Trogodile

Last Updated: 12/18/2023

Name: Trogodile

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Reptilian

Homeworld: Rattatak

Coloration: Green

Biology: Trogodiles were a humanoid reptilian species hailing from the dank caves of Rattatak. Being a crocodylomorph species, they had an elongated neck and head, ending in a reptilian snout and sporting a severe underbite. Their massive lower jaw had the ability to unhinge and open incredibly wide, the interior of their mouth was bright red in coloration, and their tongues were a pale yellow. Their eyes were black with red pupils, and they featured five-fingered, claw-like hands, as well as massive four-clawed feet.

The species did not actually have any hair, although the row of thin, needle-like spikes forming a ridge down their back took on an almost hair-like appearance. They also had mottled spots of a noticeably darker coloration dotting their bodies, while their skin or potentially scales were commonly varying shades of green.

Trogodiles were born and raised in zero-light environments, forcing their eyes to allow them to see in no-visibility locations from a young age. They had the ability to swim well, although they could not breath underwater, hence the lack of an “amphibious” classification. They also developed incredibly large and sharp fangs, especially on their lower jaw, which allowed them to hunt both fish and rodents in the cave systems under Rattatak. They were also said to be naturally “bilaterally symmetrical,” meaning that if you looked at one head on, both it’s left and right sides would almost always be strictly mirrored with few defects or genetic variation. Of course, this is only as long as it has no scarring or defects.

Lore: Trogodile apparently evolved from the swamp creatures that dwelled in the sewers and caves of Rattatak. While the near-Human Rattataki species settled and took over most of the planet’s overworld, the reptilians were left to fend for themselves down within it’s underbelly. The Rattataki and the Trogodile did interact from time to time, but the extent of this interaction is unknown. They were generally considered less civilized and more barbaric than their Rattataki counterparts, however, they were completely sentient and had evolved to thrive in the lightless crevices of the planet. They did have access to some weaponry, and some became warriors, either being forced to participate in, or more likely volunteering for, Rattataki’s famous gladiatorial matches.

Legends/Canon: The Trogodiles originated within the EU, not transitioning into Canon immediately given the media they had originated from. Fortunately, after some time, the Trogodiles and the fact that they hailed from Rattatak were canonized… sort of. They’ve currently only been referenced in “Choose Your Destiny: A Han & Chewie Adventure” which has some shaky continuity given the nature of it’s branching paths. Still, the Trogodiles should be considered tentatively Canon because of this, and I figure it will only be a matter of time before they appear in something more canonically unwavering.

Unexplored: Because of how lore transitioned (or didn’t) from Legends to Canon, you’re honestly free to do anything you want with this one with little to no conflict! I don’t think including any of the information listed above would break anything canonically, and might actually flesh them out a little better in the long run. So rolling with that, within any given continuity, did they willingly stay in the caves, or did the Rattataki people force them to stay down their because they feared they were too animalistic? (There’s a separate article for Rattataki coming eventually that will delve a bit more into their nature and history that will hopefully help with this as well.)

Of course, we could also explore what they thought of the gladiatorial games. How many left their homeworld to pursue other careers or lifestyles? How many remained, or even supported the games, intentionally trained, or even watched for entertainment? How would they use their fangs and claws in combat? And are there any other unique anatomical or biological traits that need to be fleshed out that would set them apart even more, both as a species and specifically as gladiators? There are a lot of cool avenues you could take a Trogodile character down if you just do a little leg work with the exploration.

Additional Notes: As far as reptilian Star Wars species go, Trogodiles are pretty cool. They may not be as popular as Trandoshans, but they’re slightly more inspired than something like the Cha’a or Saurin. As seen below, these were one of the only species who were introduced in the 2003 Clone Wars animation that actually appeared in some other form of Star Wars visual media afterwards. Especially if you were dealing with a gladiatorial setting or prejudice-based themes in your works, Rattataki Trogodiles are definitely a species you should try and introduce!

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