Note: Originally posted on January 6, 2014

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No one knows exactly what the Hands of Stythanyx are. What is known is that they are four identical entities psychically-linked to the Forceless Archfiend, Stythanyx, a more powerful entity capable of reanimating the dead on a planet-wide scale, to the point that - prior to joining the Forceless Collective - he was seen as a god of death in some cultures. Prior to the revelation of their connection to the Archfiend, they were initially believed to be the hateful ghosts of the crew of the wrecked ancient alien colony ship on Guaymar. These "phantoms" would attack anyone brave or foolish enough to adventure into the ship, quietly sneaking up on their prey via phasing in and out of reality right behind their victims before sucking their blood out using their sucker-tipped trunk, which they often drag along the ground like a snake's body. Most of their victims don't even feel them around despite being slightly larger than an average humanoid.

However, those who escape the Hands aren't entirely safe either. First, they are seemingly immortal, as they can disappear and resurrect even after being cut apart. Second, those who have seen all four of the Hands - whether directly or via recorded image - are marked for death and will die in four days. Those who are marked experience hallucinations with each passing day, believing that the Hands are coming for them. What exactly kills the victims remains a mystery, though autopsies show they were experiencing extreme fear at time of death.

Due to their "curse" and the hive-minded nature of Forceless, the Collective saw fit not to possess the Hands and only have Stythanyx - their main controller - possessed. Due to their psychic connection to Stythanyx, there is no need to have them possessed to ensure their loyalty.