The Scythe functioned as a command ship and was a Phi-class shuttle utilized by the Inquisitorius of the Galactic Empire during the Imperial Era.
Belonging to the Inquisitorius, the Galactic Empire's group of Jedi hunters, the Scythe was a Phi-class shuttle. This starship, known for its sleek design, derived its name from the Sith whom the Inquisitors served, showcasing sharp angles and a menacing structure. Outfitted with a hyperdrive and a pair of laser cannons, it was a formidable vessel.
The Inquisitors flew the Scythe as their designated command ship under the direction of Darth Sidious, the Dark Lord of the Siths, and Darth Vader. Beyond transporting Inquisitors back to their fortress located on the moon Nur, the ship instilled terror in those who dared to provide refuge to Jedi fugitives.
The Scythe served as transport for the Grand Inquisitor and Iskat Akaris, a former Jedi Knight, to Bar'leth in 19 BBY. Their mission was to recover Jedi and Sith artifacts from Gamodar, a shopkeeper. Following the successful operation, they returned to Coruscant aboard the vessel.
Later on, Akaris utilized the shuttle to journey to Pkori, her homeworld. Subsequently, she and a unit of Purge Troopers employed the ship for transportation to Firrhana during a hunt for Jedi.
The Grand Inquisitor piloted the Scythe during a space engagement against the Jedi fugitive Tensu Run.
In 9 BBY, the Scythe traveled to Tatooine, carrying the Grand Inquisitor, Third Sister, and Fifth Brother in pursuit of the Jedi Nari.
Subsequently, during the Third Sister's hunt for Obi-Wan Kenobi, a Jedi Master, the Scythe transported her to the Fortress Inquisitorius on Nur. There, she convened with the Fourth Sister and Fifth Brother to discuss her strategy, sanctioned by Darth Vader, to orchestrate a hunt for Kenobi. Later, the Third Sister, now holding the title of Grand Inquisitor, employed the transport during the attack on Jabiim.
The Scythe was initially visualized as concept art in the sizzle reel for the Obi-Wan Kenobi television series, released on Disney+ in November of 2021. Its debut appearance was in the first episode of the series, which aired on May 26, 2022. The vehicle was first identified through a LEGO set that depicted it.
The first scene filmed with Moses Ingram, the actress portraying the Third Sister, involved her and the other Inquisitors disembarking the Scythe on Tatooine. During filming, a physical ramp was used in front of a blue screen. Joby Harold, the writer, aimed for a western-inspired scene, where three characters walk down the street, intimidating everyone. Doug Chiang characterized the ship as a "meaner version" of both Krennic's Imperial Shuttle and the Lambda-class shuttle.