Dark Hand

The Dark Hand is a fist type weapon. It is a versatile weapon that can also function as a shield. When used as a weapon, dark hands have a special heavy attack that drains humanity from NPCs and other players.

As a shield, a dark hand has an 80% damage reduction from all damage types, as well as very low stability. This means that the dark hand is an inferior choice as a shield for every case except when facing lightning damage, where its damage reduction outclasses nearly every other shield. The dark hand can riposte, but a failed riposte will lead to almost no damage reduction at all, making it a poor choice for riposting.

As a weapon, the dark hand's special heavy attack is the only action capable of stealing humanity from others. How much it steals is dependent on the rank the player has progressed in the Darkwraith Covenant, as listed: The special attack has a very long windup time and a small hitbox, so one must choose wisely when deciding when to use it. Certain NPCs carry liquid humanity on them, and can have all their humanity stolen without becoming hostile towards the player. The attack also does not work on phantoms, friendly or otherwise.
 * +0 (or not in the darkwraith covenant): max 1 humanity stolen
 * +1: 3 humanity stolen
 * +2: 5 humanity stolen
 * +3: 10 humanity stolen

List of NPCs the Dark Hand can be used on

 * Patches: 7 humanities
 * Griggs of Vinheim: 3 humanities
 * Ingward: 4 humanities
 * Laurentius of the Great Swamp: 5 humanities
 * Petrus of Thorolund: 2 humanities
 * Rhea of Thorolund: 12 humanities
 * Sieglinde of Catarina: 10 humanities