Zarva

Zarva are large, light-based creatures with somewhat deer or elk-like anatomy. Zarva are most well known for their loyalty, protective-nature, and common use as flight transport on Tikoni. Zarva, on average, range from 6ft - 10ft at the shoulder. Despite their large size, Zarva are almost completely made of light, aside from their horns, hooves, and feather accents. \*\*Zarva are a mythical fantasy creature in the game: Scouts of Tikoni.\*\*

## General Anatomy

Zarva come in many different colors, sizes, and shapes, but the base anatomy remains early the same. All zarva are quadruped ungulates that reach a minimum of 4ft at the shoulder when fully grown. Zarva are about 80% light, except for their horns, hooves, and feather accents. This also makes zarva incredibly light, ranging from 10lbs-20lbs on average. Similar to Flowcotti, Zarva do not have any natural bones or internal organs, with the exception of a brain, heart, and lungs. Any food that a zarva consumes is immediately converted into energy to use for the zarva’s flight or other activity.

Unlike other creatures on the Tikoni Islands, zarva do not need to eat to stay alive. However, they are able to eat if they (or their pilot) wish. Food can help increase the zarva’s energy levels and help in young zarva’s growth. If a zarva is not fed, they can survive perfectly fine off of the light and energy produced naturally by their bodies.

Other notable parts of zarva anatomy include: Large horns, feathers, hooves, blind eyes, natural lights, and the ability to fly. All zarva naturally grow horns, but they can come in many different shapes and sizes. The most common type of horn is “Curved Horns” but many other different types are being discovered as the zarva species flourishes. In a similar vein, zarva come in many different colors and coat patterns depending on their genetics and environment. Most zarva have 3-4 coat colors total, and it is considered rare to have a solid color zarva or a zarva with more than 5 coat colors.

Most zarva also naturally grow large feathers along their bodies, usually on the top of the head, the shoulders, the back, and the base of the tail. Although extremely rare, some zarva have been found with no body feathers, However, these zarva are usually selectively bred for the use of flight travel during battle or wars. In addition, all zarva, regardless of breed, grow long translucent strings that are attached to small, glowing areas along the zarva’s body. It is often agreed upon that these lights were used as a method of communication among zarva and other wildlife during the early history of Tikoni. The lights can be manually controlled by the zarva themselves, but will always automatically light up at night. The intensity of the lights is controlled through the zarva’s emotions, and some zarva have even been able to control the color of their lights.

## Known Species History

Similar to flowcotti, zarva have also existed since the beginning of the Tikoni Islands. In fact, zarva have existed since the initial creation of the islands themselves, and were created by the entities themselves. The initial purpose of a zarva was to protect Tikoni and the Islands from potential harm, and to accompany Tikoni along the exploration of the islands. The first known Zarva was Ace, being the first zarva to be placed on the islands by the entities. Ace was given to Tikoni when they were young, and then was given to Surly as a gift after Ace and Surly had formed a close connection to one another through their mutual desire to fly. Despite not belonging to Tikoni anymore, Ace still remains an important part of the islands as a service animal and fast travel companion. Along the development of the islands and the rest of the species, many other zarva inhabited the islands and quickly grew attached to the island villagers as civilization developed. In modern day, zarva are well known for their loyalty and passive nature to all island residents. Zarva are commonly kept as pets and used as flight service animals to transport people along the islands.