Colony Sarff was a servant loyal to Davros comprised of one large and many small snake-like creatures. By working in unison, the snakes were able to mimic a single humanoid individual. However, each snake could act independently and the colony made decisions as a democracy.
History
Sarff searched for the Twelfth Doctor, travelling to the Maldovarium, the Shadow Proclamation, and Karn. They encountered the Sisterhood of Karn, who could stop them from using their powers against them. Whilst unknowingly in the presence of the Doctor, they told Ohila, the Sisterhood's High Priestess, that Davros was searching for him.
Sarff returned to Davros, who told them that in order to find the Time Lord they must first find his friends. They then followed Clara Oswald and Missy to Essex in 1138, where one of the snakes attacked Bors. They transferred the Doctor, Clara, and Missy (with their hands bound by more snakes) to their spaceship where they travelled to Skaro. They then accompanied the Doctor to see Davros, who asked them to leave. (TV: The Magician's Apprentice)
Sarff helped Davros get his chair back after the Doctor stole it. Sarff then wired themselves up to the cables to keep Davros alive, and drained the Doctor's regeneration energy, but they were soon shot by Missy with a Dalek gun. As the Dalek city collapsed in on itself, Colony Sarff tried to slither away, but died from Missy's attack. (TV: The Witch's Familiar)
Behind the scenes
- In Welsh "Sarff" means "serpent".