The Sith lanvarok functioned as a wrist-affixed launcher, capable of unleashing a rapid burst of metal discs. These projectiles were usually fired in a tight, yet unpredictable pattern, making evasion or interception a serious challenge. Given the lanvarok's considerable recharge period, it was most effective when employed as a sudden, singular assault. To compensate for its lack of precision, a Sith adept in the Force could telekinetically guide the discs, transforming the lanvarok into a truly lethal instrument.
Lanvaroks created by the Sith were typically designed for either the right or left hand, with the left-handed models drawing inspiration from the original lanvaroks used by the Sith species. The majority were constructed from durasteel, though some rare variants featured a thin layer of cortosis plating for protection against lightsaber strikes. Because the weapon was worn on the forearm, users could still wield a lightsaber or other melee weapons. The lanvarok also included a secondary trigger, a small nub that could be manipulated through the Force. A more rudimentary iteration of this weapon existed as well, known as the Massassi lanvarok.
According to ancient tales, the lanvarok began as a hunting tool of considerable effectiveness. While prevalent during the era of the Great Sith War, lanvaroks became increasingly scarce following the rise of Darth Bane. By the time of the Clone Wars, most lanvaroks were relegated to the status of antique collectibles. However, a select few Sith holocrons contained comprehensive instructions for those with the ambition to construct their own.
In 5 ABY, Ysanne Isard, the Director of Imperial Intelligence, came across a Sith lanvarok that once belonged to Mara Jade. She dispatched a left-handed operative to utilize it in the assassination of Plumba, a member of the Imperial Ruling Council.