Lark
Saint of the Damned
Out of Character Information- Intent: To create a Sithspawn submission for the Monster Mash and to aid in faction roleplays.
- Image Source: http://designspartan.deviantart.com/art/Raven-God-410511033 "Raven God" by artist DesignSpartan of Deviantart.com
- Canon: N/A
- Link: N/A
- Name: Svarrif
- Designation: Semi-sentient
- Homeworld: Muunilinst
- Language: Chirps and Mimicry
- Average Lifespan: 15 years
- Estimated Population: Planetary
- Description: A bit larger than the average raven, with ebony-like feathers and four beady red eyes, two on each side of it's head. Apical talons dig easily into flesh, and it's razor-sharp beak drills into the body of it's prey.
- Breathes: Type l
- Average Height of Adults: 1.2 meters
- Average Length: 1.9 meters from wing to wing
- Skin Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
- ​Distinctions: One of the more noticeable traits of the Svarrif are it's two eyes on each side of it's head, allowing for a wider peripheral vision. It's barbed talons allow them to cleave through skin and some armor with ease. It's beak is just as deadly, if not more so. It's dark appearance helps it mask it's approach when it flies at night, and the aerodynamic wings of the Svarrif help it reach great speeds.
- Races: N/A
- Strengths:
- Hunter's Instinct: The Svarrif are incredible birds of prey, they know exactly where to aim to achieve the quickest kill. Their talons and beak can pierce through flesh with little resistance, and their multiple eyes allow them a wider range of vision. If there's an opening in someone's armor they know to strike there.
- Swarm: They come in incredibly large numbers, anywhere from several dozen to several hundreds.
- Easily Controlled: Someone even moderately accustomed to the Dark Side can control them with no problems, and those with more experience can control larger numbers.
- Extreme Speeds: Can fly at 150kph, 175 at a dive, and it's frame allows for incredible maneuverability and quick adjustments.
- Weaknesses:
- Sensory Overload: Whilst in the heat of open battle Svariffs may have trouble focusing on a specific target, especially with a great deal of flashing lights.
- Little Defense: Despite their speed and numbers, they have little to no physical defenses to speak of. If hit by blaster fire they'll be grounded, where they are virtually powerless.
- Weak to Light: Concentrated attacks from the Light Side of the Force could kill them or destroy the telepathic link between whatever Sith is controlling them.
- Can't Pierce Metal: Their talons and beak can shred through skin and many types of armor with ease, but not through metal.
- Diet: While they prefer hunting for any types of meat, if necessary they'll scavenge for berries, seeds, or small bugs.
- Communication: Use basic chirps and songs, and can mimic basic verbal commands given to them. They can also comprehend telepathic messages sent by the one controlling them.
- Technology Level: N/A
- Religion/Beliefs: N/A
- General Behavior: They mainly travel in large flocks, hunting for themselves as they go. Males attempt to attract mates by singing their shrill songs, and raise their young in a harsh manner. If newborn Svarrif don't learn to hunt and fly quickly they're left behind to fend for themselves. They hunt species from other birds to creatures much larger than themselves, working together to take their prey down. They aren't averse to picking at long dead corpses. They travel and hunt at nighttime, only traveling during the day if absolutely necessary. When bonded with someone they act as servants, absolutely obedient to whatever command is issued.
After joining the Sith Ascendancy and arriving at the Sith Temple located on Bastion, Lark was overcome with wondrous excitement at all the knowledge revealed to him, previously kept shrouded by a secluded childhood. While his training kept him busy he visited the library whenever the chance arose, filled with an unfamiliar sensation of eagerness to learn all he could. Captivated by the histories of the Sith and the power they possessed, he began teaching himself the ancient Sith Tongue and practiced new techniques. As his power and lust for knowledge grew to dangerous extremes one possibility lingered in his mind: Could he create a new form of life?
He had heard stories of Sithspawn, seen them up close with his own eyes. His desire to test himself and see whether he could create his own spawn gnawed at him constantly, and after being granted permission from his Master, Lord Krest, he immediately set out to achieve his goal.
Progress was slow at first, but patience is one of Lark's most prided traits. Originally he intended to enhance the durability of the feathers, make them strong enough to resist blaster fire. But he quickly realized the increased weight added to the Svarrif severely cut on their maximum speed, and decided that a slightly stronger defense wasn't worth the tremendous loss of speed.
Instead he opted for a different approach. While they might fall easily if hit, what if they couldn't even be touched by the most practiced soldier? Lark modified their wings, extending them as to allow for far greater speeds at the expense of defense.
Excited at his burgeoning success, Lark shifted his attention from the wings to the beak and talons. He strengthened these features, allowing them to cut through many substances save metal. He also added barbs onto their talons, allowing the Svarrif to more easily grasp their prey and make them more difficult to pry out.
The extra eyes were an accident, one that Lark decided to keep for two reasons. He knew that double the eyes allowed for extra sight, at the expense of possible sensory overload. But he decided that the pros outweighed the cons, and modified their senses to be more accustomed to extra vision. They still might falter in extreme battles, but he didn't mind. The second reason was pure aesthetic, he thought the extra eyes abnormal and appreciated their new alien appearance.
[member="Valiens Nantaris"] Ready for inspection!
