Difference between revisions of "Larkin"
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| − | '''Larkin''' are small, highly-valued, flying crustacean animals native to [[Aimia]] on [[Roshar]]. They have been a critically-endangered species since the [[scouring of Aimia]].{{wob ref|1080}} |
+ | '''Larkin''' are small, highly-valued, flying crustacean animals native to [[Aimia]] on [[Roshar]]. They have been a critically-endangered species since the [[scouring of Aimia]].{{wob ref|1080}} They are known as the '''Ancient Guardians''', and have traditionally guarded the [[Dawnshard]] on Aimia.{{book ref|sa3.5|16}} |
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== Appearance and Anatomy == |
== Appearance and Anatomy == |
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| − | Larkin are generally between a hand and a small melon in size.{{wob ref|1080}} They are somewhat similar to [[cremling]]s in appearance, although, unlike the cremlings' crabbish faces, the larkin have small faces, like those of [[axehound]]s, with a snout, mouth, and shimmering eyes of solid silver, as well as wings that fold out of their backs. Their wings are strong enough that they can fly, at least short distances.{{wob ref|1080}}{{book ref|sa2|i|3}}{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} |
+ | Larkin are generally between a hand and a small melon in size.{{wob ref|1080}} They are somewhat similar to [[cremling]]s in appearance, although, unlike the cremlings' crabbish faces, the larkin have small faces, like those of [[axehound]]s, with a snout, mouth, and shimmering eyes of solid silver, as well as wings that fold out of their backs. Their wings are strong enough that they can fly, at least short distances.{{wob ref|1080}}{{book ref|sa2|i|3}}{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} |
| − | |||
| + | During their lifespan a larkin bonds a particular kind of [[luckspren]] only found on Aimia and must migrate there every few years to do so. Larkin can grow to great sizes but most now remain small. It is unclear what the difference between larkin and [[lanceryn]] is but they are very closely related.{{wob ref|6497}} Of the few larkins that exist, Chiri-Chiri is the only known creature to travel and bond a mandra in a long time.{{book ref|sa3.5|19}} |
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Larkin may have some sort of special connection to the [[Tai-na]]; [[Vstim]] says that [[Chiri-Chiri]] is given to [[Rysn]] by [[Relu-na]] itself.{{book ref|sa2|i|3}} According to Talik a family of Reshi gods, the Na Alind, made an agreement to keep save the few surviving larkin after Aimia fell.{{book ref|sa3.5|1}} |
Larkin may have some sort of special connection to the [[Tai-na]]; [[Vstim]] says that [[Chiri-Chiri]] is given to [[Rysn]] by [[Relu-na]] itself.{{book ref|sa2|i|3}} According to Talik a family of Reshi gods, the Na Alind, made an agreement to keep save the few surviving larkin after Aimia fell.{{book ref|sa3.5|1}} |
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=== Feeding on Investiture === |
=== Feeding on Investiture === |
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| − | The most outstanding feature of larkin is their ability to feed on [[Investiture]] (commonly [[Stormlight]], as they originate from Roshar). This ability is related to both [[Chromium#Allomantic Use|Leechers]] and [[Nightblood]].{{wob ref|5023}} They can suck Stormlight out of [[Surgebinder]]s and [[Shardplate]] at will, causing the Light to stream visibly through the air and into the larkin's mouth.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}{{wob ref|3864}} Larkin can also eat Stormlight that has been stored in gems and drain the [[Voidlight]] from a [[Fused]]. After absorbing a large amount of Stormlight from the [[King's Drop]], Chiri-Chiri becomes noticeably bigger.{{book ref|sa3|i|13}} Since larkin feed on Investiture, they are incapable of pushing it ''into'' people.{{wob ref|3231}} Larkin cannot feed on the Investiture of a person clad in [[aluminum]] or [[Shardplate]], though they can feed on the Shardplate itself.{{wob ref|3864}} |
+ | The most outstanding feature of larkin is their ability to feed on [[Investiture]] (commonly [[Stormlight]], as they originate from Roshar). This ability is related to both [[Chromium#Allomantic Use|Leechers]] and [[Nightblood]].{{wob ref|5023}} They can suck Stormlight out of [[Surgebinder]]s and [[Shardplate]] at will, causing the Light to stream visibly through the air and into the larkin's mouth.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}{{wob ref|3864}} Larkin can also eat Stormlight that has been stored in gems and drain the [[Voidlight]] from a [[Fused]]. After absorbing a large amount of Stormlight from the [[King's Drop]], Chiri-Chiri becomes noticeably bigger.{{book ref|sa3|i|13}} Since larkin feed on Investiture, they are incapable of pushing it ''into'' people.{{wob ref|3231}} Larkin cannot feed on the Investiture of a person clad in [[aluminum]] or [[Shardplate]], though they can feed on the Shardplate itself.{{wob ref|3864}} |
A larkin would be able to prevent someone from becoming [[Returned]] by ingesting the [[Divine Breath]] as it attempted to enter the person.{{wob ref|6364}} Larkins could also kill a Returned by feeding on all of their Investiture.{{wob ref|13419}} |
A larkin would be able to prevent someone from becoming [[Returned]] by ingesting the [[Divine Breath]] as it attempted to enter the person.{{wob ref|6364}} Larkins could also kill a Returned by feeding on all of their Investiture.{{wob ref|13419}} |
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| − | == |
+ | == History == |
| − | Ancient Guardians |
+ | In the past, larkins have guard the Dawnshard on Aimia, giving them the title, Ancient Guardians.{{book ref|sa3.5|16}} During this time, the larkin were given eight Soulcasters as an offering, though it is unclear as to why.{{book ref|sa3.5|19}} Since the scouring of Aimia, larkin have become extremely rare{{wob ref|1080}}, but are not totally unknown; [[Shallan]] thinks of the phrase "rare as a larkin" when she has a moment of freedom{{book ref|sa2|45}} and kings are willing to pay fortunes for their corpses.{{book ref|sa2|i|3}} |
| + | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | After the disappearance of the larkins from Aimia, the Sleepless managed took over the task of guarding the Dawnshard although they still revere the original protectors.{{book ref|sa3.5|19}} |
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== Notable Examples == |
== Notable Examples == |
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== Trivia == |
== Trivia == |
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* [[Brandon Sanderson]] and [[Isaac Stewart]] sometimes refer to them as "dragon bugs".{{wob ref|6429}} |
* [[Brandon Sanderson]] and [[Isaac Stewart]] sometimes refer to them as "dragon bugs".{{wob ref|6429}} |
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| − | * |
+ | * The Sleepless have crossbred their hordlings with larkins in able to gain the ability to drain Investiture.{{book ref|sa3.5|19}} |
== Notes == |
== Notes == |
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Revision as of 23:34, 10 November 2020
| Larkin | |
|---|---|
 by Casta
| |
| Type | Animal |
| Native to | Aimia |
| World of Origin | Roshar |
| Universe | Cosmere |
Larkin are small, highly-valued, flying crustacean animals native to Aimia on Roshar. They have been a critically-endangered species since the scouring of Aimia.[1] They are known as the Ancient Guardians, and have traditionally guarded the Dawnshard on Aimia.[2]
The larkin are associated with the Knights Radiant, though the specifics of their connection remain a mystery.[3] One effect of this connection is possibly that Surgebinders can sense a larkin's mood.[4]
![[3]](#cite_note-TWoK_Front_Endsheet.jpg-3){kind=link}
Appearance and Anatomy
Larkin are generally between a hand and a small melon in size.[1] They are somewhat similar to cremlings in appearance, although, unlike the cremlings' crabbish faces, the larkin have small faces, like those of axehounds, with a snout, mouth, and shimmering eyes of solid silver, as well as wings that fold out of their backs. Their wings are strong enough that they can fly, at least short distances.[1][5][4]
During their lifespan a larkin bonds a particular kind of luckspren only found on Aimia and must migrate there every few years to do so. Larkin can grow to great sizes but most now remain small. It is unclear what the difference between larkin and lanceryn is but they are very closely related.[6] Of the few larkins that exist, Chiri-Chiri is the only known creature to travel and bond a mandra in a long time.[7]
Larkin may have some sort of special connection to the Tai-na; Vstim says that Chiri-Chiri is given to Rysn by Relu-na itself.[5] According to Talik a family of Reshi gods, the Na Alind, made an agreement to keep save the few surviving larkin after Aimia fell.[8]
Feeding on Investiture
The most outstanding feature of larkin is their ability to feed on Investiture (commonly Stormlight, as they originate from Roshar). This ability is related to both Leechers and Nightblood.[9] They can suck Stormlight out of Surgebinders and Shardplate at will, causing the Light to stream visibly through the air and into the larkin's mouth.[4][10] Larkin can also eat Stormlight that has been stored in gems and drain the Voidlight from a Fused. After absorbing a large amount of Stormlight from the King's Drop, Chiri-Chiri becomes noticeably bigger.[11] Since larkin feed on Investiture, they are incapable of pushing it into people.[12] Larkin cannot feed on the Investiture of a person clad in aluminum or Shardplate, though they can feed on the Shardplate itself.[10]
A larkin would be able to prevent someone from becoming Returned by ingesting the Divine Breath as it attempted to enter the person.[13] Larkins could also kill a Returned by feeding on all of their Investiture.[14]
History
In the past, larkins have guard the Dawnshard on Aimia, giving them the title, Ancient Guardians.[2] During this time, the larkin were given eight Soulcasters as an offering, though it is unclear as to why.[7] Since the scouring of Aimia, larkin have become extremely rare[1], but are not totally unknown; Shallan thinks of the phrase "rare as a larkin" when she has a moment of freedom[15] and kings are willing to pay fortunes for their corpses.[5]
After the disappearance of the larkins from Aimia, the Sleepless managed took over the task of guarding the Dawnshard although they still revere the original protectors.[7]
Notable Examples
- Elhokar Kholin has the corpse of a larkin trapped inside a block of crystal to use as a paperweight in his conference room in the Pinnacle.[16]
- Vstim trades a considerable quantity of goods for the corpse of a larkin.[5]
- Rysn is given a live larkin by Relu-na.[5] She names it Chiri-Chiri.[11]
- Nale uses one to drain Lift of Stormlight while attempting to capture her.[4]
- Kaza briefly encounters a creature that fits the description of a larkin in its native Aimia.[17]
Trivia
- Brandon Sanderson and Isaac Stewart sometimes refer to them as "dragon bugs".[18]
- The Sleepless have crossbred their hordlings with larkins in able to gain the ability to drain Investiture.[7]
Notes
- ↑ a b c d 17th Shard Forum Q&A
— Arcanum - 2012-09-25# - ↑ a b Dawnshard chapter 16#
- ↑ The Way of Kings Front Endsheet
- ↑ a b c d Words of Radiance interlude I-9#
- ↑ a b c d e Words of Radiance interlude I-3#
- ↑ Words of Radiance Seattle signing
— Arcanum - 2014-03-08# - ↑ a b c d Dawnshard chapter 19#
- ↑ Dawnshard chapter 1#
- ↑ Calamity Austin signing
— Arcanum - 2016-02-25# - ↑ a b Stormlight Three Update #5
— Arcanum - 2016-11-19# - ↑ a b Oathbringer interlude I-13#
- ↑ DragonCon 2016
— Arcanum - 2016-09-03# - ↑ Shadows of Self Chicago signing
— Arcanum - 2015-10-12# - ↑ Starsight Release Party
— Arcanum - 2019-11-26# - ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 45#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 5#
- ↑ Oathbringer interlude I-4#
- ↑ Calamity signing Chicago
— Arcanum - 2016-02-22#
