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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}} They are known as the '''Ancient Guardians''', and have traditionally guarded the [[Dawnshard]] on Aimia.{{book ref|sa3.5|16}}
The larkin are associated with the [[Knights Radiant]], though the specifics of their connection remain a mystery.{{file ref|TWoK Front Endsheet.jpg|The Way of Kings Front Endsheet}} One effect of this connection is possibly that Surgebinders can sense a larkin's mood.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}▼
== Appearance and Anatomy ==
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}}
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}}
=== 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 [[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}}
==
In the past, larkins have guard the Dawnshard on Aimia, giving them the title, Ancient Guardians
▲The larkin are associated with the [[Knights Radiant]], though the specifics of their connection remain a mystery.{{file ref|TWoK Front Endsheet.jpg|The Way of Kings Front Endsheet}} One effect of this connection is possibly that Surgebinders can sense a larkin's mood.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}
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}}
== Notable Examples ==
== Trivia ==
* [[Brandon Sanderson]] and [[Isaac Stewart]] sometimes refer to them as "dragon bugs".{{wob ref|6429}}
* The
== Notes ==
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