T H I E F
Z A H I R A || S H R I K E
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As a youngling, Zahira Katirci was told stories about the Salkhi, the divine Winds that move and shape the lives of every Nasvalo. How they could make gentle breezes to guide travellers on sails, or be violent storms that decimate cities. What she did not expect, was the turbulence of fate that brought her to where she is.
[She was born on the planet Manas, like most of her species. She lived in one of the bustling, modernized cities that stood erect in the desert. Her father was a merchant, and one of the few starship traders that could make it off world. Despite this, her family was not truly wealthy. She live a rather simple life, born of simple pleasures. That was until she became 9 years of age, when fate would blow her in a different course.
The day was normal as always. Her family could not afford to leave her behind when they ventured out into the stars for their trades. To Zahira, this was not an abnormal trip. When they reached the trading post on Jakku, all seemed normal. They were not prepared for what came next.
Her father's ship, among others, was targeted by bandits. She saw her family killed before her eyes, and their wares stolen. The bandit leader decided to spare young Zahira, knocking her out with the butt of her rifle. When the girl came to, she was in chains and in alien surroundings. She soon realized that she was at a slave market.
Struggle as she might, the girl was threatened with violence if she resisted in any way. Yet, she quickly found a savior. An older sounding woman in Mandalorian armor quickly came to her stall. With only a gleam in her visor, the woman shot Zahira's captors dead and took the girl with her. The woman was named Astrid Shrike, but Zahira would soon call her Buir.
Clan Shrike was a relatively younger clan when compared to big names like Fett, Vizsla, and Kryze. They were also among the remnants of an unorthodox branch of Mandalorian society: the Children of the Watch. As such, Zahira was eventually taught in the Way of the Mandalore, vowing to never remove her helmet.
Over the next decades, Zahira learned to fight and become a good shot with a blaster. She took on the honored occupation of bounty hunting. The adopted Nasvalo was even thankful to survive the horrors when the Sith invaded Manda'yaim. She now operates comfortably out of the Enclave, donating a percentage of her earnings to the care of foundlings like herself. -
Strengths
- Membranous Eyes: As a member of the Tsolvalo subspecies, Zahira was born with their adaptations. In response to centuries of life among Manas' deserts, the Tsolvalo evolved a nictitating membrane that covers theirs eyes. While evolved to see in the sandy winds of Manas, this membrane has also proven effective with seeing in smoke and certain gases.
- Mandalorian Upbringing: As a foundling, Zahira was given the training expected of all children adopted into Mandalorian culture. As a consequence, Zahira has become a formidable fighter, both in melee and with firearms. She seems to favor a style that uses quick strikes to conserve energy and not be too burdensome on her body.
- Heart Condition: Being a Nasvalo comes with having the fault of having a heart that is too small for one's body. This, she has to watch herself when doing laborous tasks. She currently takes herbal medicine to help regulate her condition.
- Easily Addicted: Another genetic issue with Nasvali is their biochemistry making it easier to be addicted to things such as caf, spice, and even prescription strength medicines. Thus, she takes care in what she puts into her body.
- Adherent of the Way: Having been raised among Mandalorians who followed the Children of the Watch's beliefs, Zahira does not show her helmetless face unless she is totally alone. Her clan made a modification to this rule to where removal is only permissable if towards one's life partner, children, or buir.
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Equipment
- A set of Nasvalo-inspired beskar'gam
- An Imperial-style, GALAAR-15 blaster carbine
- A Mandalorian vambrace outfitted with whistling birds, grappling line, and shield emitter
- A tactical, jambiya-like kal
- A pair of LL-30 blaster pistols
- The Shuvu's Talon, her G9 Rigger-class freighter
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- 1A-G0, the rusty
- BB-series astromech that fixes and co-pilots the Talon
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