| Race | Enemy |
The Sarkaz (both singular and plural) are a race in the world of Arknights.
Description[]
Sarkaz are humanoids with exhibit a range of physical traits, from pairs of horns of varying shapes atop their heads to long, pointed ears and tails of differing shape and quality (such as having pointed ends or scales). However, some lack any of the aforementioned traits. This makes Sarkaz similar to demons in Abrahamic religions. While horns are common features among Sarkaz, horn-removal is also frequently practiced in order to conceal their identities; however, this is seen as an act of humiliation to some.[1] Sarkaz are also known for having extended life spans that can last up to centuries or even millennia. They possess the special ability to maintain the collective racial memories which reside in their genes, especially those of the deceased which they call the "Nephesh",[note 1] and see this as the calling of their souls—for instance, they can easily sense the deaths of other Sarkaz in the blink of a second.
The Sarkaz's unique Arts has given rise to their mystic esotericism, one of which is the "Black Procession."
Sarkaz are more vulnerable to Oripathy than other races as part of their racial curse. This is seen as a bitter "blessing" that allows them to both enhance and resist Originium Arts, which gives them a unique strength among Terra's races. One example of an ancient Sarkaz Arts ritual is the use of Originium Altars to generate waves of harmful, pure Originium energy, which is often derogatorily referred to as "witchcraft" or "cannibalism."[2] However, the consequences of such rituals are far worse than the benefits. The Sarkaz Arts are often associated with death and wrath, such as the harnessing of vengeance using the deceased's souls and their collective memories.[3] As such, the Sarkaz value death more than Terra's other races and firmly believe it is the only requiem from their worldly curse, leading to their renowned esoteric traditions.
All Sarkaz trace their ancestry back to Kazdel, where they were called "Teekaz" in ancient times. The Sarkaz are said to be the genuine, original inhabitants of Terra who were expelled from their homeland after the invasion of other "alien" Terran races. In fact, the term "Sarkaz" never specifies a single race, as it is actually a derogatory collective term that refers to any non-Ancient or non-Elder race, but has become a rallying cry for Terran races without a homeland.[4][5] To this day, Sarkaz are heavily demonized by other Terran races who depict them as blood-thirsty warmongers. Hence, racial discrimination against Sarkaz is very common in Terran society; they are called demons or devils as racial slurs and sometimes exempt from social welfare. Because Sarkaz are frequently dehumanized, some have become victims of exploitation and other crimes against humanity, such as human experimentation.
The Teekaz race gave rise to two different sibling races of the Sarkaz: the Sankta and the Anasa. However, the Sarkaz deeply hate the Sankta, whom they view as "traitors" who abandoned them.
Subraces[]
Strictly speaking, the Sarkaz's "subraces" are not subraces, but different races of the Teekaz joined together under one banner. This is evident from their physical differences, which make it difficult for them to be categorized by subraces.[5]
| Vampire • Wendigo • Banshee • Gargoyle • Nachzehrer • Damazti • Diablo • Lich • Cyclops |
- Goliath:[6] The Goliaths are characterized by their muscular stature (similar to the Biblical Goliath, hence the name) and (usually) ram-like horns. The majority of Sarkaz enemies are Goliaths. Meteorite is hinted to be Goliath, given her traits.
Notable[]
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| NPCs | ||
- While Cecelia was born from a Sarkaz father and a Sankta mother, she is identified as a Sankta.[7]
- Ifrit is not actually a true Sarkaz; she was a Savra who was forcibly embedded with Diablo body shards.[8]
- The Tin Man is a cyborg possessed by a Sarkaz Nephesh.
Etymology[]
Their name possibly derives from the Greek word for "to tear apart" or "to sneer," σαρκάζω (sarkázō).[9] The word is also the origin of the English word sarcasm.
See also[]
Note[]
- ↑ Tentative translation based on "soul" in Hebrew; the original CN name is literally "dead souls"
References[]
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