Artiodac

Last Updated: 09/06/2025

Name: Artiodac

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Beastite/Alternative

Homeworld: Artiod Minor

Coloration: Brown, Orange, Tan, and/or Purple

Biology: The Artiodacs were a troll or ogre-like species originating from the swampy world of Artiod Minor. When compared to most other humanoid species, their appearance was apparently considered intimidating or even disgusting by many galactic denizens. They were hulking beings often standing around 2 meters in height. They had wide bodies and thick appendages, and their skin was usually brown or tan, though sometimes even a darker shade of purple, often with a mottled appearance. To deal with the cold temperatures of their homeworld, their skin or “hide” was very thick, and they may have even had layers of a blubber-like substance lined underneath. Their hands were large and displayed 4-fingers, each with long, sharp fingernails. 

Their necks weren’t usually very visible, and their heads were often abnormally large and asymmetrical. Their mouths were wide, and their teeth were large and scraggly. They had flat noses with large nostril openings, small ears that sat so far on the back of their heads that they were barely visible from the front, and beady eyes that were often surrounded by massive brows. They usually appeared bald, though some were covered in a thin layer of hairs that usually grew in disheveled patches. 

Their faces were generally, naturally set in a way that made them appear angry, regardless of their mood. They also usually had hunched postures and lopsided gaits, traits that would only grow more pronounced with age, alongside their overall asymmetry. Artiodacs seemingly had a lifespan spmewhat similar to Dowutins, often living for 400 or 500 years, if not longer. It seems that they rarely reproduced, and we have yet to see a female instance of an Artiodac, nor a child. They had the capacity to speak Galactic Basic Standard, but it seems their voices were distinctly low and gravely.

Lore: The Artiodacs were said to be a peaceful people by nature, and while they lacked a high baseline intelligence, they made up for it with an abundance of compassion. They enjoyed a carefree existence on the cold, swampy planet of Artiod Minor, tending to their aqua-farms and raising “Prengalli,” the driving export that funded their local economy. Before they were visited by a certain infamous slaving empire, it was very rare for the Artiodacs to travel offworld, although at least a few of them ended up on the colony world of Sedri Minor by the time of the High Republic era. As mentioned above, however, the Zygerrians eventually discovered Artiod Minor and realized that the Artiodacs were both strong and rather submissive, seeming them as the perfect new candidates to supply their slaver enterprise.

The Zygerrian Slaving Empire quickly rounded up nearly all of the Artiodacs and transferred them to Zygerria, where they were eventually auctioned off (if not killed according to some Zygerrian customs). Because of this, the Artiodacs were long spread out across the galaxy by the fall of the Galactic Republic, often relocated to wealthy planets where they were used and abused as slaves. They were often mocked for their “grotesque” appearance, and many individuals were afraid to even approach them as they were intimidated by their size and deep voices. Many were used for hard labor, and others as cooks, but one of the main reasons they were purchased was supposedly for the gladiatorial arena. Due to their strength, they made fantastic combatants, but because they were inherently pacifistic, they were forced to endure twisted torture, mistreatment, and malnourishment before they were broken enough to fight as gladiators.

This enslavement went on for potentially millennia, seeing as the Artiodacs had abnormally long lifespans, though we don’t know the exact dates and timing, despite it still reported as an ongoing problem during the Cold War/First Order era. Their numbers had long since dwindled, and it is unclear if any Artiodacs still lived on Artiod Minor, or if the last of their kind were living out their lives enslaved and alone. Still, while many Artiodacs have given up all hope after hundreds of years of servitude, others clung to their beliefs and good will, trusting that if they worked hard, some day they would be allowed to return to their old ways.

Continuity: The Artiodacs exist only within Star Wars Canon.

Unexplored: In a broad sense, there isn’t a lot of room for collective exploration at the moment, at least within the “modern eras,” as they have been broken up and a bit preoccupied for most of the time covered in current Star Wars media. It is possible to go back and explore details regarding their society and culture of Artiod Minor prior to the Zygerrians’ arrival. You could also explore a possible reunification, or even complete extinction, following the Sequel Era. Of course, you could also dive into an individual Artiodacs perspective and philosophies regarding their current situation, leading to, I’m sure, some compelling accounts. Even if they’re set up to have a more simple mindset than some, it could still turn out to be incredibly fascinating, or even heartbreaking tale. If their pre-enslavement lore is to be expanded upon, however, our usual list of worldbuilding concepts still applies!

Additional Notes: I like how the Artiodacs’ lore was tied back to the Zygerrians in supplementary material, a group who hadn’t been mentioned prominently for a a fair while by the time this species was introduced around the release of “Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” It really is a tragic tale seemingly lacking a happy outcome, but I am glad they have appeared in at least some media not directly tied to TFA now, like The High Republic, the Galaxy’s Edge tie-ins, and even the now-lost Star Wars: Uprising.

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