Tu-Scart

Tu-Scart was a serpentine bio-engineered beast used by the extragalactic Yuuzhan Vong. Tu-Scart is one half of a symbiotic pair known as the 'Beater and Biter' while the other being Sgauru. The duo was created by a group of Master Shapers fifty standard years before the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, supposedly at the command of Yun-Yammka. According to legend the Slayer blessed the shapers with the knowledge necessary to create such creatures. The Slayer ordered them to shape the symbiotes to fulfill the need for large beasts capable of obliterating the monolithic duracrete structures of the denizens of the galaxy and free the Warrior Caste to attend to more important duties. Due to the 'divine nature' of their conception, Tu-Scart and Sgauru are held in particularly high regard.

Tu-Scart is the only one of its kind, a unique creature. Its name literally translates as 'slithering smasher,' although it is also known as 'Beater'. The 'Serpentine Crusher,' when fully elongated, is reminiscent of an elongated Hutt, about 14 meters in length and covered in glossy black scales. Tu-Scart's skin is sleek and moist, interrupted only by the bony ridge that runs the length of its spine and serves as an anchor point for the chitinous Sgauru. Two black eyes are set in the sides of its bony skull and a pair of non-venomous fangs protrudes from its jaws.

Although calm in the presence of Yuuzhan Vong biotechnology, Tu-Scart becomes a mindless brute when exposed to technology. Eight handlers are usually required to herd the beast off the landing craft, at which point Tu-Scart begins its rampage. The Beater uses the olfactory glands located in its tongue to locate the largest concentrations of enemy targets and instinctually heads in that direction, all the while communicating with Sgauru through a form of metal telepathy similar to that of Villips. When assaulting a building Tu-Scart uses its bony head as a battering ram, although it prefers to loop its coils around the structure and crush it to the point of collapse.

Scientists involved in the study of these beasts have speculated upon the nature of these creatures. Common theory dictates that Sgauru is female and Tu-Scart is male. Questions have risen regarding the possibility of reproduction; although it is unlikely the pair can breed due to divergent genetic codes. Opposite of the study of reproduction and birth is the question of death. The lifespan of the pair is unknown, as are the effects of the death of one of the creatures upon the other. However, being the greater half of the symbiotic relationship, it is safe to assume that Tu-Scart would not suffer greatly if Sgauru were to die in combat.

The only documented report of the Beater and Biter's rampages occurred during the Battle of Duro. Researchers involved with the Eclipse Project speculate that the beasts may be held in reserve for only the most important battles, released only with the Warmaster's direct orders. It is known that they reside aboard the late Warmaster Tsavong Lah's flagship, and it is commonly believed both were destroyed along with the Sunulok during the Battle of Coruscant in The Unifying Force.