonist running through a forest.

The midi music playing is the "boss" theme from Dragon Quest III.