Basiliskan

Basiliskan
Biological classification
Designation	Sentient
Classification	Reptile
Physical characteristics
Distinctions	Claws Tough hides Wings
Sociocultural characteristics
Homeworld	Basilisk

"Basilisk was once a lush, humid world located not far from Coruscant. Its inhabitants, the Basiliskans, were an intelligent, lizard-like species who were known throughout the Republic for expertly crafting fearsome droids that were nothing short of weapons of war."

―Tython Jedi Archives historical account

The Basiliskans were an intelligent reptilian species native to the planet Basilisk, who later, after millennia of enslavement to the Mandalorians, degenerated into beasts known as the Lagartoz War Dragons.

History

"At the dawn of the "Great Shadow Crusade" (the moniker by which the Mandalorians know the time of the Great Sith War), the Mandalorians turned their bloodthirsty gaze to Basilisk. The ruthless warriors ravaged the planet without mercy, seeking to enslave the Basiliskan people and their war droids. The Basiliskans, however, proved to be formidable foes. Some even earned the respect of the Mandalorian invaders through their determination and willingness to fight. But the resistance was not enough, even with Republic and Jedi reinforcements. Ultimately, the Basiliskans were no match against the relentless onslaught dispatched by the Mandalorian Crusaders...."

―Tython Jedi Archives historical account

The Basiliskans were an intelligent, technologically advanced lizard species native to the planet Basilisk in the Core Worlds region of the galaxy. They were the creators of the Basilisk war droids. During their conflict with the Mandalorians in 4017 BBY, the Basiliskans chemically poisoned their own planet to deny it to their conquerors.

Lagartoz War Dragons and Mandalorian troops during a campaign in the New Sith Wars against one of the Dark Underlord's Sith Generals.

After the war, the Mandalorians enslaved the Basiliskans and imported them to Mandalore just prior to the Mandalorians' campaign against the Mandallian Giants. Over the millennia, these Basiliskans degenerated, losing their intellectual and technological prowess, becoming little more than beasts and coming to be known as Lagartoz War Dragons. With their tough hides, large claws, comparative intelligence, and ease of training, the Lagartoz War Dragons proved devastating in both aerial and ground fighting during later wars, such as during the battle with the forces of the Dark Underlord during the New Sith Wars. They also became popular among Mandalorians as pets.

During the first days of the Galactic Empire, a pair of Lagartoz War Dragons swiftly flew between skyhoppers in the skies of Nar Shaddaa when Obi-Wan Kenobi spoke with the Jedi-turned-beggar Vima-Da-Boda.

Behind the scenes

"Incidentally, one source of note is WEG?s Gamemaster Handbook for Second Edition. It was here that Joe and I found inspiration for the Lagartoz War Dragon. For anyone who has that book, turn to page 104 for a look at a nameless Mandalorian atop a giant lizard-like beast."

―Abel G. Peña

The idea for the Lagartoz War Dragon arose from uncaptioned splash art of a Mandalorian riding a dragon mount, drawn by Paul Daly for West End Games' Star Wars Gamemaster Handbook.

Appearances

• Star Wars: The Old Republic (Codex entry)
• Star Wars: The Old Republic: Legacy of the Sith (Codex entry)
• "Lone Wolf: A Tale of Obi-Wan and Luke" — SkyeWalkers: A Clone Wars Story
• Star Wars Galaxies (post-NGE) (Mentioned only)

Sources

• Star Wars Gamemaster Handbook (First pictured)
• "The History of the Mandalorians" — Star Wars Insider 80 (First mentioned)
• Knights of the Old Republic Campaign Guide
• The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
• Galaxy at War
• The Essential Guide to Warfare
• Drawing from the Imagination: Mythological Creatures in Star Wars, Part 1 on StarWars.com (backup link) (original link is obsolete)

Notes and references

In other languages

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