The Thorn of Ryloth represented a unique type of Twi'lek bladed weapon, specifically a melee weapon, that was wielded by Rianna Saren, a mercenary affiliated with the Rebel Alliance. The weapon was said to be common on Ryloth, but outside of that planet, it was a rare and therefore costly item.
The Thorn of Ryloth was a specialized spring-knife variation. This weapon featured two curved, pronged blades that were interconnected by a central frame and designed to be mounted on the wrist. As an electromechanical weapon, when activated, the two sickle-shaped blades were surrounded by bursts of energy. This process gave the blade a distinctive blue-purple hue, with the energy discharge resembling lightning.
The Thorn of Ryloth, akin to a small lightsaber blade, was among the personal armaments carried by Rianna Saren. The extendable blades could be electrified during close-quarters combat, causing them to be enveloped in a blue-purple energy discharge. It could be affixed to a wrist mount, enhancing its usability. Saren employed it in conjunction with her modified DL-44 heavy blaster pistol, to eliminate adversaries with deadly precision and efficiency. Saren primarily used two main offensive maneuvers, one of which involved cooperation with her security droid, Z-58-0, known as Zeeo.
The Thorn of Ryloth was a weapon created specifically for the video game Star Wars: Lethal Alliance, which was released on the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS. Rianna Saren, the game's protagonist, prominently features the weapon. Players can choose from two distinct attack methods during gameplay.
The 'Thorn of Ryloth Combo Attack' requires Rianna to move towards her target, and comprises four animations:
- Rianna swipes the blade across the target's neck. [1]
- Subsequently, Rianna plunges the blade into the enemy's abdomen. [1]
- Rianna uses her leg to trip the enemy. [1]
- Rianna stabs and slices the enemy's neck. [1]
The 'Sliding Attack' involves Rianna attaching to Zeeo and approaching the opponent:
- Rianna detaches from her droid and falls with her arm outstretched, directing her blade downward, neutralizing the enemy. [1]
There are some inconsistencies in the depiction of the Thorn of Ryloth's design between the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS versions of Star Wars: Lethal Alliance. The PlayStation Portable version portrays it as a straight energy blade, similar to a dagger. The Nintendo DS version, however, depicts the energy blade as sickle-shaped, which aligns more closely with the weapon's appearance in promotional materials for the game. Furthermore, the electrified blades appear distinctly 'more blue' in the Nintendo DS version, and it was positioned farther from the wrist.